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Australian Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh has called for stronger independent oversight, cultural change and transparency across the Australian Defence Force.
Minister Keogh made the comments at the recent 18th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces held in Sydney this week.
Keogh advocated for the growing importance of independent oversight as militaries adapt to cyber and space operations, artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons and closer international cooperation.
A new era demanding transparency
“Our communities rightly hold us to the highest levels of scrutiny, and institutional accountability and improvement … Work is essential to creating and maintaining trust and confidence not only of personnel but also governments and the broader population of a nation,” Minister Keogh said.
“Therefore, it is also essential that ombuds operate in a way that maintains that trust and confidence, in a way that provides as much transparency and reasoning as possible, in not only the processes they oversee but of their own processes as well.
“I am sure many of you are all too aware of how the ‘court of public opinion’ has ever-evolving views and expectations.
“Militaries are no longer something that can get away with not meeting the ‘pub test’ of what meets community expectations of behaviour and justice not only being done but being seen to be done.
“And of course, this all brings with it the ever-thinning line of what constitutes appropriate accountability versus patriotic fervour.
“Adding to all of these responsibilities, which are difficult enough as it is when focused on uniformed services, we see responsibilities expanding to also include public servants, contractors and industry working with defence forces as well.”
Exploring moral injury
“I recently opened a conference focused on moral injury – an increasingly important area of research for understanding, diagnosis and treatment amongst our armed forces,” he said.
“Moral injury is generally defined as the psychological, social and spiritual impact of events that involve a betrayal or transgression of a person’s deeply held moral beliefs and values in high-stakes situations.
“It is not uncommon for such impacts to be felt with Defence Force members who feel that their command or discipline systems have operated or failed to operate in an appropriate way that upholds their personal values and the values of their organisation.
“At the conference, I was asked about what leaders could do to reduce such incidences of moral injury. My response was to try and make the right decisions – much easier said than done, of course.
“The backstop to this, in some circumstances, is you.
“As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel my focus is always on the men and women who have served, and continue to serve the nation to protect Australia and its interests.
“Ensuring that they are respected and well supported by their leadership and the broader defence organisation in service and by our veterans’ agencies after service to ensure they are properly looked after and acknowledged is front and centre to my work.”
Delivering lasting cultural change
“Systemic cultural change is underway in the ADF as a matter of national priority. I know you will all appreciate that we still have a significant journey ahead of us … but the royal commission is bringing systemic reform to our Defence organisation. Especially given our focus here today on defence force accountability and governance,” Minister Keogh said.
“The royal commission’s final report, delivered on 9 September 2024, set out 122 recommendations to drive systemic reform. In December 2024, the government released its response. We agreed or agreed-in-principle to 104 recommendations
“Last month, we updated our response to the royal commission’s final report. There is now a total of 113 recommendations which have been agreed or agreed-in-principle to by government … with a further eight recommendations to be noted.
“Among these are 13 recommendations that have direct implications for the Office of the IGADF ... reflecting its critical role in strengthening accountability, oversight and trust within Defence.
“These recommendations are intended to enhance the office’s independence, capability and transparency … through measures such as independent leadership, increased staffing control, trauma-informed practices and expanded oversight responsibilities.
“The royal commission’s findings came from the lived experiences of those who gave evidence throughout the hearings and the impact of decisions, policies and legislation across decades.”
Trust and recruitment
“Defence remains focused on reforms that improve the immediate health, safety and wellbeing of current serving personnel. Importantly, it is also strengthening the care, services and support available to serving personnel, veterans and their families,” Minister Keogh said.
“At its core, Defence’s reform program reflects its responsibility and commitment to deliver meaningful and enduring change in how we support our people.
“The loss of our serving and ex-serving members to suicide is felt deeply across the Defence and veteran communities. Caring for our people and maintaining accountability must be inextricably linked.
“The men and women of the Australian Defence Force place an extraordinary degree of trust in their leaders and Defence. How do we earn that trust?
“By creating a workplace where concerns can be raised safely, decisions can be scrutinised, and failures can be identified and addressed.
“You are here today to continue to make the case as to why independent oversight is so important. Ombuds provide an essential avenue for scrutiny and for strengthened leadership. Ombuds provide organisations the opportunity to learn, adjust and continually improve.
“In Australia, our work to protect and empower our defence personnel is guided by the government’s blueprint for reform.
“One that marks a generational shift in how we ensure the Australian Defence Force is fit for purpose in a world almost unrecognisable from even a few years ago.”
Final thoughts
“The defence of our country depends on a growing and highly capable ADF and Defence workforce. Ensuring our people want to join our Defence Force also requires it’s a Defence Force they have trust in joining. It depends on an ADF willing to embrace reform,” Minister Keogh said in conclusion.
“In the current strategic environment, defence forces around the world are reforming.
“I challenge you all to think about how ombuds work with organisations who are constantly reforming to meet the needs of our new geostrategic and community expectation environments.”
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