A Bill for an Act to amend the Defence Act 1903 to declare the Parliament’s intention with respect to the award of Victoria Crosses to certain persons

The Parliament of Australia enacts:

1 Short title

This Act may be cited as the Defence Act Amendment (Victoria Cross) Act 2001.

2 Commencement

This Act commences on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent.

3 Schedule

Each Act that is specified in a Schedule to this Act is amended or repealed as set out in the applicable items in the Schedule concerned, and any other item in a Schedule to this Act has effect according to its terms.

Schedule 1—Amendment of the Defence Act 1903

1 At the end of Part X

Add:

123H Victoria Cross

The Parliament declares that Gunner Albert Cleary (VX 52128, 2/15th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery), Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick (No. 202, 3rd Field Ambulance, AIF) and Ordinary Seaman Edward Sheean (H1617, HMAS Armidale) are worthy of the award of the Victoria Cross in recognition of their most conspicuous bravery and valour.