Army - The Soldiers' Newspaper

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy has told commanding officers he will assess each of them by their actions in enforcing a zero tolerance policy for unacceptable behaviour at all times. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper

‘Being sorry is not enough ... we can do better’
CA puts all commanders on notice after suicide investigation

By Cpl Damian Shovell
The suicide of Pte Jeremy Williams at the School of Infantry in February will trigger Army-wide reform to end unacceptable behaviour within the Army.

Pte Williams committed suicide on February 2 this year, during Initial Employment Training at the School of Infantry in Singleton, NSW.

In a signal to commanders at all levels, sent on August 28, CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy gave clear direction on their responsibilities to lead by example, and give maximum effort to zero tolerance of unacceptable behaviour of all types.

In the signal, Lt-Gen Leahy put commanders on notice, saying he was committed to treating all soldiers fairly and with respect to allow them to excel.

“Too often we say that attitudes and behaviour are unacceptable and I wonder if we really mean it,” he said.

“I require each and every one of you to give effect to a zero tolerance policy for unacceptable behaviour of all types.

Lt-Gen Leahy said he was acutely aware that the vast majority of soldiers brought honour to the Army, their mates and themselves by what they achieved every day and by the way they achieved it.

“I am also aware that the vast majority of people at the School of Infantry do an outstanding job producing world class infantry soldiers. This fact is not lost and will not be ignored as we make enduring organisational changes at the School of Infantry.

“Notwithstanding this, there are outstanding allegations, which are currently being investigated. There is no place within the Australian Army for people who do not believe and live by our Army values, respective codes of conduct and the fair go principals.”

Both military and civilian police investigations found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of Pte Williams.

Realising there were other factors involved, Commander Training Command Maj-Gen Ian Gordon appointed Brig Cris Anstey to undertake a further extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pte William’s death.

The Williams family were involved in the compilation of the terms of reference for the investigation and made a number of allegations concerning the conduct of individuals at the school of infantry.

These allegations and others, which came to light during the investigations, have been referred to the military police.

The investigating officer did not identify any single factor as the sole cause of Pte William’s decision to end his life.

He did conclude that organisational failures, unacceptable conduct and inappropriate attitudes of a small but disappointing number of staff and trainees toward other trainees at the school of Infantry, particularly injured trainees, contributed to a sense of despair and depression in Pte Williams.

As CA, Lt-Gen Leahy has held himself ultimately responsible, and has expressed his deep regret and sorrow over the incident.

“I sincerely regret that Pte Williams and others were exposed to such conduct and attitudes. As CA and the officer ultimately responsible, I have expressed my regrets and sorrow to the Williams family.”

Lt-Gen Leahy said he and other senior commanders were working to ensure that the culture harbouring behaviour, conduct or attitudes that are detrimental are expelled from the Army.

“I am committed to ensuring that we treat all of our people fairly and with respect, providing them with the opportunity to excel.

“We must do everything we can to ensure that circumstances, such as these, never occur again.”

Lt-Gen Leahy said all commanders were aware of the rules for a fair go, which guided the behaviour of soldiers.

“Clearly these rules in Training Command, and other support protocol, weren’t enough at the School of Infantry to ensure this type of behaviour did not occur.”

Maj-Gen Gordon has developed an action plan specifically designed to create an enduring climate of support, positive reinforcement and encouragement at the School of Infantry and all other training establishments.

DCA Maj-Gen Frank Roberts would investigate the applicability of this action plan for the rest of the Army, which will provide a whole of Army response.

“I expect all commanders within Army to lead by example, to adhere to the Fair Go Rules and to ensure that those whose welfare they are responsible for are able to serve the Army and the nation in an atmosphere of positive support free from harassment,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.

The executive summary of the investigation and the major components of the action plan can be viewed at www.defence.gov.au/media/index