Thousands of women who served in the Australian Defence Force will be eligible to join a new class action against the Commonwealth alleging widespread and systemic sexual harassment and assault.

The lawsuit — which is expected to be a multi-million-dollar class action — was launched in the Federal Court in Sydney by Australian law firm JGA Saddler and backed by global litigation funder Omni Bridgeway.

Women who have worked with the ADF from November 12, 2003 to May 25, 2025 will be eligible to participate.

JGA Saddler lawyer Josh Aylward said Australians will be “shocked” by the reports of “sexual violence and harassment, victimisation, rape and physical threats”.

“But even more disturbing are the brutal assaults against those women who dare make a complaint,” Mr Aylward said.

“The th

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