Australia's Defence Chief rules out further action against senior commanders

Admiral Mark Hammond, Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, has ruled out further action against senior military commanders regarding leadership failures linked to alleged war crimes in Afghanistan. Speaking at a Senate estimates hearing, Hammond stated that the Department of Defence has completed its response to an inquiry into the Special Air Service Regiment (SAS).

The inquiry, conducted by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, found a “significant failure of good leadership and effective command” within the elite unit. The report detailed a culture of lawlessness where some soldiers viewed themselves as untouchable and ignored military rules. It also noted that commanders failed to challenge misconduct or act on warning signs that reached higher headquarters.

Hammond noted that the findings and recommendations from the 2022 inquiry had already been actioned by his predecessors and that all relevant departmental actions are complete. The decision follows the recent partial release of the long-suppressed report, which has raised questions regarding accountability for senior officers.