Bain

A Defence Force Policy statement was issued on 18 February 2004 and this is what both BAIN and KEATON would have signed off on as having read and understood. In the main it's basic leadership common sense so we only present point 12 and one of the commanding officer's responsibilities.

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE CADETS (ADFC)
OUR BEHAVIOUR POLICY– a guide for staff and other adults working with Cadets
CADET STAFF CODE OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Cadet staff are responsible for:

12.   presenting themselves as a role model to Cadets by demonstrating these standards and values in their own behaviour in a manner that enhances the reputation of the Cadets

Further...

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a commanding officer of the unit, your responsibilities are to:

       take action and respond fairly, promptly, seriously and with sensitivity to complaints of unacceptable behaviour.
 

Apparently not worth the paper it was written on where 2 Wing AAFC Qld was concerned.

19 May 07

Bain has used deception for his own personal gratification.  The article below says: Bain pleaded guilty to fraud, obtaining financial advantage by deception, falsely representing to be a returned soldier, wearing service decorations not conferred and using or wearing a Defence emblem (Pilot brevet).  This is an admission by his lawyer.  The lawyer also states "he has never been in trouble before"....most murderers are in the same boat and have to start somewhere.  He claims Bain  now worked assisting in air conditioner installation and "having a conviction would impact his economic situation."   So what we say.  He made the choice to impersonate a decorated service member and should now pay the penalty for his deception.  He abused his position of authority within the Defence Cadet structure especially at a time where cadets are thinking of a career within a Defence force that is having troubles with recruiting.   How do these youngsters feel about his deception? 

The magistrate has ordered a pre sentence report on this fool and adjourned the case to July 12.   This can mean a couple of things.   The do gooders now have the chance to plead a case of "he didn't really mean any harm" and because of the delay it is also possibly hoped the media will forget about the case so a lenient sentence can be dished out "so that his economic situation as an air conditioner installer is not harmed".  This is rubbish people.  He did the crime now do the time in accordance with the Defence Act 1903 section 80.  That is a maximum penalty of $3300 and or possible jail time and a recorded conviction.   As stated by the DVA Minister, the Hon Bruce Billson, MP in his press release here  which in part states;

"Under the Defence Act 1903 the penalties for the improper use of Service decorations and for impersonating Service personnel include a fine of up to $3300, six months imprisonment, or both.
Recently two people have been found guilty of offences under Sections 80 A and 80 B of the Defence Act for falsely claiming entitlements to medals. Further cases, resulting from the wearing of medals for which no entitlement exists, are currently subject to legal proceedings."

To those preparing the pre sentence report we say read the above.  Veterans and their service IS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.  To ensure these people are stopped from their improper use of the uniform, service decorations and service, the maximum penalty should be used as a deterrent.  It is time that the law enforcers, judges, magistrates, federal police and the like, prosecuted these people to the fullest extent of the law and protect the Service, Honour and medals of the Australian Veterans.   Show your mettle here.  We look forward to the end result on 12 July.