Complaints made under section 114 of the Defence Act 1954 are dealt in accordance with the complaints procedures laid down in Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7. Chapter 2 sets out in detail the procedures that shall be used where an officer of the Permanent Defence Force, thinking himself or herself wronged in any matter by any superior or other officer, including his/her Commanding Officer, seeks redress under section 114(1) of the Defence Act 1954 or where an enlisted member of the Permanent Defence Force, thinking himself or herself wronged in any matter by any officer or by any enlisted person, seeks redress under Section 114(2) of the Defence Act 1954. Chapter 1 of Administrative Instruction A7 deals with Interpersonal Relationships in the Defence Forces and outlines the Defence Forces policy and procedures in dealing with sexual harassment, harassment and bullying. Chapter 1 also outlines complaints procedures that are available to an individual (both formal and informal methods by which to bring a complaint).
The military authorities advise that making a complaint under Chapter 1 of Administrative Instruction A7 does not mean that an individual is making a complaint under Section 114 of the Defence Act. However, at all stages an individual has the option of complaining under section 114 of the Act through the procedures outlined in Chapter 2 of Admin Instruction A7. The military authorities advise that all complaints submitted under Section 114 of the Defence Act are dealt with under Chapter 2 of Administrative Instruction A7.