The Australian government was sued on behalf of women who had been abused at any point over the 21-year period from November 2003 to May 2025.
According to attorney Josh Aylward of the JGA Saddler law firm, “the threat of sexual violence in their workplace is often the biggest safety fear for female ADF personnel, not the threat of war.”
“The reports of sexual violence and harassment, victimization, rape, and physical threats will shock Australians, but even more alarming are the vicious attacks against women who dare to file a complaint,” he said in a statement.
All women serving during that period are included in the lawsuit, which is being prosecuted on an opt-out basis at the Federal Court in Sydney, unless they claim they were not harmed by the alleged abuse.
According to the firm, thousands of women were anticipated to participate in the class action.
The Australian Department of Defense acknowledged receiving the complaint.
A department official stated that all members of the armed forces are entitled to respect and a good working environment.
The representative went on to say, “Sexual violence and misconduct have no place in Defense.”
“Defense admits that more needs to be done.”
“Call for action”
Following an investigation into defense and veteran suicide, the administration announced that it was putting its 2024 recommendations on sexual violence “as a priority.”
Additionally, it was attempting to put into practice a “comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy.”
One of the four main petitioners in the case claimed that she was told she had departed with four soldiers after waking up naked, in discomfort, and with cuts and bruises following an on-base party.
JGA Saddler said in a statement that she was examined for sexual assault in a storage room.
According to the report, the woman’s freedom of movement was restricted as a result of her complaint, but the accused offender was allowed to go free.
Additionally, she allegedly got nasty texts from troops, was later relocated to a separate base, and was prohibited from enjoying shared base amenities.
According to the class action, the defense force is “vicariously liable” for failing to shield women from sexual harassment while they were in the military.
The law company said that despite repeated accusations of sexual harassment and promises of cultural reform, there had “never” been any significant improvement.
According to Aylward, “this case is a demand for action, for accountability, and for real change.”
