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.