Four servicewomen have launched a landmark class action lawsuit against the Australian military alleging sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination.<\/p>\n
Lawyers said they expected thousands of women to join the case against the Australian Defence Force (ADF), which was filed in the Federal Court on Friday.<\/p>\n
Claims by the four women leading the lawsuit – whose names are withheld for legal reasons – include being forcibly pinned to a wall before being groped, and waking up naked and bruised after a party with male officers.<\/p>\n
An ADF spokesperson said it was developing a sexual misconduct prevention strategy and there was “no place for sexual violence” in the army.<\/p>\n
All women who served between 12 November 2003 and 25 May 2025 are eligible to join the suit, lodged by law firm JGA Saddler. <\/p>\n
One of the lead applicants was a member of the air force who was one of two women in a building of about 200 people. <\/p>\n
She alleged she was subject to hostile and sexist comments, inappropriate conversations, as well as being shown unsolicited pornographic photos.<\/p>\n
She also alleged her sergeant told her “women shouldn’t be paid as much as men because they are not as strong”.<\/p>\n
Another of the four applicants, who joined the navy, said she was subject to lewd comments throughout her training and unwanted touching. <\/p>\n
She also alleged that while on duty abroad she was grabbed and kissed by her a colleague who resisted her attempts to get away.<\/p>\n