Unauthorised Release Of Defence Information

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22nd May 2008, 08:32pm - Views: 770





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DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE



Issued by Coordination and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT

Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946



CPA 144/08

Thursday, 22 May 2008


UNAUTHORISED RELEASE OF DEFENCE INFORMATION


Defence today announced that official information relating to allegations of

inappropriate behaviour during a Forces Entertainment Tour to Afghanistan, had been

obtained and published by News Limited.


Defence spokesman, Brigadier Andrew Nikolic, said “we are unaware how that

unauthorised disclosure occurred, but we apologise unreservedly to those named.  We

have called on News Limited to assist our enquiries by returning any material they

have obtained.


“An initial document, prepared internally to brief the Minister, did contain the names

but was withdrawn by Defence within minutes because of privacy concerns. 

Importantly, the final version of the document did not include names,” Brigadier

Nikolic said.


Defence is currently inquiring into a number of matters, including the allegation of

inappropriate behaviour, privacy concerns, and the unauthorised disclosure.


“In relation to the inappropriate behaviour allegation, we are unable to comment as

the investigation is ongoing.


“In relation to the privacy concerns and unauthorised disclosure, we are clearly

concerned at this breakdown in a trusted process and have taken steps to prevent a re-

occurrence.  This includes a review of the process of raising and distributing official

information of this type.


“We hope to complete these inquiries quickly and have taken steps to formally

apologise to the people whose names were published by the media,” Brigadier Nikolic

said.



Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664






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