Recommendations stemming from the Burchett report will be implemented as soon as possible, the Chief of the Defence Forces, ADML Chris Barrie said.

Speaking at his press conference on Thursday, August 16, ADML Barrie said the Military Audit Team under the leadership of Mr Burchett, was formed to establish whether or not there exists in the ADF, any evidence of a culture of systemic avoidance of due disciplinary processes.

"I have examined Mr Burchett's recommendations closely and I expect to move to implement them as soon as possible.

"First, and most importantly, Mr Burchett reported that he found that there is not a culture in the ADF of widespread or systematic avoidance of due disciplinary practices, or the use of violence to maintain discipline.

"Secondly, Mr Burchett stressed that the ADF has taken vigorous steps to stamp out objectionable practices at its training institutions, but he went on to say that ongoing vigilance must be maintained.

"Thirdly, Mr Burchett has proposed some significant reforms to the military justice system to make it more efficient and transparent.

"A major finding in this area is support of the establishment of an Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, a concept I foreshadowed last year.

"The need for improved guidance and training has also been particularly highlighted.

"In all our minds has been the question of whether or not Mr Burchett found any evidence of wrong-doing in the administration of military justice.

"There are some matters of concern in a very small number of units.

"I want to assure you that these are being investigated actively.

"A number of personal issues raised by individuals are also the subject of ongoing examination.

"But I want to stress that these ongoing issues are a few in number and are being dealt with properly and expeditiously.

"The report by Mr Burchett very much confirms what the Service Chiefs and I believed: that we have a pretty good system of military justice, which is serving us well.

"We also believed that the vast majority of our people understood their rights and obligations under the Defence Force Discipline Act.

"This is clearly the case and we now have an independent report that supports this view.

"The great majority or our people do the right thing and go about their duties with a due regard for the rule of law.

"Those who do not comply will feel the full consequences of the law.

"In releasing this report and by informing the Government, the Parliament and the community of the outcome of Mr Burchett's audit, I can say that the ADF deserves a strong reputation for justice and fairness.

"However, we must remain alert," ADML Barrie said.

"Therefore, as I announced last year, I now intend proceeding to establish, as soon as possible, an Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, and will work closely with the Serviced Chiefs.

"As explained earlier, there are certain matters which are still under review within the ADF and for that reason the report issued today is a slightly abridged version," ADML Barrie said.