Information about legal assistance on this website specifically relates to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) Afghanistan Inquiry and matters arising from it.
Access to appropriate legal assistance is important for the welfare and fair treatment of current and former serving ADF members who participated in the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry and/or are now participating in criminal investigations or proceedings relating to matters arising from the Inquiry.
You may have your legal representative (if you already have one) or your authorised agent make general enquiries on your behalf. All enquiries and applications for legal assistance are handled confidentially.
The appropriate scheme for provision of legal assistance depends on an individual’s circumstances and the purpose for which they seek legal assistance.
Criminal Investigations or Proceedings
Access to appropriate legal assistance is important for the welfare and fair treatment of current and former serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.
To ensure current and former serving ADF members who participated in the Afghanistan Inquiry and/or are now participating in criminal investigations or proceedings relating to matters arising from the Afghanistan Inquiry have access to appropriate legal assistance, the Commonwealth has established the Afghanistan Inquiry Legal Assistance Scheme (AILAS), which commenced on 30 September 2021.
The AILAS is administered by the Attorney-General’s Department (AGD). The AGD is responsible for receiving, assessing and making decisions on all applications for grants of funding for legal representation and related costs from current and former serving ADF members who require legal assistance for a criminal investigation or proceeding arising from matters subject of the Afghanistan Inquiry.
More information, including AILAS grant guidelines and application forms, is available on the AGD website.
Legal assistance to Defence members
Defence Counsel Services (DCS) provides independent, trusted legal support to ADF members. DCS reports directly to the Associate Secretary.
Functions
To facilitate and co-ordinate legal assistance for persons facing trial before a court-martial or Defence Force magistrate, and persons affected by the ADF administrative inquiry process.
To facilitate legal assistance for ADF members on matters related to their service. This assistance includes, but is not limited to:
- Notice to Show Cause.
- Redress of Grievance.
- Medical Employment Category Review Board.
- Civilian Matters (limited assistance).
- Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration.
- Wills.
DCS contact details
Phone: 1800 563 563 | 02 6266 1190 (overseas only)
For legal assistance email your.legalassistance@defence.gov.au.
For queries relating to Wills email your.will@defence.gov.au.
For Court Martials or Defence Force Magistrate trials email your.DCStrial@defence.gov.au.
Defence encourages anyone who may be affected by the Afghanistan Inquiry to seek help early so that assistance can be provided.
Support services are available to those affected by the Afghanistan Inquiry whether they are current or former serving Australian Defence Force personnel or their families.
Defence Media
media@defence.gov.au