The Hon. Malcolm Roberts, One Nation Senator for Queensland, Media Release, 27 August 2025
The Government has been ordered to release an investigation into the Whitsundays helicopter crash that killed four Defence Force airmen.
One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts secured a Senate order to have the national workplace health and safety regulator (Comcare) brief of evidence and investigation into the Taipan helicopter crash released.
Separately, the Coalition and Labor party teamed up to keep the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecution’s decision to not lay charges secret.
Senator Roberts said: “The decision not to prosecute has bewildered family and partners of the fallen airmen. Their sons, brothers and partners put their life on the line for this country, so they deserve answers and transparency.
“Comcare reportedly identified two alleged breaches of the Workplace Health and Safety Act related to fatigue and the controversial TopOwl night vision devices the pilots were wearing.
“Whistleblowers told an inquiry they believed someone would die if the TopOwl helmet-mounted visors were put into service. When four airmen die, there must be transparency if the government wants confidence in the decision not to prosecute.”
“We remember Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph ‘Phillip’ Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs.
“I hope full and transparent answers from the government will be able to help their families find peace and I call on the government to comply with the order in full.”
