Media Room: Media Releases

UNAUTHORISED RELEASE OF DEFENCE INFORMATION

Defence today announced that official information relating to allegations of inappropriate behaviour during a Forces Entertainment Tour to Afghanistan, had been obtained and published by News Limited.

Defence spokesman, Brigadier Andrew Nikolic, said “we are unaware how that unauthorised disclosure occurred, but we apologise unreservedly to those named.  We have called on News Limited to assist our enquiries by returning any material they have obtained.

“An initial document, prepared internally to brief the Minister, did contain the names but was withdrawn by Defence within minutes because of privacy concerns.  Importantly, the final version of the document did not include names,” Brigadier Nikolic said.

Defence is currently inquiring into a number of matters, including the allegation of inappropriate behaviour, privacy concerns, and the unauthorised disclosure.

“In relation to the inappropriate behaviour allegation, we are unable to comment as the investigation is ongoing.

“In relation to the privacy concerns and unauthorised disclosure, we are clearly concerned at this breakdown in a trusted process and have taken steps to prevent a re-occurrence.  This includes a review of the process of raising and distributing official information of this type.

“We hope to complete these inquiries quickly and have taken steps to formally apologise to the people whose names were published by the media,” Brigadier Nikolic said.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664