By: Sunday Ameh
Women serving in Australia’s armed forces have filed a class action lawsuit against the government, alleging widespread sexual violence, harassment, and gender-based discrimination within the nation’s defence establishments.
The lawsuit, lodged at the Federal Court in Sydney on Friday, covers a 21-year period — from November 2003 to May 2025 — and seeks justice for victims who claim to have suffered abuse while serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Lawyer Josh Aylward of the legal firm JGA Saddler, which represents the plaintiffs, said the lawsuit aims to expose a deeply rooted culture of sexual misconduct within the military.
“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,” Aylward stated.
He added that the case would shock Australians, revealing “brutal assaults and victimisation” against women who dared to speak out or lodge formal complaints.
The class action was filed on an opt-out basis, meaning all women who served during the stated period are automatically included unless they declare that they were not affected.
According to the firm, thousands of women are expected to join the lawsuit, making it one of the largest workplace sexual abuse cases in Australian history.
A spokesperson for the Department of Defence confirmed awareness of the complaint, saying:
“All Defence personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience. There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence. Defence acknowledges there is work to be done.”
The Australian government noted that it has been working to implement recommendations from a 2024 inquiry into defence and veteran suicide, including a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy.
One of the four lead applicants alleged she woke up after an on-base party “naked, in pain, with bruises and scratches,” and later learned she had left the party with four servicemen.
Her statement, provided by the legal firm, claimed that after she reported the assault, she faced retaliation — her movement was restricted while the alleged perpetrators remained free.
She was allegedly barred from shared facilities, received abusive messages from colleagues, and was eventually transferred to another base.
The lawsuit argues that the Defence Force is vicariously liable for its failure to protect women from sexual violence and harassment.
JGA Saddler’s statement said despite repeated reports and pledges of reform over the years, “meaningful change has never been achieved.”
“This legal case is a demand for action, for accountability, and for real change,” Aylward said.
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