Defence probes initiation rituals claim

The defence department is investigating claims two soldiers were assaulted as part
of initiation rituals at a Western Australian barracks.

The welfare group Young Diggers Australia told Perth's Sunday Times that two men
were bashed and bullied when they returned from army recruit training at Kapooka, in
New South Wales.
A defence department spokeswoman said an investigation into the claims was under way.
"It would be inappropriate for defence to make comment in regards to the specifics
of this issue until the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service has
thoroughly looked into the matter," she said.
A spokesman for Defence Personnel Minister Greg Combet was also remaining
tightlipped on the issue, refusing to comment except to say there was a
zero-tolerance policy when it came to harassment in the forces.