The Australian Defence Force Academy sex scandal is the latest example of Defence Minister Stephen Smith's inability to control his department, opposition frontbencher Christopher Pyne says.
Mr Pyne said there was a standoff between the department and the actual forces over the handling of the scandal with the minister reportedly asking military chiefs to punish academy commandant Commodore Bruce Kafer.
Last week, an 18-year-old female cadet at the academy in Canberra revealed she'd had sex with another student while six others watched via video-link without her knowledge.
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Mr Pyne said Mr Smith had to order a probe into the allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and bastardisation at the military college.
"He needs to make sure there is a very thorough investigation into the allegations that have been made about Defence," Mr Pyne told Sky News on Monday.
"But also make sure that he does not scapegoat particular individuals in Defence without a proper and due process.
"I'm very concerned that the minister does not appear to have a handle on his Defence department."
