Media Statement: Response to IGADF Report release

The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry

On 6 November 2020, the Chief of the Defence Force received the Afghanistan Inquiry report from the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF) and he announced the findings on 19 November 2020.

A copy of the Afghanistan Inquiry Report (Public Release Version) is available on the Department of Defence website.

 

The Australian War Memorial will review the IGADF report and consider how it will respond.

The Memorial will remain a place of trust and truthtelling.

There is currently a modest presentation of the Afghanistan War in the Memorial’s galleries.

The proposed Development Project to expand the Memorial’s galleries will provide us with the space to reflect the breadth of contemporary service in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, the Gulf and in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

This will include the service of more than 30,000 women and men who have served in Afghanistan with courage and distinction since 2001.

The Memorial has the responsibility to consider the causes, conduct and consequences of Australia’s experience of war. The IGADF report is one of the aspects of contemporary service that will be told at the Memorial, and it will be told in the context of Australia’s longest war.

Matt Anderson PSM, Director of the Australian War Memorial

As you cover stories and run programs about Australians who are serving or have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that may cause distress to those in the serving and ex-service community, please include contact details for specialised counselling services and resources for veterans where appropriate.

  • Defence All-hours support line – The All-hours Support Line (ASL) is a confidential telephone service for ADF members and their families that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1800 628 036
  • Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling Service provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families. They can be reached 24/7 on 1800 011 046 or visit the Open Arms website for more information.
  • DVA provides immediate help and treatment for any mental health condition, whether it relates to service or not. If you or someone you know is finding it hard to cope with life, call Open Arms on 1800 011 046 or DVA on 1800 555 254. Further information can be accessed on the DVA website.

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