Extract From the Terms of Reference

The three members of the Review Team have been appointed by the Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal A.G. HOUSTON, AC, AFC, to review the general accountability, probity and the transparency of the management of the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) to determine clear lines of responsibility to ensure that the ADFC is achieving its specific objectives in an efficient and effective manner.

Review Objectives

The review team has been asked to make recommendations on actions required to improve the ADFC. Some of the issues they should take into account and give consideration to are:

• the objectives and desired outcomes of the ADF Cadet Scheme;
• the appropriate community context for the Scheme;
• the appropriate age bracket for participation in the Scheme;
• the ADFC structural and administration arrangements necessary to ensure appropriate "duty of care" standards;
• the efficient administration of the Scheme, including its alignment with other Defence Organisational structures;
• proposals for a standardised program and curriculum designed to maximise appeal to contemporary youth, youth organisations, parents and teachers;
• opportunities to flexibly deal with youth support issues of concern in regional areas;
• standard criteria, selection processes and accountability framework for personnel involved in direct contact with participants in the Scheme; and
• relevant past reviews and studies of the ADFC.

They will attempt to identify systemic issues (leadership, policy, occupational health and safety (OHS), doctrinal, procedural and/or training protocols) which may be inhibiting best practice management. The focus is at the systemic level as opposed to the individual level, and should also include identification of those positive attributes of the system that should be sustained or enhanced.

The review team will undertake a community consultation phase in support of its work.

Reports

An interim report identifying any significant findings with respect to legal, OHS or duty of care issues that require urgent attention in the short term, is required as soon as practicable.

The Review is required to report to the Chief of Defence Force by the end of this year.