In a bombshell class action, hundreds of women have filed a lawsuit against the Australian government, alleging decades of sexual abuse, harassment, and assault within the nation’s defence forces.
The case, lodged in the Federal Court in Sydney, covers a 21-year period between November 2003 and May 2025, and is being pursued on an opt-out basis meaning every woman who served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) during that time is automatically included unless she formally withdraws.
Lead lawyer Josh Aylward of JGA Saddler described the allegations as “deeply disturbing,” stating that “for many female ADF personnel, the threat of war wasn’t their biggest fear it was the threat of sexual violence from within their ranks.”
The lawsuit details shocking accounts of rape, assault, victimisation, and retaliation against women who dared to report misconduct. One of the four lead plaintiffs alleged that after an on-base party, she awoke naked and injured later learning she had left the event with four servicemen. Despite filing a complaint, she was allegedly punished instead: her movements restricted, her access to shared facilities revoked, and ultimately transferred to another base.
The class action argues that the Defence Force is vicariously liable for failing to protect women from sexual harassment and abuse. Lawyers say thousands of current and former servicewomen are expected to join the case.
In response, the Department of Defence acknowledged awareness of the lawsuit, stating: “There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence. All personnel have a right to respect and a positive workplace experience.”
The Australian government insists it is acting on recommendations from a 2024 inquiry into Defence and veteran suicides, including the rollout of a new sexual misconduct prevention strategy.
But Aylward says victims have lost faith in promises of reform: “This case is a demand for action, accountability, and real change after years of reports and zero results.”
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