THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
054/2008
DEFENCE FAIRNESS AND RESOLUTION CENTRES
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
Defence Fairness and Resolution Centres are being officially launched around
Australia, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren
Snowdon MP, announced today.
“Defence has made real progress in overhauling the military justice system,
supported by improvements in the handling of internal complaints and workplace
conflict,” Mr Snowdon said.
“These seven Fairness and Resolution Centres will help Defence advance the
cultural change needed to exclude unacceptable behaviour, harassment and
discrimination from the workplace.
“They will provide ADF and Defence civilians with access to qualified dispute
resolution practitioners for expert advice and assistance about workplace conflict and
other complaints within Defence.
“This proactive way of managing disputes seeks to resolve complaints quickly, at the
local level, through consultation and the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution
processes like conflict coaching, mediation and workplace conferencing wherever
possible.
“An added benefit of this approach is that all parties are actively engaged in the
resolution process and outcomes are mutually agreed, reducing the time that
lengthier and more formal grievance processes might take.”
Mr Snowdon added that ADF personnel will always have access to administrative law
provisions and formal complaint resolution procedures should they wish or where
alternative resolution is not appropriate because of the nature of the complaint.
The Fairness and Resolution Centres also administer Defence’s Equity Adviser
network. Equity advisers are embedded throughout Defence to provide advice and
training on workplace equity and diversity and to assist with management of
complaints.
“The Fairness and Resolution Centres are an important step in building on the
progress made in recent years,” Mr Snowdon said.
Information about Defence’s Fairness and Resolution programs is available at:
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
