Former senator to take 'independent' look at sexual violence in the ADF
Natasha Stott Despoja will lead the inquiry, which was a key recommendation of The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
Former Senator Natasha Stott Despoja has been chosen to lead an inquiry focusing on sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This move was strongly recommended by a previous Royal Commission that found sexual misconduct to be systemic within the military. The inquiry, which will commence with public hearings in the coming year, will not enforce non-disclosure agreements signed with the ADF.
Senator Stott Despoja, who has a background in social justice and gendered violence, will bring an independent perspective to the issue. The Royal Commission found that around 800 sexual assaults were reported within the ADF in the five years leading up to the 2024 final report, but acknowledged that the actual number may be significantly higher due to under-reporting.
Senator Stott Despoja emphasized that the inquiry aims to address issues related to the military justice system and barriers to reporting sexual offenses. Victim-survivors will be able to testify for the first time due to the government's decision not to enforce NDAs, providing them with a safe environment to share their experiences.
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