Chapter 4 - Administrative system
Redress of Grievance
4.1
In its first progress report the committee noted the concerted effort by
Defence to expedite the redress of grievance (ROG) process and to remove the
backlog of grievances. The committee commended Defence for its work to address
failings in the ROG process. Defence has continued to reform this process.
4.2
During the committee's recent public hearing, the Acting Commonwealth
Ombudsman informed the committee that based on the insights gained through
investigative work there had been a marked reduction in the number of
complaints received by the Ombudsman's office. She explained:
While the numbers are quite small, we are seeing fewer
complaints relating to internal inquiries and investigations and fewer complaints
relating to adverse administrative action, termination of service and the conduct
of others. Our general assessment and sense of the progress of the
implementation of these recommendations is that Defence has demonstrated an
appropriate level of commitment to improving its military justice systems in
the ways suggested through the recommendations from both reports.
It is also apparent, through our investigative work with
Defence, through our interaction with staff from the Fairness and Resolution
Branch and the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, that the department
has entered into a spirit of change through action taken to this point. From
the Ombudsman’s perspective, this is evident in a greater degree of trust, more
open dialogue and willingness to engage with our office on key issues. Our
requests for, and Defence’s willingness to agree to, suspension of executive
action in discharge action is a good example in this regard. In summary, it is
our general view that the military justice systems in place within Defence have
improved.[1]
4.3
The committee drew attention to a survey published in Defence's most
recent annual report which showed that 39% agreed, 8% disagreed and 53% were uncertain
whether the adverse administrative action process takes too long. This survey
was conducted in 2005.
4.4
According to the Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman, these statistics did not
reflect findings of the Ombudsman's Office over the last 12 months which showed
a decrease in complaints overall and delay not being a particular cause of
complaint.[2]
Committee view
4.5
The committee endorses the approach taken by Defence in publishing the
results of the Defence Attitude Survey in the department's Annual Report. It
provides the type of information that allows parliamentary committees to carry
out their monitoring function. The committee would be interested in the results
of the next Defence Attitude Survey to establish whether they align with the
observations of the Acting Commonwealth Ombudsman.
4.6
In the meantime, the committee welcomes the preliminary indications that
the ROG process is much improved.
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