Defence response

Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Plan

The Afghanistan Inquiry (the Inquiry) made a number of findings and 143 recommendations. Defence accepted all findings and developed a comprehensive plan to address the recommendations. 

At this time, Defence has implemented the required action to close 139 of the 143 recommendations.

The Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Plan (the Reform Plan) set the Defence strategy for responding to the Inquiry and established the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program (the Reform Program) to coordinate and drive this work.

Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Plan (PDF, 6.51 MB)

Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program

The Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program delivered on the following 2 objectives and a range of initiatives designed to prevent recurrence of the events that led to the inquiry.

Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program Closure

The Deputy Prime Minister announced the closure of the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program on 12 September 2024.

Defence, through the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program, has undertaken a substantial body of work to address the findings and recommendations of the Afghanistan Inquiry and embed sustainable, enduring reform across the organisation. 

This work is detailed in the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program Closure Report which provides a comprehensive overview of the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program, including program objectives, achievements, benefits realised and lessons learnt. 

Key achievements include:

• reform of end-to-end education and training on ethics and character, and delivery of doctrine to inform education and training
• development of command accountability doctrine to better define and improve command accountability within the Australian Defence Force
• review of the Law of Armed Conflict Manual, including improved guidance on the protection of civilians
• establishment of an alternative, safe and confidential reporting process for allegations of serious operational incidents
• publishing of a new ADF wide respite policy in Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) to ensure ADF members are provided with adequate respite between deployments and an update to the process for consideration of waivers
• introduction of Appointment to Command certificates to provide greater accountability of commanders across the entire enterprise.

The journey from inception to completion of the Afghanistan Inquiry Reform Program has encompassed deep reflection and learning, as adapting and evolving from past mistakes are integral to future success. This commitment to continuous learning positions the Australian Defence Force well for future operations. 

Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel

The Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel (AIIOP) provided the Deputy Prime Minister (Minister for Defence) with independent oversight and assurance of Defence’s response to the Afghanistan Inquiry. 

The Panel included individuals recognised for their expertise and experience in complex legal matters, forensic review, organisational scrutiny and reform, and reported directly to the Deputy Prime Minister (Minister for Defence).

The Panel is comprised of:

• Dr Vivienne Thom, AM, a former Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security 
• Robert Cornall, AO, a former Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, and 
• Professor Rufus Black, noted ethicist and Vice Chancellor of the University of Tasmania. 

The Panel’s tenure concluded in November 2023. 

Progress Reports

The panel were required to provide progress reports to the Minister for Defence on a quarterly basis. There were 12 Quarterly Reports produced, with the Final Report tabled in Parliament in May 2024. 

Quarterly Reports 1-6 are classified PROTECTED - CABINET. Cabinet records are accessible to the public through the National Archives of Australia after the expiration of the statutory closed period (which varies between 20 to 30 years).

Quarterly reports 7-12 are classified OFFICIAL - SENSITIVE. Redacted versions of these reports are available on the Freedom of Information disclosure log:

• 429/23/24 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 7
• 398/22/23 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 8
• 549/22/23 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 9
• 784/22/23 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 10
• 388/23/24 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 11
• 500/23/24 - Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel Quarterly Report 12