Natasha Stott Despoja AC to lead Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence
International expert appointed to lead landmark Inquiry
Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner, Penny McKay, appointed Natasha Stott Despoja AC as the Military Sexual Violence Inquiry Deputy Commissioner. Ms Stott Despoja will lead the independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), formally commencing later this year.
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide heard extensive evidence about the devastating effects of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct. Effects that impacted the lives of serving and former serving ADF members, their families and colleagues.
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 Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC). 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.
“This makes Ms Stott Despoja an outstanding person to take this Inquiry forward.” Commissioner McKay said.
As Deputy Commissioner, Ms Stott Despoja will convene and preside over hearings. She will engage with a wide range of stakeholders, witnesses and officials.
“We are looking to the future and seeking to understand what changes will best support the experience of people serving in the ADF today, and those who may join in the years ahead,” Commissioner McKay said.
”Hearing directly from those with lived and living experience of military sexual violence will help ensure the Inquiry's findings are grounded in real-world experience and lead to meaningful, lasting improvement.”
The Inquiry will also consider publicly available testimony and submissions made to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The DVSC’s preparations for the Inquiry are well underway. The Inquiry will formally commence in late 2026 and will report at the end of 2027. The report will be made public following the Inquiry.
Information about how to make public submissions, hearings and other ways the DVSC will work with people and organisations will be made available in the coming months.
In accordance with statutory requirements, the Commissioner provided a list of candidates with suitable skills and experience to lead the Inquiry to the Minister for his selection. The Minister selected Ms Stott Despoja for the role.
“I am pleased to welcome the Deputy Commissioner to this role. I look forward to working with her as the Inquiry gets underway. I have every confidence in her ability to lead this important work. I know she will bring independence, integrity and a strong focus on delivering outcomes that make a meaningful difference for the future,” concluded Commissioner McKay.
