Australian Defence Force

Opened the debate

Lambie argued that the government was attempting to evade accountability in a class action alleging systemic failure to protect female members from sexual harassment between 2003 and 2025. Lambie contended that the Commonwealth planned to file an application in the Federal Court claiming Australian laws did not apply to abuse occurring overseas, thereby denying victims access to justice. Lambie highlighted that the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide identified widespread sexual abuse and noted that perpetrators often remained in service. Lambie called for the immediate closure of the Australian Defence Force Academy and criticised the inconsistency between the Defence Minister's public statements and the government's legal strategy.

Government response

Gallagher stated that the government would not support the suspension of standing orders due to the lack of prior notice and the fact that the matter was currently before the courts. Gallagher explained that addressing preliminary issues through the court is standard practice to manage proceedings appropriately and that disclosing details could prejudice the case or impact legal professional privilege. Gallagher noted that the Chief of the Defence Force had affirmed the ADF's commitment to supporting women in service. Gallagher offered to engage further with Senator Lambie through the Minister for Defence but maintained that the court was the appropriate venue for resolving the legal claims.

Opposition response

Paterson acknowledged the serious issues raised by Senator Lambie regarding sexual abuse within the Defence Force and the failure to adequately address them. However, he stated that the opposition could not support the suspension because the matter was in its preliminary stages before the courts and he had not been briefed on the specific case details. Paterson expressed uncertainty about the implications of the Senate directing the government's position in an active legal proceeding. Paterson encouraged the government to carefully consider the arguments regarding the welfare of service members and veterans while declining to endorse the motion.