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The Review’s Terms of Reference were developed by the Australian Human Rights Commission after consultation with the ADF. The Terms of Reference requested the Review Panel, led by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner, to review, report and make recommendations on: the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force Academy with a particular focus on the adequacy and appropriateness of…

The Report of the Review into the Treatment of Women at ADFA (November 2011) (ADFA Report) made 31 wide ranging recommendations to effect significant cultural change. The ADF accepted all the recommendations made – 30 in full and one in principle. 1 The Audit team does not expect that cultural change of the scale envisaged by the Review will have been achieved within 12 months. This is…

ADFA has made significant progress in implementing the Review’s recommendations. The senior leaders at ADFA are committed to cultural change and have worked with a view to embedding reforms. Further work is required in certain areas, including in the development and delivery of an evidence based sexual ethics program with an expert educator. Continued efforts are also required to separate…

The Audit undertook qualitative and quantitative research and conducted an extensive review of all documentation which provided evidence of the implementation of recommendations. The Audit spoke to undergraduates, all members of the Review Implementation Team (RIT),1 members of the ADFA leadership team, military staff, academic staff, padres and international cadets. Initial interviews and…

This chapter outlines the structure and processes for implementing the Review’s recommendations. It describes the overarching framework and approach to reform at ADFA. This chapter also identifies risks to implementation of recommendations and the sustainability of cultural change. 1 In summary: The Audit is confident that the recommendations are being implemented with a view to creating…

Key Finding of Review The Review found that: There needs to be a strong reaffirmation of ADFA as the centre of excellence for tri-Service education and training for junior officers. ADFA espouses excellence; however it lacks a well-articulated purpose and a clear vision. This inhibits it from realising its potential and, significantly, from integrating equality, diversity and inclusion in a …

Key findings of Review The principles of equity and diversity should provide overarching, positive values to inform everyday practice within the ADF. At ADFA, the Review found equity and diversity to be conceptually grounded in disciplinary and punitive processes and framed as a response to unacceptable behaviour. The Review made five recommendations with the aim of reframing the way equity…

Key findings of Review The Review found that: The high turnover of Commandants and military staff has had a significant negative impact on ADFA’s leadership stability, continuity and organisational memory. The COMDT has limited influence over which staff are posted to ADFA and has limited engagement with ADF Service Chiefs. ADFA is not considered a prestigious posting for staff. This has an…

Key findings of Review Given their age, most undergraduates enter ADFA without much ‘real world’ experience, with many having never lived away from home before. 1 The differing levels of maturity of undergraduates, combined with the pressures of living, working and studying together, can present substantial risk factors for ADFA. In particular, the Review findings indicated that: A number of…

Key findings of Review High profile incidents that occurred in the residential accommodation made accommodation and supervision an area of particular concern to the Review. Well supervised residential settings can significantly minimise the risk of unacceptable behaviour. The residential setting at ADFA is a complex place, encompassing home, place of study and place of work for…