A total of 72 people have appeared before a tribunal investigating the possibility of awarding retrospective Victoria Crosses.
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The inquiry finished it inquiries today after receiving 136 submissions.
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Senator David Feeney said the inquiry into Unresolved Recognition for Past Acts of Naval and Military Gallantry and Valour had struck a chord with the community.
"These public hearings have attracted the nation's interest," he said. "In relation to the 13 names referred to it by government (for possible retrospective VCs), the tribunal will now consider what has been put before it and conduct any further research needed before reporting to me later this year."
The tribunal will also report on the rules, practices and procedures applying to both the imperial and Australian honours systems.
This will include revisiting the particular policies and approaches followed in considering the actions of prisoners of war during the period up until Australia ceased making recommendations for imperial gallantry awards in 1992.
The inquiry held public hearings in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Launceston.
It heard from a wide range of witnesses including family members, historians, academics, Defence and ex-service organisations.