Sex, lies and video tapes

[Sappho]

By Simon Santow

There is anger within the defence community about the way Defence Minister Stephen Smith has responded to claims a young cadet was secretly filmed having sex at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

Federal police are investigating allegations the woman was filmed having consensual sex with a male cadet at the academy last week and that it was broadcast via the internet, without her knowledge, to other cadets.

Mr Smith said the allegations, if true, constituted the "greatest betrayal of trust" that could happen in a workplace.

He said the incident brings the reputation of the Academy and the Defence Force into question and mistreatment of women would not be tolerated.

Several senior former officers have voiced their concerns, saying they feel Mr Smith has rushed to judgement, which has resulted in the defence forces being unfairly maligned.

[...]

It was revealed yesterday that the cadet at the centre of the controversy had pleaded guilty to unrelated charges of absence without leave and misuse of alcohol, dating back to March.

Mr Smith was furious that the hearing took place while the woman was struggling with the current events, calling the move "insensitive" and "stupid".

He wants her convictions overturned, but Mr James says there is a possibility that the Minister's comments could have tainted proceedings.

"There's certainly a risk of that, in least of perception. You'd think that a minister, particularly one who's a lawyer, would know they can't interfere in an ADF disciplinary matter," he said.

"We think there's a large amount of over-reaction in the Minister's response."

This morning Mr Smith seemed to avoid pledging his full confidence in the Commander of the Defence Force Academy, Bruce Kafer, despite being asked a number of times.

"First of all the question shouldn't have been asked by any professional reporter; it was a disgracefully ignorant and rude question," Mr James said.

"But secondly, the Minister just should have said that in his answer, and he should have refused to answer it.

"It's not up for the minister to express the confidence in a subordinate officer in the Defence Force.

"The minister rightly controls the Defence Force but it's legally commanded by the Chief of Defence Force and the chain of command.

"And the idea that a minister should be commenting on command matters further down in that chain of command is reasonably unprecedented in our Westminster system.

[...]

"We think this is a potentially serious problem here, perhaps all more probably in the Minister's own office; whether there's sufficient level of knowledge and expertise in the Defence Force, and the legal and professional basis of the Defence Force," he said.

"Either the Minister's been making some silly mistakes or he's been badly advised, and it would be nice to know which is the case.

"I think the real problem possibly lies in the way his own staff are handling the advice that he appears to be getting from the Department of Defence and the Defence Force.

"I mean, it's just extraordinary for a minister to implicitly criticise an officer in the Defence Force for doing his duty."

I think that the Minister should but out.

[Aussie]

I completely agree. This is for the ADF to sort out......not a Politician who has NIL idea of how the real World works. Just points scoring.....but it will cost him I hope, and I earnestly hope that it does not cost the careers of some 18 year olds being idiots......unlike most other 18 year olds, of course.

[Sappho]

I completely agree. This is for the ADF to sort out......not a Politician who has NIL idea of how the real World works. Just points scoring.....but it will cost him I hope, and I earnestly hope that it does not cost the careers of some 18 year olds being idiots......unlike most other 18 year olds, of course.

There are two incidents here... and the Minister seems to think that the ADF should ignore her previous unbecoming conduct because some men have acted in an unbecoming way to her some months latter. Absurd. Let each case be heard separately. Let the consequences fall where they will.

I do think however that those men behind the unauthorized filming and subsequent publication of the sex... should be discharged dishonorably. I also think that the media should stop referring to the sex as consentual... such sex can only be consentual if she agrees also to be filmed... and she did not. It is akin to rape. She has been violated and that violation pertains to the filming and publication of a sex act in which she features.

[al.coholic]

wheres that stkilda girl


she took all those videos and photos and got paid thousands for it

[Aussie]

I completely agree. This is for the ADF to sort out......not a Politician who has NIL idea of how the real World works. Just points scoring.....but it will cost him I hope, and I earnestly hope that it does not cost the careers of some 18 year olds being idiots......unlike most other 18 year olds, of course.

There are two incidents here... and the Minister seems to think that the ADF should ignore her previous unbecoming conduct because some men have acted in an unbecoming way to her some months latter. Absurd. Let each case be heard separately. Let the consequences fall where they will.

I do think however that those men behind the unauthorized filming and subsequent publication of the sex... should be discharged dishonorably. I also think that the media should stop referring to the sex as consentual... such sex can only be consentual if she agrees also to be filmed... and she did not. It is akin to rape. She has been violated and that violation pertains to the filming and publication of a sex act in which she features.

I've been talking to a bloke in the know, you know!



1. It is contrary to the system of Military Justice for there to be piecemeal cases. It is expected that all charges against a person be dealt with together, in the one hearing. There is an anti-fraternisation rule, and obviously it is fairly plain the girl and bloke breached that rule. Her breach of that rule and the other outstanding earlier charges which include drunkenness and being awol, must be dealt with at the one time. So, Smith got that right, at least opinion wise.

2. Smith has been politely told to keep his nose out of the Administration of Military Justice.

3. The Commodore is being held out to dry and is the fall guy.

4. Smith's conduct is contrary to his normal manner of dealing with the Heads of Defence. So, why has he been so loud on this (in the over-all scheme of things) fairly petty matter? Because this matter is a PR God Send, one which the Government can use to divert attention away from other extremely serious, and mind blowing stories of bungling disasters. You will notice the spinners have dragged out the old chestnut about women serving at the front line.

5. There is much consternation among the Legal Boffins about whether the skypeing of the deed was contrary to law, or is it the modern day equivalent a leaving the door or curtain lightly ajar so the voyeurs can get their jollies?

[Pork Hunt]

Why do you talk so much BS?

[Big Bird]

Why do you talk so much BS?