Applications open for Military Sexual Violence Inquiry Lived Experience Advisory Group

Applications open for Military Sexual Violence Inquiry Lived Experience Advisory Group

The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Penny McKay is establishing a Lived Experience Advisory Group for the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry. The Inquiry will formally commence on 1 December 2026. Appointment to the Advisory Group is via an application process. Applications are open now.

We encourage readers to share this information thoughtfully.

Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence

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 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, their colleagues and their families. 

The aim of the Inquiry is to:

  • provide a holistic understanding of military sexual violence in the ADF, and  
  • provide advice to Government on reforms to prevent, manage and respond to military sexual violence in the ADF.

The Inquiry will not investigate or make recommendations about specific cases, current or historical. The DVSC is not a complaints body, nor part of a justice process.

Natasha Stott Despoja AC has been appointed Deputy Commissioner to lead the Inquiry. The Inquiry will formally commence by the end of year and report at the end of 2027. An Inquiry report will then be made public.

Lived Experience Advisory Group

The Commissioner is seeking to appoint 6 to 10 Advisory Group members who are:

  • 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, or 
  • ADF members who have witnessed military sexual violence. 

 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 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

Members will be appointed through an application process. Applications opened on Friday 16 October 2026. 

Lived Experience Australia (LEA) will manage the application process and onboard 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.

If you’re interested in becoming a member, you’ll find the application form on the LEA website: MSV Inquiry - Lived Experience Advisory Group

You can also read the Terms of Reference for the Inquiry.

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.

 

Closing date 

Applications will close at 11:59pm (AEDT) on Saturday 7 November 2026.

 

Options for participating in the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry

In addition to the Advisory Group, there will be other opportunities to participate in the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry.

Further information about other ways you can contribute, will be sent out in the coming months and available on our DVSC website.

Keep up to date with the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry

You can find out more about the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry here: MSV Inquiry | Defence and Veterans' Service Commission.

If you would like to receive news and updates on the Inquiry you can subscribe to our mailing list: DVSC Mailing Lists | Defence and Veterans' Service Commission. 

 

If this information raises concerns for you, support is available

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available. You can contact Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14. Defence All-hours Support Line on 1800 628 036. Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046, available free of charge 24/7.

 

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