INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF MILITARY JUSTICE REFORM BEGINS

At today’s opening of the Australian Centre for Military Law and Justice, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, announced a review of the recent overhaul of Australia’s military justice system.

“Over the past two years, almost every element of the military justice system has been fundamentally changed,” said Mr Snowdon.

“And I am pleased to announce Sir Laurence Street and Air Marshal Les Fisher (Ret’d) will now lead an independent review to assess the effectiveness of the reforms.”

Sir Laurence Street, a former Chief Justice of the NSW Supreme Court and Naval Legal Officer, brings a wealth of legal and military experience to the review.

Air Marshal Fisher, a former Chief of Air Force, brings extensive knowledge of Defence gained through almost 40 years in the Air Force.

“The new Australian Centre for Military Law and Justice based at the Australian National University College of Law will provide valuable research and sustained study into military law issues that have long been overlooked, and could well inform Government in the future,” said Mr Snowdon.

“So it is appropriate that I take the opportunity of today’s opening to announce the first of regular independent reviews into the health of the military justice system.

“An effective military justice system is vital to maintaining command, retaining our people and our reputation, and is ultimately critical to operational effectiveness,” said Mr Snowdon.

“It is of utmost importance to get the right mix of balancing the rights of the individuals with effective discipline.”

Preliminary work on the review is underway. The Review Team invites submissions from stakeholders with input on the reformed military justice system.

For details visit www.defence.gov.au/mjs. The Independent Review of Military Justice Reforms Terms of Reference can also be found at this address.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):              02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                             02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664