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Muddy boots ...

By John Richardson - posted Wednesday, 22 November 2006

How is it then that the US Government managed to investigate Abu Ghraib and charge and convict some members of its Armed Forces for the torture of detainees, while similar, much older allegations against members of the Australian Army are still being “examined”?

The failure of the Howard Government to energetically and openly investigate the sordid allegations against members of the ADF is hardly surprising, given its track record.

Sadly however, that failure can only add credence to the allegations, while further damaging the reputation and credibility of the ADF, its past and present leadership, the Defence establishment and Australia’s international reputation.

Harper Collins claims that Peter Cosgrove has displayed characteristics that “we value most as Australians - strength, determination, intelligence, compassion and humour”.

While such “characteristics” are highly commendable, surely Australians, including Peter Cosgrove, believe that the fundamental values of truth, integrity and justice are far more critical to the maintenance of our nation’s health?

Australians know the stories of John Howard, Robert Hill and now Peter Cosgrove.

In the shadow of Remembrance Day, surely it’s time for them to hear the story of the still missing Yani Ndun?

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About the Author

John Richardson is in semi-retirement from the corporate world but continues to do some consulting work. In retirement he became involved in the grass roots campaign to secure justice for David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib and an inveterate writer to the letters pages and to politicians.