ADF Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Extremism as Member Linked to Neo-Nazi Group
Canberra – The Australian Defense Force (ADF) has reaffirmed it’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards extremism following revelations a member is linked to the National Socialist Network (NSN), a neo-Nazi group. Defence officials confirmed the individual is believed to still be serving,but declined to confirm this or detail when they became aware of the association.
The case highlights growing concerns about far-right extremism within the ADF,prompting tightened vetting procedures and increased data sharing with intelligence agencies.It comes as Guardian Australia previously reported at least 16 investigations into defence personnel allegedly engaging with extremism or supremacism since 2022.
“There is no place within defence for behaviours or associations that are inconsistent with Defence values,” an ADF spokesperson stated. “defence has a zero tolerance policy for criminal behaviour.”
defence would not comment on whether the member is currently subject to administrative or disciplinary processes, which can be initiated independently of the military justice system following a civilian offence. They also remained silent on whether information regarding suspected member involvement in extremist groups is routinely shared with state and federal law enforcement and intelligence bodies.
In 2021, a new framework was established by the Australian Security Intelligence organisation (ASIO) to facilitate information sharing with the armed services regarding potential extremist links. That same year, ASIO warned in its annual report that “some nationalist and racist violent extremists seek to join the Australian defence force to obtain training and capability.”
The ADF tightened its vetting procedures in October 2021 in response to concerns about links between former personnel and local white supremacist groups. Defence declined to comment on current monitoring practices of employee involvement with extremist groups or the extent of education provided to members regarding the risks posed by far-right ideologies.
