Four servicewomen have filed a class action lawsuit against the Australian Defence Force (ADF). They accuse the military of sexual abuse, harassment, and gender-based discrimination. Lawyers expect thousands of women to join the suit filed in Federal Court last Friday.
The plaintiffs’ identities are withheld for legal reasons. One woman said she was pinned and groped by male officers. She also woke up naked and bruised after parties with male colleagues.
An air force member said she was one of two women in a 200-person building. She faced sexist remarks, inappropriate conversations, and unsolicited pornographic images.
Her sergeant allegedly told her, “women shouldn’t be paid as much as men because they are not as strong.”
Another applicant from the navy described lewd comments and unwanted physical contact during training. She said a colleague grabbed and kissed her while she tried to escape.
A recent report revealed 800 sexual assault cases between 2019 and 2024. Experts estimate 60% of sexual assaults in the ADF go unreported. The report says these cases reflect only part of the misconduct in the force.
Lawyer Josh Aylward from JGA Saddler commented on the case. “They have signed up to defend their country, not to fight off fellow ADF personnel,” he said. “All while simply trying to do their job.”
An ADF spokesperson admitted there is “work to be done.” “All defence personnel have a right to be respected,” the spokesperson said. The ADF is developing a strategy to prevent sexual misconduct.
