Statement in response to reports of sexual misconduct in the ADF

Unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated, nor is it accepted, in our Defence organisation. Over the past few years Defence has invested significant resources to reform its culture. The initiatives that have been introduced in that time are particularly focussed on encouraging victims of sexual misconduct and bystanders to report and seek Defence support services, and making sure that they feel safe to do so.

The document released under FOI on 18 April 2018 is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/FOI/Decisions/DisclosureLog.asp. It lists 134 alleged incidences of sexual assault and sexual harassment reported to the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS) from 14 September 2017 to 14 March 2018. It is important to note that this list includes a broad range of reported incidents, including a number of historical cases as well as others where the alleged perpetrator was not a Defence member.

Further to this the SeMPRO Supplementary Report 2016–17 highlighted that through ADFIS, Defence received 265 reports of sexual misconduct incidents in 2016–17, and that formal reporting to Defence for sexual misconduct incidents had fluctuated up and down by 5 per cent or less over the last four years, with 252 reports received in 2015-16 and 261 received in 2014-15. This report is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/annualreports/16-17/Downloads/SeMPRO-Report-1617.pdf.

As these documents show, Defence takes all reports of unacceptable behaviour seriously and ensures appropriate action is taken. Importantly, a victim-centric approach is adopted and maintained throughout the handling of all complaints and during follow on phases. In this regard the action taken in each case will often depend on the individual circumstances of the case and there are occasions where a victim may not wish to progress a complaint.

More generally, where an allegation of inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour is made against a member of the ADF, ADFIS will record that notification and either investigate the matter or refer it to the civilian police as appropriate. Civilian police have primary jurisdiction if an incident is considered to be criminal in nature (i.e. sexual assault). However where civilian authorities are unable to prosecute they will refer the matter back to Defence so that the additional actions may be taken as appropriate.

Important details for those affected by sexual misconduct or abuse:

Defence’s Sexual Misconduct and Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) provides advice, guidance and support to persons affected by sexual misconduct, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be contacted on 1800 736 776 (1800SeMPRO) or via sempro@defence.gov.au.

The Defence Force Ombudsman offers an independent complaints mechanism for serving and former Defence members who have experienced physical or sexual abuse and can be contacted on 1300 395 776 or via an online complaint form at: http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/contact-us