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

) ADFA introducing regular forums for all cadets and staff wherefemale role models from within and beyond the ADF presenton their experiences.Intent of RecommendationThis Recommendation aims to highlight the positive value of equity and diversity and embed it intoADFA’s everyday practice. Clear statements and actions by leadership, as well as exposure to, andinteraction with, female role models were identified as powerful strategies to reinforce these principles.Implementation actionsADFA’s equity and diversity policy statement is framed as a personal message from the COMDT, and theCOMDT’s photo appears prominently on the circulated message. A shortened version of this messageappears on the posters advertising the current equity advisers.The Audit also recognises the numerous and significant initiatives across the broader ADF in supportingthe implementation of the Recommendations of the Review’s Phase Two Report and Pathway toChange. For example, the Chief of Army has joined the Australian Human Rights Commission’s MaleChampions of Change, which aims to elevate the issue of women’s representation in leadership. 41 Allthree Services have also undertaken a number of activities in support of diversity and gender equality,and many of these are documented on the Women in the Australian Defence Force website. 42 TheAudit also had the opportunity to attend the ADF’s first Gender in Defence and Security LeadershipConference held 12-13 March 2013.At ADFA, three events were organised in 2012 promoting women in the military:• Canadian Combat Commanders on 8 May 2012• Female Aircrew on 29 May 2012• Female Engineers Week and Lunch from 8 August 2012.Audit findingsThe COMDT has assumed personal responsibility for ADFA’s Equity and Diversity Policy Statement andthis has been circulated to staff and undergraduates through various lessons and packages. As theleader of ADFA, this is a powerful signal.There is also evidence that these matters are being championed by the ADF leadership in response tothe broader ADF cultural reform program.The Audit has received little information about forums at ADFA where female role models from withinand beyond the ADF present on their experiences. Whilst undoubtedly of value, the 2012 events didnot appear to be part of a scheduled, ongoing program. Extension of the successful ‘Linking withUniversities’ conference could include a session at which female role models from within and beyondthe ADF present on their experiences.Audit Report: Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy • 2013 • 43