Fears sailor may sue
Daily Telegraph
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12jan02
A DRAFT report handed to the navy has recommended two sailors from HMAS Arunta face prosecution with fears a colleague they allegedly indecently assaulted may sue on "personal and psychological" grounds.
And it accuses a senior crew member of being "negligent" in his duties and failing a duty of care to his captain.
The report comes as the Federal Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward yesterday offered to conduct an inquiry into antics aboard the warship.
As revealed exclusively in The Daily Telegraph this week, crew from HMAS Arunta allegedly ran amok during shore leave on Christmas Island last month with sexual assaults, theft and public indecency.
The navy knew of the incidents but, according to the confidential report by specialist army investigators, allegedly attempted to cover the matter up.
Defence Minister Robert Hill, in Washington for high-level talks with US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, said yesterday the matter was a serious one.
During a press conference televised live from inside the Pentagon, Senator Hill said he was awaiting a new report by the navy to be completed in 14 days.
"There have been allegations, as you know, and, as you also know, the navy have announced an investigation into them and no doubt I have confidence the navy will deal with it appropriately," Senator Hill said.
The draft report, to be used as the basis of the new report and obtained by The Daily Telegraph, confirms a female able seaman from Arunta, aged in her 20s, has now filed a formal complaint against two colleagues for assault. The men, also able seamen, allegedly tried to remove her clothes while grabbing her crotch. At which she fought back, broke her hand and had to receive hospital treatment.
"My main concern overall is for the victim, in this case [name]," the report states.
"It is uncertain whether [the woman] has withdrawn her complaint or if the investigation is still continuing.
"If the member has withdrawn her complaint ... I have witnessed other incidents whereby a complainant has made another complaint at a later stage either as a result of personal or psychological reasons."
The report recommends a 45-minute video, which allegedly shows aspects of the night but not the actual assault, be found and retained as evidence.
It concludes with the rec ommendation that a more thorough investigation be made of the assault.