Lyn McDade

Lyn McDade
Born Brisbane, Queensland
Allegiance  Australia
Service/branch Australian Army Reserves
Rank Brigadier
Commands held Director of Military Prosecutions

Brigadier Lyn McDade is a senior officer in the Australian Army, currently holding the position of Director of Military Prosecutions. She has recently been the centre of widespread media attention within Australia due to charges against three former members of the Special Operations Task Group deployed to Afghanistan.

Military career

Lyn McDade has spent 23 years in Army and Army Reserves. In 2006, while a Lieutenant Colonel, Lyn McDade she was appointed the Director of Military Prosecutions, the Australian Defence Forces highest ranking prosecutor. This office came with the rank of Brigadier and she was initially appointed to the office for a 5 year period.[1]

On 27 September 2010, McDade announced that manslaughter charges were being brought against members of the 1st Commando Regiment for an incident that occurred in Afghanistan during a raid on 12 February 2009. The raid resulted in six deaths and four injuries and was subject to an investigation by the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service. Other charges brought against ADF personnel were; dangerous conduct, failing to comply with a lawful general order and prejudicial conduct.[2] Due to the serious nature of the charges, the first of this magnitude for soldiers of this generation the Australian media has covered this story. The coverage of this story has ranged from concerns about disunity within the Army to political commentary from the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.[3]

Public career

While an Army Reservist Lyn McDade worked for the Northern Territory government as a Civil and Police Prosecutor, Deputy Coroner and Relieving Magistrate. She has also practiced as a Barrister-at-Law.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b "NEW ADF APPOINTMENTS TO ENHANCE MILITARY JUSTICE SYSTEM". 5 July 2006. http://www.minister.defence.gov.au/Billsontpl.cfm?CurrentId=5784. Retrieved 26 October 2010. 
  2. ^ "Statement by the Director of Military Prosecutions". http://www.defence.gov.au/media/2010/release1.htm. Retrieved 26 October 2010. 
  3. ^ Sheehan, Paul (18 October 2010). "Our army is at war over the prosecution of commandos". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/our-army-is-at-war-over-the-prosecution-of-commandos-20101017-16p1b.html. Retrieved 26 October 2010.