The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has long been wary of the media’s power to derail its promotional narratives and damage careers in the process. But there was nothing irrational about its members’ determination…
Since 1999, around 45,000 Australians have served on overseas operations with the Australian Defence Force.
Department of Defence
While many people are relieved Australia is concluding its operations in Afghanistan, the effects of our involvement have, in many ways, only just begun. Retired Major General John Cantwell, the author…
The ADF wants to fashion its own narratives about what its troops have achieved in Afghanistan.
Department of Defence
Last week, prime minister Kevin Rudd and opposition leader Tony Abbott opened the Australian War Memorial’s new exhibition, Afghanistan: the Australian Story. That public attention on the war is now shifting…
Afghan civilians point to bullet holes in a wall after a raid by Allied special forces.
EPA/Naweed Haqjoo
Our Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison, has told Australia, “The idea that we can will away war because we are about to withdraw from one that went longer and ended less conclusively than…
The Human Rights Commission has recommended gender diversity targets to increase female representation in the Australian Defence Force.
AAP
Gender diversity targets are required to ensure women have the same opportunities as men in the Australian Defence Force, argues Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, who today released…
There is a culture of abuse in the ranks of the ADF – only a Royal Commission will uncover it fully.
AAP/Alex Coppel
How does one establish a plan to lure one of your female colleagues into a dormitory room for consensual sex, but unwittingly into the scope of a webcam for broadcast? How does it come to fruition? What…
The military court system in Australia has gone through many ups and downs with more to come.
AAP Image/Australian Department of Defence
Last week, the Commonwealth Attorney-General Nicola Roxon introduced a bill establishing the Australian Military Court as a constitutional court. If the bill passes, it will bring Australia into line with…
Some ADFA cadets have been through horrific abuse. It’s time for their trauma to be on the record.
AAP/Alan Porritt
One could be mistaken for thinking that the recent flurry of activity around Defence abuse is a recent phenomenon. The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Skype Affair of 2011 drew nation-wide attention…
How is the war in Afghanistan going? With media this tightly controlled, the picture may never be clear.
Special Operations Command
Barack Obama marked the first anniversary of Osama bin Laden’s death with a surprise visit to Kabul this week. Obama promised to “finish the job” in Afghanistan, but seven were killed in Kabul just hours…
Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith respond to reviews into Defence’s culture and the Skype scandal.
Defence media
Defence minister Stephen Smith has released the findings of a series of reviews into last year’s ADFA sex scandal and the culture of the defence force. The scandal revolved around an incident in March…
It’s unlikely the war hero would be fazed by Styne’s comments, but the public was appalled.
AAP/Martin Philbey/Australian War Memorial
Last week the world became a very scary place for television host Yumi Stynes when she quipped that Victoria Cross recipient Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith, looking buffed, ripped and tattooed in a public…
An Australian soldier in Afghanistan: women will now have the chance to join combat units.
AAP
Defence Minister Stephen Smith has announced the Australian Defence Force will open up full employment opportunities for women. In a decision made by Cabinet on Monday night, with the full support of the…