Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Unusual Aerial Sightings File — Department of Defence
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AI-Generated Summary
This file documents the RAAF's administrative handling of UFO reports in Queensland during 1987. It confirms the policy of not investigating sightings that lack defence or national security implications, instead referring witnesses to civilian research groups.
This file contains correspondence and administrative records from the Department of Defence, specifically RAAF Base Amberley, regarding 'Unusual Aerial Sightings' (UAS) reported by members of the public in Queensland during 1987. The documents detail the RAAF's administrative process for handling these reports, which involves sending a standard questionnaire to witnesses and, if the sighting does not suggest a defence or national security implication, referring the witness to civilian organizations such as UFO Research Queensland. A significant portion of the file concerns a specific case involving Mrs. B. Skinner, who reported a sighting in January 1987. Her report was initially mishandled by the Orderly Officer, leading to a ministerial enquiry. The file includes internal minute papers, copies of outgoing letters to witnesses, and copies of the 'UFO Encounter' newsletter from UFO Research Queensland. The RAAF policy, as articulated in the documents, is based on the conclusion that extensive study of UFOs cannot be justified in terms of scientific advancement, and that reports lacking security significance are not investigated further.
The RAAF accepts reports on UAS and attempts an allocation of reliability. Those which suggest a defence or security implication are further investigated and a probable cause determined.
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Official Assessment
Reports considered not to have defence or security implications are not investigated further, are filed at Formation Headquarters and reference to civil UFO research organizations may be offered to the observer.
The RAAF policy is to only investigate reports that suggest a defence or national security implication. Other reports are referred to civilian UFO research groups.
Key Persons
- Mrs. B. SkinnerWitness/Complainant
- KIM C. BEAZLEYMinister for Defence