Defence Bosses Circle The Wagons On Diversity Attack

Item 1
Serial 1
s47F
s47F
Item 1
Serial 2
13 April: Response to reporting in The Australian on Defence capability and

organisational culture
** NOTE: The text highlighted in blue was omitted from the letter when it was published in The Australian on 13
April, 2015. The text highlighted in red was added by The Australian. **
Your editorial Military no place for tokenism (The Australian, 8 April 2016) in our opinion
demands a response.
In the Australian Defence Force we strive[s] to create an environment where all of our people
can feel valued, included and empowered to bring innovative ideas to the table. Our goal is to
foster a workplace that encourages great ideas, attracts the best talent and creates a sense of
pride in all that we do.
You may find that last [sentence] paragraph familiar; that is because it is almost a direct copy
of your own companys statement on diversity. Its a good statement and easily adaptable to
many organisations including the Australian Defence Force.
Diversity is not about identity politics it is about improving the quality of the workplace, its
the antidote to group think - gaining a wider range of perspectives to make better decisions
and, in the military context, enhancing our capability, that often intangible concept that is
manifest in the conduct of military operations be that in combat or non combat situations.
So it is somewhat disappointing that The Australian through a series of reports and editorials
over the [past] last few months finds it necessary to undermine the efforts of the Australian
Defence Force to bring about what has been universally agreed, is much needed cultural
change. More disappointing is that your editorial appears to contradict The Australian
newspapers own diversity statement.
Over the [past] last few years the Australian Defence Force has made significant change
across a very wide range of cultural issues. The gut wrenching stories of former and serving
members of the Australian Defence Force through the work of the Defence Abuse Response
Task Force were born out of one simple thing - a culture of exclusion.
The only way to ensure that these types of events cannot systemically take hold again is to
ensure that we have a culture of inclusion. A culture that ensures the needs of various groups
within our workforce can be accommodated so they can perform at their best.
As Commanders it matters little to us whether [it's] that is due to gender, race, religion or
sexual orientation. What matters is that we have a cohesive team that is committed to the task
at hand - delivering options to the Government of the day, every day.
Today our people are delivering on that across the globe, in combat and training missions in
Iraq and Afghanistan, across the Middle East oceans and seas intercepting tonnes of illegal
drugs and thousands of weapons, in United Nations and multi-national operations in Israel,
the Sinai and South Sudan, in keeping our borders safe and working with our partners across
Asia and helping to rebuild the lives of our Fijian neighbours.
[Apart from our missions around the world,] we are overhauling our equipment acquisition
processes through some of the most fundamental reforms in the organisations history, and
through the efforts of hundreds of Defence people and industry partners over the last five
years we have more submarines at sea today than we have in over a decade.
These activities are not the signs of an organisation redirecting resources to impotent causes
these are signs of an organisation that is changing to ensure we are representative of the
community we defend and focused on our mission to safeguard the security of this nation and
its interests.
Yours sincerely,
MD Binskin, AC
Air Chief Marshal
Chief of the Defence Force
RJ Griggs, AO, CSC

Vice Admiral, Royal Australian Navy
Vice Chief of the Defence Force
TW Barrett, AO, CSC

Vice Admiral, Royal Australian Navy
Chief of Navy
RM Burr, DSC, AM, MVO

Major General
Acting Chief of Army
GN Davies, AO, CSC

Air Marshal
Chief of Air Force
11 April 2016
Item 1
Serial 3
Your editorial Military no place for tokenism (The Australian 8 April 2016) in
our opinion demands a response.
In the Australian Defence Force we strive to create an environment where all
of our people can feel valued, included and empowered to bring innovative
ideas to the table. Our goal is to foster a workplace that encourages great
ideas, attracts the best talent and creates a sense of pride in all that we do.
You may find that last paragraph familiar; that is because it is almost a direct
copy of your own companys statement on diversity. Its a good statement and
easily adaptable to many organisations including the Australian Defence
Force.
Deleted: ,
Diversity is not about identity politics it is about improving the quality of the
workplace, its the antidote to group think - gaining a wider range of
perspectives to make better decisions and, in the military context, enhancing
our capability, that often intangible concept that is manifest in the conduct of
military operations be that in combat or non combat situations.
So it is somewhat intriguing that The Australian through a series of reports
and editorials over the last few months finds it necessary to undermine the
efforts of the Australian Defence Force to bring about what has been
universally agreed, is much needed cultural change. More intriguing is that
your editorial appears to contradict The Australian newspapers own diversity
statement!
Deleted: of the leadership
Formatted: Font: Not Italic

Formatted: Font: Not Italic
Formatted: Font: Italic
Over the last few years the Australian Defence Force has made significant
change across a very wide range of cultural issues. The gut wrenching stories
of former and serving members of the Australian Defence Force through the
work of the Defence Abuse Response Task Force were born out of one
simple thing - a culture of exclusion.
The only way to ensure that these types of events cannot systemically take
hold again is to ensure that we have a culture of inclusion. A culture that
ensures the needs of various groups within our workforce can be
accommodated so they can perform at their best.
As Commanders it matters little to us whether that is due to gender, race,
religion or sexual orientation. What matters is that we have a team that is
committed to each other and to the task at hand, delivering options to the
Government of the day, every day.
Today our people are delivering on that across the globe, in combat and
training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, across the Middle East oceans and
seas intercepting tonnes of illegal drugs and thousands of weapons, in United
Nations and multi national operations in Israel, the Sinai and South Sudan, in
keeping our borders safe and working with our partners across Asia and
helping to rebuild the lives of our Fijian neighbours.
Deleted:
Comment [m1]: Notsurethis

readsrightlookstooinward
focused.Maybethisiswherewe
putthecommentrepresentative
ofthecommunitywedefend??
Deleted: maritime domain
We are overhauling our equipment acquisition processes through some of the

most fundamental reforms in the organisations history, and through the
efforts of hundreds of Defence people and industry partners over the last five
years we have more submarines at sea today than we have in over a decade.
These activities are not the signs of an organisation redirecting resources to
impotent causes these are signs of an organisation that is changing to ensure
we are representative of the community we defend and focused on our
mission to safeguard the security of this nation and its interests.
M.D. Binksin
Air Chief Marshall
Chief of Defence Force
Force
R.J. Griggs
Vice Admiral
Vice Chief of Defence
Deleted: its
Item 1
Serial 4
Your editorial Military no place for tokenism (The Australian 8 April 2016) in
our opinion demands a response.
In the Australian Defence Force we strive to create an environment where all
of our people can feel valued, included and empowered to bring innovative
ideas to the table. Our goal is to foster a workplace that encourages great
ideas, attracts the best talent and creates a sense of pride in all that we do.
You may find that last paragraph familiar, that is because it is almost a direct
copy of your own companys statement on diversity. Its a good statement and
easily adaptable to many organisations including the Australian Defence
Force.
Diversity is not about identity politics it is about improving the quality of the
workplace, its the antidote to group think - gaining a wider range of
perspectives to make better decisions and, in the military context, enhancing
our capability, that often intangible concept that is manifest in the conduct of
military operations be that in combat or non combat situations.
So it is somewhat intriguing that The Australian through a series of reports
and editorials over the last few months finds it necessary to undermine the
efforts of the leadership of the Australian Defence Force to bring about what
has been universally agreed, is much needed cultural change.
Over the last few years the Australian Defence Force has made significant
change across a very wide range of cultural issues. The gut wrenching stories
of former and serving members of the Australian Defence Force through the
work of the Defence Abuse Response Task Force were born out of one
simple thing - a culture of exclusion.
The only way to ensure that these types of events cannot systemically take
hold again is to ensure that we have a culture of inclusion. A culture that
ensures the needs of various groups within our workforce can be
accommodated so they can perform at their best.
As Commanders it matters little to us whether that is due to gender, race,
religion or sexual orientation. What matters is that we have a team that is
committed to each other and to the task at hand, delivering options to the
Government of the day, every day.
Today our people are delivering on that across the globe, in combat and
training missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, across the Middle East maritime
domain intercepting tonnes of illegal drugs and thousands of weapons, in
United Nations and multi national operations in Israel, the Sinai and South
Sudan, in keeping our borders safe and working with our partners across Asia
and helping to rebuild the lives of our Fijian neighbours.
We are overhauling our equipment acquisition processes through some of the
most fundamental reforms in the organisations history and through the efforts
of hundreds of Defence people and industry partners over the last five years
we have more submarines at sea today than we have in over a decade.
These activities are not the signs of an organisation redirecting resources to
impotent causes these are signs of an organisation focused on its mission to
safeguard the security of this nation and its interests.
M.D. Binksin
Air Chief Marshall
Chief of Defence Force
Force
R.J. Griggs
Vice Admiral
Vice Chief of Defence
Page 1 of 2
Item 1
Serial 5
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Reis, Alison MS
Sent:
Wednesday, 13 April 2016 9:45 AM
To:
Coxon, Theresa MRS; O'Bryan, Karin MS
Cc:
Media
Subject:
**URGENT** ON THE RECORD ** Letter to the Editor The Australian - Final Marked Up
Version [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Attachments: 160413 Letter to the Editor Australian final marked up.doc

UNCLASSIFIED
Theresa and Karin,
Pls see attached the marked up version of the Letter to the Editor of the Australian to be posted On the
Record as set out in the attachment please.
As we discussed, could you please add the following under the title when the letter is posted On the Record.
*The text highlighted in blue [or however you chose to highlight it] was omited from the letter when it was
published in The Australian on 13 April, 2015. The text highlighted in red [or however you chose to
highlight it] was added by The Australian.
Could you pls post this On the Record asap and send me the link so I can close out the social media aspects.
Pls give me a call if you need to clarify or discuss.

Many thanks, Ali
From: Reis, Alison MS

Sent: Wednesday, 13 April 2016 08:43
To: Budd, Henry MR
Subject: Letter to the Editor The Australian - Final Marked Up Version [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
UNCLASSIFIED
Henry, pls see attached the final version of the Chiefs' Letter to the Australian.
The sections that were omitted from the publication are highlighted in blue text.
Ali
Alison Reis
Strategic Communications Advisor to
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin
T 02 6265 3398
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 2
s22
F 02 6265 1345
E alison.reis@defence.gov.au
R1-5-CDF Suite, Russell Offices
@MarkBinskin_CDF
Air Chief Marshal Binskin
IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of Defence and is subject to the jurisdiction
of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you have received this email in error, you are requested to contact the
sender and delete the email.
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 1
Item 1
Serial 6
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Reis, Alison MS
Sent:
To:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Cc:
Norris, Allison CAPT
Subject: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy
Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy

Sarah Martin Rachel Baxendale
THE AUSTRALIAN
APRIL 13, 2016 12:00AM
Military commanders have hit back at criticism of the Australian Defence Forces diversity
policy, saying a culture of inclusion is the only way to prevent the emergence of systemic
abuse.
However, Australian Defence Association executive director Neil James warned that diversity
should not be prioritised at the expense of the defence forces other priorities.
In a letter to The Australian, Chief of the Australian Defence Force Mark Binskin, Vice-Chief Ray
Griggs and the chiefs of the army, navy and air force warned criticism of the ADF for its handling
of the social media activity of Islamic affairs strategic adviser Captain Mona Shindy was undermining its efforts to drive much needed cultural change.
As revealed in The Australian, Captain Shindys Twitter account was suspended after she
published provocative comments on social media, including suggestions Western foreign policy in
the Middle East was fuelling Islamic extremism.
An editorial in The Australian said the event reflected a culture of division engendered by
identity politics in the ADF that threatened the military cohesion required of a national defence
force.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the focus on inclusion was to ensure the ADF was representative
of the Australian community, and to bring about much needed cultural change.
Diversity is not about identity politics it is about improving the quality of the workplace, its the
antidote to group think, the letter said.
The commanders said the gut-wrenching stories that emerged through the Defence Abuse
Response Task Force had come about because of a prevailing culture of exclusion. The only way
to ensure these types of events cannot systematically take hold again is to ensure that we have a
culture of inclusion.
However, Mr James said: Diversity is important, but so is national unity and a cohesive defence
force. It has to be a balance.
He was also critical of serving ADF personnel publicly expressing political views. Political
comment by defence force personnel risks the longstanding institutional apoliticism of the defence
force, he said. All cases where this principle is ignored should be treated equally.
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 7
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Reis, Alison MS
Sent:
To:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Subject: Re: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy
I will cross check it on my desk top but you're probably correct.
On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:22 am, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:

Just read it again and I believe they have subtly removed at least one sentence
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 13 Apr 2016, at 06:19, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:
I think there is some missing. Didn't we use the word disturbing in two sentences?
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 13 Apr 2016, at 06:16, Reis, Alison MS <alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:
It actually appears in full on the Letters page, with all signatories listed.
On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:14 am, Reis, Alison MS <alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:

I can Tweet the PDF of the letter & post it to Facebook any time from
now Sir.
I will also arrange for it to go On The Record.
On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:03 am, Binskin, Mark ACM

<mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:
And they can't even take the time to spell my name
correctly
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 13 Apr 2016, at 05:47, Reis, Alison MS
<alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:
Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on
diversity policy
5/07/2016
Page 2 of 3
SarahAUSTRALIAN
THE
Martin Rachel Baxendale
APRIL 13, 2016 12:00AM
Military commanders have hit back at
criticism of the Australian Defence
Forces diversity policy, saying a culture
of inclusion is the only way to prevent
the emergence of systemic abuse.
However, Australian Defence Association
executive director Neil James warned that
diversity should not be prioritised at the
expense of the defence forces other
priorities.
In a letter to The Australian, Chief of the
Australian Defence Force Mark Binskin,
Vice-Chief Ray Griggs and the chiefs of the
army, navy and air force warned criticism of
the ADF for its handling of the social media
activity of Islamic affairs strategic adviser
Captain Mona Shindy was undermining its
efforts to drive much needed cultural
change.
As revealed in The Australian, Captain
Shindys Twitter account was suspended
after she published provocative comments
on social media, including suggestions
Western foreign policy in the Middle East
was fuelling Islamic extremism.
An editorial in The Australian said the event
reflected a culture of division engendered
by identity politics in the ADF that
threatened the military cohesion required of
a national defence force.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the focus on
inclusion was to ensure the ADF was
representative of the Australian community,
and to bring about much needed cultural
change.
Diversity is not about identity politics it is
about improving the quality of the
workplace, its the antidote to group think,
the letter said.
The commanders said the gut-wrenching

stories that emerged through the Defence
Abuse Response Task Force had come
about because of a prevailing culture of
exclusion. The only way to ensure these
types of events cannot systematically take
hold again is to ensure that we have a
culture of inclusion.
However, Mr James said: Diversity is
important, but so is national unity and a
cohesive defence force. It has to be a
balance.
He was also critical of serving ADF
personnel publicly expressing political
5/07/2016
Page 3 of 3
views. Political comment by defence force

personnel risks the longstanding institutional apoliticism of the defence
force, he said. All cases where this
principle is ignored should be treated
equally.
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 8
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Reis, Alison MS
Sent:
To:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Cc:
Norris, Allison CAPT
Subject: Re: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy
You might want to spk to VCDF WRT social media Sir. He also has the PDF and s47F
On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:19 am, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:

I don't want it to spark a social brawl on social media, but think we need to post it under
the title something like "the full letter to the Australian" or something like that. I haven't
had the chance to fully compare to see what was taken out other than our emphasising
our criticism of their hypocrisy.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 13 Apr 2016, at 06:14, Reis, Alison MS <alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:
I can Tweet the PDF of the letter & post it to Facebook any time from now
Sir.
I will also arrange for it to go On The Record.
On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:03 am, Binskin, Mark ACM

And they can't even take the time to spell my name correctly
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 13 Apr 2016, at 05:47, Reis, Alison MS
<alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:
Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on
diversity policy
THE AUSTRALIAN
5/07/2016
Page 2 of 3
APRILMartin
Sarah
13, 2016 Rachel
12:00AM
Baxendale
Military commanders have hit back at
criticism of the Australian Defence Forces
diversity policy, saying a culture of inclusion is the only way to prevent the
emergence of systemic abuse.
However, Australian Defence Association
executive director Neil James warned that
diversity should not be prioritised at the expense
of the defence forces other priorities.
In a letter to The Australian, Chief of the
Australian Defence Force Mark Binskin, ViceChief Ray Griggs and the chiefs of the army,
navy and air force warned criticism of the ADF
for its handling of the social media activity of
Islamic affairs strategic adviser Captain Mona
Shindy was undermining its efforts to drive
much needed cultural change.
As revealed in The Australian, Captain Shindys
Twitter account was suspended after she
published provocative comments on social
media, including suggestions Western foreign
policy in the Middle East was fuelling Islamic
extremism.
An editorial in The Australian said the event
reflected a culture of division engendered by
identity politics in the ADF that threatened the
military cohesion required of a national defence
force.
Air Chief Marshal Binskin said the focus on
inclusion was to ensure the ADF was
representative of the Australian community, and
to bring about much needed cultural change.
Diversity is not about identity politics it is
about improving the quality of the workplace,
its the antidote to group think, the letter said.
The commanders said the gut-wrenching

stories that emerged through the Defence Abuse
Response Task Force had come about because
of a prevailing culture of exclusion. The only
way to ensure these types of events cannot
systematically take hold again is to ensure that
we have a culture of inclusion.
However, Mr James said: Diversity is
important, but so is national unity and a
5/07/2016
Page 3 of 3
cohesive defence force. It has to be a balance.

He was also critical of serving ADF personnel
publicly expressing political views. Political
comment by defence force personnel risks the
longstanding institutional apoliticism of the
defence force, he said. All cases where this
principle is ignored should be treated equally.
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 9
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Campbell, Angus LTGEN
Sent:
Monday, 11 April 2016 9:04 AM
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM
Cc:
Barrett, Timothy VADM; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL; Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen
GPCAPT; Reis, Alison MS
Subject: Re: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Ray
Thanks. Very happy to be included.
The Australian's diversity statement - classic
A
Sent from my iPhone
On 11 Apr 2016, at 7:41 AM, Griggs, Ray VADM <ray.griggs@defence.gov.au> wrote:
UNCLASSIFIED
All,
you may have seen the editorial in the Australian on Friday attacking the ADF for playing identity
politics and effectively not being focused on the main game. This response will be sent at
lunchtime today. At present it will be signed by CDF and me. If you are happy to put your name
to it as is, i.e. we dont want any further editorial changes. Can you please indicate same by
1130 - if we get the concurrence of all three Chiefs by that time then the letter will be sent as
being signed by the five of us. If not we will continue with plan A.
cheers
Ray
Vice Admiral | Vice Chief
Ray Griggs | of the Defence Force
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
Department of Defence
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808
My Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/VCDF_Australia
IMPORTANT:ThisemailremainsthepropertyoftheDepartmentofDefenceandis
subjecttothejurisdictionofsection70oftheCrimesAct1914.Ifyouhavereceived
thisemailinerror,youarerequestedtocontactthesenderanddeletetheemail.

Sent: Monday, 11 April 2016 08:35
5/07/2016
Page 2 of 3
To: Griggs, Ray VADM

Subject: FW: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Binskin, Mark ACM

Sent: Sunday, 10 April 2016 15:14
To: Griggs, Ray VADM; Reis, Alison MS
Cc: Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT
Subject: RE: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
A couple of changes. Open to discussion.
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858
From: Griggs, Ray VADM

Sent: Friday, 8 April 2016 13:26
To: Binskin, Mark ACM; Reis, Alison MS
Subject: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
UNCLASSIFIED
5/07/2016
Page 3 of 3
Sir,
first cut of the draft response to the Oz. s47F
regards
Ray
IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of Defence and is subject to
the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you have received this email in error, you
are requested to contact the sender and delete the email.
<Letter to Editor.docx.secure>
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 4
Item 1
Serial 10
s22
From: Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL

Cc: Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis, Alison MS; Campbell, Angus LTGEN; Barrett,
Timothy VADM
UNCLASSIFIED
Ray - I am in.
Cheers
Leo

To: Barrett, Timothy VADM; Campbell, Angus LTGEN; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL
Cc: Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis, Alison MS
UNCLASSIFIED
All,
you may have seen the editorial in the Australian on Friday attacking the ADF for playing identity politics and
5/07/2016
Page 2 of 4
effectively not being focused on the main game. This response will be sent at lunchtime today. At present it
will be signed by CDF and me. If you are happy to put your name to it as is, i.e. we dont want any further
editorial changes. Can you please indicate same by 1130 - if we get the concurrence of all three Chiefs by
that time then the letter will be sent as being signed by the five of us. If not we will continue with plan A.
cheers
Ray
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808
IMPORTANT:ThisemailremainsthepropertyoftheDepartmentofDefenceandissubjecttothe
jurisdictionofsection70oftheCrimesAct1914.Ifyouhavereceivedthisemailinerror,youare
requestedtocontactthesenderanddeletetheemail.

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

5/07/2016
Page 3 of 4

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
5/07/2016
Page 4 of 4
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 11
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Barrett, Timothy VADM
Sent:
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM; Campbell, Angus LTGEN; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL
Cc:
Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis, Alison MS

UNCLASSIFIED
Ray,
happy
Tim
VADM Tim Barrett, AO, CSC RAN
Chief of Navy
Mob: s22
email:timothy.barrett@defence.gov.au
"IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Australian Defence Organisation and is subject
to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you have received this email in error, you
are requested to contact the sender and delete the email"

UNCLASSIFIED
All,
cheers
Ray
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808
5/07/2016
Page 2 of 3

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858
5/07/2016
Page 3 of 3

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
s
first cut of the draft response to the Oz s47F
4
7
F
regards
Ray
5/07/2016
Page 1 of 4
Item 1
Serial 12
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Cleary, Philippa MAJ
Sent:
Monday, 11 April 2016 12:07 PM
To:
Novak, Gregory LTCOL

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
As discussed find attached CA's approval of this letter (email below).
Regards,
Pip
Philippa (Pip) Cleary
Major
Staff Officer Admin to the CDF
Tel: 02 6265 2952; Fax: 02 6265 1345

To: Cleary, Philippa MAJ
UNCLASSIFIED
From: Campbell, Angus LTGEN

Cc: Barrett, Timothy VADM; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL; Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis,
Alison MS
Ray
A
Sent from my iPhone
UNCLASSIFIED
All,
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 4
cheers
Ray
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858
6/07/2016
Page 3 of 4

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 4 of 4
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 5
Item 1
Serial 13
s22

To: Barrett, Timothy VADM
UNCLASSIFIED
just agreement Tim as we wont be able to get Angus's signature
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 5
From: Barrett, Timothy VADM

UNCLASSIFIED
Ray,
are you after a signature for this or just agreement?
Tim
Chief of Navy
Mob: 0438248542
From: Barrett, Timothy VADM

To: Griggs, Ray VADM; Campbell, Angus LTGEN; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL
UNCLASSIFIED
Ray,
happy
Tim
Chief of Navy
Mob: 0438248542

UNCLASSIFIED
6/07/2016
Page 3 of 5
All,
cheers
Ray
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858
6/07/2016
Page 4 of 5

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 5 of 5

6/07/2016
Page 1 of 4
s22

To: Campbell, Angus LTGEN
UNCLASSIFIED
thanks Angus. Yeh, Im pretty happy with the letter, i wonder if they will run it or not, regardless we will put it up
on the record so it will be out there
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808
6/07/2016
Item 1
Serial 14
Page 2 of 4
From: Campbell, Angus LTGEN

Cc: Barrett, Timothy VADM; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL; Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis,
Alison MS
Ray
A
Sent from my iPhone
UNCLASSIFIED
All,
cheers
Ray
_______________________________________________________
R1-5-B025
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Ph: +61 2 6265 4808

6/07/2016
Page 3 of 4

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
6/07/2016
Page 4 of 4
Sir,
first cut of the draft response to the Oz. Is47F
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 1
Item 1
Serial 15
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Reis, Alison MS
Sent:
Monday, 11 April 2016 3:24 PM
To:
s47F
Cc:
s47F
Subject:
Correspondence from the Chief of the Defence Force [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Attachments: LETTER - 160411 - CDF - Response to Editor ref article 'Military no place for tokenism' The
Australian 8 April 2016 - UNCLASSIFIED.pdf
UNCLASSIFIED
Good afternoon s47F
Please see attached correspondence from the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin.
The original has also been mailed to your PO Box.
Regards, Alison
Alison Reis
Strategic Communications Advisor to
Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin
T 02 6265 3398
M s22
F 02 6265 1345
E alison.reis@defence.gov.au
R1-5-CDF Suite, Russell Offices
@MarkBinskin_CDF
Air Chief Marshal Binskin
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 16
s22

To: Binskin, Mark ACM
Cc: Reis, Alison MS; Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT
Sir, very happy. Have you thought further on signatories?

Regards
Ray
Sent from my iPad
On 10 Apr 2016, at 3:14 PM, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:
UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 3

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 3 of 3
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 2
Item 1
Serial 17
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Sent:
Sunday, 10 April 2016 6:41 PM
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM
Cc:
Reis, Alison MS; Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT
Lets discuss after sync tomorrow.

Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
On 10 Apr 2016, at 18:17, Griggs, Ray VADM <ray.griggs@defence.gov.au> wrote:
Regards
Ray
Sent from my iPad
On 10 Apr 2016, at 3:14 PM, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au>
wrote:
UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 2
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of Defence and is
subject to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you have
received this email in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the
email.
email.
email.
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 3
Item 1
Serial 18
s22

To: Binskin, Mark ACM
Wilco
Sent from my iPad
On 10 Apr 2016, at 6:40 PM, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:
Lets discuss after sync tomorrow.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
Regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 3
Sent from my iPad

On 10 Apr 2016, at 3:14 PM, Binskin, Mark ACM
UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

Cc: Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison
CAPT
UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

Cc: Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison
CAPT
UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
6/07/2016
Page 3 of 3
s47F
regards
Ray
IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of
Defence and is subject to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes
Act 1914. If you have received this email in error, you are requested
to contact the sender and delete the email.
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 1
Item 1
Serial 19
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Sent:
Saturday, 9 April 2016 5:47 AM
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM
Cc:
Reis, Alison MS; Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT
Ray,
I reckon it is a great first cut. We might soften it around a couple of edges and ensure people
understand our goals are exactly those of other high performing institutions - that The Australian is
hypocritical may be a bit too subtle at the moment. Will have a play on Sunday when I get back. I
still want a joint signature - that is important. Thinking about it though, lets canvass the three Chiefs.
I wouldn't mind all of us signing it. What do you think? I can discuss with Leo tomorrow.
Talk tomorrow.
Binny
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
CDF
Sent from my iPhone
UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
<Document2.docx.secure>
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 1
Item 1
Serial 20
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Harriss, Lauren MISS
Sent:
To:
Reis, Alison MS
Cc:
Norris, Allison CAPT; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT
Subject:
Letter to Editor - The Australian [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Attachments: Letter to Editor - The Australian.doc

UNCLASSIFIED
Hi Ali,
The attached is ready to go from our perspective so over to you (CN, CA and CAF have agreed to co-sign it).
VCDF asked that it be sent to OMINDEF for noting once you're happy.
Let me know if you need anything.
Cheers,
Lauren Harriss
Strategic Communications Advisor to the Vice Chief of the Defence Force
R1-05-B030 | Russell Offices | PO Box 7902 | Canberra BC | ACT 2610
E: lauren.harriss@defence.gov.au | P: +61 2 6265 7023 | M: s22
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 1
Item 1
Serial 21
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Sent:
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM; Reis, Alison MS
Cc:
Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
Page 1 of 2
Item 1
Serial 22
Skorupa, Lucy MRS
From:
Binskin, Mark ACM
Sent:
To:
Griggs, Ray VADM; Reis, Alison MS
Cc:
Harriss, Lauren MISS; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Norris, Allison CAPT
Subject:
RE: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Attachments: Letter to Editor.docx

UNCLASSIFIED
Trying again.
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Binny
s47F
Mark Binskin
Air Chief Marshal
R1-5-CDF Suite
+61 2 6265 2858

UNCLASSIFIED
Sir,
6/07/2016
Page 2 of 2
s47F
regards
Ray
6/07/2016
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
DIVERSITY IN DEFENCE
Issue
Diversity in Defence.
Headline Statement
Diversity and inclusion enhances Defence capability.
Key Points
s22
Page 43 of 53
Item 1
Serial 23

s22
Page 44 of 53

S22
Page 45 of 53

S22
Page 46 of 53

S22
Page 47 of 53

S22
Page 48 of 53

Background
s22
On 8 April 2016, The Australian newspaper published the article Military no place for
tokenism, stating that [t]he rise of minority fundamentalism as mainstream military policy
diminishes Western defences by directing resources to impotent causes. The Defence Chiefs
rejected the views of that article in a letter to The Australian. The letter made the following
points:
Diversity is not about identity politics; it is about improving the quality of the
workplace. Organisational diversity combats the tendency for group think by
providing a wider range of perspectives to make better decisions. The collective
perspectives of a diverse workforce also enhances military capability in combat and
non-combat situations.
Defence has been missing the full capability benefit and improved decision making
that a diverse and culturally capable workforce generates, in operations, war,
peacekeeping, and more business-oriented settings.
In a competitive employment environment where the ADF needs to develop an

increasingly technologically competent workforce, Defence cannot afford to neglect
representation of major population segments.
Over the last few years, Defence has made significant change across a very wide
range of cultural issues. The only way to ensure that these issues cannot systemically
take hold again is to ensure that we have a culture of inclusion that allows the needs
of various groups within our workforce to be accommodated so they can perform at
their best.
On 13 April 2016, The Australian published an article Brass fight back on diversity in
defence, and an editorial ADF mission must be restored, in response to the Defence Chiefs
letter, stating that:
[i]t appears [the Defence Chiefs] feel undermined by two realities we have exposed.
Those realities related to the serviceability of the ADFs submarine fleet and weapon
capability, and The Australians careful exposure of the ADFs cultural change
program.
Point of Contact
Justine Greig, First Assistant Secretary People Policy and Culture
(w) (02) 6265 6989 (m) s22
Departmental information valid as at: 13 April 2016
Page 49 of 53

Defence Bosses Circle The Wagons On Diversity Attack

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Defence Bosses Circle The Wagons On Diversity Attack

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Item 1

13 April: Response to reporting in The Australian on Defence capability and

RJ Griggs, AO, CSC

TW Barrett, AO, CSC

RM Burr, DSC, AM, MVO

GN Davies, AO, CSC

Deleted: of the leadership

Formatted: Font: Not Italic

Comment [m1]: Notsurethis

We are overhauling our equipment acquisition processes through some of the

Wednesday, 13 April 2016 9:45 AM

Coxon, Theresa MRS; O'Bryan, Karin MS

Attachments: 160413 Letter to the Editor Australian final marked up.doc

Pls give me a call if you need to clarify or discuss.

From: Reis, Alison MS

Air Chief Marshal Binskin

Wednesday, 13 April 2016 5:48 AM

Binskin, Mark ACM

Norris, Allison CAPT

Subject: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy

Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy

Wednesday, 13 April 2016 6:24 AM

Binskin, Mark ACM

Subject: Re: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy

I will cross check it on my desk top but you're probably correct.

On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:22 am, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:

On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:14 am, Reis, Alison MS <alison.reis@defence.gov.au> wrote:

On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:03 am, Binskin, Mark ACM

The commanders said the gut-wrenching

views. Political comment by defence force

Wednesday, 13 April 2016 6:26 AM

Binskin, Mark ACM

Norris, Allison CAPT

Subject: Re: Binksin joins ADF brass fightback on diversity policy

On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:19 am, Binskin, Mark ACM <mark.binskin@defence.gov.au> wrote:

On 13 Apr 2016, at 6:03 am, Binskin, Mark ACM

The commanders said the gut-wrenching

cohesive defence force. It has to be a balance.

Campbell, Angus LTGEN

Monday, 11 April 2016 9:04 AM

Griggs, Ray VADM

Subject: Re: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

From: Reis, Alison MS

To: Griggs, Ray VADM

From: Binskin, Mark ACM

From: Binskin, Mark ACM

From: Griggs, Ray VADM

From: Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL

From: Griggs, Ray VADM

From: Reis, Alison MS

From: Binskin, Mark ACM

From: Binskin, Mark ACM

To: Griggs, Ray VADM; Reis, Alison MS

From: Griggs, Ray VADM

Barrett, Timothy VADM

Monday, 11 April 2016 10:16 AM

Griggs, Ray VADM; Campbell, Angus LTGEN; Davies, Gavin AIRMSHL

Burr, Rick MAJGEN; Edgeley, Stephen GPCAPT; Reis, Alison MS

Subject: RE: First Cut response to the Oz [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

From: Griggs, Ray VADM

From: Reis, Alison MS

From: Binskin, Mark ACM

From: Binskin, Mark ACM