Statutory Appointment – Inspector–General Australian Defence Force

UM Holdings; Canberra; On-site; AUD 350,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Government seeks an exceptional leader to serve as the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), a premier statutory oversight appointment.

As an independent office holder, the IGADF provides assurance on military justice, accountability and governance, leading inspections, audits and inquiries to strengthen trust and integrity across Defence.

Job description

Statutory Appointment – Inspector–General Australian Defence Force

The Australian Government is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force (IGADF), one of Australia's most significant statutory oversight appointments.

Established under section 110B of the Defence Act 1903, the IGADF plays a critical role in strengthening trust, accountability, integrity and justice within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As an independent statutory office holder, the IGADF provides assurance to the Chief of the Defence Force, the Government and the Australian community regarding the effectiveness, fairness and integrity of Defence's military justice and accountability systems.

The IGADF is responsible for leading independent inquiries, reviews, audits and investigations into matters relating to military justice, administrative decision‑making, accountability, governance and systemic issues affecting ADF members. The role requires identifying emerging risks, examining patterns and trends, exposing systemic failures where they exist, and driving continuous improvement through evidence‑based recommendations.

This is a unique opportunity to influence outcomes of national significance, strengthen confidence in Defence and contribute to enduring improvements that support the safety, wellbeing and rights of serving members while maintaining Defence capability.

Your Role

As Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, you will provide independent assurance regarding the effectiveness, integrity and fairness of military justice, inquiry and accountability systems. You will play a critical role in strengthening trust, accountability, integrity and public confidence in Defence institutions while supporting continuous improvement across the Australian Defence Force.

You will lead an organisation responsible for conducting inspections, audits, investigations, inquiries and reviews into matters affecting the Australian Defence Force, while providing frank, fearless and evidence‑based advice to the Chief of the Defence Force on matters of significant institutional importance. Through independent oversight and strategic assurance, you will help to ensure Defence systems and practices remain effective, fair, accountable and aligned with community expectations.

As Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, you will:

• 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 matters relating to military justice, governance, accountability and organisational performance.
• Monitor and evaluate Defence's implementation of recommendations arising from reviews, audits, inspections and inquiries, provide strategic assurance on the effectiveness of resulting reforms, 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.