Published: 17 May 2016
Author: Penny Savidis

Royal Commission announces inquiry into defence force

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has announced that it will launch an inquiry into the Australian Defence Force.

The public hearing will concentrate on the experiences of those who have survived abuse at HMAS Leeuwin from 1960 to 1980, the Army Apprentice School Balcombe (1970 to 1980) and the ADF Cadets, where the focus will be on the period from 2000 to the present.

The public hearing will take place in Sydney from Tuesday 21 June.

According to the announcement, any person or institution who believes that they have a direct and substantial interest in the scope and purpose of the public hearing is invited to lodge a written application or leave to appear at the public hearing by 31 May.

Further information on making a submission to the commission is available here: Public hearing into the Australian Defence Force

Anyone who is wishes to obtain legal advice before taking any further action may contact Amy Olver, Institutional and Sexual Abuse, Ryan Carlisle Thomas, on 03 9238 7878.