Independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force
The Inquiry will deepen understanding of military sexual violence in the ADF and guide reform.
When will the Inquiry start?
The Commissioner intends to commence the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry on 1 December 2026.
Who is leading the Inquiry?
The Commissioner appointed Natasha Stott Despoja AC to lead the Inquiry following a decision by the Minister.
What is the aim of the Inquiry?
The aim of the Inquiry is to provide:
- a holistic understanding of military sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), and
- advice to Government on reforms to prevent, manage and respond to military sexual violence in the ADF.
What is being inquired into?
The Inquiry will assess Government’s implementation of the Royal Commission’s Recommendations 14 to 24.
It will also examine six key themes:
- prevention and early intervention
- reporting
- supports
- responses
- justice processes, and
- sexual violence terminology.
The Inquiry will look for gaps and opportunities and make recommendations aimed at:
- making cultural and workplace changes in the ADF to improve prevention of sexual violence
- improving workplace protections for victim-survivors of military sexual violence
- ensuring systems are in place to effectively hold perpetrators to account, and
- taking a victim-survivor-centred approach.
Applications open for the Lived Experience Advisory Group
The Commissioner is establishing a Lived Experience Advisory Group for the Inquiry.
This Group will be made up of:
- current and former-serving ADF members with direct lived experience of military sexual violence
- family of ADF members with direct lived experience of military sexual violence, and
- ADF members who have witnessed military sexual violence.
Appointment to the Advisory Group is via an application process – see below for how to apply.
Role of the Advisory Group
The Group will consist of 6 to 10 members. Members will play a critical role in helping the DVSC to:
- understand the systems and culture that lead to military sexual violence and hinder disclosure and reporting
- identify what makes it more likely for someone to experience sexual violence in the ADF, and
- determine ways to improve responses, services and outcomes for people who have been affected.
The Advisory Group will run for the duration of the Inquiry. Members will provide advice on the processes and operation of the Inquiry. They will also be consulted as we develop recommendations for system-wide reforms.
Working with the Advisory Group will ensure the Inquiry is informed by contemporary lived experiences.
How to apply to become a member
Applications open: Friday 16 October 2026
Lived Experience Australia (LEA) will manage the application process for Advisory Group members on behalf of the DVSC. This process will be trauma-informed, transparent and respectful of the expertise and courage it takes to participate. LEA will have a support person available to support people to apply. Members will be remunerated for their time.
How to apply:
- Familiarise yourself with the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry Terms of Reference
- Read the Advisory Group Participant Information Sheet at www.livedexperienceaustralia.com.au/msvinquiry
- Complete the Application Form through the Lived Experience Australia website.
Applications close at 11:59pm (AEDT) on Saturday 7 November 2026.
If you have any questions about the Advisory Group or the application process, please contact Sharon Lawn, Executive Director LEA, at slawn@livedexperienceaustralia.com.au or 0459 098 772.
Options for participating in the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry
There will be opportunities to participate in the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry, in addition to the Lived Experience Advisory Group.
Further information about other avenues to engage with the Inquiry will be published on the DVSC website in the coming months.
You can also subscribe to the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry mailing list to receive updates:
DVSC Mailing Lists | Defence and Veterans' Service Commission
Inquiry Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry can be found here:
Terms of Reference - Independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence
They were developed following independent consultation by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Consultation involved serving and ex-serving victim-survivors of sexual violence in the ADF, specialist service providers and other stakeholders.
The Inquiry will not investigate and make recommendations about specific cases, current or historical. The DVSC is not a complaints body, nor part of a justice process.
Background
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide heard extensive testimony about the devastating effects of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct on the lives of serving and former serving ADF members, their colleagues and their families. The Royal Commission found reforms were needed in prevention, survivor support, data collection and justice – but was unable to fully inquire into these issues due to time constraints.
Natasha Stott Despoja AC appointed to lead the Inquiry
Deputy Commissioner Stott Despoja is among the world’s leading experts on sexual and gender-based violence. Most relevantly, she brings her experience as Royal Commissioner of South Australia’s Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence. Deputy Commissioner Stott Despoja is also Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls and currently serving on the United Nations' Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).
Subscribe to receive updates
If you would like to receive updates about the Inquiry, sign up to the Inquiry Mailing List:
