Independent Inspector-General, Australian Defence Force

Theibr; Canberra; Hybrid; AUD 380,000 - 580,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Government is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), an independent statutory office holder responsible for military justice, accountability and governance.

You will lead inspections, audits and inquiries, provide evidence-based advice to the Chief of the Defence Force and Minister, and advance transparency, integrity and public trust across Defence.

Responsibilities

• Provide independent assurance regarding the effectiveness of military justice and administrative review systems.
• Lead and oversee inspections, audits, investigations, inquiries and reviews into matters affecting the Australian Defence Force, including issues with significant organisational, operational, cultural and reputational implications for Defence.
• Identify emerging risks, recurring issues, systemic trends affecting Defence members and Defence institutions, and drive organisational learning and improvement through evidence-based recommendations.
• Identify systemic failures where they exist, analyse their causes and provide strategic recommendations to strengthen military justice, governance, accountability and oversight systems concerning the Australian Defence Force.
• Provide frank, fearless and evidence-based advice to the Minister, Chief of the Defence Force and broader Defence leadership on military justice, governance, accountability and organisational performance.
• Monitor and evaluate Defence's implementation of recommendations arising from reviews, audits, inspections and inquiries, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement across Defence systems and processes.
• Champion integrity, accountability, transparency and procedural fairness in Defence oversight activities.
• Lead a high-performing workforce of legal, investigative, governance and assurance professionals comprising members of the Australian Defence Force, Australian Public Servants and Contractors.
• Build productive relationships with Defence leadership, government agencies, oversight bodies and external stakeholders while maintaining the independence of the office.
• Strengthen trust and public confidence in Defence institutions through transparent, credible and independent oversight, review and assurance activities.
• Manage complex and sensitive matters that attract significant public, parliamentary and media interest.
• Engage effectively with serving and former members, families, government, Parliament and the broader community in support of transparency, accountability and public trust.
• Ensure oversight, review and assurance activities are conducted in a manner that balances independence, procedural fairness and trauma-informed practice.

Job description

The Australian Government is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), an independent statutory office holder responsible for military justice, accountability and governance.

You will lead inspections, audits and inquiries, provide evidence-based advice to the Chief of the Defence Force and Minister, and advance transparency, integrity and public trust across Defence.