A group of women serving in Australia’s defence forces has launched a class action lawsuit against the Australian government, alleging decades of sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination within the military.
The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday, covers a 21-year period between November 2003 and May 2025, during which female members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) claim they were subjected to widespread and systemic abuse.
“Threat of Sexual Violence Greater Than War”
Lawyer Josh Aylward of JGA Saddler, the firm representing the women, said the case exposes “a disturbing culture” within the military where women often feared colleagues more than combat.
“The threat of war often isn’t the biggest safety fear for female ADF personnel — it’s the threat of sexual violence in their workplace,” Aylward said in a statement.
“Australians will be shocked by the reports of sexual violence and harassment, victimisation, rape and physical threats. Even more disturbing are the brutal assaults against those women who dared to make a complaint.”
The lawsuit is being pursued on an opt-out basis, meaning all women who served in the ADF during the stated period are automatically included unless they declare they were not affected. The firm said thousands of women were expected to join the case.
Government Acknowledges Complaint
Australia’s Department of Defence confirmed it was aware of the lawsuit, stating that “there is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence.”
“All Defence personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience,” a spokesperson said.
“Defence acknowledges there is work to be done.”
The department added that it was prioritising the implementation of recommendations from a 2024 inquiry into defence and veteran suicide, including those relating to sexual misconduct, and was developing a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy.
Shocking Allegations
One of the four lead plaintiffs alleged she was sexually assaulted after an on-base party, waking up naked, bruised, and in pain after reportedly leaving with four servicemen.
According to JGA Saddler, the woman was examined for sexual assault in a storage room rather than a proper medical facility. Following her report, she claimed her movements were restricted, she was barred from shared base amenities, received abusive messages from male personnel, and was later transferred to another base — while the alleged perpetrator remained free.
Demand for Accountability
The class action claims the Defence Force is vicariously liable for failing to protect women from sexual harassment and assault throughout their service.
JGA Saddler noted that repeated investigations and promises of cultural reform over the years had failed to bring meaningful change.
“This legal case is a demand for action, for accountability, and for real change,” Aylward said.
Background
Australia’s defence establishment has faced numerous scandals over sexual harassment in recent decades. Previous government-commissioned reviews found entrenched gender inequality and a culture of silence, with many female personnel fearing reprisals for speaking out.
![[BREAKING NEWS]:Nigerians In Trouble As Leaked Documents Reveals Tinubu’s Agreement with Controversial Business Tycoon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39gfKFg8aZ2Pq_eoxzYPY7vQoQB4vJQ5iXjbzlb028e9rhOqJn7LU834VyPOGJO6KMqyY25tdbE8_AbZYrvJ2A-MPe77GnAXXTxKlCpcHy3Xmrpk5voaOwmC_bUYUoWrh8i8Vya7_odsgKRhByqzF7mVi_H-AQTn3iV_Yo1GkZhLibfcuztuBuz3XE4xS/w680/IMG_9371.jpeg)
