The courtroom is now hosting a pivotal class action lawsuit brought forward by a group of women who claim they faced systemic sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination while serving in the Australian Defence Force.

During today’s initial hearing, lawyers representing both parties will lay out their case summaries in this groundbreaking legal battle against the federal government, set in the Federal Court in Sydney.

The class action includes four applicants, whose identities remain confidential due to legal requirements.

Women who experienced sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination in the ADF between November 12, 2003, and May 25, 2025, are eligible to join this legal challenge.

The action is spearheaded by the Australian law firm JGA Saddler, with financial backing from the international litigation funder Omni Bridgeway.

The legal case is a demand for action, accountability and real change as sexual violence and discrimination continues to plague female ADF members, JGA Saddler lawyer Josh Aylward said when the class action was launched in October.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Aylward noted these were not historical cases and some incidents had occurred within the past 12 months.

Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh is set to announce an inquiry into how pervasive sexual assault and sexual harassment are within the ADF.

The inquiry is expected to investigate barriers to reporting sexual misconduct, following through with complaints and the pressing of charges.

It will include the investigative powers of military police, barriers faced by civilian police investigating sexual assault on defence force bases, recidivism, decisions not to prosecute, conviction rates, sentencing outcomes and penalties.

Keogh will announce the full terms of reference in a speech to the National Press Club on today.

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