Sydney University Regiment: Army calls cadet treatment ‘upsetting’

The same army regiment currently at the centre of an investigation over its treatment of cadets is preparing to welcome a fresh class of trainees this weekend amid a growing scandal.

A senior army figure has admitted the treatment of cadets at a dysfunctional Sydney cadet regiment would have been “stressful and upsetting” as senior officers at the centre of the investigation prepare to welcome a new class this weekend.

The Sydney University Regiment is also facing the potential of being investigated by the Inspector General of the ADF over the alleged mistreatment of cadets after a referral by Chief of Army Rick Burr’s office.

The IGADF will decide whether based on the findings a more “broader” investigation is needed.

The series of allegations stemming from the Holsworthy barracks are now with the Inspector General. Picture: AAP/Danny Casey

One of the more serious incidents in the unit saw an alleged rape victim – who was reportedly sexually assaulted on base at Holsworthy by another cadet – named in front of her entire cohort by a superior.

It later emerged that the young woman, 19, was also left on the same platoon with the other cadet for two months after the alleged incident before police arrested and charged him with sexual assault.

According to an email obtained by the Sunday Telegraph one senior officer said he “empathised” with cadets who raised the alarm earlier this year.

The young woman told police she was sexually assaulted at the Holsworthy Barracks, pictured, in western Sydney.

“I empathise with what occurred during the Army Reserve officer commissioning course at the Sydney University Regiment earlier this year,” he wrote.

“As I understand it would have been stressful and upsetting.”

The Commonwealth’s workplace health and safety watchdog ComCare is also launching an investigation into the treatment of the junior officers by their superiors after some say they sought psychological help.

The unit in question at Holsworthy is made up of young trainees most of them fresh out of high school. AAP/Danny Casey

It is understood the same senior officers at the regiment are preparing to welcome in new trainee soldiers on Sunday.

“The allegations have also been referred to the Inspector General Australian Defence Force (IGADF). Noting this, it would not be appropriate to comment any further,” a Defence spokeswoman said.

“Defence does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour and takes action when unacceptable behaviour occurs.

“All Defence personnel are expected to behave in accordance with the Defence values and behaviours.

In the Senate on Thursday Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie urged parents against enlisting their kids into the regiment.

“Pull them out immediately, and I’m not mucking around here, get them out,” she said.

“Their gap year is turning into a nightmare from hell.”