The Senate inquiry will examine how effective the ADF has been in ensuring a robust system that seeks to provide impartial, rigorous and fair outcomes. Photo illustration by Cpl Belinda Mepham, Army newspaper By CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy

Lessons to be learnt
Senate inquiry into military justice begins

THE Senate Inquiry into the military justice system beginning on March 1st is an opportunity to examine and review a system that helps to enforce discipline and adherence to military rules and regulations.

The military justice system is a robust system that seeks to provide impartial, rigorous and fair outcomes.

Within the limits of operational effectiveness, security and privacy constraints it includes mechanisms for transparency and public accountability. As with the civil justice system, you have the right to complain or appeal.

It is a system that applies to all, regardless of rank or position.

While I am generally happy with the way that the military justice system is applied within the Army, there have been a number of incidents over the past few years where it is obvious that Army can and must do better.

All soldiers are responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring a safe working environment.

All soldiers deserve a fair go.

The ADF has made a number of enhancements to the military justice system in recent years such as the establishment of the Discipline Officer Scheme, the IGADF and the Director of Military Prosecutions. Army has also introduced recently a range of initiatives to support the Military Justice System including the Fair Go Initiatives, the establishment of a directorate in AHQ to manage strategic level investigations, greater flexibility for units to conduct their own DFDA investigations and an independent review of the Military Police investigative capability.

I urge all soldiers to watch closely the progress of the Senate Inquiry. There will be lessons to be learnt from it for all of us.

I intend to keep you all informed of any outcomes or significant issues that arise.

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