Latest news with #ArmyReserves
ABC News
26-04-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Anti-corruption watchdog boss Paul Brereton's defence links spark concerns
The federal anti-corruption commissioner's ongoing role in the Army Reserves has drawn a fresh round of criticism amid concerns he continues to regularly attend military functions in full uniform, including camouflage. While the NACC investigates allegations of corruption in the Australian Defence Force, its head, Paul Brereton, holds the rank of major general in the Army Reserve and has attended at least seven functions in uniform since being appointed the inaugural commissioner of the federal watchdog. A NACC spokesperson told the ABC Mr Brereton's decision to occasionally wear military dress "out of hours" is appropriate and "does not compromise" the commissioner's ability to expose misconduct in defence. While there's no suggestion of wrongdoing on Mr Brereton's part, crossbench senators and members of parliament say details of his attendance at military functions have strengthened their concerns about his ability to manage perceptions of conflict-of-interest issues involving the ADF. Photo shows A close shot of Brereton, who is sitting in the offices of the new national anti--corruption commission The head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission continues to hold senior roles in the Army Reserves six months after a misconduct finding was made against him. "Confidence in the commissioner's capacity to fulfil his function in the NACC would be enhanced, in my view, if Commissioner Brereton fully retired from his roles in defence," Independent MP Helen Haines said. NACC officials told a budget estimates hearing last month that Mr Brereton's position in the reserves was honorary, "not in the command structure", and "akin to an emeritus professor". But several questions — such as whether he was continuing to wear uniform or had access to military facilities — were taken on notice. Transparency expert Geoffrey Watson SC has told the ABC even symbolic ties such as wearing uniform can raise perception concerns, particularly in roles involving oversight. In March, "The commissioner has appropriately remained involved in decision making and deliberations where the matter does not involve the interests of an individual or unit with whom he has or has had a close association," a NACC spokesperson said at the time. Brereton's military ties spark impartiality questions Photos publicly posted on the official Facebook pages of the NSW regiments of which Mr Brereton is aligned, have prompted several crossbenchers to ramp up their calls for the commissioner to step aside from his defence positions. On August 18, 2024, Mr Brereton was pictured wearing what is known as "cams" or camouflage uniform while delivering a presentation at the 2024 Regimental Weekend in the nation's capital. The rank of major general is visible on his arm and the screen behind him indicates the seminar is about generating war fighting capabilities. In photos posted to the Royal New South Wales Regiment Facebook page on March 1 of this year, Mr Brereton was pictured as a guest of honour at a dinner in Sydney wearing what is known as "senior mess dress" according to the Army Dress Manual. Paul Brereton pictured at an event in March 2025. ( Supplied: Facebook ) Another photo posted on the 23rd August 2024, seen by the ABC, showed Mr Brereton wearing the same uniform alongside the NSW Governor Margaret Beazley in Canberra. Both events marked the Royal New South Wales Regiment's involvement in Sudan in 1885. Mr Brereton remains an honorary colonel in this unit. On November 27, 2024, Mr Brereton appeared in the same dress uniform delivering a speech during the dinner at the Battalion Ball and Leadership weekend in Canberra. The previous year, on November 30, 2023, Mr Brereton was pictured wearing what is known as "pollies" or polyester 'general duty dress', in which he is seen putting new rank slides on an officer's shoulder. The army's official dress manual says this uniform is "more appropriate in the office environment" and "not to be worn" during ceremonial events or representational appointments. At different events in September 2023 and August 2023, Mr Brereton was also photographed as a special guest at army reserves events. The NACC came into effect in July of that year. Brereton appears in polyester general duty dress putting new rank slides on an officer. ( Supplied: Facebook ) A NACC spokesperson confirmed Mr Brereton continues to participate in events as an honorary colonel commandant of the Royal New South Wales Regiment and University of New South Wales Regiment. "He occasionally, on weekends or holidays or out-of-hours, visits and participates in ceremonial and regimental activities in that capacity, and appropriately wears uniform when doing so in accordance with that ceremonial function," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the role doesn't compromise the commissioner's full-time commitment to the NACC, nor his ability to investigate and expose misconduct in defence impartially and independently. Mr Brereton, a former NSW Supreme Court Judge, was a major general in the reserves when he was appointed by the inspector general of the ADF to inquire into allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan between 2005 and 2016. His report published in 2020 that found credible information that war crimes had occurred was a landmark decision and prompted the establishment of an office of special investigations to examine specific alleged crimes. Calls intensify for Brereton to step aside from Reserves In October last year, Mr Brereton was found by NACC inspector Gail Furness to have mishandled a conflict of interest by failing to fully recuse himself from deliberations on whether to investigate six officials implicated in the unlawful Robodebt scheme, despite disclosing a close connection to one of those involved. The watchdog inspector subsequently examined the NACC's handling of the referral and its decision not to pursue an investigation into the public servants. Paul Brereton at an event in November 2024. ( Supplied: Facebook ) While the inspector found no evidence of deliberate misconduct by Mr Brereton, it noted that, although he had delegated the final decision, his involvement in the discussions remained "comprehensive." Following this review, the NACC has since opted to investigate the six individuals initially referred to the body, reversing its earlier decision. Asked how Mr Brereton handles any issues related to his service in the Army Reserve, a NACC spokesperson said if any perceived or actual conflicts arise relating to "an individual or unit with whom he has served or had a close association … he declares the conflict, delegates the matter to a deputy commissioner, and does not participate in deliberations". Senators David Pocock, Jacqui Lambie and David Shoebridge – already unhappy with the way the government set up the NACC, choosing not to hold public hearings except in extraordinary circumstances – have ramped up their criticisms of Mr Brereton. "On that broader issue of the credibility of the NACC, a lot has to change and I think that's got to start with some leadership at the top," Senator Pocock said. Independent Senator David Pocock says it's time for Paul Brereton to go. ( Australian Story: Matt Roberts ) Senator Lambie said the situation was unsatisfactory and a blight on the government. "Paul Brereton is running around in uniform — not just in mess dress but camouflage uniform," she said. "He's playing major general and he's playing in charge of the NACC — this is absolutely ridiculous. The Labor party knew this from day one." Documents released under a freedom of information request reveal Mr Brereton spoke for 30 minutes on the first day of a two-day Defence Integrity Conference at the Australian Defence Force Academy on November 12 last year. Paul Brereton at an event in September 2023. ( Supplied: Facebook ) Budget estimates also heard Mr Brereton took two days of annual leave to give a talk at an ADF facility in the Blue Mountains earlier this year with the watchdog's CEO taking questions on notice about whether Mr Brereton wore a defence uniform to that event. Integrity expert Geoffrey Watson told the ABC Mr Brereton should not have anything to do with probes regarding allegations of corruption in the Department of Defence. "It's time for Mr Brereton to address the obvious. He should resign from the military and stand aside from any investigation involving defence," he said. Geoffrey Watson says Paul Brereton must "address the obvious" and "step aside". ( ABC News: Sissy Reyes ) Broader debate over NACC credibility continues As the watchdog nears its second birthday on July 1, NACC representatives told a Senate estimates hearing that none of the seven inquiries it had completed by the commission — nor the 33 ongoing investigations — have been deemed worthy of a public hearing. Greens Senator David Shoebridge sought clarification from the integrity watchdog at the March budget estimates session about why none had reached that threshold: "So there are 40. Zero out of 40 were found to have exceptional circumstances?" he asked. To which Philip Reed, NACC chief executive, responded: "That's correct." Independent crossbenchers have previously told the ABC they will push to make the integrity watchdog more transparent and hold more public hearings in the event of a hung parliament after the May 3 election. They contend the Albanese government was elected on the promise of delivering a transparent anti-corruption body with teeth and instead created a body that operates almost entirely in secret. With the federal poll due on May 3, independent crossbenchers have told the ABC they will push whoever forms government to unwind legislation so that the body is compelled to hold more public hearings. "We are likely not to see any public hearings. We need to undo that. We need to listen to our community and our experts and I think that's a job for the next parliament," Senator Pocock said. Paul Brereton at an event in September 2023. ( Supplied: Facebook ) The Department of Defence refused to answer the ABC's questions about Mr Brereton's involvement in the reserves, saying: "the personal information of an ADF member can only be released with the consent of the individual". They are yet to confirm whether he continues to have access to army messes or had taken an oath of service that requires obedience with orders and directions.
7NEWS
24-04-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta pays respect to Anzacs with special tribute
Beloved Channel 7 sports presenter Mark Beretta has paid tribute to the Anzacs with a passionate and stirring message. As a member of the Army Reserves, Beretta has a special connection to the day. And the Sunrise star says Anzac Day stirs up something inside of him that brings him to tears. 'Every year at the Anzac Parade I shed tears,' Beretta told News Corp. 'I look at those faces, their medals, the banners they march under, and what they represent. I try to look into their eyes and imagine their stories, the things they've seen, the impact of their experiences, and the mates they remember, and raise a glass to on this day. 'Anzac Day means so many things – service, duty, courage, initiative, bravery, teamwork and not letting your mates down. It's so Australian. I feel it deep down and I want to thank them. 'Only those who serve and have served know the responsibility they take on, and the commitment they make to their fellow Australians to stand by them and stand up for them. 'It's a completely unselfish agreement to be prepared to fight for your country, your mates, and your neighbours. It's to protect what we have, and in the extreme case, to be at peace with the fact that it may cost your life. 'I've been honoured to get to know many amazing, but humble Australians who have committed to that pledge and followed through courageously. 'I have also been to too many veterans' funerals. Those who came back with wounds we couldn't see. I especially think of them on Anzac Day. 'I hope on Anzac Day all Australians feel respect for our veterans and serving members. I hope we can in a small way — on this one day of the year — express our gratitude. Lest we forget.'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Veteran Salute: Fueling the frontlines of Iraq
EMPORIA (KSNT) – In his 14 years of service in the Army Reserves, Sergeant Travis Guthrie spent a lot of his time delivering fuel to those on the frontlines in Iraq. On his first deployment in 2003, Guthrie and his company were the leaders across the border into Iraq. They hauled fuel up to the frontlines. His tanker carried 75,000 gallons of fuel and was right behind the armored push. But two days after the initial escorts left to scout the other side of the border, a sandstorm hit, leaving guthrie and his team stranded. Veteran Salute: Breaking the glass ceiling stateside, volunteering to fight overseas 'It was it was scary because, you know, the first thoughts going through your mind is your escorts went in there to scout and got annihilated,' Guthrie said. 'And we heard nothing of what happened to them. And then finally, when the next round came in and got us, they couldn't wait any longer. We had to get up there and get the fuel to the 5K and the HEMTT (heavy expanded mobility tactical truck) refueler so that they could continue to push to Baghdad. Once they were in Iraq, that fuel kept the whole operation running. From the tanks, to the helicopters and even keep the lights in the command posts on. 'It was a good feeling to know that without us,' he said, 'you couldn't have done what you were able to achieve.' On his second deployment overseas, Guthrie helped deliver and set up concrete barriers for service men and women in Iraq to vote in the 2004 election. His final deployment was from 2009 to 2010. Veteran Salute: Growing in leadership over three decades with the Air Force He said his time in the service was filled with lots of highs, like meeting incredible people along the way. 'I met some of my best friends in the entire world and all walks of life and just met some amazing people, you know, people you would never thought you would have ever associated with on the civilian side,' Guthrie said. 'But once you've met them and got to know them, I mean, they were fantastic.' For more Veteran Salute, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Shapiro arson suspect's family had sought help for days from authorities before attack
In the days before Cody Balmer allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania governor's mansion, his family repeatedly called police and mental health agencies for help as his condition dramatically worsened, according to interviews with relatives and phone records shared with CNN. But those officials all gave the same answer, Balmer's ex-girlfriend told CNN – that he didn't meet the standards for involuntary commitment and that there was nothing they could do. Now Balmer, 38, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes after police say his homemade Molotov cocktail attack early Sunday morning forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to flee, severely damaged the mansion and left the public wondering about a motive. Balmer did not enter a plea during an arraignment hearing on Monday. His attorney, Colton Whitener, told CNN prior to the hearing, 'We are declining any comments regarding the allegations against Mr. Balmer until more information is learned.' Rosetta Welsh, who shares two children with Balmer, said in the days before the attack he alarmed his family by chewing on batteries, disappearing and acting erratically. The Penbrook Borough Police Department confirmed to CNN that the agency received calls from Balmer's family about his conduct but that police weren't able to detain him. Because Balmer 'hadn't made any threats to himself or others it didn't meet the threshold for involuntary commitment,' the chief of police, Joseph Hogarth, told CNN. During Balmer's arraignment, Magisterial District Judge Dale Klein asked him whether he had a history of mental illness. Balmer replied, 'that's the rumor but no ma'am.' He also denied any alcohol or drug abuse. When asked if he was on medication, he mumbled, 'medication that led me to different types of behavior.' Balmer's attorney did not immediately respond to questions from CNN. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. Welsh said she has no doubt that his attack was motivated only by a mental health crisis. 'None of it was political at all. It wasn't a hate crime. It was simply a mental illness issue with him,' she said. She said she wishes authorities had felt more urgency in forcing Balmer into care before he attacked the mansion. 'I don't know why you're not a threat to yourself or others when you're trying to eat batteries,' said Welsh. 'I don't understand why help was not given,' she added. Welsh said she and Balmer were together for more than six years. Balmer had served a stint in the Army Reserves, working as a construction equipment repairer from April 2004 to June 2012, when he left the force as a sergeant, an Army spokesman confirmed to CNN. He worked in Harrisburg as an auto mechanic. He and Welsh have been separated for nearly a decade but share custody of their two children. They always had a good co-parenting relationship, she said, and were in touch daily. Welsh said Balmer had unspecified mental health disorders, but that he was on medication that generally treated the conditions. Last year, Balmer was admitted to the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, where he was treated for manic episodes over the course of a month, Welsh told CNN. And in recent months, Welsh said, 'he has gone downhill.' She said that trend worsened last week, when Balmer began chewing on batteries and then soon after, vanished for four days, leaving Welsh to file a missing person's report. Welsh said she called a Pennsylvania crisis line and the psychiatric institute three days before the attack, but was told the agencies couldn't do anything. Balmer's mother also called the emergency dispatch in Cumberland County, Welsh said. Pennsylvania's Crisis Intervention team and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment. Spokespeople at the Cumberland County dispatch also did not respond. On April 10, the Penbrook Borough Police Department received a call from Balmer's mother who said her son had stopped taking his medication over a year ago and had not been in touch with her in several days, Hogarth said. She said while the lack of contact was not necessarily unusual, Balmer seemed 'irritable and agitated,' Hogarth added. Balmer had gotten upset when his mother called the state's Crisis Intervention team because he did not want to be 'incarcerated' in a psychiatric facility, Hogarth said. Although the agency was not able to involuntarily commit Balmer, an officer did call a hotel in Shippensburg where Balmer had called his mother; the officer spoke to the front desk, which said Balmer had checked out that morning and appeared 'fine,' according to Hogarth. Then, early Sunday morning, police say Balmer climbed over a fence, broke into the governor's mansion and set the fire with a homemade Molotov cocktail he fashioned from lawnmower gasoline that he poured into beer bottles. Later that day, Welsh said she got a phone call from Balmer. 'Rose, I did it … I'm the one who set the governor's mansion on fire,' Welsh said Balmer told her. When Balmer said he couldn't turn himself in, he asked Welsh to do it for him. 'Everyone said he was not a threat to himself, or others, and they could not help and would not help. We were completely turned away by everybody' Welsh said. Balmer's family was shocked by his actions, a sibling told CNN on the phone. 'I support Josh Shapiro. … I voted for him' said the sibling, who asked not to be named. 'I don't know what drove [Balmer] to this, I don't know what is going on in his head, but I am trying to stay as far away from this as I can,' the sibling added. Welsh said Balmer was taken to a hospital Monday but moved to Camp Hill prison after his arraignment. She said she has not had any further contact with Balmer. 'Had he gotten the help … these actions would not have happened,' she said.
CNN
15-04-2025
- CNN
Shapiro arson suspect's family repeatedly tried to get help in the days before the fire
In the days before Cody Balmer allegedly set fire to the Pennsylvania governor's mansion, his family repeatedly called police and mental health agencies for help as his condition dramatically worsened, according to interviews with relatives and phone records shared with CNN. But those officials all gave the same answer, Balmer's ex-girlfriend told CNN – that he didn't meet the standards for involuntary commitment and that there was nothing they could do. Now Balmer, 38, is charged with attempted homicide, aggravated arson, terrorism and other crimes after police say his homemade Molotov cocktail attack early Sunday morning forced Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family to flee, severely damaged the mansion and left the public wondering about a motive. Balmer did not enter a plea during an arraignment hearing on Monday. His attorney, Colton Whitener, told CNN prior to the hearing, 'We are declining any comments regarding the allegations against Mr. Balmer until more information is learned.' Rosetta Welsh, who shares two children with Balmer, said in the days before the attack he alarmed his family by chewing on batteries, disappearing and acting erratically. The Penbrook Borough Police Department confirmed to CNN that the agency received calls from Balmer's family about his conduct but that police weren't able to detain him. Because Balmer 'hadn't made any threats to himself or others it didn't meet the threshold for involuntary commitment,' the chief of police, Joseph Hogarth, told CNN. During Balmer's arraignment, Magisterial District Judge Dale Klein asked him whether he had a history of mental illness. Balmer replied, 'that's the rumor but no ma'am.' He also denied any alcohol or drug abuse. When asked if he was on medication, he mumbled, 'medication that led me to different types of behavior.' Balmer's attorney did not immediately respond to questions from CNN. Investigators believe mental health issues may be a factor, according to a source familiar with the investigation. Officials were struck by how casual and relaxed the suspect was throughout the ordeal, the source said. Welsh said she has no doubt that his attack was motivated only by a mental health crisis. 'None of it was political at all. It wasn't a hate crime. It was simply a mental illness issue with him,' she said. She said she wishes authorities had felt more urgency in forcing Balmer into care before he attacked the mansion. 'I don't know why you're not a threat to yourself or others when you're trying to eat batteries,' said Welsh. 'I don't understand why help was not given,' she added. Welsh said she and Balmer were together for more than six years. Balmer had served a stint in the Army Reserves, working as a construction equipment repairer from April 2004 to June 2012, when he left the force as a sergeant, an Army spokesman confirmed to CNN. He worked in Harrisburg as an auto mechanic. He and Welsh have been separated for nearly a decade but share custody of their two children. They always had a good co-parenting relationship, she said, and were in touch daily. Welsh said Balmer had unspecified mental health disorders, but that he was on medication that generally treated the conditions. Last year, Balmer was admitted to the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, where he was treated for manic episodes over the course of a month, Welsh told CNN. And in recent months, Welsh said, 'he has gone downhill.' She said that trend worsened last week, when Balmer began chewing on batteries and then soon after, vanished for four days, leaving Welsh to file a missing person's report. Welsh said she called a Pennsylvania crisis line and the psychiatric institute three days before the attack, but was told the agencies couldn't do anything. Balmer's mother also called the emergency dispatch in Cumberland County, Welsh said. Pennsylvania's Crisis Intervention team and the Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment. Spokespeople at the Cumberland County dispatch also did not respond. On April 10, the Penbrook Borough Police Department received a call from Balmer's mother who said her son had stopped taking his medication over a year ago and had not been in touch with her in several days, Hogarth said. She said while the lack of contact was not necessarily unusual, Balmer seemed 'irritable and agitated,' Hogarth added. Balmer had gotten upset when his mother called the state's Crisis Intervention team because he did not want to be 'incarcerated' in a psychiatric facility, Hogarth said. Although the agency was not able to involuntarily commit Balmer, an officer did call a hotel in Shippensburg where Balmer had called his mother; the officer spoke to the front desk, which said Balmer had checked out that morning and appeared 'fine,' according to Hogarth. Then, early Sunday morning, police say Balmer climbed over a fence, broke into the governor's mansion and set the fire with a homemade Molotov cocktail he fashioned from lawnmower gasoline that he poured into beer bottles. Later that day, Welsh said she got a phone call from Balmer. 'Rose, I did it … I'm the one who set the governor's mansion on fire,' Welsh said Balmer told her. When Balmer said he couldn't turn himself in, he asked Welsh to do it for him. 'Everyone said he was not a threat to himself, or others, and they could not help and would not help. We were completely turned away by everybody' Welsh said. Balmer's family was shocked by his actions, a sibling told CNN on the phone. 'I support Josh Shapiro. … I voted for him' said the sibling, who asked not to be named. 'I don't know what drove [Balmer] to this, I don't know what is going on in his head, but I am trying to stay as far away from this as I can,' the sibling added. Welsh said Balmer was taken to a hospital Monday but moved to Camp Hill prison after his arraignment. She said she has not had any further contact with Balmer. 'Had he gotten the help … these actions would not have happened,' she said.
