Two Facebook pages containing demeaning comments about women have been taken down as the Australian Defence Force continues to investigate whether any of its members were involved.
A Defence spokesperson confirmed via email that the department was aware the pages had been removed, but was "unable to confirm" it was a direct result of the investigation.
In a statement released to SBS yesterday, a Defence spokesperson said “disciplinary and/or administrative action” would be taken if any serving members were found to have made offensive comments on the pages.
“Defence does not condone offensive and unacceptable behaviour, and such behaviour does not represent the values and ethos of Defence and the majority of its members.”
The pages made several references to Townsville-based women, deriding them as “sluts”.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Some of the comments were made by people who listed the "Australian Army" as their employer or appeared in dress or operational uniform on their profile pages.
Around 4500 personnel are based in Townsville's Lavarack Barracks.
Last week, Chief of the Australian Army Lieutenant-General David Morrison told troops there was “no place” in the army for those who demean and exploit others, as details emerged over an unrelated email chain allegedly involving ADF members and the distribution of sex videos filmed without the knowledge of victims.
“I will be ruthless in ridding the army of people who cannot live up to its value, and I need every one of you to support me in achieving this,” he said.
