On the Record
On this page, we set the record straight to correct any inaccuracies in media reporting of Defence issues.
September 2008
Re: Navy told to stop whining and get tough
Letter to Editor
Weekend Australian
Re: Navy told to stop whinging and get tough
Dear Sir
I refer to your article by Cameron Stewart published on 6 September 2008, ‘Navy told to stop whinging and get tough’. The article portrayed the correspondence from the Chief Naval Engineer in a negative if not “an extraordinary” light and it did not fully reflect the tenor of his correspondence to his community.
The Navy bases much of its activity on strong, positive leadership. Amongst other things, it is an essential tool in fostering the retention of our people. The Chief Naval Engineer endeavoured to set down the circumstances as he saw them and has received much positive feedback on the need to push positive leadership amongst our technical people in addressing our retention challenge.
Navy’s people deserve better recognition than this article attempts to portray.
Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas
Deputy Chief of Navy
29 August 2008
ADF Satisfied with Aero-Medical Evacuation in Afghanistan
The Australian Defence Force would like to clarify Australian media reports on Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME) in Afghanistan.
The Australian Defence Force is satisfied that the International Security Assistance Force AME support arrangements provided for our personnel in Afghanistan are appropriate.
To ensure that ADF personnel are provided with the best available medical support is a key consideration when planning all ADF activities.
The ADF continually analyses the operational environment and plans operations to mitigate or defeat as many of the risks posed by the enemy and the environment as possible.
The Australian public can be assured that ADF Commanders are trained for, and are capable of, conducting operations in complex and dangerous environments like Afghanistan.
With regards to casualty treatment, the ADF would also like to highlight that the casualty treatment process is layered to provide the best possible care for Australian troops.
Initially, casualties are provided first aid or administer self aid with combat medical supplies carried within the tactical force.
During initial first aid, an assessment is made as to the severity of the wounds and injuries. If required, soldiers will call for additional medical support or an evacuation of the wounded or injured person.
Like civilian first aid, this process is designed to maintain a clear airway, breathing and circulation in a casualty and initially treat any obvious wounds or injuries through the application of field dressings. All Australian soldiers are trained in this basic first aid requirement.
If necessary, wounded or injured personnel will be evacuated to a medical facility for further treatment. Battlefield casualty evacuation in Afghanistan can be undertaken in a number of ways, which utilises the most expedient assets available and is based on assessment of the casualty’s wounds and the tactical situation. Evacuation can include air or ground-based transport.
The ADF will always seek to evacuate battlefield casualties to medical facilities as rapidly as possible. Our people are our priority.
20 August 2008
THE EDITORS, CAIRNS POST AND ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
ARTICLE DATED 20 AUGUST 2008 – MENTALLY ILL SOLDIERS KEEP HEALTH SECRET
I strongly refute the abhorrent assertion that mentally ill soldiers are mistreated in military hospitals. I believe that it is important that I address the issues raised in your poorly informed article ‘Mentally Ill Soldiers Keep Health Secret’, as your poorly informed article may in fact lead to greater confusion and stigma in relation to mental health issues and could result in service personnel not seeking the support they deserve and can access.
All health professionals working for the Australian Defence Force are registered practitioners, who are governed by their codes of professional conduct. These professionals work hard to support serving members, utilising Australian recognised best practice standards in the area of mental health.
Defence is aware that due to issues such as stigma and concern about career implications, some members may seek care outside of the Defence system. As a result, Defence has worked hard using the ADF Mental Health Strategy to address the perceived barriers to mental health care through a range of initiatives. Results of the Defence Attitude Survey have shown a steady increase in those who would be willing to come forward for treatment of a mental health problem and this has also been reflected in the numbers of personnel presenting for treatment.
All health issues, whether mental or physical, are comprehensively addressed by the ADF. Where there is an issue of safety to the individual or others, this can result in a medical grading recommending that the individual be temporarily non deployable whilst undergoing treatment. Defence also has an intensive rehabilitation program that focuses on ensuring individuals are treated effectively and returned to full duties as quickly as possible.
The current independent ministerial review into mental health in the ADF that is being conducted by Prof Dunt, and to which all members of the Defence community and general public can make submissions, will assist Defence to further refine and continue to improve its programs.
Yours sincerely
David Hurley AO DSC
Lieutenant General
Vice Chief of the Defence Force
07 August 2008
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Newcastle Herald – “Drunken sailor’s defence: Navy life drove me to drink”, Wednesday 6 August 2008.
Navy strenuously refutes the implication that a culture of binge drinking exists in the Service and claims that it is not taking seriously the possible excessive consumption of alcohol by its members (“Drunken sailor’s defence: Navy life drove me to drink”, Wednesday 6 August 2008).
While Navy is aware that the claims made in the article amount to a solicitor’s defence of their client, such claims can do undeserved damage to Navy’s reputation.
Navy makes every effort to treat its people with care and compassion and is at pains to promote the responsible use of alcohol. Programs are in place to educate every member of the Service about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption. Education starts during initial training and continues throughout one’s career. Assistance is also available for those who may need it in all our ships and establishments. Our education program also highlights the responsibility of the individual. Thus, we expect personnel to accept responsibility for their actions notwithstanding the mechanisms we have in place to support our people.
As a proud Novocastrian, I am concerned that your article does little to correctly inform our potential future recruits about Navy’s attitude towards and education about responsible alcohol consumption. It is irresponsible headlining at best.
Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas AM, CSC, RAN
Deputy Chief of Navy (DCN)
16 July 2008
CORRECTION TO ABC 7:30 REPORT STORY ON THE RELEASE OF THE BOARD OF INQUIRY REPORT INTO THE CRASH OF THE BLACK HAWK 221
The ABC's 7.30 report has aired incorrect footage during its coverage of the release of the Board of Inquiry report into the crash of Black Hawk 221.
The story by Mark Bannerman made reference to a Black Hawk heavy landing incident that occurred in East Timor last year.
The vision used to illustrate this heavy landing incident in East Timor was actually footage of the crash of the Sea King helicopter at Nias in April 2006 in which nine Australians were killed. Using file footage of the Sea King crash and representing it as the East Timor heavy landing incident is misleading. It gives the impression that the Black Hawk heavy landing incident resulted in the helicopter catching on fire and being destroyed. This was not the case.
This misrepresentation is of concern to the Department of Defence as it inaccurately portrays what occurred in East Timor. The Department of Defence has requested the ABC correct the record.
10 June 2008
ARMIDALE CLASS PATROL BOATS
A recent article in the Courier Mail indicated that the Armidale Class Patrol Boats 'have been dogged with problems, including engine trouble, blocked toilets, lack of personal storage, inadequate lighting and overcrowding". These claims were raised in November 2007, and information addressing them was posted on Defence's 'For the Record' page on 7 November 2007.
It remains the case that the introduction into service of the Armidale Class Patrol Boat (ACPB) has represented a quantum leap over the former Fremantle Class Patrol Boats (FCPB). Aside from being at least 40 per cent larger, there are numerous areas where capability has been significantly improved including enhanced operational performance, use of state of the art technology and most importantly, improved habitability conditions for personnel. Accommodation for junior sailors represents some of the best living quarters in the RAN fleet today. For example, compared with the FCPB, junior sailors now live in four-berth cabins with ensuites, rather than in a messdeck of 20 personnel sharing only two toilets and showers. They have access to e-mail and satellite television at sea and enjoy meals from a well equipped galley.
Further advantages for the crews of the ACPB are being realised in the new multi-crewing regime. This manning initiative was introduced following the delivery of the fourth vessel and formation of the sixth crew. Under the regime, crews rotate between the ships within a generic cycle. While still in its infancy, the multi-crewing concept provides personnel with predictable respite periods, reduced duties in harbour and greater family life stability during the 16 weeks they are not assigned to a Patrol Boat. More importantly, it ensures the ship is available for tasking almost immediately following a crew rotation, rather than having to stay alongside while shore respite is taken by the crew.
26 March 2008
Navy has not developed or submitted any document to Government proposing the acquisition of future capability as indicated in a Daily Telegraph article titled “Aircraft carrier on $4b navy wish list” (25 March 08, page 2).
The Defence White Paper process will assist Government make fully informed and cost-effective decisions about the military capabilities needed to defend Australia and its interests.
"The White Paper process provides a structured and robust way for all relevant capability options to be considered against Australia’s strategic circumstances and the tasks Government expects the ADF to carry out. The Force Structure Review is part of this process and will provide Government a range of options to consider," Rear Admiral Crane said.
Navy is contributing fully to the development of the White Paper.
Russell Crane
Rear Admiral
Deputy Chief of Navy
03 March 2008
The article by Frank Walker in the Sun Herald on 2 March 2008 ('Hero they forgot') is based on an interview with former Royal Australian Air Force Corporal Scott Nichols about his experiences since the Sea King crash in April 2005. The article is accompanied by a photograph that the Sun Herald asserts is Scott Nichols, but is actually a photograph of former Leading Seaman Shane Warburton.
Defence has been advised by Shane Warburton that although he and his family are extremely supportive of Scott, they were never interviewed for the Sun Herald article and are disappointed at the inappropriate use of Shane's photograph.
22 February 2008
The Crikey website yesterday published the following on its 'tips and rumours' section: "Which high paid, senior federal public servant travels each week between Canberra, where he works, and his home and family interstate? He clocks up a lot of airfares, FFs and taxi fares. Who foots the bill? Would he be defensive about answering such questions?" Oh, that's easy. That would be Dr Steven Gumley of the DMO whose salary is higher than even the Secretary of Defence."
- The segment published on the Crickey website's 'tips and rumours' section relating to the head of DMO, Dr Gumley, is a spurious misrepresentation of the facts relating to Dr Gumley's appointment.
- Dr Gumley's salary and the requirement for him to pay his own travel expenses between Canberra and Melbourne are a matter of public record.
- Dr Gumley pays for all his travel between his Canberra workplace and his Melbourne residence out of his own after-tax salary. He does not claim a travel allowance from the Commonwealth for travel between Canberra and his Melbourne residence. There is no benefit to him in respect of tax deductions.
- Dr Gumley's name is Stephen, not Steven, as in the published segment on Crikey.
More: Estimates hearing: Testimony by Ric Smith with regards Dr Gumley's salary package (p26 refers). Click here to view.
21 February 2008
Letter to the editor
The Australian
Dear Sir,
In his article "Army censors news as tensions rise" (p34, 21/2) your reporter Paul Toohey only presents Time journalist Rory Callinan's account of his conduct around Dare on 14 February 2008.
The fact is that Mr Callinan placed himself, his photographer and two Timorese civilians in danger, by twice attempting to breach a security perimeter around Dare via a small foot track. He did this despite warnings from International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and United Nations (UN) personnel in the area. In attempting to breach the security perimeter on a second occasion after 8pm (local time), Mr Callinan and Mr Wilson also breached the curfew imposed by the Timor-Leste National Parliament, which exposed themselves and the two Timorese civilians accompanying them to serious charges under Timor-Leste law. As a consequence of Mr Callinan's actions, valuable military resources had to be diverted from an ongoing operation in order to ensure his group was safely returned to their accommodation in Dili.
Mr Callinan needs to reflect on the methods he employs in covering events in Timor-Leste. Mr Toohey should ensure his reporting is balanced
A.A. NIKOLIĆ, CSC
Brigadier
Director General Public Affairs
19 February 2008
Steve Waterson
Editor, South Pacific
Time Australia Magazine Pty Ltd
GPO Box 3873
Sydney NSW 2001
Dear Mr Waterson,
Rory Callinan’s 17 February article ‘A Frustrating Manhunt in Timor’ refers to his walking around a military checkpoint in order to speak to villagers from Dare. What he fails to mention, however, is that on at least two occasions he attempted to penetrate a military cordon via a minor foot track despite clear warnings from International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and United Nations (UN) personnel not to do so. His conduct during the afternoon and evening of 14 February 2008 was both dangerous and reckless. It endangered himself, his cameraman John Wilson, and two Timorese civilians accompanying them as interpreter / guide.
In attempting to breach the security perimeter on a second occasion after 8pm (local time), Mr Callinan and Mr Wilson also breached the curfew imposed by the Timor-Leste National Parliament, which exposed themselves and the two Timorese civilians accompanying them to serious charges under Timor-Leste law. In order to ensure the safe transport of Mr Callinan’s group to their accommodation in Dili after the commencement of the curfew, it was necessary to allocate scarce UN security vehicles involved in an ongoing operation.
Mr Callinan should reflect more carefully on the methods he employs in covering events in Timor and the potential consequences that may result from his actions.
A.A. NIKOLIĆ, CSC
Brigadier
Director General Public Affairs
30 January 2008
Correction to Bloomberg news service article
Your article (by Ed Johnson) "Australia to Meet Election Pledge on Troop Withdrawal from Iraq" contains inaccurate information regarding Australia’s troop commitment in Iraq.
The Australian Government has announced the withdrawal of approximately 550 troops from southern Iraq to commence by the middle of 2008. This follows the generation of capable Iraq security forces (ISF) and the transfer of provincial security control to ISF in Al Muthanna and Dhi Qar Provinces.
Importantly, the Australian Defence Force remains committed to Operation Catalyst, which is the name given to Australia's commitment to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq. An Australian Headquarters will remain in Baghdad to command Australian troops in the Middle East Area of Operations, and an Army Security Detachment in Baghdad will provide protection to Australian Embassy staff.
Australia will also maintain the following security forces in the Arabian Gulf region:
- A Royal Australian Air Force Maritime Air Patrol Group to provide surveillance support;
- An AC-130 Air Transport Detachment to provide logistics support to Iraq and Afghanistan;
- A Maritime Group to protect Iraq’s oil platforms and associated command and logistics support elements; and
- A logistic element to support ADF forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Comprehensive and accurate information on all Australia's operations around the world is only a click away on the Department of Defence website at: http://www.defence.gov.au/globalops.htm.
16 January 2008
Correction to Daily Telegraph Article
The Daily Telegraph article of 16 January titled ‘Aussies face accuser – League v gridiron fight’ incorrectly states that the Royal Australian Navy paid $50,000 bail for two of its sailors after their first court appearance in the United States. Defence can confirm that bail was arranged by the sailors at their expense.
Fiona McNaught
Commander RAN
DGNCC
10 January 2008
The Editor, Sydney Morning Herald
In response to the article ‘Father accuses army of cover up’ (January 10), I write to clarify issues relating to Australian Defence Force Commissions of Inquiry in general, and specifically the Inquiry into the tragic death of Captain Andrew Paljakka.
Defence practice in the past was to conduct private inquiries into ADF deaths involving suspected suicide. This was primarily due to the intensely personal nature of evidence presented, which family members and friends of the deceased often found distressing.
When the Inquiry into the death of Captain Paljakka was established, Defence understood that his next of kin was content with the decision to conduct the proceedings in private - the intent being to spare the family unnecessary stress and grief. Following consideration of the recent wishes of Captain Paljakka’s family, however, the Chief of Defence Force has determined that the remainder of the Inquiry will be held in public.
The issue of private vs. public inquiries has been under consideration for some time. As a result, Air Chief Marshal Houston has directed that future Commissions of Inquiry be held in public, subject to considerations of security. Families may apply to the Inquiry President to request that parts of the inquiry be closed to the public.
It would be inappropriate to comment further on matters before the Commission of Inquiry into Captain Paljakka’s death. It is important that the Inquiry be allowed to complete its work, so that the ADF can better understand the circumstances surrounding Captain Paljakka’s death and consider what more can be done to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
Brigadier Andrew Nikolic
Director General Public Affairs
Department of Defence
03 January 2008
Letter to the Editor, Daily Examiner (Grafton) - Re Abrams Tank acquisistion
Your reference to the Abrams Tank acquisition in the Daily Examiner on 3 Jan 08 as an "apparent failure" is misleading and deserves correction. I draw your attention to the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) July 2007 report on this project, which stated it was "being effectively managed by the Defence Materiel Organisation to deliver an improved, replacement capability". No recommendations were made by the ANAO in relation to the project. It is also notable that the tank was declared operationally ready in Darwin on 7 July 2007.
Contrary to the assertion in your article that the tank can't be loaded onto heavy landing craft or transport planes, it can be transported by: the 14 Heavy Tank Transporters being acquired by the Project; current Navy Landing Platform Amphibious and Landing Craft Heavy vessels; C-17 aircraft, and various commercial ships and aircraft. Defence is also in the process of acquiring rolling stock for the transportation of the tank via the national rail system. In essence, infrastructure exists throughout Australia to allow the tanks to be transported where they need to go. It is also wrong to suggest that the tanks "have a life expectancy of only 10 years". The US expects the M1A1 to operate until 2030. We expect the same.
Sufficient Australian Defence contractors and ADF tradesmen have been trained in the maintenance of the Abrams to ensure that Army's training and operational requirements are met. In summary, the Land 907 Tank Replacement Project is delivering a world class capability, which results from the close cooperation displayed between the Defence Materiel Organisation and a range of Australian defence and government agencies, the US Government, and the key US and Australian industry partners.
Andrew Nikolic
Brigadier
Director General Public Affairs
Review Letters to the Editor for 2007