Read the Report here
RCB veteran advocates seeking recognition of their services as warlike such as Stan Hannaford's RCB Veterans 1970-1989 Association and the RCB Review Group may,from their personal experience in meeting with Minister Keogh, agree with that Report.
It is now three years since the Minister received the DHAAT's RCB recommendations and he has NOT yet made a decision. Prior to the last Federal Election May 2025 the Minister's Office staff advised that the matter had been taken to Cabinet for consideration
On the 1st July 2026, Keogh's Chief of Staff provided the latest reason for the delay:
...." the recommendations of the Tribunal’s report and further issues raised by veteran advocates impact on a considerable number of veterans and a number of different government departments and therefore a formal Government response must be considered through whole-of-government processes. Unfortunately, these processes can take a significant amount of time."
No details were provided of what are the "further issues raised by veteran advocates impact on a considerable number of veterans and a number of different government departments"
What will it take for Keogh to make a decision?
Keogh’s address to the National Press Club 2 December 2025 at 4 min 15 sec said “many veterans have told him that DVA’s approach to veterans was DELAY, DENY and DIE. My role is to confine that to the dust bin.”
Admirable words that on closer examination of the Rifle Company Butterworth’s recognition of its military service show NO DECISION. Seemingly he has retreated into silence by not engaging with either the RCBRG or Stan Hanaford’s RCB Veterans Group.
In diggers speak he could be regarded as "all piss and wind."
In legal speak he could be regarded as facta non verba.
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