6 July 2022

Worker death at Duntroon acknowledged but questions remain

| Claire Fenwicke
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Duntroon gates

A non-ADF member reportedly died at Duntroon on 4 June 2022. Photo: Royal Military College Facebook.

It has been confirmed a 63-year-old man died while contracted at the Royal Military College of Australia (RMC) in Campbell a month ago.

According to ACT Policing, emergency vehicles attended the Duntroon defence facility after receiving reports of a man stuck between a vehicle and a bollard at 1:30 am on Saturday, 4 June.

The man was declared deceased at the scene.

“An investigation is currently underway and a report is being prepared for the coroner,” a spokesperson said.

“There are no suspicious circumstances at this stage.”

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As the death occurred on Commonwealth land, national work health and safety authority Comcare is in charge of investigating rather than ACT-based WorkSafe.

ACT Policing said the incident is not classified as a road fatality as the incident did not occur on a public road or road-related area but within private property in a gated worksite.

A Comcare spokesperson confirmed an “ongoing inquiry” into the death of the contractor, who was not an ADF member.

“We can’t comment further at this stage,” they said.

Region attempted to clarify the difference between an investigation and an inquiry.

It has been reported the man was a driver for Spotless, which is part of the Downer Group. The company provided “estate-based” services to the site.

A Downer spokesperson confirmed one of their employees had “passed away” at the RMC Duntroon Training Facility in the early hours of 4 June.

“The incident occurred as he was leaving the facility following the completion of his shift,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working closely with the AFP and relevant authorities who are investigating the matter.”

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson also confirmed a contracted had died following an “incident” at the base.

“The incident is under investigation. Defence is unable to provide additional information noting the investigation is still in progress,” they said.

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Sounds like a ADF member was involved if the ADF are demonstrating their usual close-ranks and cover up behaviour, for this to come out a month later.

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