[Greens-Media] Greens welcome apology and inquiry on Defence abuse cases

[Torre, Giovanni (Sen S. Ludlam)]

Greens welcome apology and inquiry on Defence abuse cases
Australian Greens Leader, Senator Christine Milne, and spokesperson assisting on Defence, Senator Scott Ludlam. 26 November 2012.

The Australian Greens welcomed today's apology to victims of sexual assault in the defence forces and the announcement of a high level inquiry into the hundreds of abuse allegations.

"The Greens join the Government in expressing our deep sadness and apology to victims of abuse in the defence forces," Australian Greens Leader, Senator Christine Milne, said.

"We commit to giving the government what support it needs to make sure this inquiry has the power it needs to establish what happened, why it was able to happen, and what must be done to ensure it never happens again - as well as to enforce recommendations."

Greens spokesperson assisting on Defence Senator Scott Ludlam said the release of a law firm's report in June indicating that almost 900 people have made plausible allegations of abuse within the Australian Defence Force could not be ignored.

"A top-level inquiry is needed to come to grips with the full extent of the abuse and cover-up that has allegedly plagued the ADF for decades.  Determining the facts of individual cases and compensating the victims is important but it can't end there.  We must make the changes necessary to protect the people who join the defence forces from this kind of  horrendous treatment in the future.

"The Greens are troubled at the fact compensation has been capped at the seemingly arbitrary figure of $50,000 per case and urge the Government to reconsider that element."


Media contact:  Giovanni Torre - 0417 174 302