ADF members facing expulsion over alleged positive drug test

Six members of a Richmond-based Army unit that prepares parachutes for military exercises are facing expulsion after they allegedly tested positive for illicit drugs.

The randomised test was carried out only days before special forces soldier Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon was killed in a training jump in March. 

But the Australian Defence Force said all personnel who were involved in packing and checking Fitzgibbon's parachute tested negative for prohibited substances.

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"The safety of our personnel is paramount and the death of any member, whether in training or in defence of Australia, is deeply felt across the ADF," a defence spokesperson said.

"Defence carries out random and targeted testing for prohibited substances on an ongoing basis.

"The investigations into the death of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon remain ongoing."

Fitzgibbon, from the 2nd Commando Regiment, suffered critical injuries at a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base in Richmond on March 6, 2024.

A Careflight helicopter was deployed to the scene before he was transported to Westmead Hospital by road ambulance.

The 33-year-old died in hospital. 

A formal investigation was opened into his death, and all parachuting training activities were temporarily suspended.

Fitzgibbon was the son of Joe Fitzgibbon, who served as the member for Hunter between 1996 and 2022 and defence minister in the Rudd government.