Seven cadets from the Australian Defence Force Academy have been suspended as the defence force investigates an alleged 'off–campus incident' at the weekend.
Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, said the investigation is ongoing but is believed to involve around 20 male cadets and midshipmen from all three services.
“It appears the incident is linked to a group of male cadets and midshipmen that is operating contrary to the values and standards expected of the ADF members and our future leaders,” he said.
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“As this investigation is ongoing, I cannot go into any further details about the nature of these allegations except to say that if substantiated, the conduct is unacceptable and not in keeping with the expectations of future leaders of the Australian Defence Force.”
Mr Binskin said he expected more suspension decisions would be made in coming days.
“In this particular case, ADFA is providing support to all affected personnel,” he said.
Mr Binskin expects more suspension decisions would be made in coming days.
"In this particular case, ADFA is providing support to all affected personnel,” he said.
The incident is not believed to be linked to an alleged email sex chain believed to involve a group of members calling themselves the Jedi Council.
“It's separate to the Jedi Council issue. Investigations may find a link, but I doubt that,” Mr Binskin said.
The cadets and midshipmen span all services and all three years of training.
Air Marshal Binskin said they were all male cadets acting inappropriately.
He said he believed the culture within ADFA was improving, despite the actions of a minority who "just don't get it".
"It has come to light through the moral courage of a number of ADFA cadets who have come forward to talk about it," he said.
"So I actually think that is demonstrating a good culture which is developing in ADFA."
Air Marshal Binskin said the ADF would not tolerate bad behaviour by its future leaders.
"Enough is enough. There are some people that obviously ... still don't understand and that is what we are trying to get to here."
