Media Room: Media Releases

INQUIRY FINDINGS INTO

2007 INCIDENTS IN AFGHANISTAN

Defence today released the findings of inquiries into the combat deaths of three Australian soldiers last year, and a separate but related investigation into civilian deaths and allegations of mistreatment of a detainee.

The three combat death inquiries established the facts surrounding the deaths of Trooper David Pearce on 8 October 2007, Sergeant Matthew Locke on 25 October 2007, and Private Luke Worsley on 23 November 2007. The fourth inquiry investigated civilian casualties and an allegation of detainee mistreatment by Australian troops during the 23 November incident in which Private Worsley was killed.

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, said the investigating officers were satisfied that no further formal investigation was required into the combat deaths.

“These were very thorough investigations undertaken by officers with considerable operational and legal expertise,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“We have thoroughly investigated whether anything could have prevented the deaths of David, Matthew and Luke. The inquiry officers looked at equipment, training, the operational situation and even the orders the soldiers were given on the day of their death to ascertain if there was any process or system that may have let them down.

“The Chief of the Defence Force and the Minister for Defence have agreed that Commissions of Inquiry into the combat deaths are not required,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

Lieutenant General Gillespie said he hoped the release of this information may offer a degree of closure to the families of the three soldiers killed in combat.

“All three men were killed conducting authorised combat operations and as heartbreaking as their deaths are, this was an unfortunate consequence of our troops participating in armed conflict.”

Lieutenant General Gillespie said the fourth inquiry highlighted the complex and demanding nature of operations being undertaken by Australian troops in Afghanistan.

The investigating officer found that two non-combatants were killed as a result of Taliban extremists engaging an Australian Special Operations force from within a compound the extremists knew to be occupied by civilians.

The investigating officer also found that at least two other non-combatants were wounded in the engagement.

“We utilised every resource available, including review of operational reports, collection of statements, liaison with our ISAF partners, and an interview with the Afghan village elder making the claims, to ensure that these inquiries had access to all available information,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

“There is no evidence that the Australian troops breached their rules of engagement on 23 November, 2007.

“In fact, there is overwhelming evidence that our troops put themselves in further danger through their disciplined, proportionate and courageous actions,” Lieutenant General Gillespie said.

Media Note: Redacted versions of the reports into the deaths of Sergeant Locke, Private Worsley and the allegations made by an Afghan village elder will be made available at http://www.defence.gov.au/coi/inquiry_reports.htm

As a courtesy to the family of Trooper Pearce, a redacted version of the inquiry into his death will not be made publicly available until the family has had time to review its contents. This is expected later this week.

The public reports have had operationally sensitive information redacted to ensure that their release does not further jeopardise the safety of Australian soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664