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

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Chapter 7: ADFA’s Structure and Staffing – Recommendations 11-15Underperforming undergraduatesWith regard to undergraduates the Review heard that in several cases, staff appeared to resent whatthey feel is a situation in which it is difficult to remove underperforming undergraduates unless they arefailing academically. 58 The Audit is aware that the COMDT has taken steps in order to have this authoritydelegated to him by the Services. According to the Career Management Agencies:We did examine potentially passing PERS Regulations to the COMDT ADFA to terminate cadetservice…We don’t think it’s been a happy experience for us because the legal nuances oftermination and redress, formal warnings, censures impact upon it and specialised knowledge isrequired. 59Now cadets, this is one place I am happy to have more of a conversation with more discretionfrom the Commandant, [but] it’s often better to let the parent Service manage the end stage of acomplex case. 60The issue of removing underperforming undergraduates remains alive within ADFA. In interviews andfocus groups the Audit was told that:Cadets and midshipmen progress through here [but] if they were at other training institutions[they] would not. 61There needs to be more punishment and more discharge. If someone is found by a legitimateprocess to be actually a problem, a problem drinker, you know, frequent sexual harassmentclaims – whatever – then you need to be able to kick them out or at least punish them, give themserious punishment. 62I think the issue is it’s too hard to get kicked out of this place. So you can get away with a lot.The discharge system works the same for someone who’s been in for 20 years, it is just as hardto discharge. 63Despite discussion, the process for removing undergraduates appears to be unchanged. The COMDTmust make a recommendation to the respective Service headquarters, a member of the personnel staffconsiders the recommendation and the Service makes the decision.The Audit acknowledges that there will always be an element of negotiation given each Service’sprerogative to consider their numbers, strengths and requirements, but it also notes the frustrationand effect on morale that an inability to deal decisively and expeditiously with underperformingundergraduates can have. As for staff, the Audit strongly advocates that each Service delegate thedecision making authority for the removal of underperforming undergraduates to the COMDT.In summary, there is some progress on the implementation of Recommendation 12, however it is patchy.Substantive and systemic changes need to be built into career management processes in order toachieve the intent of this Recommendation.Given the late start to the implementation of this Recommendation the opportunity to impact the staffselection process was largely lost for 2013. The Audit looks forward to the changes to be effected forthe 2014 intake.56
Recommendation 13: The tenure of Commandants should be fora minimum of three years and should not be reduced, other than inexceptional circumstances.Intent of RecommendationThe Review found that since February 2006 there have been six Commandants (including two actingCommandants) at ADFA and that ‘the level of turnover within ADFA’s senior office hinders strategicdirection and sustainable reform’. 64 Leadership stability has a positive influence on institutionaloutcomes.Implementation actionsOn 20 January 2012, MAJGEN Craig Orme, Commander of the Australian Defence College wrote to theVCDF endorsing this Recommendation:as it will go some way to addressing the current deficiencies in ADFA’s corporate memory,leadership, training and policy development. 65On 7 March 2012 the VCDF wrote to the Directorate of Senior Officer Management (through CDF)endorsing this Recommendation. Further he requested that:To enable close out of this Broderick recommendation I request confirmation of theimplementation of these protocols and processes by 13 Apr 2012. 66Audit findingsThe Audit is aware that the current COMDT’s tenure has been extended for its third year. 67 However inorder to satisfy the intent of this Recommendation confirmation was required that this tenure will alsoapply to future ADFA Commandants.On 6 November, 2012 the Audit sought a copy of the confirmation of the implementation of theprotocols and processes requested by the VCDF. The RIT followed up this request on 4 December 2012.The RIT was advised in early January that:the Director of Senior Officer Management (DSOM) advised that she cannot find a formalresponse back to us re the 3-year tenure however noted that decision was made to extend thecurrent incumbent at the mid-year Star Planning Meeting (SPM) but this in itself does not ensurethis will occur into the future. She will take the following action:1. DSOM Admin notes on SPM will reflect the 3 year tenure requirement – to be ratified atDec 17 SPM.2. DSOM will speak to HR and have PMKEYS notes for the position changed to reflect 3 yeartenure3. DSOM will confirm when these are complete.Audit Report: Review into the Treatment of Women at the Australian Defence Force Academy • 2013 • 57
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ContentsA Message from the Commissi
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A Message from the CommissionerADFA
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Chapter 1:Audit ApproachThe Report
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Further InformationAustralian Human
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