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Ex-spy chief to head Australia inquiry into special forces
SYDNEY, June 11, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s former spy chief is to
conduct the third inquiry into the nation’s special forces in two years, the
defence force confirmed Monday, as allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan
continue to swirl.
The elite troops, including the Special Air Service Regiment, served in
the country alongside US-led forces between 2001-14.
A 2016 report by a consultant commissioned by the defence force and
revealed by Fairfax Media on Friday made explosive allegations of
“unsanctioned and illegal” violence by elite troops while on operations.
The report — which also said there was a “perception of a complete lack
of accountability at times” — prompted a second and continuing probe into
special forces actions in Afghanistan by the Inspector-General of the
Australian Defence Force.
The third inquiry will see former Australian Security Intelligence
Organisation chief David Irvine look into how further improvements could be
made to the regiments since culture and governance reforms were implemented
in 2015, the defence department said.
“The review will assist army leadership to determine the effectiveness of
reform initiatives and identify whether additional improvements are
required,” a defence spokesman said in a statement.
Defence Force head Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said Friday of the probe
by the Inspector-General that the “serious allegations… must be thoroughly
examined independently from the chain of command”.
“History has shown us that nations cannot become selective on what laws
its military will or will not be held to account for,” he said in a
statement.
Some 300 Australian defence personnel remain in Afghanistan.
BSS/AFP/FI/ 1444 hrs