A landmark legal action is underway as women who claim to have suffered extensive and systemic sexual abuse, harassment, discrimination, and victimization while serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) unite in a class action lawsuit against the Commonwealth.

Four individuals, whose identities are protected due to legal constraints, are leading this class action. The suit is open to any woman who experienced sexual violence, harassment, or discrimination within the ADF from November 12, 2003, to May 25, 2025.

The first claimant from the air force recounts being the sole woman amidst eight to twelve men in her training course and one of only two women in a facility housing approximately 200 individuals.

She reports that her sergeant made derogatory remarks during her training, suggesting that “women shouldn’t be paid as much as men because they are not as strong” and claiming that “women aren’t pulling their weight in the air force.”

Further, she describes enduring numerous sexist and hostile comments, inappropriate interactions, and being shown unsolicited pornographic images.

The second applicant enlisted in the Navy and alleges she experienced daily lewd comments while undergoing training, as well as male colleagues casually touching her uniform in a way that made her uncomfortable.

While on duty abroad later in her career, she alleged she was grabbed and kissed by a colleague who forcibly resisted her attempts to separate herself.

Gemma, another member of the air force who is not one of the four lead applicants, alleges she regularly experienced harassment, misogyny and sexism.

She was forced to work alongside a colleague whom she had made a complaint against while a military investigation was carried out, but was ultimately told there was not enough evidence to go forward with a prosecution.

Her mental health deteriorated, and the experience also impacted her career.

“(The ADF) are protecting their reputation and not their people,” Gemma said.

“Change needs to happen to make it safer for victims to speak up. There needs to be more informed support for the victims … this isn’t a once-off, it is still happening.”

The class action has been filed by Australian law firm JGA Saddler, backed by global litigation funder Omni Bridgeway.

The legal case is a demand for action, accountability and real change as sexual violence and discrimination continue to plague female ADF members, JGA Saddler lawyer Josh Aylward said.

“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 last 12 months.

“The ADF has done very little to protect those who protect us,” he said.

In a statement, a Defence spokesperson said the ADF was developing a comprehensive sexual misconduct prevention strategy.

“Defence acknowledges there is work to be done and that is why the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which relate to sexual violence, are being implemented as a priority,” the spokesperson said.

“All Defence personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience in the ADF.

“There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in Defence.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles was contacted for comment.