New arms of the law
Volume 11, No. 48, July 27, 2006
By Cpl Mike McSweeney

Justice roles: Brig Lyn McDade.

Justice roles: Col Geoff Cameron.

TWO Army officers have been appointed to the new positions of Director Military Prosecutions (DMP) and Registrar of Military Justice (RMJ) to further enhance the fairness of the Australian military justice system.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy promoted new DMP Lt-Col Lyn McDade to Brigadier and new RMJ Lt-Col Geoff Cameron to colonel during a ceremony in Canberra on July 10.

Their appointments follow a government committee’s Report on the Effectiveness of Australia’s Military Justice System.

Brig McDade said it was an honour to be given the role.

“I hope I contribute to the better working of the military justice system in the ADF and that I can have a part in ensuring that all service people get a fair go in relation to disciplinary matters – and I think that can be achieved,” she said.

Both Brig McDade and Col Cameron have more than 50 years’ experience between them in civil and military law. Brig McDade was recently a Barrister-at-Law and Col Cameron was the Director ADF Military Law Centre and Deputy Director Asia Pacific Centre for Military Law.

“I’m very excited about the new position,” Col Cameron said. “To be selected for this role recognises my background and experience in civilian and military justice and administration.”

The DMP appointment will mean a single, independent and impartial authority will exist with the prosecution powers once vested in 33 command-based convening authorities.

The RMJ will provide case management, trial administration and post-trial administration independent of the chain of command.

The two appointments will each be for five years.

“It’s about a whole new way of doing business in military justice and administration. I really want to streamline the processes and I really want to overcome some of the undue delays that have been in the system,” Col Cameron said.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson congratulated both officers on being selected for the important positions.

“This appointment will enhance the rigour, fairness and timeliness of military justice by removing perceptions of command influence,” Mr Billson said. “It will also promote confidence among ADF personnel regarding the independence and impartiality of the appointee and the functions of the office.”