MEDIA ALERT

The Acting Deputy Chief of Navy, Commodore Jim O'Hara, will hold a media conference in Canberra this afternoon to address media questions on a case of alleged inappropriate sexual behaviour on board HMAS SYDNEY. The case is currently under naval investigation.

The Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Don Chalmers, has relieved the Commanding Officer of HMAS SYDNEY from his command and is considering the report of the investigation with a view to future action.

The Australian Defence Force has had in place for some years a comprehensive policy on workplace behaviour and a highly effective organisation of trained advisers and counsellors. It is testament to the effectiveness of this organisation's work that the unacceptable behaviour in this case was reported and corrective action is now being taken.

Arrangements for the media conference are as follows:

Commencing 2 p.m. (Friday, 22 January 1999)

At the front entrance to Building R1, Russell Offices, Blamey Square.

NEWS EDITORS/ CHIEFS OF STAFF NOTE: Media are asked to assemble at the Building R1 entrance to be set up by 2 p.m.

Colonel Keith JOBSON
Director General Public Affairs : 0419 292 455

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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