Australia: FOIA releases Chipman UAP docs
Australian government released 10 pages of documents via FOIA on May 23, 2023, prepared by Air Marshal Robert Chipman. They confirm no plans to mimic US AARO and that RAAF ceased UAP investigations in 1996.
Background
Background
Following a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, ten pages of Australian government records were released on May 23, 2023. They come from Air Marshal Robert Chipman and relate to parliamentary questions from Senator Peter Whish-Wilson.
Content of the Documents
The papers state that the defence department has no intention of replicating the work of the US All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) in investigating unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP). They also record that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) ceased work on sighting reports as long ago as 1996.
Participants and Context
Robert Chipman, as a senior officer, was addressing official questions in the Australian parliament. The release underlines Australia's reserved position on UAP matters compared with US initiatives. No new investigations or plans are announced.
Significance
The episode shows Australia's administrative position on UAP policy and marks the end of military enquiries since 1996. It serves as evidence of a lack of interest in active programmes.