On 10 October 2012, the following matter was referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 March 2013:
The report of the review of allegations of sexual and other abuse in Defence, conducted by DLA Piper, and the response of the Government to the report, including:
a) the accessibility and adequacy of current mechanisms to provide support to victims of sexual and other abuse in Defence;
b) whether an alternative expedited and streamlined system for the resolution of disputes relating to the support, rehabilitation, treatment and compensation of victims in Defence be considered and established, and the constitutionality of such an alternative system;
c) the effectiveness and timeliness of the Government's processes for assessing, investigating and responding to allegations of sexual or other forms of abuse, including:
i. whether a dedicated victims advocacy service ought to be established,
ii. systemic and cultural issues in reporting and investigating sexual and other forms of abuse, and
iii. whether data and information collection and dissemination of data and information in relation to sexual and other forms of abuse in Defence is adequately maintained and appropriately acted upon and, if not, any alternative mechanisms that could be established; and
d) any related matters.
Submissions are welcome and should be lodged with the committee by 22 November 2012.
The committee is inquiring into the report of the review of allegations of sexual and other abuse in Defence, conducted by DLA Piper, and the response of the Government to the report and related matters (for the full terms of reference see under separate heading).
Committee's intention
In terms of setting expectations, the committee emphasises that it is not in a position to resolve individual disputes or settle complaints about alleged abuse in Defence. The committee's overarching concern is to develop recommendations for improving the way in which Defence and the Government manage and respond to such allegations.
In light of this focus, the committee is seeking written submissions from organisations, agencies, legal, health and allied practitioners that are responsible or offer support for, or have direct experience of, any aspect of the way in which allegations of abuse in Defence (or similar organisations) are reported, investigated, managed and/or resolved.
Call for and closing date for submissions
The committee welcomes written submissions, which should be lodged with the committee by 22 November 2012.
Reporting date
The committee is to report by 1 March 2013.
For further information, contact: Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee
Department of the Senate
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia