Media Room: Defence Alert

BOARD OF INQUIRY INTO THE DEATH OF PRIVATE JACOB KOVCO – UPDATE

The Board of Inquiry (BOI) into the death and repatriation of Private Jacob Kovco will continue on Wednesday, 21 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 Board president has called for a closed court for operational security reasons for the morning of Wednesday, 21 June. The exact time that the Board will recommence in open session is unknown. The Board president advises open session may commence by 10.30am, however it may not be until midday. It is requested media be at the front gate at either 10.15am or 12pm.

The afternoon session will be open to the media however no recording devices are permitted. Transcripts will be made available to the media.

Media Notes:

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

When:            10.15am or 12pm, Wednesday 21 June 2006.

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

Media are to assemble at the front gates of Victoria Barracks (Oxford Street entrance) with appropriate identification for military escort into the barracks.   Late media will not be granted access. Photographic identification will be required upon arrival at Victoria Barracks.  No vans will be permitted within Victoria Barracks.

Media contacts:

BOI Public Affairs Officer         0438 013 428

Defence Public Affairs  (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664