Review into the treatment of women at the Australian Defence Force ...

Chapter 10: Minimising Risk, Managing Incidents and Ensuring the Safety of the Workplace – Recommendations 22-31Implementation actionsADFA has updated and displayed posters in training and accommodation areas with contact details ofinternal and external emergency and support services. In addition, undergraduates have been providedwith wallet size cards containing the information contained in the posters. 49The Audit has been advised that a meeting was held at ADFA on 27 June 2012 ‘to develop partnershipsand identify collaboration opportunities with Canberra-based emergency and support agencies.’ 50In addition, according to documents provided to the Audit these agencies have agreed to meetannually. 51The establishment of the Sexual Offence Support Person (SOSP) Network is also relevant to thisRecommendation and is discussed in more detail under Recommendation 9. In addition, dialogue withSeMPRO should also inform strategies in this regard.Audit findingsADFA has undertaken steps to address both parts of the Recommendation. The Recommendation hasbeen largely implemented, however part b) requires some additional work.The actions undertaken demonstrate commitment to satisfy the intent of part a). The poster developedcontains contact details for the support agencies referred to in the Recommendation, in addition toother organisations. The information is provided in a clear way, with the organisation’s category, name,contact details and hours of availability displayed. The Audit trusts that ADFA will continue to use theseposters and cards in years to come and will regularly update and amend information as required.However, in the case of an emergency, such as where an undergraduate is under immediate threatin their accommodation, it was unclear to the Audit which number should be called (e.g. police/dutyofficer/other). When the Audit sought clarification the response was that this was ‘a very difficultquestion to answer’ and ‘it depends’. 52 The Audit is strongly of the view that there can be no confusionin an emergency situation and this must be clarified immediately.The Audit has been advised that the posters have been displayed:throughout the Academy, with the focus on key areas where Midshipmen and Officer Cadetscongregate. Specific areas covered are all accommodation blocks, the Cadets mess, Military andAdmin buildings, ADFA Indoor Sports Centre, Library and academic centres on campus. 53In addition to the physical display, an electronic copy of the poster will be displayed on the ADFAintranet. 54 The display of the information is complemented by the issue of cards to undergraduates.This will further increase the ease with which undergraduates will be able to access the contact details.However, undergraduates also need to be encouraged to access these services and any stigmaassociated with their use addressed.In response to part b), the Audit has been advised that partnerships with support agencies have beenestablished and that the agencies have agreed to meet annually. The Audit has been informed that:In addition to internal support, ADFA has formed working relationships with a wide range ofexternal emergency and support agencies (e.g. beyond blue, Lifeline, Canberra Rape CrisisCentre, Relations Australia, Services Assisting Male Survivors of Sexual Assault, Women’sInformation and referral Service). 55124