A seismic shift has begun in Australia’s military landscape. Four brave servicewomen from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have launched a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth, alleging widespread and systemic sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination.
This legal action, filed in the Sydney Federal Court, is not just about justice for the victims; it’s about accountability for decades of institutional and systematic failures by the ADF and a call for cultural reform.
The class action, led by law firm JGA Saddler, automatically includes all women who served in the ADF between November 12, 2003, and May 25, 2025, unless they opt out. Thousands are expected to join, reflecting the scale of the problem.
The allegations are harrowing: women report being groped, forcibly kissed, subjected to lewd comments, and even threatened with death for speaking out. One woman recounted waking up after an on-base party, naked and bruised, and later learning she had left with four servicemen. Another described daily harassment, including a colleague rubbing his genitals against her.
These are not isolated incidents. The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which concluded last year, identified sexual violence as a key contributor to the toxic culture within the ADF. Despite 750 recommendations for reform, only a handful have been implemented. The ADF’s response has been slow and inadequate, with many complaints ignored or mishandled. Victims often face retaliation, isolation, and career setbacks, while perpetrators remain unpunished.
This lawsuit is a demand for action. It seeks to hold the ADF vicariously liable for failing to protect its female personnel. It also aims to force structural changes, including a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy. As Josh Aylward of JGA Saddler 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.”
The issues in the ADF mirror a broader crisis in Australian workplaces. According to the Australian Human Rights Commission’s 2022 survey, one in three workers experienced sexual harassment in the past five years. Most incidents are perpetrated by men, and only 18 per cent are reported. Victims often fear retaliation or damage to their careers. The economic cost of workplace sexual harassment is estimated at $3.8 billion annually, not including hidden legal and reputational losses.
Meanwhile, the ABC has today revealed the ADF has quietly changed the definition of sexual related offences to be classified as sexual violence rather than ‘misconduct’. It has also been revealed that all serving defence personnel will be involved in ‘discussions’ about what constitutes sexual violence and how to handle it. I might sound cynical, but this sounds like, by changing the definition and rolling out conventions, they are trying to get ahead of the class action to illustrate to the Federal Court that the ADF takes such matters seriously. What makes me cynical is that the ABC has also revealed that the ADF has been aware of the potential class action since December 2024.
The consequences for women
It’s important to note the devastating consequences for women as a result of this alleged widespread and systemic abuse. Many suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Their professional lives are disrupted, and their trust in institutions is shattered.
The societal impact is equally profound. When women are silenced, ignored, or blamed for their abuse, it reinforces misogynistic norms and discourages others from speaking out.
Troublingly, some responses on social media to the ADF class action have blamed the victims, suggesting that women are too sensitive or that the military is no place for them. This rhetoric is not only harmful, it is emblematic of the deeply entrenched misogyny in our society. True change requires more than policies; it demands a cultural shift in how we view and treat women, both in the workplace and beyond.
This class action is a chance for the ADF to confront the institutionalised sexism, systemic dysfunction and deep-rooted misogyny that have plagued what should be one of our most respected institutions. It is a call to ensure that no woman has to endure abuse in silence. And it is a reminder that justice must be more than a promise; it must be a reality.
As a society, we must stand with these women. We must demand accountability, support survivors, and work tirelessly to create safe, respectful workplaces.