Government opposes independent inquiry into defence harassment

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 01:32 · Archive

Australia's Defence Industry Minister says an independent investigation into military harassment would have unintended consequences.

A recording device was discovered on board HMAS Leeuwin on Sunday while the vessel was docked in Cairns in far north Queensland. It was allegedly placed in an all-female cabin. Defence has launched an investigation into the incident, referring it to the Joint Military Police Unit.

The discovery has renewed debate over how to address harassment in the military. Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, who served in the army, told ABC TV that Defence cannot be trusted to investigate itself properly. 'This is a culture that, unfortunately, Defence has not been able to clean up, and it hasn't even come close,' she said. She called for an independent body to examine such events.

Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy rejected the proposal on Friday, saying an independent investigation was not the right path and could have unintended consequences. He did not specify what those consequences would be but said Defence was considering the best way to run an investigation. 'What we are committed to is making sure that the culture is there that's safe and respectful and we've got a range of measures in place to allow us to do that,' Mr Conroy said.

Defence has faced repeated sexual harassment allegations in recent years. Women now make up one in five military personnel.

How it is being reported

• 'Consequences' to external military harassment probeAustralia's Defence culture needs to be reformed, but internally and not through an independent investigation, a senior minister says.Perth Now · 16 Oct, 01:16
• 'Consequences' to external military harassment probeAustralia's Defence culture needs to be reformed, but internally and not through an independent investigation, a senior minister says.The West Australian · 16 Oct, 01:16

In this story: Australia · Pat Conroy · Jacqui Lambie · HMAS Leeuwin · Cairns · Queensland · Joint Military Police Unit

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