The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), Mr James Gaynor CSC, has concluded his office’s inquiry into the weaponisation of the military justice system.

The Inquiry examined allegations and perceptions that the military justice system has been, or has the potential to be, weaponised or abused, considered the extent of any such abuse, and identified any features of the military justice system that may allow for abuse. The Inquiry also evaluated the protective factors that already exist to prevent weaponisation.

The Inquiry was open to public submissions from 17 March to 22 June 2025. The Inquiry received 362 submissions from current and former Australian Defence Force members, their families and other members of the public. These submissions were critical to informing the Inquiry’s work.

The Inquiry also consulted widely with current and former Defence and other Government officials and held 3 significant roundtables with Ex-Service Organisations, current and former judicial officers, and academics.

An independent Advisory Panel of 4 eminent Australians also provided independent strategic advice, insight and oversight.

The Inquiry found that while weaponisation of the military justice system is not widespread, it can and does occur at multiple levels of the Australian Defence Force. Implementing military justice processes rigidly, ineptly or blindly can amount to unintentional weaponisation or, at the very least, lead some Australian Defence Force members to the conclusion that the military justice system has been weaponised against them. The Inquiry made 20 recommendations for a more effective, trusted and fairer military justice system.

The Inquiry Report is now available on the IGADF website. The Report and its recommendations will be now be considered by Defence.

The Inquiry may raise matters that cause distress. Details of support services for current and former Australian Defence Force members, their families and members of the public are available on the IGADF website and within the Inquiry Report itself.