Media Room: Defence Alert

BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO THE DEATH OF PRIVATE JACOB KOVCO

The Board of Inquiry (BOI) into the death and repatriation of Private Jacob Kovco will start on Monday, 19 June 2006 prior to reconvening in mid-July.  Private Kovco died on 21 April 2006 as a result of a single gunshot wound while serving with the Australian Security Detachment in Baghdad, Iraq.

The BOI will be convened into the circumstances surrounding his death.  The BOI will also investigate the repatriation of Private Kovco to Australia.

The hearing will be open to the media however no recording devices are permitted. Transcripts will be available for media to peruse.  File footage will be arranged for interested media at 8:15am, followed by a short statement by LTCOL Evan Carlin about the process of the Board of Inquiry.

Media Notes:

What:             BOI into the death of Private Jacob Kovco commences.

When:            09:00am, Monday 19 June 2006.

Where:           Land Headquarters, Victoria Barracks, Oxford Street, Paddington.

Who:              The Board President, Group Captain Warren Cook, will make a short statement prior to opening the Inquiry. 

Media are to assemble at the front gates of Victoria Barracks (Oxford street entrance) with appropriate identification at 08:00am for military escort into the barracks.   Late media will not be granted access.  Interested media are requested to provide early advice to the Public Affairs Operation Centre on 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664 by no later than 5:00pm Friday 16 June 2006 of their intention to attend.  Photographic identification will be required upon arrival at Victoria Barracks.  No vans will be permitted within Victoria Barracks.