The Australian Army has suspended five more members in relation to allegations of unacceptable behaviour announced by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, on Thursday, 13 June 2013.
The five members are the subject of an ongoing major investigation by the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) into alleged military disciplinary offences.
The offences relate to allegations that a group of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers of the Australian Army produced and distributed highly inappropriate material demeaning women, across both Defence computer systems and the public internet.
The suspension of the five members follows the earlier suspension of three members in relation to the allegations.
The three members suspended previously remain persons of interest for the New South Wales Police Force, who have finalised their investigation into potential civilian criminal offences and presented a brief to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution.
Pending the outcome of the ongoing major ADFIS investigation, the Army may consider further suspension decisions against others if the circumstances warrant.
Those personnel suspended will have access to the range of support measures available within Defence.
ADFIS is also investigating a further 90 individuals, predominantly Army members, allegedly identified as peripheral to the group’s email exchanges.
As the major investigation by ADFIS is ongoing, there is also the possibility that the number of individuals allegedly involved may change.
Defence will not release the details of any suspension notifications, nor the service status, units or locations of the individuals allegedly involved as it would be prejudicial to ongoing investigations.
Questions relating to any criminal offences or charges should be referred to the NSW Police Force.
Defence will not comment further on this matter at this time.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
