Articles in several News Limited papers on Saturday 30 April (Sex-with-benefits voyeurs face court, and ADFA sex scandal lands in ACT court) are inaccurate, and discredit the reputation of an upstanding member of the Australian Defence Force Academy.
The articles state that Midshipman Joshua Friend was one of the officer cadets who allegedly viewed the Skype transmission from a nearby room. This is incorrect – Midshipman Friend did not view the transmission.
Midshipman Friend was made aware of allegations on inappropriate behaviour at ADFA, and consistent with Navy values, raised issues for the consideration of command.
He has been called before the ACT Magistrates Court as a witness, not as a respondent. Defence requests that media reporting acknowledge this distinction.
The Australian Defence Force Academy will continue to provide its support to all those involved.
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
