Groundbreaking Class Action Launched by Australian Servicewomen Against Military Sexual Assault

Sat Oct 25 2025 22:10:28 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Four Australian servicewomen have initiated a landmark class action lawsuit against the Australian Defence Force, alleging sexual harassment and abuse. This bold step could see thousands more women join in seeking justice.

In a significant move, four servicewomen have launched a class action lawsuit against the Australian military for sexual abuse and harassment. The case, expected to attract thousands more participants, highlights disturbing allegations of misconduct within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The ADF acknowledges the serious nature of the claims and states that there is no tolerance for such behavior in the military.

Four servicewomen have launched a landmark class action lawsuit against the Australian military alleging sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination.

Lawyers said they expected thousands of women to join the case against the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which was filed in the Federal Court on Friday.

Claims by the four women leading the lawsuit - whose names are withheld for legal reasons - include being forcibly pinned to a wall before being groped, and waking up naked and bruised after a party with male officers.

An ADF spokesperson said it was developing a sexual misconduct prevention strategy and there was no place for sexual violence in the army.

All women who served between 12 November 2003 and 25 May 2025 are eligible to join the suit, lodged by law firm JGA Saddler.

One of the lead applicants was a member of the air force who was one of two women in a building of about 200 people.

She alleged she was subject to hostile and sexist comments, inappropriate conversations, as well as being shown unsolicited pornographic photos.

Another of the four applicants, who joined the navy, said that during her training, she faced lewd comments and unwanted touching.

A major report into suicide among Australian veterans last year highlighted nearly 800 reports of sexual assault within the ADF from 2019 to 2024, noting that 60% of assaults go unreported.

Lawyer Josh Aylward emphasized the everyday threat of sexual violence faced by female personnel, stating, They have signed up to defend their country, not to fight off fellow ADF personnel on a daily basis, all while simply trying to do their job.

The ADF acknowledged that there is work to be done and affirmed that all defence personnel must have a respectful and positive workplace experience.