A historic class action lawsuit initiated by a group of women accusing the Australian Defence Force of widespread sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination has reached the courtroom stage.

Today, in the Federal Court in Sydney, lawyers representing both parties will present their case summaries for this groundbreaking legal battle against the federal government.

The class action involves four applicants, whose identities are being protected for legal reasons.

Attorney Aylward emphasized that these allegations are not from distant past events; some have reportedly occurred within the last year.

In response to these serious allegations, Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh is expected to launch an inquiry. This investigation aims to understand the extent of sexual assault and harassment within the ADF.

The inquiry will also explore the obstacles faced in reporting such misconduct, the handling of complaints, and the prosecution 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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