Appointment for New Independent Inquiry into Matters Relating to HMAS Success

23 February 2010

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, today announced that he has appointed the Hon Roger Gyles AO QC to conduct a new inquiry into a range of matters arising from equity and diversity issues on board HMAS Success.

"Mr Gyles is eminently well qualified to conduct this fresh inquiry. He is a respected former Judge of the Federal Court of Australia who, since retiring from that court, also served as an acting Judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Court of Appeal," Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

"Mr Gyles has advised me that he would like the inquiry to take the form of a Commission of Inquiry. I have accepted his advice.

"Mr Gyles has also approved the appointment of Mr Douglas Campbell SC to perform the role of Counsel Assisting.

"There will be no Navy involvement in the inquiry legal team.

"These arrangements are designed to promote public confidence in the impartiality of the Commission's processes."

As has already been announced, the References Committee of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will also be offered the opportunity to be consulted in relation to the proposed Terms of Reference.