Sea King disaster victims could receive new medal

CANBERRA - The nine soldiers who died in the Indonesian helicopter crash could be the first to receive a new medal struck for Australia's defence forces.

The federal government is looking for ways to honour the Sea King disaster victims, but there is currently no defence award to recognise humanitarian achievement.

The RSL is also reluctant to devalue military bravery medals.

RSL national president Major-General Bill Crews also said medals may not be warranted as the government and military has already honoured the victims and their families.

"They've been given a military funeral, they've been given a very substantial reception by our governor-general, the prime minister and defence force chiefs," Mr Crews said.

"I think we've given them a very appropriate form of recognition for their tragic loss."

Mr Crews said the medals of honour presented by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono were welcome, but did not need to be matched by Australia.

"We're most grateful that they have done that, but bear in mind it's done for different reasons than (for) what Australia would convey a medal," Mr Crews said.

However, Veterans Affairs Minister De-Anne Kelly said the nine soldiers would be eligible for a new medal, known as the Australian Defence Medal, expected to be introduced later this year.

While all details have yet to be announced, the new medal is intended for volunteers with at least six years service in the defence force.

Ms Kelly said she understood the RSL's concern that military medals and honours could be devalued, but there was strong community support to properly honour the nine who died in the crash taking aid to Indonesia's Nias Island.

"Very much the feedback I'm getting is people would like to see some appropriate honour given to those who lost their lives, not only because of the tragic action but this was in Australia's national interest," Ms Kelly told AAP.

"It was a large humanitarian effort, it was helping a regional neighbour, it was part of the new role we see for our Australian Defence Force.

"So the federal government at the moment, the prime minister's office and defence are looking very carefully at all the options to honour these people appropriately.

"At this stage they are certainly eligible for the Australian Defence Medal, which is a new medal in itself, but the government is looking wider at what should be done."

Australian War Memorial spokesman Denis Grant said the memorial's council was considering ways of commemorating deaths during non-war service.

Mr Grant said that in the past listing on the memorial's roll of honour required war or war-like service.

"Discussions are taking place with the Defence Department and the council will reconsider the matter at its next meeting," Mr Grant said.

Ms Kelly said the families of those who died would be properly compensated under a new scheme.

Her comments follow claims the government failed to provide properly for the families of 18 servicemen who died in Townsville Black Hawk helicopter tragedy in June, 1996.

"Not only are the dollar amounts substantially greater but it takes away a lot of uncertainty from dependants and children that are left," Ms Kelly said.

But she said the scheme may not cover the girlfriends of victims.

"You must be in a genuine de facto relationship, a marriage-like situation, to be eligible," she said.

Meanwhile, tears and tributes flowed today as the nine Sea King victims were remembered at a memorial service at Perth's Pearce RAAF base.

Nine uniform hats hung on rifles embedded in the ground, as hundreds of friends, family and colleagues of the fallen personnel laid wreaths and poppies at the medical centre where one of those killed, Squadron Leader Paul McCarthy, was based.

- AAP