Thank you, Women in Defence Association, for shedding light on this critical issue. At Women Veterans Australia, we advocate for courageous leadership that promotes accountability and upholds the values of those who serve. Genuine reform requires bold action, not just on the battlefield, but in addressing systemic issues. We urge leaders to seize this opportunity to drive meaningful change. To Anthony Albanese and Defence Australia, what legacy of leadership do you aspire to leave? We must also acknowledge the personal toll on women who share their experiences of service. It's time to close the loop and ensure that their courage is met with tangible action. Let's do better. Let's show those who have bravely shared their stories that we're committed to creating real change. #YourADF #veterans #women #TheAthenaProjectAus Elizabeth Broderick Katy Gallagher Stephanie Copus Campbell AM GAICD Simone Clarke Chantelle Stratford PSM
Watch Back | Anthony Albanese confirms the government will agree, or agree in principle, with 104 of the 122 recommendations in the Royal Commission's final report. The Women in Defence Association (WiDA) expresses its deep concern over the announcement of yet another investigative process into sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). At what point do we say enough is enough? More inquiries, more recommendations, more delays—this is not the reform our Defence personnel deserve. "Real, meaningful and enduring reform" has been promised time and again. Yet, where is it? What does this latest inquiry mean for current victims? What action will be taken against perpetrators still serving? How many more lives will be impacted as we continue to wait for decisive government action? We remind the Prime Minister and Defence Ministers of key moments in the history of this ongoing issue: 2010-2011: Defence’s Annual Reports recorded an average of 700 to 900 complaints of unacceptable behaviour, including sexual harassment and sex discrimination, lodged each year. (Source: Department of Defence, Annual Report 2010-11) 2011: The IGADF 2011 report highlighted around 75 sexual offence complaints by ADF personnel to ADF authorities each year. (Source: Human Rights Commission) 2012: The Review into the Treatment of Women in the ADF found that strong action was necessary to combat sexual misconduct, calling for swift and consistent action across all ADF services. 2014: The Audit into the ADF Women’s Review reiterated the need for comprehensive measures to tackle unacceptable behaviours. 2024: The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide devotes an entire chapter to military sexual violence, unacceptable behaviour, and military justice. Decades of reports and recommendations, yet we still find ourselves here—waiting for yet another inquiry to tell us what we already know. When will the Ministers and senior leadership in the Defence Australia take real action? When will we see meaningful reform? The time for inquiries is over. It’s time for action. Enough is enough. #WiDA #EndTheCycle #ActionNotInquiries #DefenceReform The Athena Project Aus