Women alleging systemic sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination during their service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) are pursuing a class action against the Commonwealth. This legal action, unprecedented in its scale, allows any woman who has experienced sexual violence or harassment while employed by the ADF between November 12, 2003, and May 25, 2025, to join the claim.
The class action includes four lead applicants, whose identities are protected for legal reasons. One applicant, a member of the air force, reported experiences of extreme sexism during her training. She described an environment where a sergeant remarked that “women shouldn’t be paid as much as men because they are not as strong” and stated that “women aren’t pulling their weight in the air force.” Additionally, she recounted being subjected to unsolicited pornography and inappropriate conversations.
Another applicant, who enlisted in the navy, claimed to have faced daily lewd comments and unwanted physical contact from male colleagues. Her experiences escalated when a colleague forcibly grabbed and kissed her while they were on duty abroad.
Gemma, an air force member who is not one of the four lead applicants, also shared her experiences of harassment and discrimination. She was required to work alongside an individual she had previously reported, an arrangement that took a toll on her mental health and career progression. “(The ADF) are protecting their reputation and not their people,” she stated. “Change needs to happen to make it safer for victims to speak up. There needs to be more informed support for the victims… this isn’t a one-off; it is still happening.”
Legal Action Seeks Accountability and Change
The class action, filed by the law firm JGA Saddler and supported by global litigation funder Omni Bridgeway, aims to demand accountability and real change within the ADF. Lawyer Josh Aylward emphasized the urgent need for reform, stating, “The threat of war often isn’t the biggest safety fear for female ADF personnel; it is the threat of sexual violence in their workplace.” He highlighted that many reported incidents occurred within the last 12 months, underscoring the ongoing nature of the issues.
Aylward asserted that the ADF has failed to protect its personnel, stating, “The ADF has done very little to protect those who protect us.” The focus of the class action is not only on past grievances but on creating a safer environment for current and future ADF members.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Defence Department acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and stated that the ADF is developing a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy. “Defence acknowledges there is work to be done, and that is why the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which relate to sexual violence, are being implemented as a priority,” the spokesperson said. “All Defence personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience in the ADF. There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles was contacted for further comments but did not provide a response by the time of publication.
For individuals in crisis or needing support, resources are available through Lifeline at 13 11 14, beyondblue at 1300 22 4636, 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732, and the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service at 1800 211 028.
