ADF training has come under the spotlight with a new independent review currently examining the culture underlying it.

Initiated by the Chief of Defence Force, the inquiry is conducting an audit of ADF training establishments to examine training culture and determine if any aspects of ADF training are detrimental to students.

The Audit Team will then make recommendations on any actions that may be required to rectify concerns they identify within the training system.

It is part of the response to the Senate Inquiry into Military Justice which identified ADF culture as a possible cause of problems.

Former Public Service Commissioner, Andrew Podger, is heading the inquiry, assisted by Major-General Roger Powell (Retired) and Ms Catherine Harris, a Sydney businesswoman and university counsellor.

They have visited a wide range of training establishments during the last two months in the first stage of the inquiry.
There will be a range of follow-on visits in the next half of the inquiry.

“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.’
– Andrew Podger

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.

More information is available from the Military Justice Implementation Team (MJIT) on (02) 62174120, or via email at MJIT@defence.gov.au. Anyone wishing to contact the inquiry team in confidence may write to Mr Andrew Podger, c/o MJIT, Unit 5, 101 Tennant Street, Fyshwick ACT 2609.