With disturbing findings of last year’s Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide being revealed, Greens spokesperson for Veteran Affairs and Ballina MP, Tamara Smith, is calling for governments to ‘confront the crisis and make lasting reforms’.
She said in a media release there has been deeply disturbing instances of sexual violence experienced by women serving in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and ‘the report exposes long-standing patterns of misconduct and systemic failures in protecting personnel from abuse’.
‘The recent class action lawsuit lodged by Australian servicewomen against the ADF underscores the devastating realities behind these findings.
Ms Smith expressed grave concern about the scale of sexual assault within the ADF and the persistent culture of silence surrounding it.
‘Over the past five years, nearly 800 incidents of sexual misconduct have been reported within the ADF and that’s with an estimated 60% under-reporting rate,’ Ms Smith said. ‘These are not just numbers, they represent hundreds of lives marked by trauma, betrayal, and injustice. It demands immediate and comprehensive action.’
Ms Smith said she was particularly alarmed by accounts from older female personnel who faced bullying, intimidation and even loss of employment after reporting abuse.
‘This culture of silence and retaliation pushes women to either remain quiet or walk away from their careers without support. No one who serves their country should be forced to choose between their safety and their career. That is utterly unacceptable,’ Ms Smith stated.
‘The class action highlights worsening conditions for women within the ADF and the urgent need for reform to ensure that victims of sexual misconduct are protected, supported and believed without fear of career consequences’.
Independent research recommended
Ms Smith welcomed the Royal Commission’s recommendation to commission independent research into military sexual trauma, including its prevalence among current and former ADF members and its links to suicide and broader service-related impacts.
‘I commend the women who have come forward both those leading the class action and those who continue to serve,’ Ms Smith said. ‘Their courage is driving the accountability and cultural change our Defence Force so desperately needs.’
‘This report presents a critical opportunity for governments to confront this crisis and make lasting reforms. The time to act is now.’
Ms Smith extended her gratitude to Royal Commissioners Mr Nick Kaldas APM, Dr Peggy Brown AO, and The Hon. James Douglas KC for their dedication and compassion.
‘I sincerely hope the Royal Commission’s recommendations lead to genuine reform and healing for those who have endured the unthinkable while serving our nation. I also acknowledge and commend the bravery of the women taking part in the class action, whose courage is paving the way for lasting change,’ Ms Smith added.
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