Female members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have launched a class action against the Commonwealth, alleging widespread sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination. The lawsuit, filed by law firm JGA Saddler and backed by litigation funder Omni Bridgeway, covers incidents between 12 November 2003 and 25 May 2025.
Four lead applicants, whose names are withheld for legal reasons, represent women who experienced systemic abuse. One air force applicant reported being the only woman in a training course of eight to 12 men, and one of two women in a building of about 200. She alleged sexist comments from her sergeant, including that women should not be paid as much as men, and was shown unsolicited pornographic photos.
A navy applicant described daily lewd comments during training and unwanted touching of her uniform. While abroad, she alleged she was grabbed and kissed by a colleague who forcibly resisted her attempts to pull away. Another air force member, Gemma, said she was forced to work alongside a colleague she had complained about, and her mental health deteriorated after the investigation found insufficient evidence.
Lawyer Josh Aylward stated: “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. They have signed up to defend their country, not to fight off fellow ADF personnel on a daily basis.” He noted some incidents occurred within the last 12 months.
A Defence Department spokesperson said: “Defence acknowledges there is work to be done… All defence personnel have a right to be respected… There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence.” The class action seeks accountability and systemic change.
