Audit aims to rout bad training culture
Volume 11, No. 41, April 20, 2006

AN AUDIT team has visited a wide range of training establishments in recent months in the first stage of an inquiry examining the culture underlying Defence Force training.

Initiated by CDF ACM Angus Houston, the inquiry will examine training culture and determine if any aspects of ADF training are detrimental to students.

Former Public Service Commissioner, Andrew Podger, is heading the inquiry, assisted by Maj-Gen Roger Powell (retd) and Catherine Harris, a Sydney businesswoman and university councillor.

“CDF has emphasised that he wants the inquiry to be open and transparent, and we have been given freedom to determine how we will conduct our investigation,” Mr Podger said.

“We will be approaching current and former trainees, training staff and commands, using various techniques intended to give us confidence to assess the current culture.

“Individuals can be assured of confidentiality in their dealings with us, but I should emphasise our focus is on systemic issues, not individual cases of bullying or harassment. The inquiry is not about dealing with previous or current individual cases of inappropriate behaviour.”

He said his team recognised that discipline was fundamental to an effective military force but it must be tempered with a concern for individuals, their dignity and their wellbeing.

“Bullying and harassment are not consistent with military discipline or the values required by the ADF,” he said.
“They undermine trust and respect, which are essential to build loyalty and teamwork.”

The inquiry is due for completion by the end of June. It is part of the response to the Senate Inquiry into Military Justice, which identified ADF culture as a possible cause of problems.

More information is available from the Military Justice Implementation Team on (02) 6127 4120, or via email at MJIT@defence.gov.au To contact the inquiry team in confidence, write to Andrew Podger, c/o MJIT, Unit 5, 101 Tennant Street, Fyshwick, ACT 2609.

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