The Government has declared it will pursue those responsible for the “appalling” behaviour of Australian special forces soldiers in Afghanistan that included the murder of civilians.
Key points:
- Linda Reynolds says accountability will be the focus of Defence’s response
- An independent investigative body has been established and has Labor’s support
- Another panel will provide oversight of the response by the ADF to the Defence Minister
Defence Minster Linda Reynolds said “accountability will be the cornerstone of Defence’s response” to the report which found evidence of 39 civilians being murdered and recommended 19 soldiers be investigated by police.
“This is crucial to maintaining the highest standards Australians expect of our military, reassuring confidence and trust, and learning from grave failings,” she said in a statement.
The Government announced last week it had established an Office of the Special Investigator which will prosecute allegations of Australian war crimes.
The conduct investigated by the inquiry spanned both Labor and Liberal governments.
Labor’s defence spokesperson Richard Marles and shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus said today they supported the creation of the office.
“Findings in the report that credible information exists in relation to some members of Australia’s special forces having engaged in unlawful killings and cruel treatment while deployed in Afghanistan are appalling,” their statement said.
“It is now appropriate that [the Office of the Special Investigator] is allowed to do its work free of any prejudice or political interference.”
Richard Marles wants investigators to be allowed to work free of political interference.(ABC News: Matt Roberts)
Defence response in focus
Last week the Government also established the Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel to report to Senator Reynolds about how Defence is handling the response.
ADF Chief Angus Campbell said all options were on the table in response to the report, including disbanding special forces units.
“Individuals alleged of unlawful criminal conduct will be referred to the Office of the Special Investigator,” he said.
“Individuals alleged to be negligent in the performance of their duty, will be managed through administrative and disciplinary processes.”
Lawyer for inquiry witnesses say leadership must be held to account
Glenn Kolomeitz, a lawyer for multiple witnesses from the special forces to the inquiry, said some of his clients welcomed the prospect of police prosecution, but some were “quite disturbed by it” given the proud record and reputation of these units.
“My concern is, how far up the chain of command do these adverse cultural findings go,” he said.
The oversight panel is led by the former inspector general of the Intelligence and Security, Dr Vivienne Thom, and Senator Reynolds said it “will provide further assurance to the Government and the Australian people of Defence accountability”.
The Government is also encouraging current and former Defence Force members and their familiar to seek help if they need it.
“I am profoundly conscious this process continues to be extremely challenging and distressing for many individuals and families impacted by the inquiry,” Senator Reynolds said.
The Government has created a website that promises to connect people with medical and mental health services, “and in some cases, legal support”.