Fed: Hill backs SAS secrecy policy

AAP General News (Australia)
12-11-2003
Fed: Hill backs SAS secrecy policy

Defence Minister ROBERT HILL has defended a policy which keeps the names of special
forces soldiers secret, even when they win bravery awards.

Senator HILL says the system has operated that way for a long time.

Thirteen Special Air Service Regiment soldiers were recently awarded medals and honours
for their role in the war in Iraq -- but those awards were kept secret.

The names of 88 other servicemen and women were released, along with details of their
achievements.

Senator HILL says the names of SAS soldiers can be revealed under some circumstances,
such as when the person is leaving the regiment.

He says that's a decision for service chiefs and the service personnel involved.

AAP RTV mb/sw/dl/rp

KEYWORD: SAS HILL (CANBERRA) WITH AUDIO

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