Subject: ADF Inspector-General Appointed
From: [email-masked]
To: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 2002 15:30:57 +1000

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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MIN 292/02	Wednesday, 19 June, 2002		
				
ADF INSPECTOR-GENERAL APPOINTED

The Acting Justice of the NSW Supreme Court, Justice Peter Newman, has been appointed Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Announcing the appointment today, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, said the appointment of an independent Inspector-General of the ADF fulfilled a principal recommendation of a military justice audit undertaken by Justice James Burchett last year.

"Australians can be confident that the vast majority of personnel uphold the ADF's strong traditions of professionalism and discipline," Minister Vale said.

"We have sent a strong message to the small minority who do not - there is no place for inappropriate behaviour in the ADF. Allegations of unacceptable behaviour will be investigated, and if there is a case to answer, alleged offenders will be subject to the military justice system.

"The Burchett Review and the implementation of its findings, including this appointment, demonstrate the Federal Government's commitment to making the military justice system more efficient and transparent," she said.

Reporting directly to the Chief of the Defence Force, the Inspector-General will have the power to audit and review the military justice system independent of the ordinary chain of command. This includes auditing Defence Force Discipline Procedures and the Defence Force Administrative Inquiries System. The Inspector-General will be empowered to conduct investigations as directed by the Chief of the Defence Force; on his own initiative; or upon request by the Chiefs of the Navy, Army or Air Force.

Investigations may be conducted into complaints of unacceptable behaviour, including victimisation, abuse of authority, and avoidance of due process where chain of command considerations discourage recourse to normal avenues of complaint. 

The Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie, said the appointment was a significant step towards ensuring the ADF military justice system was the best possible. 

"Mr Justice Newman is well qualified to undertake this very important task," Admiral Barrie said.

"An eminent lawyer, he has served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of New South Wales and in the Navy Reserve as a member of the Legal Service.

"I believe Mr Justice Newman will make a valuable contribution to the ADF," Admiral Barrie said.

The Burchett Review also recommended the appointment of an independent Director of Military Prosecutions. Work is currently underway on legislation required for this appointment. 

Media Contacts: 	
Minister Vale's office:	Rachael Thompson  (02) 6277 7820 or 0417 265 289
Defence:			Susan Hunter (02) 6265 2661 or 0405 310 176

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