Concerns have also been growing over links between some members and right-wing hate groups and ideology.
The Liberal government and military commanders — some of them in an acting capacity like Eyre because of allegations of inappropriate behaviour by their comrades — promised to address misconduct and change the military’s culture.
"It is clear to senior leadership that there is a tremendous pent-up desire for action, beyond words, that must now take centre stage, so that we are not perceived as just providing lip service to the legitimate concerns we are trying to address," Eyre told the troops.
"The intent with this communique is to provide you an update on the major efforts underway to effect this change — to act in a thoughtful way. Many mutually reinforcing initiatives and efforts are in the works."