THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
184/2008
KEEPING A WATCHFUL EYE ON MILITARY JUSTICE
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, The Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, today
emphasised the importance of ever-vigilant oversight of Australia’s military justice
system.
Opening the Defence Watchdogs Seminar at the Australian War Memorial, Mr
Snowdon said he felt there were very few organisations that provide the options that
are available to ADF members to resolve complaints, through avenues such as the
Fairness and Resolution Centres, Inspector General Australian Defence Force
(IGADF) and the Ombudsman.
“But independent review and monitoring will always be required to ensure our military
justice system meets the expectations not only of ADF personnel, but of the
Australian public; that it will be impartial, rigorous, fair, transparent and accountable,”
Mr Snowdon said.
He highlighted the importance of the IGADF’s work as a military justice auditor and
also acknowledged the progress of the current review by Sir Laurence Street and Air
Marshal Les Fisher (Retired) into the effectiveness of recent military justice reforms.
He also congratulated the Defence Force Ombudsman on 25 years of administrative
oversight of military justice.
The Defence Force Ombudsman was established in 1983 and Minister Snowdon
said the role had provided a significant avenue for complaints about administrative
actions and Defence Force employment matters.
“An effective military justice system is vital to maintaining command, retaining our
people and our reputation and is ultimately critical to operational effectiveness,” said
Mr Snowdon.
“And a transparent and fair system of military justice is enhanced through the
existence of watchdogs like the Defence Force Ombudsman, who also works closely
with the IGADF.
“The Ombudsman, the IGADF and now too the ANU Australian Centre for Military
Law and Justice all contribute to the watchful eye that is essential for the ADF to
have a best-practice military justice system.“
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
