Media Room: Defence Alert

RELEASE OF TWO INQUIRY OFFICER REPORTS INTO THE

DEATH OF LIEUTENANT MICHAEL FUSSELL

What:              The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, will release details about the death of Lieutenant Michael Fussell who was killed on operations in Afghanistan on 27 November 2008.

Two Inquiry Officer reports were conducted to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. The Chief of the Defence Force will release the findings of the first Inquiry Officer report into Lieutenant Fussell’s death in combat. He will also release findings of a subsequent inquiry, conducted by Vice Admiral Ritchie, into matters raised in the first Inquiry Officer’s report regarding the preparation, training and leadership of the force element of which Lieutenant Fussell was a member.

When:             8 am on Monday, 2 November 2009. 

Where:            R1 Theatrette, Russell Offices, Canberra.

Who:               The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston.

Media note:   

Media are required to register their attendance with Defence Public Affairs by 5 pm Friday, 30 October 2009.

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664