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

Audit findingsADFA has undertaken a number of important steps to increase the effectiveness of the EA Network.The number of equity advisers has increased and the SOSP Network has been established. This iswelcomed by the Audit.Evaluation of the Equity Adviser NetworkIn response to the Recommendation, ADFA equity advisers met and there was a subsequent increasein the number of equity advisers. 30 This is a welcome development, but it appears that the evaluationconducted may have been narrow. Whilst there was an increase in the number of equity advisers therewas no consultation with undergraduates, nor is there any evidence that broad cultural barriers toaccessing the EA Network (e.g. not trusting the EA Network, or, not wanting to ‘jack on your mate’) 31were considered. Therefore, whilst the EA Network has been strengthened in terms of numbers, theAudit cannot assess to what extent it has been strengthened in terms of reducing barriers to access oreffectiveness.The Audit acknowledges that access to a range of advisers is an important part of strengthening theEA Network (as per DI(G) PERS 35-7). 32 For example, as one undergraduate told the Audit, the widerange of advisers was beneficial because there are some advisers that ‘I wouldn’t want to go up and talkto’ whereas the undergraduate knew other advisers through socialising or sport with whom she wouldspeak. 33It is also acknowledged that the distribution of material advertising the new Equity and Diversity Policyand EA Network (Recommendation 6), and enhanced training (Recommendations 7 and 8) play animportant role in building undergraduate understanding and use of the EA Network.During consultations with undergraduates, on occasion concerns were raised with respect to theEA Network. The Audit was informed of an incident of unacceptable behaviour involving an equityand diversity adviser which raised questions about the selection procedure. 34 Other undergraduatescommented that the confidentiality of claims could not be assured and recounted personal examples tothis effect. 35 As a result, they did not trust the EA Network or the process. The Audit also heard concernsabout whether the EA Network sufficiently differentiated between legitimate equity and diversityclaims and claims of a different nature. 36 These issues need to be evaluated and addressed in order tostrengthen the EA Network and reduce any barriers to access.Sexual Offence Support PersonADFA has established a SOSP Network, based on the scheme at HMAS Cerberus, which is beingcoordinated by the senior equity adviser.The COMDT’s Directive which establishes the SOSP Network outlines the role, duties and trainingrequired of a SOSP. 37 The Directive states that:Command will identify members who are deemed to be suitably qualified or trained as a supportperson…The SOSP will be selected based upon their experience and professional competence,with consideration also given to their ability to provide an appropriate management response tooffences of a sexual nature. 38A Code of Practice has been prepared which outlines the role and responsibilities of a SOSP, includingworking with clients, the SOSP interview, confidentiality and privacy, clinical supervision and support,integrity of the SOSP Network and the training and accreditation requirements. 39 A SOSP Network ClientHandout and SOSP Quick Assessment Checklist have also been prepared. 40Audit Report: Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy • 2013 • 41