Until the matters of military discipline are properly determined by the Convening Authority, it would be quite inappropriate to disclose the names or appointments of any persons facing administrative action or referred to the Convening Authority, or to disclose details of offences which might be pursued against individuals. For this reason, some of the findings and recommendations which could lead to possible disciplinary action have been expunged from the Report which I will table today. It is the responsibility of the Convening Authority to decide whether military charges are to be laid. I expect the Chief of Army to announce the decision of the Convening Authority within a month. I can inform the House, however, that as a result of requests for advice by the Department, separate advice has been received from the Queensland and Commonwealth Directors of Public Prosecutions that, based on the Board's Report, no criminal charges would arise from the accident.
Military service is distinctly different from civilian employment.
It often involves considerably more dangerous activities which may result in severe injury or death. It therefore warrants distinct rehabilitation and compensation arrangements. The need for a review of military compensation was brought into sharper focus by the Black Hawk accident. In particular, it has become quite clear that parts of the existing peacetime compensation and rehabilitation scheme for ADF personnel are inappropriate. Consequently, the Minister for Defence Industry, Science and Personnel ordered a review of existing rehabilitation and compensation arrangements for military personnel.