Update to Investigation into Allegations of Inappropriate Behaviour

Defence can confirm that an Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) investigation team has now joined HMAS Ballarat. The team embarked last night and will now continue with the onboard phase of their investigation.

Following a formal administrative process, a number of sailors from Ballarat were landed at Christmas Island. They have now returned to mainland Australia. No further details as to numbers, identity or reasons for the landing will be provided so that the investigation is not jeopardised.

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said that "In addition to the ADFIS team, support personnel, including an officer from Defence's Sexual and Misconduct and Response Office, have also embarked Ballarat to assist the Commanding Officer in supporting those who may have been affected by these serious allegations.

“I am pleased we have been able to provide this important support quickly and to have moved to this next stage of the investigation without any adverse impact on Ballarat’s important operational commitments.

“Navy will continue to be as open and transparent about this matter as we can be, but the investigation is now at the point where the ADFIS team needs to be able to get on with the job. As such, no further public statements regarding these allegations will be made until the investigation is complete.

“I reiterate how seriously Navy takes allegations of this type and that inappropriate behaviour is neither consistent with our values nor tolerated in Navy,” Vice Admiral Griggs said.

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