1 December 2016: Media release – Defence Force Ombudsman function of receiving reports of abuse commences

Today marks the commencement of the Defence Force Ombudsman’s (DFO) new function of receiving reports of serious abuse from serving and former Defence members and civilians deployed on operations overseas. The role of Defence Force Ombudsman is performed by the Commonwealth Ombudsman to ensure its independence from Defence.

“This provides a confidential mechanism to report sexual abuse, serious physical abuse and serious bullying and harassment within Defence, for those who feel unable to access Defence’s internal mechanisms to report such matters,” said Commonwealth Ombudsman Colin Neave AM.

“Our staff are here to support serving and former Defence members through the process of making a report of abuse. We will consider all reports of abuse, no matter how old.”

“We have been working collaboratively with the Defence community and other stakeholders in the lead up to the commencement of this function. We intend to continue this process to ensure that our new role is known and understood and every voice can be heard,” Mr Neave said.

Further information is available on the Commonwealth Ombudsman website at http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/making-a-complaint/australian-defence-force/reporting-abuse-in-defence.

Defence Force Ombudsman: 1300 395 776

Media contact: 02 6276 3759

If you are feeling distressed and need to speak to someone urgently, please call one of the 24-hour support services listed below:

Lifeline: call 13 11 14

beyondblue: call 1300 224 636