Letter to the Editor - Sydney Morning Herald

Dear Mr Goodsir,

In the Sydney Morning Herald on 6 August 2014, an article entitled ‘Former Commando pleads guilty to charges over ‘Jedi Council’ sex ring’ contains factual errors which I would like to correct.

The article indicates Mr Hastings Fredrickson resigned from the Army Reserve last month. This is incorrect. The Australian Army terminated the service of Mr Frederickson in September 2013, in relation to the allegations of unacceptable behaviour as announced by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, AO, on 13 June 2013.

The article also describes Mr Frederickson as a ‘former Army Commando’. This is also incorrect. Mr Frederickson never qualified as a Commando. During the course of his employment with the Australian Army, Mr Fredrickson served as a support staff member within the Special Operations Command.

I trust that any future reporting of this matter will accurately reflect this information.

Yours Sincerely,

P.W.‘Gus’ GILMORE, AO, DSC
Major General
Deputy Chief of Army

8 August 2014