Independent Inquiry into Military Sexual Violence in the Australian Defence Force
An Inquiry implementing recommendation 25 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
On 2 December 2025, the Honourable Matt Keogh MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, announced an independent Inquiry into military sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Minister Keogh has requested the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) lead this Inquiry.
This Inquiry will deliver on a key recommendation from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide - to conduct an independent, expert inquiry into military sexual violence which makes public recommendations.
What is being inquired into?
The aim of the Inquiry is to provide:
- a holistic understanding of military sexual violence in the ADF, and
- advice to Government on reforms to prevent, manage and respond to military sexual violence in the ADF.
This Inquiry will also assess the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations 14 to 24.
Why is this important?
The Royal Commission found that sexual violence remains a systemic issue in the ADF. It identified the profound impacts of military sexual violence on ADF personnel. It particularly impacts women and their families and is linked to suicide and suicidal distress.
Sexual violence in the ADF is completely unacceptable. 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.
This landmark, independent Inquiry is essential to driving meaningful change within the ADF.
When will the Inquiry commence?
The DVSC received $16.6 million through the 2026-27 Federal Budget to conduct the Inquiry.
The Inquiry will begin in late 2026.
The Inquiry will be completed by the end of 2027. A Final Report will be provided to Government and published on the DVSC website.
Terms of Reference
The Terms of Reference can be found here:
Terms of Reference - Military Sexual Violence Inquiry
The Terms of Reference for the Inquiry were developed following independent consultations by the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC). Consultations involved serving and ex-serving victim-survivors of sexual violence in the ADF, specialist service providers and other stakeholders.
Further information about the Inquiry will be available later in 2026.
If you would like to receive updates about the Inquiry, sign up to the Inquiry Mailing List.
Subscribe - Military Sexual Violence Inquiry Mailing List
