Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 22 November 2011:

I refer to the Facebook page entitled 'Steve Austin' (the webpage) which targeted serving gay and lesbian Defence members and to which current and serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) subscribe or contributed:

(1) Of those serving Defence members who chose to join this webpage and/or contribute to its content, how many have been subject to any discipline.

(2) If Defence members were subject to discipline, what form did this take and when did it occur.

(3) Have any Defence members who chose to subscribe to the webpage or contribute to its content, been issued with a Notice to Show Cause as to why they should continue to serve in the military; if not, why not.

(4) When did officials within the ADF become aware of this webpage.

(5) On what date did military officials take action against the webpage and its subscribers and what form did this action take.

(6) On what date was a formal complaint lodged against this webpage.

(7) When was the first interview of a Defence member conducted.

(8) Of the Defence members who contributed or participated on the webpage, how many were interviewed and how many provided: (a) Written responses; (b) Verbal responses; or (c) Written and verbal responses.

Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence Materiel) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) and (2) See response to part 9 of Senate Question on Notice 1473.

(3) Not applicable. See response to part 8 of Senate Question on Notice 1473.

(4) (5) and (6) The first known notification was made to a domestic military police unit on 5 August 2010. Army Headquarters became aware on 11 August 2010 and made a formal complaint to Facebook on the same day. The Facebook site was removed by Facebook administrators by 12 August 2010.

(7) The first interview by the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service of a Defence member was conducted on 16 August 2010.

(8) Thirty two personnel were interviewed. A combination of written and verbal responses was provided.