Former senator Natasha Stott Despoja to lead inquiry into sexual violence in Australian Defence Force

Former senator Natasha Stott Despoja will lead a new inquiry into sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), arguing her independence from the military provides a "fresh" perspective on the issue.

The inquiry was a key recommendation of The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which found sexual misconduct was a "systemic issue" within the ADF.

Ms Stott Despoja will lead a one-year inquiry looking at issues such as prevention and reporting of sexual violence in the military, and how the ADF is managing efforts to tackle the problem in the wake of the royal commission.

The former senator has pursued a career centred on issues such as social justice and gendered violence since leaving politics, including leading South Australia's Royal Commission into Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence.

She does not have a military background, which she said was a key factor in her appointment.

"I understand from the minister and from the [Defence and Veterans' Services Commission] that it was a very purposeful, deliberate decision to have someone who was completely independent in relation to this specific, dedicated inquiry dealing with sexual violence," she said.

"I think the idea was to ensure that they felt that there was someone who would come to this independently and listen to their concerns, take on board the previous reports and the evidence base that's been provided and do so in a way that was very informed, trauma-informed and victim-centric."

In the five years leading up to the royal commission's 2024 final report, there were 800 reported sexual assaults within the ADF.

But the final report noted that figure was in the context of an estimated 60 per cent under-reporting rate, meaning the true number of assaults was likely much higher.

It argued the ADF needed to implement "deep, systemic reform" to tackle the issue, including recommendations such as the mandatory discharge of any members convicted of sexual offences.

Ms Stott Despoja said there are specific issues the royal commission wanted this inquiry to address, including around the effectiveness of the military justice system and barriers to reporting sexual offences.

"This will be — I believe and hope — a once-in-a-generation opportunity for defence to make some changes," she said.

"And what do I want from that? Meaningful change that leads to a workplace that should be equal, ethical, healthy and respectful.

"We respect our military. We know that men and women in uniform deserve to have a safe working environment, given the sacrifices and the challenges and the risks that they already have to face in the context of their job.

"They shouldn't be dealing with sexual violence as part of those risks and challenges."

Inquiry to hear from some previously silenced

Following pressure from legal groups and victim-survivors, the government recently agreed not to enforce non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for those giving evidence to the looming inquiry.

Some victim-survivors are bound by non-disclosure agreements or non-disparagement agreements as part of legal settlements agreed with Defence.

There had been fears some of the worst-affected victim-survivors would be effectively barred from giving evidence to the inquiry by the legal orders.

Ms Stott Despoja said the agreement means some people can tell their stories for the first time.

"There'll be people who previously couldn't tell their stories because of the NDAs," she said.

"We don't know who those people are, but I'm hoping they will feel able to come forward in an environment that is sensitive, that will provide wellbeing and legal support, but I would like them to come forward if they feel they can to tell those stories that we haven't had the opportunity to hear."

The inquiry is expected to start accepting written submissions later this year, and hold public hearings early next year.

It is due to report by the end of next year.