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.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system]()
US Pentagon pushes for major reform of defence acquisition system
The US Department of Defense has requested new contracting authorities from Congress, using the Army's MV-75 Cheyenne programme to demonstrate how competition, digital engineering and closer industry collaboration could accelerate acquisitions.
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
