The Petition

We, the Women in Defence Association (WiDA), a national body representing over 1,000 members dedicated to gender equity and cultural reform in Australia's defence sector, call upon the Australian Federal Government to urgently act on sexual assault and misconduct within the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

We bring this petition forward in response to the publicly shared lived experience of ADF member Leah Whittle, whose ongoing case demonstrates institutional failure to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable, even in the presence of corroborating evidence.

Background:

The ADF has been subject to decades of reviews and inquiries highlighting systemic cultural failures and the mistreatment of women. Despite repeated recommendations, meaningful reform has lagged.

Relevant Reviews Include:

• 1996: Women in the Australian Defence Force, Clare Burton
• 2009: Women’s Participation in the Navy, Christine McLoughlin
• 2009: Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF, Prof. David Dunt
• 2010–2012: ADF Mental Health and Wellbeing Studies
• 2011: HMAS Success Inquiry, Hon Roger Gyles AO QC
• 2012: Facing the Problems of the Past, DLA Piper
• 2012: Review into the Treatment of Women in the ADF, AHRC
• 2013: Est. of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response Office 
• 2014: Defence Abuse Response Taskforce (DART) Final Report
• 2024: Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

The Royal Commission, launched in July 2021, delivered its Interim Report August 2022, and the Final Report on 9 September 2024. 

On 2 December 2024, the Government accepted the majority of its 122 recommendations, including urgent reform of the ADF’s handling of sexual misconduct, leadership accountability, and survivor support.

Yet six months on, survivors like Leah Whittle still experience silence, inaction and retaliation.

Why This Petition?

Leah Whittle has publicly disclosed details of a recorded confession from her alleged perpetrator. Despite this, she faces medical discharge, while the accused remains in active service. Moreover, she has experienced online targeting and harassment by current-serving ADF personnel, behaviour that appears contrary to the Defence Force Discipline Act and the ADF’s stated values, after posting health updates.

Enough is enough.

The time for inquiries has passed. We must now demand tangible action, accountability and cultural reform.

Our Demands:

1. Immediate Independent Review of Leah Whittle’s Case
   A formal and independent investigation into Leah’s allegations, the recorded confession and Defence’s institutional response.
2. Urgent Overhaul of IGADF (Inspector-General ADF) Processes
   Eliminate bias, remove conflicts of interest and strengthen procedural integrity and transparency.
   
   
3. Mandated Stand-Downs During Investigation
   Immediate stand-down of any serving member accused of sexual assault or misconduct, including Leah Whittle’s perpetrator.
   Stand-down and review of personnel who target, harass, or retaliate against victims.
   
   
4. Establish Independent Oversight for Sexual Misconduct Cases
   A statutory body empowered to investigate, enforce disciplinary action and safeguard survivor wellbeing, separate from the ADF chain of command.
   
   
5. Mandatory Cultural Reform
   ADF-wide accountability and education programs with measurable outcomes and enforceable disciplinary consequences for breaches.
   
   
6. Comprehensive, Survivor-Centred Support Services
   Expand and fully fund trauma-informed services, including mental health, legal and advocacy support for Defence and veteran communities.

 

Why This Matters:

As of 13 June 2025, six months have passed since the Government’s response to the Royal Commission and its recommendation for urgent reform, and still:

• Perpetrators remain in uniform
• Survivors face institutional silence
• Recommendations remain stalled or unimplemented

This is not just about Leah. It’s about a system that continues to fail those who serve.

 

Take Action:

WiDA will formally present this petition in Canberra in July 2025, alongside survivors and supporters, demanding accountability, protection and reform. Every signature is a step toward justice.

 

Presented By:

Women in Defence Association (WiDA) - A national, independent movement advancing justice, inclusion, and safety for all women in Defence.

https://womenindefenceassociation.org