Ex-spy chief to head Australia inquiry into special forces
Australia's former spy chief is to conduct the third inquiry into the nation's special forces in two years, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) confirmed on 11 June, as allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan continue to swirl.
The elite troops, including the Special Air Service Regiment, served in the country alongside US-led forces between 2001-14.
A 2016 report by a consultant commissioned by the ADF and revealed by Fairfax Media on 8 June made explosive allegations of ‘unsanctioned and illegal’ violence by elite troops while on operations.
The report – which also said there was a ‘perception of a complete lack of accountability at times’ –prompted a second and continuing probe into special forces actions in Afghanistan by the Inspector-General of the ADF.
The third inquiry will see former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation chief David Irvine look into how further improvements could be made to the regiments since culture and governance reforms were implemented in 2015, the defence department said.
A defence spokesperson said in a statement: ‘The review will assist army leadership to determine the effectiveness of reform initiatives and identify whether additional improvements are required.’
ADF head Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said on 8 June of the probe by the Inspector-General that the ‘serious allegations... must be thoroughly examined independently from the chain of command.’
Binskin said in a statement: ‘History has shown us that nations cannot become selective on what laws its military will or will not be held to account for.’
Some 300 Australian defence personnel remain in Afghanistan.
More from Defence Notes
-
![US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness]()
US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
-
![US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap]()
US FY2024 funding package passes as China closes military capability gap
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
-
![NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls]()
NATO outlines future challenges as Ukrainian funding from US stalls
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
-
![US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025]()
US Pentagon to reduce investments in main acquisition programmes over FY2025
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
-
![Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention]()
Haiti crisis forces Caribbean militaries to prepare for intervention
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.
