🇦🇺 MARY-ANN MARTINEK — INDEPENDENT FOR BENDIGO WEST
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS. ACCOUNTABILITY. A VOICE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT BEEN HEARD.
I am standing as an independent candidate for Bendigo West, calling for a Royal Commission into Victoria Police and advocating for “DART 2” — a new, independent abuse response process for survivors of Australian Defence Force and police abuse living in Victoria.
I joined the Labor Party in 2005 and One Nation in 2017. I raised concerns about veterans, victims and institutional accountability, but I did not feel adequately heard within either party. I am now taking those concerns directly to the people of Bendigo West.
I am a former Army Major and a participant in the Commonwealth Defence Abuse Response Taskforce — DART. Journalist Ian McPhedran reported my story under my former married name, Mary-Ann Oaten.
My Army career was taken from me in 1997. I was finally reinstated in 2001 and treated with dignity by the then Chief of Army, General Peter Cosgrove, now Sir Peter Cosgrove. On Vietnam Veterans’ Day, 18 August 2026, at the RSL Heroes Club, I personally thanked him. Fair treatment matters, even decades later.
In his commentary “A Major Worry”, dated 30 March 2000, Derryn Hinch described me as:
“as much a military hero to me as any bemedalled man in khaki from Vietnam or East Timor.”
That historical recognition of my whistleblowing remains deeply meaningful. More than 26 years later, I am still seeking accountability.
My unresolved concerns include the records surrounding the Patrick Stevedores matter and what I describe as the “180 ghost soldiers”. I allege that a false statement was made by a Victoria Police Drugs Squad officer who also served as an Army Reserve Major and Officer Commanding at Newborough, Victoria. I want that allegation independently examined against the original records, with those concerned given a fair opportunity to respond.
Ron Iddles’ example of pursuing the truth and correcting injustice strengthens my determination to continue advocating for victims and people wrongly accused.
🔹 A ROYAL COMMISSION INTO VICTORIA POLICE
I am calling for independent examination of:
• How complaints about police conduct are investigated and resolved.
• Conflicts of interest and the independence of oversight.
• The preservation, disclosure and integrity of evidence.
• Privacy and the treatment of victims, veterans and survivors of abuse.
• Whether people who report wrongdoing face retaliation or barriers to justice.
🔹 “DART 2” FOR SURVIVORS LIVING IN VICTORIA
I will push for a new process accessible to all survivors of ADF or police abuse living in Victoria, including those who missed earlier opportunities for recognition and redress.
My proposal would include independent review of cases where survivors say their DART complaints or referrals concerning alleged ADF offences were not investigated by police, or were inadequately investigated.
I will advocate for cooperation between the Victorian and Commonwealth governments so survivors can access support, have their complaints properly assessed and receive clear reasons for decisions. Allegations of criminal conduct should reach the appropriate investigative authority, with accountable follow-up.
Survivors deserve a meaningful pathway to justice, recognition and redress.
My own experience is one reason I am speaking out. My commitment extends to every person in Bendigo West who has struggled to be heard.
People must be able to report wrongdoing without fearing retaliation. Evidence must be preserved and tested fairly. Where institutional failures are established, there must be action.
🇦🇺 An independent voice for Bendigo West.
Justice for victims. Fair treatment. Accountability.
Mary-Ann Martinek
Independent candidate for Bendigo West
#MM4BendigoWest #JusticeForVictims #PoliceAccountability #Veterans #DART2
Authorised by MaryAnn Martinek, 153–155 Don St, Bendigo VIC 3550.
