Military watchdog flags record misconduct complaints
The Advertiser5 days ago
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
Australia's military justice watchdog has recorded its highest-ever number of complaints about bullying, sexual misconduct and abuse of justice, while average times to finalise inquiries have stretched to more than a year.
The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force's latest annual report also shows a 50 per cent increase in potential breaches of professional standards by military police.
The oversight body's annual report was publicly released on Wednesday, more than eight months after being handed to Defence Minister Richard Marles in December 2024.
A spike in complaints to the IGADF over a seven-month period coincided with the release of a 20-year review calling for sweeping reforms to make the agency more independent.
Inspector-General James Gaynor said an increase in cases has been "particularly noticeable" over the past four years.
"The consistent increase in the number of new submissions and referrals broadly reflects the level of understanding that ADF members have around their rights to complain," Mr Gaynor wrote.
A total of 120 complaints were filed in 2023-24, with nearly half relating to harassment, workplace bullying, sexual misconduct, discrimination, abuse of authority, and domestic violence.
Roughly 25 per cent were referred to a defence investigator or another government agency for further action.
Two Australian military police officers were removed from duty last year after breaching professional standards, with the watchdog identifying 9 breaches of professional standards by military police.
The military justice watchdog took an average of 479 days to complete an inquiry in 2023-24, up from 467 days the previous year.
Meanwhile, staffing levels at the agency fell by eight per cent to 156 personnel.
A total of 31 service deaths were reported during that period, including the four aviators who died in the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter crash in July 2023.
A final report of an IGADF inquiry into the incident is expected at a later date, after public hearings concluded in May.
The IGADF acknowledged two ongoing reviews into its conduct and structure, saying the office was "well-placed" to meet future changes to the organisation.
A review into the alleged "weaponisation" of the military justice system was launched earlier this year in response to concerns that senior ADF leadership was routinely using military justice to target and intimidate more junior personnel.
The inquiry came after former federal court judge Duncan Kerr recommended the IGADF be re-established under new legislation to distance itself from the ADF, citing views that it was "umbilically linked" to chains of command.
If you are a current or former ADF member or a relative in need of support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.
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