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Australian admiral calls time on drunken sailors

Updated: 2011-03-25 10:57

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Australian navy chief Vice-Admiral Russ Crane on Thursday demanded an end to the service's booze culture, warning of mandatory breath-tests and curfews on shore leave.

The tough message, in a video address shown across the navy, followed a 400-page report released this year on sordid behavior involving HMAS Success in 2009.

The report examined allegations of a "predatory culture" and drunken misconduct on the ship, with sailors accused of maintaining a list known as "The Ledger" which put dollar values on sexual conquests with female colleagues.

The claims covered a period between March and May 2009 when the ship designed to supply naval combat units with fuel, ammunition, food and stores while at sea, was deployed to the Philippines, Hong Kong and Singapore.

"The misuse and abuse of alcohol is a common element throughout the report," said Crane.

"The navy is not immune from the alcohol problems which confront this nation, especially when it comes to binge drinking, but we must hold ourselves to a higher standard.

"Every one of us needs to step up here and address the debilitating effects of alcohol and drug abuse."

Crane threatened to ban alcohol consumption during port visits while overseas and to increase shore patrols and introduce curfews in Australia.

While random breath testing already takes place, he said he could make it mandatory.

"I will be looking to improve our testing procedures in all Royal Australian Navy ships and establishments," he said.

"If we need to test 100 percent of our people, then this will be done."

With the report into the Success raising issues about discipline and the treatment of women, the vice-admiral vowed that attitudes must change.

"This report showed alcohol-fueled activity led to inappropriate behavior, especially targeted at women," he said.

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About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.