By Huldah Shado
Hundreds of women in Australia’s Defence Forces have filed a class action lawsuit against the government, alleging decades of sexual violence, harassment, and discrimination.
The suit, lodged at the Federal Court in Sydney by JGA Saddler law firm, covers alleged abuses between November 2003 and May 2025.
It automatically includes all women who served during that period unless they opt out.
Lead lawyer Josh Aylward said the case exposes a “deep-rooted culture of abuse” within the military that has persisted despite years of promised reforms.
“For many women, the threat of sexual violence in their workplace is greater than that of war,” he said.
One complainant alleged she was assaulted by four servicemen after an on-base party, later facing retaliation for reporting the attack.
The Defence Department said it was aware of the case and reaffirmed its “zero tolerance for sexual violence,” while acknowledging more work is needed to reform military culture.
The class action follows multiple government inquiries that, according to JGA Saddler, “have failed to bring meaningful change.”
