15 December 2017 - Commonwealth Ombudsman; Defence Force: Ombudsman welcomes announcement by Defence of the reparation payment framework for serious cases of Defence abuse

Commonwealth Ombudsman Michael Manthorpe today welcomed the Minister for Defence’s announcement of the framework for reparation payments for serious cases of abuse in Defence.

The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman, within its Defence Force Ombudsman jurisdiction, is able to receive reports of serious abuse within the Australian Defence Force.

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne today confirmed the framework for the Ombudsman to recommend a reparation payment for certain serious abuse cases.

‘My Office has been taking reports of abuse since 1 December 2016, complementing internal mechanisms to report abuse within Defence,’ Mr Manthorpe said. ‘We will now commence assessing all reports against the government’s policy to determine whether a reparation payment should be recommended.’

The Ombudsman has received nearly 250 reports of abuse since the function commenced on 1 December 2016. Those who have already reported serious abuse to the Ombudsman, as well as those who may still make a report, will be able to apply for a reparation payment.

Further information about the framework for recommending reparation payments is available on the Commonwealth Ombudsman website: ombudsman.gov.au/defence.

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