Opt-out Federal Court Class Action Against ADF

Women alleging widespread and systemic sexual abuse, harassment, discrimination and victimisation while serving in the Australian Defence Force have launched a landmark opt-out class action in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth, led by four unnamed applicants covering service from 12 November 2003 to 25 May 2025. A Brisbane-based law firm running the case says it expects thousands of women to join, making it an unprecedented legal challenge to ADF culture and accountability. The lead applicants’ allegations include sexist and hostile comments from superiors, unsolicited pornographic images and daily lewd remarks, casual touching of uniforms, forced kisses and groping, and more serious claims such as being pinned, waking with bruises after nights out, and being rubbed against by colleagues. Complainants say reporting often failed to produce prosecutions, victims were sometimes forced to work alongside alleged perpetrators, and the misconduct harmed mental health and careers. Defence has acknowledged work remains to be done and says it is prioritising implementation of Royal Commission recommendations related to sexual violence, and the defence minister has been contacted for comment.