Volume 48, No. 5, April 6, 2006
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A
review is underway into the culture of ADF training at establishments
such as the School of Technical Training at Wagga.
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Photo
by CPL Simone Liebelt
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ADF
training has come under the spotlight with an independent review
examining the culture underlying Defence Force training.
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 MAJGEN Roger Powell (Rtd) 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.
“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. 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.
