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
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
