Deputy Commissioner Military Sexual Violence Inquiry

Speaking on her appointment, Deputy Commissioner Stott Despoja said:

I am honoured to have been appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner, leading the independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force.

I am looking forward to working with Commissioner McKay to drive meaningful change on this important issue.

The Australian Defence Force continues to confront the scourge that is sexual violence and, despite reforms over the past decade, there is still a lot to do.

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide brought to light how obtaining support and seeking accountability is so difficult for many due to the complexity of the administrative, military justice and civil justice systems, and inadequate workplace protections. Many people give up.

The experiences of victim-survivors will be central to this process and the way that operate. We will ensure they are supported and that our approach will be victim-centric and trauma-informed.

I intend to bring to this role a relentless focus on systemic change, to ensure systems within the ADF reflect the standards Australians expect from our Defence Force. My aim is to identify gaps and opportunities to improve outcomes. And help create a Defence workplace where people, regardless of gender, are treated with dignity and respect.

I thank the Minister for his faith in me and look forward with the Commissioner and our team to providing implementable recommendations at the end of this process.

Deputy Commissioner Stott Despoja is among the world’s leading experts on sexual and gender-based violence. 

Deputy Commissioner Stott Despoja will bring valuable experience to the Inquiry. Her experience includes serving as:

• A current member of the United Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
• The Royal Commissioner for South Australia’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence 
• Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls  
• Senator for South Australia, and  
• A Deputy Chair of beyondblue.