Acting Commonwealth and Defence Force Ombudsman, Dr Vivienne Thom, today released a report on the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) management of complaints about unacceptable behaviour, such as bullying and harassment.

The investigation sought to determine whether the mechanism in place within the ADF to deal with complaints of this nature is effective. The investigation also sought to identify areas within the system that might be improved.

Dr Thom said that ‘the report concludes that, for dealing with complaints of unacceptable behaviour, Defence currently provides an effective complaint- management mechanism that is accessible and responsive. Observations made during the investigation were that ADF members consider there has been an improvement in the complaint-handling process in recent years, that the culture of the ADF in respect of unacceptable behaviour has improved over time, and that members generally have confidence in the complaints system’.

The recommendations identify opportunities to enhance the current complaint-handling system and are based on suggestions received from members of the ADF. Key areas of the recommendations address record keeping, training, reporting, data collection, the role of inquiry officers and equity advisers, and quality assurance.

The ADF welcomed the Ombudsman’s recommendations, and will consider these as part of this year’s review of its unacceptable behaviour policy.

The report is available at www.ombudsman.gov.au.

Date of release: 18 June 2007