Annual Report 2004-05

Effectiveness of Investigations and Complaints Handling

Redress of Grievance and Review of Actions

The Complaint Resolution Agency is responsible to the Chief of the Defence Force and the Secretary of Defence for providing independent investigation, review and handling of internal complaints.

The Complaint Resolution Agency is involved in reviewing:

• military redresses of grievance which are managed in accordance with the Defence Force Regulations 1952 (made under the Defence Act 1903); and
• applications for Review of Actions for Defence Australian Public Service employees, managed in accordance with the Public Service Act 1999.

Chart 3.5 shows the total number of applications for Redress of Grievance submitted by ADF members to commanding officers in each of the last three financial years and the number of grievances that were finalised in the same period.

Chart 3.5 Number of Military Redresses of Grievance Received and Finalised 2002-03 to 2004-05 ^{(1) (2) (3)}

Note

1. Redresses of Grievance recorded as finalised may have been received in the preceding year.
2. Redresses of Grievance are finalised when the complainant chooses not to pursue the grievance further, or the process of investigation and review is completed.
3. A complainant who is not satisfied with the outcome of a Redress of Grievance submitted at the Unit level may refer the complaint for review by the Service Chief. Officers and warrant officers have a further right to refer their complaint for review by the Chief of the Defence Force.

Chart 3.6 shows the number of applications for Review of Action submitted by Defence civilian employees in each of the last three financial years and the number of complaints finalised in the same period.

Chart 3.6 Number of Defence Australian Public Service Review of Actions Received and Finalised 2002-03 to 2004-05 ⁽¹⁾

Note

1. Prior to 2003-04, details of Review of Actions managed outside the Australian Capital Territory/Southern New South Wales region were not centrally monitored and are excluded from the chart.