Fed: Independent process needed for Army inquiries: Evans

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Fed: Independent process needed for Army inquiries: Evans

By Selina Day

PERTH, Aug 27 AAP - An independent process was needed to investigate incidents in theArmy such as the suicide of trainee soldier Jeremy Williams, opposition defence spokesmanChris Evans said today.

An Army investigation has found that Private Williams, 20, hanged himself in Februaryoutside the Army's School of Infantry at Singleton in NSW in February, out of despairthat his career could be about to end because of a leg injury.

Army Chief Lieutenant General Peter Leahy said the investigation into Private Williams'sdeath had found no suspicious circumstances. However, because other factors were involved,a further extensive investigation was undertaken.

That inquiry uncovered a culture of bullying, intimidation and standover tactics againsttrainees, regular denigration of injured soldiers, and widespread use of offensive language.

Senator Evans said today the Army report into Private Williams's death was disturbing.

He said the government should establish an independent, transparent process to ensureany such incidents were properly investigated, and that any recommendations were fullyimplemented.

"I think it's a highly disturbing report that too easily seeks to absolve the Armyof blame," Senator Evans told AAP.

"There are real cultural problems here - abuse, denigration, harassment and foul languageof an injured soldier - which led to his death.

"We need a much stronger response from the government and Army that ensures young peopleget better protection if injured while serving their country."

Senator Evans said Labor was concerned that the publicly released summary of the reportdownplayed the impact of Army culture in Private Williams's case, and deferred some keyallegations for further consideration.

AAP sd/ak/

KEYWORD: WILLIAMS EVANS