During the patrol the submarine took the opportunity to exercise with a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) AP-3C Orion aircraft in order to prove the effectiveness of joint air and sub-surface security patrols. 

Dechaineux and the AP-3C Orion practiced various elements of Anti Submarine Warfare while transiting the area, which challenged both the submarine and the aircraft. 

Navy’s Commander Submarine Force Captain Mark Potter said Australian Defence Force units such as ships, submarines and aircraft regularly patrolled the North West shelf. 

“Obviously the advantage submarines have is that they are covert, and hence their presence may or may not be observed,” Captain Potter said. 

“By patrolling the North West shelf, Dechaineux illustrated that submarines can be used for a variety of roles and functions. The exercise with the RAAF AP-3C also continued to challenge and hone the Anti Submarine Warfare skills of both units.” 

Australian Defence Force patrols are conducted as part of the Australian Government’s robust maritime security framework to safeguard against unlawful interference with off-shore facilities. 

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20130126

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The ship’s medical staff provided initial treatment to the sailor.

The decision was made to divert the ship to Exmouth, WA, so the sailor could be further assessed.

The cause of the accident is not confirmed and the incident is under investigation.

HMAS Warramunga was transiting from Perth to Christmas Island at the time of the incident, assigned to domestic maritime border security operations as part of Operation RESOLUTE.

There has been no impact to the overall conduct of this operation.

The sailor’s family has been notified.

Defence will not provide further information as the incident is under investigation.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Members of CT-U4 were drawn from a range of units across Defence, with the majority of the returning members from the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, based in Darwin.

As part of Australia’s contribution to the Combined Team Uruzgan (CT-U) multi-national brigade-level headquarters, Australia’s CT-U4 was responsible for mentoring the Afghanistan National Security Forces within Uruzgan province and worked alongside staff officers and personnel from the United States, Singapore, and Slovakia who planned and led counterinsurgency operations within Uruzgan.

Commander of 1st Brigade, Brigadier John Frewen, was at Darwin International Airport to welcome the members home.

“The experience these members received working with our International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) allies during their eight-month deployment will be invaluable when the Australian Army leads ISAF operations again in the future,” Brigadier Frewen said.

“All members of CT-U4 should be proud of their contribution and the way they achieved their mission.”

The returning members were primarily responsible for commanding, administering and coordinating the multinational operations within Uruzgan. Approximately eight members of CT-U4 remain in theatre and will conduct tours of up to 12 months to ensure continuity in their areas.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

This is incorrect. The subject report has been considered by the Chief of Navy. Formal approval for release of the report is now being sought in accordance with the Defence Inquiry Regulations. The Chief of Navy had written to Mr Mackenzie earlier this week to advise him of this.

The aircrew applied standard safety procedures when they detached the under-slung load, an M777 artillery gun, when it became unstable.

The jettison caused the M777 to fall approximately 40 feet to the ground below, which the aircrew had determined was clear before detaching the load.

There were no injuries to Army personnel or damage to the aircraft as a result of the incident.

Commanding Officer, 5th Aviation Regiment Lieutenant Colonel David Hafner, CSC said the actions of the aircrew reflected a high degree of skill, composure and professionalism.

“The crew applied their training and standard procedures to respond quickly and safely to the change in centre of gravity of the load when it became unstable,” Lieutenant Colonel Hafner said.

“Their actions prevented what could have been a more serious incident.”

The Chinook is a medium load helicopter capable of under-slinging significant loads and is frequently used to transport stores and equipment. If an under-slung load becomes unstable it may unbalance the aircraft, endangering the safety of the aircraft and crew. Safe practice under these circumstances is to jettison the load.

The reason for the load becoming unstable is currently being investigated. The Army’s Chinook fleet remains in active service.

The routine training exercise involving live firing tanks, aircraft and infantry continues.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Both Australia and Indonesia have proud histories of contributing to multilateral peacekeeping operations and, over the past 50 years, military personnel from our two countries have served in a broad range of peacekeeping operations across the world, including most recently in Lebanon and Darfur. 

Exercise GARUDA KOOKABURRA prepares Australian and Indonesian officers for future deployments on United Nations-mandated peacekeeping operations. This exercise will consider scenarios that participants will discuss through a series of seminars, syndicate group workshops and practical activities.  

Participants will take into account the full range of issues they are likely to encounter in a complex peacekeeping operation, including the protection of civilians, cultural awareness considerations and the hardships faced in such operations. 

Exercise GARUDA KOOKABURRA builds on our existing cooperation in the field of peacekeeping training. Current cooperation includes Australian support for five Indonesian officers to participate in a United Nations Military Observers Course (UNMOC), conducted annually in Australia. An Indonesian instructor has previously supported Australian instructors in the delivery of UNMOC training overseas.  

Australia also conducts an annual Law of Peace Operations course to introduce Australian and foreign military members, including representatives from Indonesia, to the legal framework for peace operations and United Nations mandates. 

The next Exercise GARUDA KOOKABURRA will take place in 2015. 

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Members of FCU-8 were drawn from a range of units across Defence with the majority of the returning members from the 1st Combat Signal Regiment, part of the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade, based in Darwin.

The Commander of the 1st Brigade, Brigadier John Frewen, was on hand to welcome the members home at Darwin International Airport.

“FCU-8 was a key support element to operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East for the past 231 days,” Brigadier Frewen said.

“FCU-8 provided and maintained communications to all Australian forces deployed throughout the Middle East Area of Operations, from HMAS Toowoomba in the Indian Ocean to Tarin Kot in Uruzgan province.”

Lieutenant Colonel Greg Novak, Commanding Officer of FCU-8, said the soldiers, sailors, airmen and women should take great pride in their achievements throughout the deployment.

“The unit’s communications assets and personnel were located across the theatre, which made our mission larger and more complex than usual,” Lieutenant Colonel Novak said.

“All members of FCU-8 should be proud of the way they managed the requirements and achieved their mission.

“The unit worked together as a fantastic team, truly joint in nature and it has been my privilege to serve with each and every one of them.”

Imagery of FCU-8 is available at:  http://images.defence.gov.au/12133813

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Defence regrets that during an engagement between insurgents and the partnered force an Afghan man initially suspected of being an insurgent was killed and an Afghan boy was seriously injured. Unfortunately, despite best medical efforts, the boy succumbed to his injuries and died at a medical facility on 2 April 2011.

On 12 April 2011, the previous Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, appointed an inquiry into the incident to determine whether it was possible to identify how the child was injured and to better understand the full circumstances of the incident.

The Inquiry is complete and the report has now been authorised for public release.

“The Inquiry Officer found that the actions of the Australian personnel involved in the incident were lawful and in accordance with the rules of engagement,” the current Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Ash Power, said.
“The child’s fatal injuries and the death of the Afghan man were the result of the partnered force being engaged by insurgents.”

The deceased man was originally reported by Defence to have been an insurgent, based on the results of a test to ascertain exposure to potential explosive materials. Based on all the evidence available, the Inquiry Officer found that the deceased Afghan man was a relative of the deceased child and was not actively taking part in hostilities at the time of the incident and that he was, in the Inquiry Officer’s assessment, not associated with the insurgents who engaged the partnered patrol on 27 March 2011.

The report did raise some issues regarding the post-incident analysis in this matter that had initially determined the deceased male was an insurgent through tests for explosive residue.

The Inquiry Officer recommended:

1. Processes and procedures be reviewed to ensure adequate mechanisms are in place to check the identity of suspected insurgents.
2. Improved training be implemented to ensure adequate understanding of interpretation of chemical testing for exposure to potential explosive materials.
3. Patrol medics carry additional equipment to assist in the treatment of small children.
4. Family of the deceased male and child being contacted and advised of their rights to make a claim for compensation.

Lieutenant General Power accepted the first recommendation and agreed to the second recommendation in principle.

“The fifteenth SOTG rotation had completed its rotation before the Inquiry Officer’s Report was finalised. As such, this recommendation could only fully be implemented with the sixteenth and subsequent SOTG rotations.” Lieutenant General Power said.

The third recommendation was not accepted.

“I do not believe that we should further burden already heavily laden patrols with paediatric medical equipment when the ADF already has robust measures in place to treat casualties at the scene and evacuate them to appropriate medical facilities within mandated timings,” Lieutenant General Power said.

“It is appropriate that paediatric medical supplies to treat children are held at the Role 2 Medical Facility in Tarin Kot.”
Lieutenant General Power did not agree to the fourth recommendation.

“The inquiry was not able to determine whether the deceased Afghans were killed by insurgents or the partnered force and it remains unclear whether the ADF was responsible for the deaths. In the circumstances, I determined that to seek out the family and make an offer under the Tactical Payment Scheme, was not warranted,” Lieutenant General Power said.

While not dealt with in the Inquiry Officer’s Report, prior to the completion of the report the issue of payment had already been raised with the family in relation to the deceased child. No claims have been received.

The release of the report was delayed while Defence gave consideration to the issues and recommendations contained in the report.

The delay in the public release of the report has not prevented the ADF acting to implement the recommendations from the report where appropriate.

Media note:

A redacted version of the Inquiry Officer report is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/docs/RedactedIOReport27March2011CIVCAS.pdf

The report has been redacted in order to preserve operational security and protect Australian Defence Force’s tactics, techniques and procedures.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The incident was alleged to have contributed to the death of a young Afghan male during the afternoon of 1 November 2012.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Ash Power said the outcome of the ADFIS investigation indicated there is no direct evidence to suggest that the ADF contributed to cause of death.

“Local customs and religious practices meant that we could not examine the young man’s remains which had already been buried,” Lieutenant General Power said.

Australian Defence Force personnel, Afghan security guards, the brother of the deceased male and a local doctor were interviewed as part of the investigation.

“It is the observation of the treating doctor which reinforces the findings that there is no direct evidence that the conduct of the range practice caused the injury.”

Local Afghans regularly stray into the range areas and procedures are in place to minimise the risk when this occurs.

Uruzgan authorities were involved in the investigation.

Defence deeply regrets any deaths or injuries to civilians and continually acts to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

At the time, Minister Smith undertook to advise on the outcomes of the Inquiry as appropriate. On 28 May 2012, Minister Smith reiterated this undertaking to the House of Representatives, after certain allegations were published in the Australian media regarding the mishandling of the remains of Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan, the mishandling of the remains of Afghan insurgents, and the mistreatment of an Afghan minor.

The Inquiry is now complete. 

The following findings relate to the allegations published in the media:

Allegations of mishandling the remains of Australian soldiers:

The Inquiry confirmed that two caskets containing the remains of Australian soldiers were inverted on leaving the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot. However, the remains contained within both caskets were correctly oriented and the remains were never upside down.  The caskets were realigned before being flown back to Australia.  At all times, the soldiers’ remains were treated with the utmost dignity and respect. Instructions on the use of the casket have been amended to provide clearer guidance on the correct orientation.

The Inquiry also confirmed that medical devices were removed from the remains of Australian soldiers by ADFIS personnel prior to their return to Australia. However, the removal of medical devices from the remains did not breach criminal or coronial legislation or guidelines, nor was there any requirement for the removal to be approved or undertaken by medical officers. Instructions on the management of medical devices in human remains have subsequently been issued.

Allegations of mishandling of the remains of an Afghan insurgent:

The Inquiry found that it was likely the remains of an Afghan insurgent killed during an engagement with Australian forces in August 2010 were transported from the ISAF Role 2 medical facility at the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot to the local civilian morgue by taxi. The remains of the Afghan insurgent were not under the control of Australian forces, and were transferred under standard arrangements between a Coalition partner and the local Afghan authorities.

The Inquiry also confirmed that an Afghan insurgent died in the ISAF Role 2 medical facility at the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot following an engagement with Australian forces in October 2010. Following an investigation by ADFIS staff, including a forensic examination, a Coalition partner arranged for the remains of the Afghan insurgent to be transferred to the family for burial. The Inquiry found that Defence policy did not provide clear direction on the management of human remains of non-Coalition personnel who die in Australian custody, and recommended amplification and amendment of the policy.

Allegation of mistreatment of an Afghan minor:

The Inquiry confirmed that an Afghan minor (assessed to be a juvenile of 16 years old) entered the Multi-National Base Tarin Kot in October 2010 seeking his father, who had been wounded the previous day in an engagement with Australian forces. The Inquiry confirmed that, following a standard screening process, the juvenile was detained by Australian forces for approximately two hours. During this time he was questioned, given food and drink, and medically examined, before being released. The allegation that the juvenile had been handed over to American control, where he was interrogated and subjected to violence, was not substantiated.    

The Inquiry examined a range of other allegations which were found in the majority of cases to be unsubstantiated. Several failures of process or deficiencies in policy were identified and recommendations have been made to the relevant authorities for remedial action.

Inquiry report

The findings and recommendations of the Inquiry, which have been redacted to comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act 1988, are available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/header/publications.htm#I
 
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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) today signed an arrangement with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) during the International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) in Singapore this week.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Ray Griggs who signed the agreement with his Singaporean counterpart Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng, said the Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation Arrangement was developed between the RAN and RSN to enhance submarine rescue system availability between both navies.

“Having the arrangement in place will assist in facilitating an Australian request to Singapore for support if ever required in areas within the reach of the Singaporean submarine rescue system,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

The arrangement also allows for familiarisation visits between the two Navies to ensure interoperability of these important systems.

“This will ensure the compatibility of our systems, procedures and documentation, and establishes a framework for the conduct of future submarine rescue exercises at sea,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Based on current assessments, Australia and ISAF commanders are confident Australia will have achieved the ISAF objectives in Uruzgan and the majority of Australian personnel will be withdrawn by the end of the year.

General Hurley said the ISAF Chiefs of Defence meeting reviewed the progress of the ISAF campaign and the development of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF).

“The ANSF now lead 80 per cent of all security operations in Afghanistan but more importantly, the people of Afghanistan are developing a sense of pride and confidence in their own security forces,” General Hurley said.

Importantly the meeting reinforced ISAF’s ongoing commitment to the Afghan people now and into the future.

The Defence Chiefs also discussed the international community’s contribution beyond 2014.

“The nature of our engagement will change when a new NATO mission commences in 2015. Australia is one of a number of countries that have committed to a long-term partnership with Afghanistan and we will now work to finalise a range of options for the Federal Government to consider,” General Hurley said.

General Hurley also met with newly appointed Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Philip Breedlove, USAF.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

White Ribbon Australia is hosting the conference in Sydney. It features key researchers, practitioners, policy makers and activists from both Australia and overseas. The conference showcases research, policies and programs that work to change men’s attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence against women. 

HMAS Choules was the venue for the official opening reception last night while the ship was alongside Garden Island, Sydney. 

This is one element of Navy’s overall support to the White Ribbon Foundation. Navy has more than 75 White Ribbon ambassadors and is active in the coordination of White Ribbon events including a Bridge to Bridge Run/Walk in Canberra on White Ribbon Day in 2012. 

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO CSC, a White Ribbon ambassador himself, set a challenge in 2011 for RAN members to support this important organisation.  

“Navy is an organisation that rejects violence against women.  We are committed to eliminating violence against women within the Navy and supporting its elimination in the broader community,” Vice Admiral Griggs said. 

“Navy has joined as part of the White Ribbon Workplace accreditation program and is active in supporting White Ribbon events and activities, such as this conference.” 

Navy also took the opportunity to arrange for one of the conference keynote speakers, Dr Jackson Katz, to conduct presentations to senior leadership members and ships’ crews.  

Media note:
Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20130006 

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999 

On the afternoon of 23 April, Privates Thomas Blair, Lloyd Gravolin, Ryan Middleton and Peter Moser were moving between Forward Operating Base Lindsay and Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan, when they came across an Afghan National Army (ANA) four wheel drive in the middle of a swollen river, pinned precariously against a concrete pylon.

With three occupants already on the roof of the car, the two Bushmaster crews were forced to act quickly. It was at this point, Crew Commander Private Blair formulated a plan.

“We were going to winch them in, and as we started we realised it was probably unsafe for the people still onboard. We called Private Gravolin forward and he came up and secured his vehicle alongside the ANA vehicle and then helped the passengers onboard the Bushmaster,” Private Blair said.

Despite the fast-flowing water, at first the ANA driver refused to leave the ANA vehicle so it was left to Private Gravolin, the second Bushmaster Crew Commander, to coax him from the vehicle.

“It took some convincing but he finally got out and climbed up onto our vehicle. Once we had all four onboard we backed out and led them off safely. Private Blair then attempted recovery of the ANA vehicle but the water was too strong. As soon as we tried to pull the car just a little bit off the pylon it was pinned to, the water picked it up, flipped it over and carried it between two other pylons down stream. So that was the end of the car, but we did manage to get all four people to safety,” Private Gravolin said.

There is little doubt Private Gravolin saved the driver’s life, according to Private Blair.

“If Private Gravolin hadn’t convinced the driver to get out he would have drowned. It was only maybe 20 seconds after we got the occupants onboard that the vehicle got swept onto its side, onto its roof and all the way downstream … he definitely would have been pinned inside the vehicle,” Private Blair said.

Taking part in a life or death river rescue is something that the crew commanders and their drivers did not expect to experience during their deployment to Afghanistan.

The soldiers are from the 205th Corps Coalition Advisory Team (205 CAT), Force Protection Platoon, which provides mobility and security escort support to Coalition forces advising the leadership of the Afghan National Army. Soldiers of the Adelaide based infantry battalion are attached to 205 CAT on a rotational basis to protect advisors during meetings, briefs and tasks.

Bushmaster driver, Private Middleton, said that he never thought they would be rescuing people from a flooded river.

“When we saw the situation unfold it surprised all of us and we are really happy we could help,” Private Middleton said.

The second Bushmaster driver, Private Moser believes their actions have helped strengthen ties between the ANA and the Task Group.

Their commander praised the crew’s actions and indicated that if the four soldiers did not act as swiftly as they did, there could have been Afghan casualties.

It’s something Private Gravolin will most definitely remember.

“For me that’s one of the highlights of this deployment. Our job is to really help them out anyway we can and we are always looking for ways to do that and this was a perfect opportunity,” he said.

Media note:

Vision has been fed to the television networks at the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Stills imagery is available at the following link:

http://images.defence.gov.au/12133775

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Around 1000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members were deployed to Baidoa in January 1993, Australia’s largest overseas deployment since Vietnam.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley was the Commanding Officer who led the ADF contribution to the United Nations sanctioned Unified Task Force.

“I was a Lieutenant Colonel when we deployed as part of the multinational force.

“The people of Somalia were suffering through famine and civil war.

“Our mission was to secure the Baidoa Humanitarian Relief Sector to ensure food and other humanitarian assistance could be delivered safely to the community,” General Hurley said.

The Australians were recognised for their ‘firm, fair and friendly’ approach to security that won the respect of the United Nations, allied forces and non-government organisations working in the region.

“I am extremely proud that our efforts made a difference to the people of Somalia.

“We helped create significant improvement in the security situation which allowed them to begin rebuilding a functioning community,” General Hurley said.

General Hurley said members of 1RAR GP also paid tribute to Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney who was accidentally shot and died while on patrol during Operation Solace.

The reunion was held at Coral Lines in Townsville to coincide with the 45th anniversary of the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The Honour Distinction ‘Namibia 1989-90’ recognises the vital contribution of 17 Construction Squadron to the United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) in the transition of Namibia to independence in 1990.

The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO said 17 Construction Squadron played a key role in the smooth and successful transition to democracy in Namibia.

“17 Construction Squadron performed a role well beyond what was expected of them,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“The Australian Army and wider Australian community are proud of their work, initiative and professionalism in a highly sensitive environment.”

The Australian Contingent of UNTAG comprised 613 personnel, the majority of whom were Army Engineers from 17 Construction Squadron, who were deployed to provide engineer support to the United Nations.

Despite being deployed to provide engineering support, when the cease-fire broke down at the start of the mission, 17 Construction Squadron helped establish assembly points before becoming involved in the election itself, providing security, transport and support to the election officials, monitors, other UN personnel, voters and polling stations.

The Honour Distinction for 17 Construction Squadron was recommended by the Army Battle Honours Committee who, recognising Australia’s commitment to peacekeeping operations amended the battle and theatre honours system to provide for the recognition of outstanding service in operations in other than declared theatres of war.

Under the new system, actions by units in non-war-like but still hazardous conditions, and actions by non-Arms Corps Units, can now be recognised by the award of an Honour Distinction.

The Honour Distinction ‘Namibia 1989-90’ is the first Australian Army honour to be awarded since the Vietnam War. Its awarding precedes the Battle Honour Eastern Shah Wali Kot, which is the first battle honour to be awarded since the Vietnam War.

The Honour Distinction ‘Namibia 1989-90’, follows the awarding of two commendations soon after the deployment, with a CGS Commendation presented to 17 Construction Squadron and to 15 Troop, 18 Field Squadron.

Imagery from the presentation of the Honour Distinction ‘Namibia 1989-90’ is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/12133781

A retrospective on the Honour Distinction ‘Namibia 1989-90’ is available at the following link: http://video.defence.gov.au/

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The battle honour had previously been announced by the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard MP and the Minister on 26 March 2013.

Eastern Shah Wali Kot is the first Army Battle Honour awarded since the end of the Vietnam War and was awarded by the Chief of Army to the Special Air Service Regiment and to the 2nd Commando Regiment for their outstanding performance during the Shah Wali Kot Offensive in Afghanistan from May to June 2010.

“This is an exceptional achievement for the Special Air Service Regiment and typifies the professional excellence that is synonymous with the unit,” Lieutenant General Morrison said.

“That this is the first Australian Army battle honour awarded since the Vietnam War is an indication of how rare such awards are.

“The supporting elements of Special Operations Task Group Rotation XII including the engineers, signallers, logisticians and headquarters staff should also be proud of their contributions to the Shah Wali Kot Offensive, which are also recognised through this battle honour.”

The Special Operations Commander, Major General Gus Gilmore, DSC, AM said the battle honour is a well deserved recognition of the skills, teamwork and professionalism of Australia’s Special Forces in Afghanistan.

“The Shah Wali Kot Offensive achieved a very significant outcome for the coalition’s Afghanistan campaign and it was only achieved through the superior leadership and skills of Australia’s Special Forces,” Major General Gilmore said.

“I am particularly proud of this battle honour because it recognises the courage, dedication and professionalism displayed at all levels by those Special Air Service troopers and 2nd Commando Regiment soldiers involved.”

The Commanding Officer of the Special Air Service Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel G (member’s identity protected) said it was a mark of distinction for the unit.

“Everybody within the Special Air Service Regiment is quietly proud of our long-standing and ongoing service in Afghanistan,” Lieutenant Colonel G said.

“Being awarded a battle honour is a significant achievement for the Special Air Service Regiment and for all those 2 Squadron members involved in the Shah Wali Kot Offensive.”

The efforts of the Special Air Service Regiment and the 2nd Commando Regiment during the engagement were highly commended by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Command for the contribution the Shah Wali Kot Offensive made to the overall ISAF effort to disrupt insurgent activities in the traditional Taliban stronghold of Kandahar.

The battle honour will also be presented to the 2nd Commando Regiment on 19 June 2013, at an official parade marking the unit’s birthday.

Imagery from the presentation of the battle honour to the Special Air Service Regiment will be available after 11.30pm (AEST) on Friday, 10 May 2013 at http://images.defence.gov.au/12133803

Video of the presentation will be split to all television networks via Channel 9 Sydney after 6:30am (AEST) on Saturday, 11 May 2013.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

HMAS Choules joined the search on Thursday afternoon as she was returning from North Queensland where she was conducting amphibious training exercises. The ship and her helicopter have now been released from the search which was co-ordinated by the New South Wales Water Police. Choules is now on her way to her home port in Sydney.

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, praised the efforts of Commander Ashley Papp, Commanding Officer of HMAS Choules and his ship’s company.

“The thoughts of the wider Navy are with the families of those affected by this very sad event,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

“The ADF can confirm that a combined Afghan National Security Force and Special Operations Task Group force element conducted a mission in Zabul province on 28 April 2013 to target an insurgent commander responsible for a key insurgent network operating in and around Uruzgan province,” General Hurley said. 

“During the course of clearing the targeted area, the force element positively identified several armed insurgents moving to gain a tactical advantage and due to the threat posed, the combined ANSF and SOTG force element engaged and killed four insurgents.

“An incident of potential misconduct during the operation has been raised through the internal national command chain.”

General Hurley said the incident is currently being investigated by the ADF in cooperation with ISAF. 

Defence will not comment further on this incident until the investigation is completed.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Following discussions with other interested parties, on 7 May 2013 Mr Paul Banks signed a contract to purchase the Fortuna property for $2.21 million. The deposit monies have been received and the sale is scheduled for completion on 27 June 2013.

The heritage covenant to protect the Commonwealth heritage values of the Fortuna property will remain in the contract of sale.

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

As with all combat deaths, an Inquiry Officer was appointed to examine the circumstances surrounding the death of Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney in Afghanistan on 24 August 2010. 

The Inquiry Officer, who had access to initial reports and witnesses, noted that some members of the patrol had no view or appreciation of the conditions where Lance Corporal MacKinney was positioned when he was shot. 

On 2 February 2012, Defence released the Inquiry Officer’s report in to the death of Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney.

A copy of the redacted report is available at: 

http://news.defence.gov.au/2012/02/02/vice-chief-of-the-defence-force-%e2%80%93-release-of-inquiry-officer%e2%80%99s-report-into-the-death-of-lance-corporal-jared-mackinney/ 

1. Fairfax understands Jared MacKinney replaced a lance corporal who was sent back to Australia soon after arriving in Afghanistan with psychological issues connected to a previous deployment. Why was this person even sent to Afghanistan if he had a pre-existing issue and did this put MacKinney in a difficult position? 

Response:  

The Inquiry Officer found that Lance Corporal MacKinney had completed all the pre-deployment training required of him and was fully qualified for his role as an infantry rifleman. 

Defence will not comment on individual cases, however, all personnel who deploy on operations undergo a rigorous preparation and training program and are certified as fit to deploy by their chain of command. 

Defence employs a multi-layered approach to mental health support including prevention, intervention and treatment to deal with mental health which can be employed before, during or after deployment. 

Members on deployment have access to support from embedded health staff and fly in specialist teams. Psychology Support Teams provide critical incident mental health support on operations and conduct routine special psychological screens and interviews to target deployed groups considered to be at higher risk of exposure to potentially traumatic events. 

2. Why did Defence take the decision to send home a corporal for striking (another soldier) for insubordination and was this an appropriate course of action and who replaced the corporal? 

Response:  

For privacy reasons Defence will not comment on specific issues relating to the alleged actions of individuals. 

3. Some of those who took part in the battle of Derapet do not believe that appropriate attention was paid the critical email published in September 2010 in Australian newspapers about the battle. They believe it raised a number of valid points especially about the failure to use mortars especially given men in the aqueduct were caught on the helmet camera film as saying “Mortars are coming”. Does Defence believe that these and other allegations made in the email have been fully resolved? 

4. The argument that mortars were not employed because of concerns for civilian casualties has been questioned by some soldiers who say it was obvious that the civilian population had evacuated. They also argue that there did not seem to be similar concern about civilians when the ASLAV’s were firing into the same areas and that the 155 eventually fired into the same area. What does Defence say to these claims? 

Response Q3 and 4: 

The Inquiry Officer found that the use of mortars during the contact would not have prevented the death of Lance Corporal MacKinney. 

The Inquiry Officer’s terms of reference were expanded to consider the concerns of an individual who fought at Derapet which were raised in a private email regarding support provided to soldiers involved in the engagement. 

The Inquiry Officer found the patrol into Derapet was duly authorised and was well planned. The Inquiry Officer found no weakness in the offensive fire support plan, or in the intelligence reporting process. 

The Inquiry Officer also determined there was no failure to make mortar support available to the patrol. Coalition 120mm mortars were on site and an integral part of the fire support plan. 

The Inquiry Officer found that the mortars were, in fact, ready for action but were not called on to fire. 

It is important to note that both the Patrol Commander and the Joint Terminal Air Controller-qualified Forward Observer, whose specialist task is to coordinate joint fires, decided not to engage the enemy with mortars. In the Forward Observer’s professional opinion this was not an appropriate weapon system for the circumstances. 

The Forward Observer determined that the Apache attack helicopters, in conjunction with direct fire support from the ASLAVs, were the best weapon system for this situation. 

In addition, a senior Joint Fires Officer in Afghanistan conducted a subsequent review of the Forward Observer’s actions. 

This expert review validated the Forward Observer’s use of the ASLAVs and Apache attack helicopters as the preferred offensive fire support for these circumstances. 

The expert review also confirmed that the use of mortars in this situation would have likely caused casualties to both our own troops and civilians within the area. 

When interviewed as part of the inquiry, the soldier described his email as a form of “venting” as part of a grieving process for the loss of his close mate. 

No action has been taken against the soldier who raised the issues. 

4a. Fairfax is aware that the corporal who wrote the email was recommended, by three different soldiers for a Distinguished Service Medal. Why was this medal not awarded and was this because of his email and if so was this fair?

Response: 

All nominations and deliberations regarding honours and awards remain classified as Honours-in-Confidence. 

In general terms, the process for nominating and confirming operational honours and awards is: 

Tactical Commanders nominate their personnel after acts of Gallantry or periods of distinguished service. 

The nomination is considered by a board including senior tactical commanders, principle staff and the Regimental Sergeant Major. 

The nomination is then submitted to the next higher headquarters (for example Headquarters Joint Task Force 633 in the Middle East). 

A similar board process is undertaken and final nominations are then referred to Headquarters Joint Operations Command.

The Chief of Joint Operations chairs the final board, which also includes representatives from the Maritime, Land, Air and Special Operations components, to consider nominations for acts of gallantry or periods of distinguished service on operations. 

Following consideration by board members and their recommendations, the Chief of Joint Operations submits his final nominations to the Chief of the Defence Force. 

Each stage in the tiered board process is conducted independently, allowing each level to consider the nominations on merit alone based on the information as presented. 

At each level, board members may recommend the nomination is accepted as written, is upgraded to a higher level or downgraded to a lower award. 

5. Was the battle for Derapet a failure given that Australia suffered one man killed in the action and could not hold the ground? 

Response:  

No. Derapet was an intense contact. Patrol members displayed extraordinary bravery and dedication to duty. 

The Mentoring Task Force 1 and Afghan National Army partnered mission was to clear the village of Derapet in the Tangi Valley and set the conditions for future liaison with key village leaders. 

The action at Derapet on 24 August paved the way for subsequent partnered ANA presence within the Tangi Valley. This has included the construction of a mentored ANA patrol base and a multitude of village engagement activities in this region.  

6. What does Defence say to claims that Australian forces were never able to control Derapet and had to flee the village on two other occasions after coming under Taliban attack including an incident where soldiers were nearly over run in late 2010 and only escaped by throwing grenades at the attackers? 

Response: 

The action at Derapet on 24 August paved the way for subsequent partnered ANA presence within the Tangi Valley.  This has included the construction of a mentored ANA patrol base and a multitude of village engagement activities in this region. 

7. Some of those who fought at Derapet believe that Lance Corporal Mackinney should have been nominated for some award. Did Defence receive any recommendation for any award for him and if so what has happened to it? If not does Defence believe it should consider some sort of award given his leadership and bravery on the day in taking over the machine gun and attempting to operate the weapon in the face of very heavy enemy fire as well as his general demeanour? 

Response: 

All nominations and deliberations regarding honours and awards remain classified as Honours-in-Confidence. 

8. What does Defence say to concerns that the awarding of the VC and four other decorations for the action of Derapet has a political purpose which is to re invent the battle and the deployment which had a high casualty rate, as a success? 

Response: 

Defence rejects this allegation which is offensive to the award recipients and Defence. The tiered board process outlined in detail at question 5 allows each level to consider the nominations on merit alone.  

9. Fairfax is aware an extremely high number of soldiers who took part in the fighting that day at Derapet have psychological issues some of which is related to the ADF’s treatment of them. What is Defence doing about this situation and how many soldiers have discharged from the 6RAR component that went on that deployment? 

Response:  

You have not provided evidence to substantiate your claim that the ADF’s treatment of some soldiers has led to psychological issues. As such, Defence is unable to investigate your claims. 

However, the ADF is committed to caring for its people. Defence works hard to encourage anyone who is concerned about their mental health to seek help as soon as possible.  

Defence provides comprehensive health support to ADF personnel.  The treatment and rehabilitation of wounded, injured or ill members is based on the clinical needs of the individual and not the cause of their condition. 

The ADF employs a multi-layered approach to mental health support including prevention, intervention and treatment to deal with mental health issues.

Under the Support for Wounded Injured or Ill Program (SWIIP), Defence and DVA are working collaboratively to make what is generally a good system even better. SWIIP aims to deliver consistent support to all wounded, injured or ill members during their service and after transition from the ADF.

Combined Team – Uruzgan, Rotation Five (CTU-5) and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Task Group (2 CAV Task Group) will work closely with the Government of Afghanistan and the Afghan National Security Forces as they continue to take over responsibility for governance and security.

Commander CTU-5, Colonel Wade Stothart, today thanked families and friends for their ongoing support in the lead up to the deployment.

“Today offers an opportunity for us to recognise the dedication and commitment of our deploying members,” Colonel Stothart said.

“It also provides a chance to say thank you to our friends and families for their continued support, without which we would not be able to complete our mission.”  

Commander 2 CAV Task Group Lieutenant Colonel Michael Bye reinforced the importance of the mission ahead and paid tribute to the Defence personnel who have served in Afghanistan during the past 10 years.

“The 2 CAV Task Group recognises the importance of stability and security in Uruzgan and Afghanistan.

“We owe it to the people of Uruzgan, and to those members of the ADF who have gone before us to continue their work achieving security in the province,” he said.

The parade was reviewed by the Commander of the Australian Army’s 1st Division, Major General Stuart Smith, AM.

Imagery will be available in the Defence Digital Imagery Library on Monday at http://images.defence.gov.au/12133693.

Media contact:

Erika Seymour, Defence Media and Communication – NT, 0411 885 994

General Hurley attended the meetings with New Zealand Chief of the Defence Force Lieutenant General Rhys Jones; Commander Tonga Defence Services Brigadier General Tau’aika Uta’atu; Commander Papua New Guinea Defence Force Brigadier General Francis Agwi; Commander French Armed Forces in New Caledonia Brigadier General Jean-Francois Parlanti; and Chilean Director Strategic Plans and Operations Air Vice Marshal Rolando Mercado.

Representatives discussed a range of current and future security challenges facing the region and examined avenues where respective defence forces can work cooperatively to ensure the security of the Pacific.

They also discussed regional maritime security challenges, noting Australia’s continued contribution to maritime security, including through the Pacific Patrol Boat Program.

A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement that the Australian Defence Force and other South Pacific militaries will establish a new cooperative framework to coordinate regional exercises. The framework will be known as POVAI ENDEAVOUR.

“As we begin to draw down from our respective operational commitments in the Solomon Islands and Afghanistan we are looking for practical ways to maintain and deepen regional engagement,” General Hurley said.

“This new regional cooperative framework will help to maintain the interoperability we have built up during these multi-national operations.”

The POVAI ENDEAVOUR framework aims to develop and maintain regional skills in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, amphibious operations, and peacekeeping and stabilisation.

General Hurley said the six nations had a common interest in working together to promote security and stability in the Pacific.

“The exercise series will compliment our existing education and joint training programs,” General Hurley said.

The previous South Pacific Chiefs of Defence Meeting was held in Sydney in 2012.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The LMM agreement will provide equipment maintenance services to Joint Logistics Command Units across Australia.

The contract covers the maintenance of land-based vehicle fleets primarily operated by Army. The work will include inspection, scheduled servicing, repair and modification of equipment, programmed maintenance and project work, maintenance of regional loan pools, management of repair pools and support to operations.

Joint Logistics Command will lead the planning and management of LMM, supported by a contracted technical and specialist workforce.

This contract is a landmark agreement that underpins reforms in the ADF’s logistics system, a key component of Defence’s Strategic Reform Program.

Land materiel maintenance services are currently delivered under three Defence contracts which expire on 30 June 2013. This agreement consolidates those services into one national contract.

The contract is for an initial term of six years, expiring on 30 June 2019.

Transfield employs more than 24,000 people globally and provides consulting, operations, maintenance and construction services across 11 countries. Within the Defence sector, Transfield Services (Australia) supplies estate and land equipment asset management services, as well as providing Defence with comprehensive technical and logistics services, including airfield fire fighting and aircraft refuelling.

Commander Joint Logistics Command, Rear Admiral Clint Thomas and Mr Nicholas Yates from Transfield Services (Australia) signed the contract at Victoria Barracks in Melbourne today.

Imagery will be available at:  http://images.defence.gov.au/12133694

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley began commemorations at the Australian War Memorial Dawn Service and will attend the National Anzac Day ceremony in Canberra later this morning.

General Hurley said it was important to pay tribute to those who have served and to thank those who are currently serving.

“We recognise the hardships our servicemen and women have endured and continue to endure today, and we pay tribute to the families who support them.”

More than 3000 ADF personnel who are currently deployed on operations in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Solomon Islands; on duty in the Gulf of Aden, the Indian and Pacific Oceans; and on border protection operations will participate in Anzac Day commemorations.

For those on duty on operations around the world Anzac Day provides a unique experience, taking in the historical significance of the day and their contribution to the history of service in their current operational deployment.

“These men and women know the challenges and sacrifice of duty. They accept the responsibility to continue to display the Anzac spirit and, like their forebears, they demonstrate courage, skill and compassion under the most difficult and dangerous conditions,” General Hurley said.

Media note:

Stills imagery, including individual location galleries, will be available throughout the day at:

http://www.defence.gov.au/anzacday/2013/imagery.htm

Vision will be fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery as it is received throughout the day.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The Adelaide Class frigate’s departure marks the beginning of a six-month deployment, during which Newcastle will undertake maritime interception and security operations as part of the multinational Combined Maritime Forces.

Commodore Mead thanked Commanding Officer of Newcastle, Commander Paul O’Grady, and his crew for their dedication in preparing for the mission.

“You have committed many hours to ensuring Newcastle is ready to undertake this deployment,” Commodore Mead said.

“You are at the top of your game and I have no doubt that you will make Australia and your families proud.

“Newcastle has an important job to do. Your role is to protect sea lanes for trade while maintaining safe access to vital international waterways by deterring terrorist activities and acts of piracy. You are prepared for this mission,” Commodore Mead said.

Commander O’Grady thanked the gathered families for their support.

“We have spent many hours away from our loved ones preparing for this deployment,” Commander O’Grady said.

“These hours were made bearable knowing we had your ongoing support on the home front.  On behalf of the Ship’s Company I’d like to thank you for being our rock.

“Your support is the foundation on which the success of this mission is built,” Commander O’Grady said.

Media Contacts:

Natalie Staples                Navy Public Affairs                                  0419 840 646

Ben Wickham                  Defence Communication and Media – NSW 0405 310 176

The Special Operations Task Group soldier sustained a minor fragmentation wound to the arm as a result of a ricochet from a small arms round.

The soldier was immediately treated by medically-trained personnel at the incident site and later returned to Multi-National Base – Tarin Kot.

The soldier received further medical treatment at the coalition medical facility in Tarin Kot and was cleared to return to full duties.

Defence will release no further details of this incident.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Rescue Coordination Centre – Australia requested the assistance, and in response, the Royal Australian Air Force dispatched a C-130J Hercules aircraft equipped with search and rescue stores from Richmond in New South Wales, just after 10.00am (AEST). Concurrently, the Royal Australian Navy sent a Seahawk helicopter from HMAS Melbourne and the ship also proceeded towards the area.

Deputy Chief Joint Operations, Rear Admiral Steve Gilmore praised the rapid coordination and response provided by the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.

“The Navy and Air Force very quickly provided platforms and personnel to support this rescue, giving the solo yachtsman the best chance of survival in some treacherous conditions off Australia’s east coast,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

The two aircraft arrived on the scene just after 12:15pm(AEST) and located the beacon “free floating” in the 8 to 10 metre swell. Winds in the area were in excess of 50 knots.

The aircraft subsequently located the vessel, upright and without a mast. The solo Russian yachtsman was visually identified.

“The Royal Australian Air Force C-130J remained on station, as the Seahawk returned to the mainland to refuel. The Seahawk was returning to the location, when a Victorian Police helicopter successfully winched the sailor from his vessel.

“This rescue is a great example of the ADF working with the civilian authorities and a sailor who was in grave danger is now safe,” Rear Admiral Gilmore said.

Australia was the only nation to deploy a submarine in support of Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 13.  

Commanding Officer of HMAS Dechaineux Commander Glen Miles said operating as the enemy or “Red Force”, HMAS Dechaineux’s role in the exercise was to test the responses from participating nations’ navy vessels. 

“We operated in shallow waters amongst high concentrations of fishing vessels conducting simulated attacks on surface ships from Malaysian, Singaporean and New Zealand Navies,” Commander Miles said. 

“For the crew of HMAS Dechaineux, Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD 13 provided a fantastic opportunity to practice the ‘hide and seek’ of submarine warfare in busy waterways.” 

Throughout the exercise the submarine was “hunted” by two AP-3C Orion aircraft from Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) 92 Wing, based at RAAF Edinburgh in South Australia. 

The AP-3C Orion aircraft flew a total of seven sorties in support of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA)-led exercise, allowing the AP-3C crews to hone their skills in a complex multinational exercise environment involving naval and air forces.  

The Five Power Defence Arrangements is the longest standing multilateral arrangement in South East Asia and has maintained relevance in the contemporary security environment.  

The Australian Defence Force was a founding member of the Five Power Defence Arrangements and this year marks the 42^nd anniversary of our involvement in these exercises.
Exercises such as BERSAMA SHIELD 2013 continue to reinforce the relevance of this long-term relationship to the regional strategic environment. 

92 Wing Exercise Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jesse Laroche said “Exercise BERSAMA SHIELD further enhances the strength of the FPDA relationship, the aircraft and support personnel operated from Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth. 

“The squadron regarded the AP-3C participation as a great success, testing exercise interoperability, capability expansion and communication between the Five Power Defence Arrangements Nations,” Squadron Leader Laroche said. 

In addition to the AP-3C Orions and HMAS Dechaineux, the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force provided liaison officers who deployed to Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth. 

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Rear Admiral Barrett congratulated the Australian Commander of CTF150 Commodore Charles McHardie, AM RAN and his team on a successful deployment, which included a record heroin interception and the disruption of two shipments of hashish.

“Taskforce 150, under the leadership of Commodore McHardie, made a significant contribution in the fight to secure the high seas for legitimate mariners,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.

“Heroin trafficking is a major source of financial supply for terrorists and the interception of a shipment estimated to have a street value of $100 million is significant. Combined with the seizure of 1500kg of hashish off the Gulf of Oman and the disruption of around 300kg of hashish in the Gulf of Aden, this rotation of Taskforce 150 has had considerable success.

“While deployed, the taskforce worked closely with coalition partners and regional nations to bring stability and confidence to the region. This earned them high praise from coalition partners and made a significant contribution to maintaining safe passage to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes,” Rear Admiral Barrett said.

Commodore McHardie was supported by a combined Australian and Canadian staff.

“We have had an exceptionally rewarding deployment. Our successes have significantly impacted the hip pocket of international terrorist organisations,” Commodore McHardie said.

The deployment was the fourth time a Royal Australian Navy Officer commanded CTF150, which is one of three task forces commanded by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) involving 27 nations in the naval partnership.

CMF exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 2.5 million square miles of international waters.

Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/12133449

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The six-and-a-half year contract will enable Defence to transform its communications technology including better integrating fixed telecommunications with satellite and tactical networks.  

Defence Chief Information Officer Dr Peter Lawrence said the transformation of its network was central to wider strategic reforms throughout the Department.  

“This partnership will deliver Defence with robust and secure information communications technology, while creating greater efficiencies and lower costs,” Dr Lawrence said.   

“The project includes a major transformation program of work and the ongoing sustainment of Defence’s telecommunications environment.”  

Telstra Chief Executive Officer David Thodey said the work with Defence would draw on the company’s long heritage of serving Government customers and its experience of large scale network transformations. 

“Telstra’s aim is to deliver technology that can become the backbone of Australian Defence for the next decade and beyond,” Mr Thodey said. 

“The agreement represents the largest customer undertaking in Telstra’s history and will support military operations at home and abroad. 

“We will create 350 new positions to help serve the contract, including recruiting some of the nation’s leading IT, network and security experts. 

“The use of technology such as unified communications, advanced video conferencing as well as tablet and smartphone usage, will provide a vital link connecting troops, commanders, bases and allies around the world,” he said. 

Defence will partner with Telstra to implement the transformed network solution which has a targeted completion date of mid-2016.  

The Defence telecommunications network includes networks at 430 sites in Australia, supporting some 100,000 users in Australia and overseas. The project will significantly improve network performance and meet capability requirements to 2023. 

Media note:

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133433 

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

“It is a great privilege for me to meet young Indigenous people so passionate about aviation and this program provides them with the opportunity to experience Air Force life in general,” Air Vice-Marshal Hupfeld said.

“Students will also participate in a number of planned activities and will be given the chance to explore the different trades available should they wish to pursue an Air Force career once they complete their schooling.”

The RAAFIYP is a collaborative effort between Air Force and Boorowa Aviation (BA), an Indigenous employment program operating through the Illawarra Aboriginal Corporation.

RAAFIYP participants are selected by BA through their extensive connections with Aboriginal communities in eastern Australia.

In 2012, Uncle Harry Allie was appointed as the first Air Force Indigenous Elder, having served in the Royal Australian Air Force from 1966 to 1989.

“We are honoured to have Uncle Harry represent Air Force on official occasions and appreciate his advice on ways to increase participation of Indigenous people in Air Force,” Air Vice-Marshal Hupfeld said.

This is the third RAAFIYP to be held and aims to encourage young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people towards career opportunities associated with aviation and Air Force.

Images from the RAAFIYP Camp are available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133381

Media contacts:

RAAF Base Richmond: Eamon Hamilton 0429 868 794

Defence Communication and Media – NSW: Ben Wickham 0405 310 176

The ship then followed a graduated program of trials and training which concluded with a final successful readiness assessment on 12 April 2013.

Navy and the Defence Materiel Organisation have worked together to achieve this outcome. Air Force also assisted by transporting the transformers from Germany.

The ship will now participate in a number of minor amphibious exercises in North Queensland during May and June 2013 before joining other Navy ships in Exercise Talisman Sabre 13 off the Queensland coast.

The Navy’s amphibious force includes Choules, the Landing Ship Heavy HMAS Tobruk, Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Shield, and three Landing Craft Heavy vessels.

The first Landing Helicopter Dock, recently named NUSHIP Canberra, is due to achieve initial operating capability by the end of 2014.

Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/12133240

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith said the ATAT mission officially ended on 11 April following a transition ceremony at Camp Alamo in Kabul earlier this month.

Minister Smith said the transition represents a significant step in the ANA and the Afghan National Security Forces’ move to full responsibility for the security of Afghanistan.

The school underpins the foundation for Afghanistan’s security by ensuring a powerful force projection through growing the artillery capability of the Afghan National Army.

It will provide the full spectrum of artillery courses to the ANA, from recruit training in the disciplines of Guns, Fire Support and Fire Direction, through to advanced career courses.

Australia’s Joint Task Force 633 Commander, Major General Michael Crane, described the Australian Defence Force’s contribution to the Afghan National Army School of Artillery as tremendously significant and one which will leave an enduring legacy.

“Since the School was formed, the Training Advisory Team has been an Australian led multi-national coalition unit…your legacy is a fully functional Afghan National Army School of Artillery which I know has a bright future,” Major General Crane said.

The ANA School of Artillery is now fully enabled to plan and implement a sustainable future as an independent ANA Branch School; and as the centre of professional artillery knowledge and training.

Members of the ATAT will now return to Australia.

ANA School of Artillery at a glance:

• All Afghan National Army instructors are fully certified and functional equipment status is above 90%.

• Since the School of Artillery’s establishment in 2010, more than 2300 trainees have graduated, including 1100 in the 2012 calendar year.

• The ATAT was an Australian-led organisation based at Camp Alamo in Kabul.

• During the team’s mission, support was provided by specialists from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Singapore and Mongolia.

Australian personnel who deployed with the ATAT were drawn predominately from the Royal Australian Artillery units of the Australian Army including 1st Regiment, 4th Regiment, 8th/12th Regiment and the School of Artillery.

Imagery is available at:  http://images.defence.gov.au/12133353

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The large narcotics processing facility was uncovered during a mission into northern Helmand province that borders Uruzgan. 

With an estimated Afghan street value of almost $9 million, this cache was the largest uncovered so far this year by ANSF supported by the SOTG. 

SOTG Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel J said the discovery would severely disrupt two insurgent narcotic networks. 

“With the money raised from selling the morphine, insurgents would have purchased weapons and ammunition to target Afghan forces and their Australian and Coalition partners in the upcoming fighting season,” LTCOL J said.  

“Clearly preventing weaponry entering the battle space is a big win for the Afghan National Security Forces and the loss of this income source will definitely reduce the insurgents’ ability to fund their fighting campaign.” 

Lieutenant Colonel J said Afghan-led operations to remove narcotic funding directly linked to the insurgency were critical to the future stability of the country. 

“The ability of our Afghan partners to conduct operations with significant successes like this one demonstrates the growing capability and confidence of our partner forces as we transition to Afghan lead for security responsibility in Uruzgan province,” he said. 

“Destroying the narcotic caches and the labs that produce them will take away the main funding source for insurgents, and they will find it increasingly difficult to destabilise the region in the future.” 

Media note: Imagery is available at:  http://images.defence.gov.au/12133322

Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

General Hurley and Admiral Suhartono co-chaired the military-to-military discussions in Jakarta this week. The strategic level dialogue focused on the bilateral Defence relationship.

The economic power shift towards the Indo-Pacific region provides Australia and Indonesia with a prime opportunity to build on our existing Defence relationship and strengthen our strategic partnership,” General Hurley said.

“The Defence Chiefs also participated in the 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Ministers Carr and Smith and their Indonesian counterparts, Ministers Natalegawa and Purnomo.”

During the three day visit General Hurley addressed the Indonesian Air Force Staff College (SESKO-AU) where he told students single service engagement was at an all time high.

“Our Air Force relationship reached a pinnacle mid last year when Indonesian Sukhoi jets participated in Exercise PITCH BLACK over northern Australia.

“The multilateral fighter exercise was the first time the Sukhoi jets had deployed outside Indonesia,” General Hurley said.

The fighter jets will conduct a joint Exercise ELANG AUSINDO later this year.

In 2012, the Indonesian and Australian Air Forces conducted bilateral maritime transport and surveillance exercises RAJAWALI AUSINDO and ALBATROSS AUSINDO.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Law enforcement agencies confirm the half a tonne of heroin has an estimated street value at $100 million AUD.

According to law enforcement agencies, the 500kg haul is one of the largest heroin seizures in maritime history.

The Australian CTF 150 Commander, Commodore Charles McHardie, said the seizure represents another step towards ensuring a secure maritime environment, whilst further depleting terrorism’s finances.

Heroin trafficking is a major source of financial supply for terrorist activity.

“The destruction of this cargo strikes at the financial heart of global terrorist organisations,” Commodore McHardie said.

CTF 150’s Australian-led intelligence gathering, planning, co-ordination and direction was central to the mission’s success.

The Australian ship HMAS Toowoomba worked in conjunction with Canadian warship HMCS Toronto, tracking and boarding suspected drug smugglers.

Commodore McHardie said the seizure is proof coordinated coalition efforts deny funding to terrorist organisations.

HMCS Toronto boarded and searched the vessel in the Indian Ocean adjacent to Zanzibar Island, Tanzania in accordance with international law and the vessel was found to be without nationality.

The boarding occurred as part of Focused Operation Southern Sweep, which is designed to assist counter-terrorism efforts.

Focused Operation Southern Sweep is disrupting the movement of heroin from Afghanistan into East Africa by sea and denying terrorist organisations a source of financial support.

CTF150 is one of three task forces commanded by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which includes 27 nations in the naval partnership.

The CMF mission is to promote security, stability and prosperity across the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Media note: Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133263

Audio is available at http://videos.viostream.com/1563_145842_33572_mp3high.mp3.  Please note – you will need to right click and select “save as MP3″ to save the file.

Commodore McHardie is available for interviews.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

A Coalition soldier and two Afghan National Security Force (ANSF) personnel were also wounded in the blast.

The wounded soldiers received immediate first aid at the site.

One Australian was aero medically evacuated with the Coalition member to a nearby coalition medical facility for further treatment.

The three remaining casualties returned with the force elements and are receiving medical treatment at the Multi National Base – Tarin Kot medical facility. 

The patrol uncovered three additional IEDs within a compound of interest.

The commander on the ground cordoned off the compound to ensure no civilians entered the area.

The Australian soldiers’ families have been notified.

Defence cannot provide any further details for the international casualties.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Ash Power said a small number of Australian Defence Force personnel returned home to Australia on 27 March 2013 marking the end of the Australian-led International Stabilisation Force. 

The last commander of Joint Task Force 631, Lieutenant Colonel Mick Sasse, flew into Australia after the final handover of Australian bases to the Government of Timor-Leste.  

Lieutenant General Power said the latest mission in the fledgling nation started on 25 May 2006 in response to a request from the Government of Timor-Leste and had been a success in restoring public order and stability.  

“Personnel from Australia and New Zealand are proud of the part they have played in assisting the Timor-Leste security forces efforts to restore stability to their nation,” LTGEN Power said.  

“Overall, the ADF is proud to have assisted the Timorese people in the quest for self determination and governance. We all look forward to continued strong relationships with Timor-Leste defence personnel into the future. 

“Approximately 29,000 deployment orders have been issued to personnel, some multiple times, to Timor-Leste since operations in the young nation started with International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in 1999. 

“Our personnel have done an outstanding job to build relationships based on mutual respect and have maintained a strong rapport with the people of Timor-Leste throughout our involvement since the first deployment to the country in 1999.” 

The end of the operation was declared after the Helicopter Point of Disembarkation became the final base to be handed over this year to the Government of Timor-Leste [25 March 13]. 

Other bases to be handed over include the Aircraft Point of Disembarkation at Dili Airport on 18 March 2013 and the Forward Operating Base “Camp” Phoenix on 21 February 2013.  

Australia’s three Army Black Hawk helicopters, four infantry platoons, 102 vehicles and more than 50 shipping containers of equipment have been returned to Australia since November 2012. 

Other items including infrastructure and some vehicles have been gifted to the Government of Timor-Leste following significant consultation.  

Australia will continue its strong security relationship with Timor-Leste through the Defence Cooperation Program, which will continue its mission to support the development of the Timor-Leste Defence Force. 

A team of 24 Australian military and civilian personnel will remain in Timor‑Leste to provide training and mentoring support to the Timor-Leste Defence Force and the Secretariat of Defence.  

Media contact: Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The LMM Contract will be a landmark agreement that will underpin efficiency reforms in the Australian Defence Force’s logistics system.

The LMM contract is for the provision of maintenance for land-based assets, such as military vehicles and general equipment.

While the negotiations to finalise the contract progress, Defence has entered into an early services agreement with Transfield Services to enable initial transition activities to begin in the lead up to the new contract taking effect from 1 July 2013.

The LMM Services contract arrangements will replace three existing Defence contracts for maintenance services which are due to expire on 30 June 2013.

Transfield Services employs more than 24,000 people globally and provides operations, maintenance and construction services to over 20 industries across 11 countries.  The company is a global provider of operations, maintenance and construction services to the resources, energy, industrial, infrastructure, property and defence sectors.

Within the defence sector, Transfield supplies asset management services to the Defence estate and land equipment, as well as providing Defence with comprehensive technical and logistics services, including airfield fire fighting, aircraft refuelling.

If Defence cannot reach a contractual arrangement with Transfield Services, Defence reserves the right to suspend or terminate negotiations with the preferred tenderer and revert to one or more of the other competing tenderers.

The new contract is expected to be awarded before 30 June 2013 with an initial term of six years.

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The Australian Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta travelled to Thailand in March to conduct Exercise AUSTHAI 2013 with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTM Ships Rattanakosin and Phutthayotfa Chulalok.

The three ships were joined by two maritime patrol aircraft: an AP3-C Orion from the Royal Australian Air Force, and a Royal Thai Navy Dornier‑228. The primary aim of the exercise, held in the Gulf of Thailand, was to practice maritime warfare skills and to strengthen naval interoperability, including through the application of maritime patrol aircraft.

During the exercise, Parramatta and her Thai counterparts practiced gunnery exercises collectively known as ‘maritime interdiction’, and the Australian crew also demonstrated the Royal Australian Navy’s fire fighting and damage control techniques.

The exercise had a heavy focus on the conduct of maritime boarding operations, allowing participants to hone boarding skills and discuss mutual lessons learned from deployments to the Middle East.

Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Cannell, said the success of the exercise should give both nations great confidence in their maritime security capabilities.

“Exercises like this are extremely important because it’s essential to our mission of maintaining maritime security in this region that we have the ability to work together with all of our South East Asian neighbours,” said Commander Cannel.

“Considering the ever-present threat of piracy, boarding skills are particularly important, and I was impressed by how effectively our two nations worked together when we practiced these all-important skills.”

The exercise also allowed personnel from both navies to conduct at-sea exchanges between vessels. AUSTHAI 13 was the seventh iteration of the biennial exercise.

Media note: Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133167

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General Hurley said appointing an Australian Defence Force Officer as the Deputy Director Strategic Planning and Policy, and a Defence Australian Public Service officer as the Deputy Director Intelligence was an extension of Australia’s long-standing regional cooperation with the United States.

“These two embed positions will provide increased opportunities for our personnel to work together on security issues of common interest. It will also allow us to deepen our cooperation, particularly through multilateral exercises with a range of allies and partners,” he said.

General Hurley visited United States Pacific Command this week where he met with Admiral Samuel J. Locklear, Commander United States Pacific Command. During bilateral discussions General Hurley addressed Australia’s commitment to continued cooperation on security matters throughout the Asia Pacific region, including through enhanced practical cooperation in northern Australia and the importance of working with regional partners to build cooperation and capacity in the region.

General Hurley also met with component commanders of the United States Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine Corps in the Pacific and held discussions at the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies on Australia’s security policy and interests in the Asia Pacific.

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The play will be developed through a process of consultation between ADF personnel and professional artists during 2013, with potential public performance outcomes in 2014.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the Australian Defence Force. ADF members who choose to participate in this program will be sharing their personal stories with Australian audiences; and will be mentored in various aspects of the theatre industry – working alongside some of Australia’s finest theatrical talent,” Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley said.

STC Artistic Director Andrew Upton said: “This collaboration between STC and the ADF is unique. Bringing together what are, at first glance, two very different human endeavours will undoubtedly lead to a powerful new work that will delve into the complex experiences of individuals of whom our country has demanded a great deal. Our partnership with ADF extends STC’s ongoing work employing theatre as a place for complex social conversations – somewhere to broker understanding and to hopefully generate inspiration.”

Servicemen and women who have sustained various wounds and injuries, ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to physical incapacities, will participate in the performing arts program to assist their recovery.

“The production will be a powerful means for participants to share their personal stories,” General Hurley said.

“Participants will have a unique opportunity to achieve something different and be part of an activity that focuses on their abilities, rather than their individual incapacities.

“Participants will gain new and shared experiences that will assist them as they serve in the ADF and when they decide to transition to civilian life.”

General Hurley said the program is currently in the early stages of development and Defence and Sydney Theatre Company were still working through the details.  Further information, including the creative team, will be announced in due course.

“The program is very much in its infancy. Defence will be looking at various funding options to assist us deliver this innovative program for the men and women of the ADF who have risked their lives and been harmed in the line of duty.”

Imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133142

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Sydney Theatre Company (02) 9250 1703

On Monday 18 March 2013 the online version of your newspaper published an editorial which related to the article entitled “Incat sailing at full speed” (17 March 2013). I feel compelled to respond given the highly emotive and inaccurate attack on both the Navy and the Department of Defence.

There is no doubt that both Incat and Austal build world-class fast catamarans; we should all be proud of that. There is, however, one simple truth in this debate: the fast catamaran is a specialised vessel and if it met Navy’s capability needs then there is no doubt we would have such a vessel in service.

The comparisons to the US Navy and to East Timor in your editorial are both inappropriate. The US Navy’s fleet of 285 ships gives it a wide range of options to have many different ship types. The RAN is around one sixth the size and this fleet size means we have far fewer ship types.

The fast catamaran was useful in East Timor but there were particular circumstances that made it so, principally the existence in Dili of established wharf infrastructure that allowed easy unloading of equipment. However, Navy’s general needs are focused on operational scenarios where established port infrastructure does not exist or has been destroyed (as was the case in Aceh following the tsunami in 2004). The reality is that the fast catamaran is much less useful in these circumstances.

The Navy understands its equipment needs for the specific missions it is required to contribute to. It also understands the need for taxpayers’ dollars to be spent on equipment that has the broadest possible range of uses.

Yours sincerely,

R.J. GRIGGS, AO, CSC

Vice Admiral, Royal Australian Navy

Chief of Navy

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, formally welcomed General Thanh and his delegation to the Australian Defence College campus at Weston Creek. Australia’s Federation Guard provided an Honour Guard to mark General Thanh’s visit, the first of its kind to occur at the college.

The Australian Defence College provides a unique learning environment through the delivery of postgraduate education to Australian and international military personnel.

Commander of the Australian Defence College, Major General Craig Orme, said visits by senior military representatives from overseas were important because they reflected the high value placed on professional military education and in building strong international ties between course members studying at the college.

“We have over 90 students from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, North America, the United Kingdom and Europe studying at our learning centres,” Major General Orme said.

“The experience not only provides them with an understanding of the Australian Defence Force but allows our personnel to build networks for life and learn about the militaries of other countries.”

The Australian Defence College is the lead organisation for Defence education. Its learning centres include the Australian Command and Staff College, Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, and the Australian Defence Force Academy.

The college provides undergraduate, postgraduate and specialist education to over 4500 local and international military personnel each year.

Media note:
Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133110

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CTF150’s Australian commander, Commodore Charles McHardie, said a helicopter from the Royal Navy vessel Her Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Northumberland observed the crews jettisoning their cargo as Northumberland approached as part of counter-terrorism operations.

HMS Northumberland intercepted and searched the suspect vessels on the high seas in the Gulf of Oman and recovered and seized 120 kg of cargo from the vessel and the sea. The combination of cannabis jettisoned by the crew and destroyed by HMS Northumberland was assessed as 1500kg.

Commodore Charles McHardie said that a disruption of this size proves the mission is helping deny potential funding for terrorist organisations.

“This successful seizure by HMS Northumberland was achieved through the hard work and on going co-operation of CMF’s (Combined Maritime Forces) partner nations,” Commodore McHardie said.

“I was advised that the estimated 1500 kg of cannabis involved has a street value of up to US$7.5 million.

“The destruction of this cargo ensures that it will not fund the activities of extremists.

“The boarding was conducted in accordance with international law as the vessels were of unknown nationality.”

CTF 150, a combined Australian and Canadian staff, works with Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and other agencies to coordinate maritime security operations across their area of operations.

Commodore McHardie is the fourth Royal Australian Navy Officer to command CTF150 which is one of three task forces commanded by CMF involving 27 nations in the naval partnership.

The CMF mission is to promote security, stability and prosperity across the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.  The area encompasses some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

He said this seizure represents another small step towards ensuring a secure maritime environment for legitimate mariners in the region and HMS Northumberland can be proud of her achievement.

The Australian warship HMAS Toowoomba is also assigned to CMF while deployed to the Middle East and is currently tasked to support CTF150 operations.

HMAS Toowoomba’s presence contributes to inter-operability of CMF nations and demonstrated CMF resolve to maintain safe access to vital international waterways by deterring terrorist activities and acts of piracy.

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133091

Vision is available at: http://www.defence.gov.au/video/ 

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Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

The most effective way to show support is to send an email message to the troops at supportthetroops@defence.gov.au. These messages are widely circulated and much appreciated by Defence members.

The ADF also encourages the public to consider making a lasting contribution to personnel who have deployed, and their families, by donating to the RSL, Legacy or Soldier On.

The RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund prepares care packages that are dispatched twice each year to Defence, Australian Federal Police and other Government Agency personnel deployed on operations. These care packs contain various non-perishable items, a letter of appreciation on behalf of all Australians, and RSL Membership contact details. Importantly, these packs are professionally prepared and meet all Defence and host nation transport and import requirements. Donations to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund can be made at http://www.rsl.org.au/Support-Us. Donations over $2 are tax deductible, and every donation is individually acknowledged by the RSL.

For members of the public wishing to send parcels to deployed personnel for Anzac Day 2013, the Australian Forces Post Office box address below will be open until 12 April. 

An Australian Defence Member
AFPO 60
Australian Defence Force NSW 2890

In order to ensure an equitable distribution of parcels it is requested that all donations be gender-neutral, and be addressed to ‘An Australian Defence Member’, not to a specific job title, trade or unit member.

Please note Defence can not accept care packages for Military Working Dogs or Explosive Detection Dogs due to strict care requirements relating to both their diet and their training programs.

To ensure that all items are able to be delivered to our deployed forces, donors are asked to ensure that packages are of non-perishable goods. Previous experience has shown that items that are not robustly packaged can break open during transit, which can lead to infestation and spoilage of perishable goods. Defence cannot send perished or infested items overseas.

All items must be submitted to an Australia Post outlet by the cut-off date of 12 April, and meet the requirements and restrictions detailed on the Defence website at: http://www.defence.gov.au/people/message_to_troops.htm 

Media contact:  Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

Minister for Defence Stephen Smith used his address to announce Brigadier Simone Wilkie’s promotion to Major General in mid 2013.

“Simone will become the second female officer to reach Major General in the Army and will take up her position as Commander Australian Defence College from July this year,” Minister Smith said.

The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley said the conference had helped the Australian Defence Force benchmark its progress in creating greater opportunities for female employees.

“Defence has the will and the policies to achieve greater gender equality. The next step is to ensure our mid ranking officers and middle managers have the support they need to implement those policies.”

During the conference General Hurley told the international audience that diversity and inclusion are crucial to the Australian Defence Force’s ability to operate at maximum capability.

“We have made good progress but we still have more work to do. Exceptional women should not be the exception,” General Hurley said.

Twenty presenters representing five nations have addressed the conference over the past two days, including a number of women who spoke about their personal experiences serving in the military.

Today, National Security Adviser Dr Margot McCarthy; Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Ms Elizabeth Broderick, Assistant Federal Police Commissioner Mandy Newton; the Director of UN Women Australia Ms Julie McKay; and author, journalist and commentator on women in the workplace Ms Catherine Fox added their expertise to the discussion.

Defence will consider the timing for a second Defence and Security Leadership Conference to measure progress on gender related reform.

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The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, said the conference would invite debate and discussion about what action is required to achieve greater equality, diversity and inclusion across Defence.

“Defence is not starting from a zero base but the key to success in this endeavour will be to continue to engage with our female workforce to understand their needs and ensure that the men in our organisation are accepting and supporting as we move to address these needs,” General Hurley said.

General Hurley told the conference today’s ADF had a very different demographic compared to when he first joined the Army more than 40 years ago.

“When I was a junior officer in the early 1970s, more than a few eyebrows were raised in the 1st Battalion when two female clerks were posted into the Battalion Headquarters.

“Today women are deployed to all operational theatres and serve as Commanding Officers of major warships, Air Force Squadrons and Army Units and they fill executive appointments across the Defence organisation.”

General Hurley said that gender equality was only the start of a much broader cultural shift toward increased diversity and inclusion.

“I want the Australian Defence Force to be recognised as an employer of choice; a fair, just and inclusive organisation that sets the benchmark for other employers.

“Everyone at every level has an active role to play in living the Defence values and meeting this intent,” General Hurley said.

Today’s speakers included Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP, former Queensland premier, Anna Bligh, civilian expert, Dr Edwina Thompson and international speakers representing the United States, the United Kingdom, Canadian and New Zealand militaries.

US Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Mark E. Ferguson III, a champion for enhancing career and leadership opportunities for women in the US military, gave an overview of the US Navy’s journey of integrating women into all elements of the US Naval service. Other international speakers shared their personal stories and experiences of being a female in the military.

The conference concludes tomorrow.

Imagery is available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/12133034

Media contact:

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

General Hurley’s interview was pre-recorded at 11am at Defence Headquarters via a link to the presenter in Sydney. Toward the end of the 20 minute interview, which was primarily concerned with Afghanistan, General Hurley was asked four questions relating to allegations raised by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Morgan. When the program aired, General Hurley’s responses were played at the start of the interview, immediately following a story relating to LTCOL Morgan. The ABC edited and broadcast the interview in such a way that the ordinary viewer would have reasonably concluded that General Hurley had seen the story and was responding directly to the allegations asserted in the story. This was not the case. 

Prior to his interview General Hurley was provided with four quotes but was not given the opportunity to view the story. The quotes provided did not convey the same level of detail contained in the story or the true extent of the allegations raised in a story that ultimately ran for almost 11 minutes.

The Chief of the Defence Force and the Defence leadership remain committed to addressing abuse and achieving enduring cultural change.

In the 12 months since the Pathway to Change strategy was released, 48 of the 160 recommendations have been closed out and another 110 are under way. Most importantly Defence has established the Sexual Misconduct Protection and Response Office, which is responsible for changing the handling of sexual offences to a victim support focus. The remaining recommendations will commence as other related recommendations mature.

The Australian Human Rights Commission is expected to complete its first audit to measure Defence’s progress later this month.