Australia Lifts Gag Orders for Military Sexual Violence Inquiry

For the first time, Australian military personnel who experienced sexual violence can speak freely about their trauma, even if they signed agreements promising never to tell.

The Australian government announced it won't enforce non-disclosure agreements against current or former Defence members who want to testify at a groundbreaking inquiry into military sexual violence. The decision affects thousands of servicemen and women who had previously signed away their voices without understanding the long-term impact.

"This decision may give back [a] voice to thousands of servicemen and women who signed it away without realising the impacts on their lives long-term," said Regina Featherstone, a senior lawyer at the Human Rights Law Centre. The organization had written to federal ministers last month asking for this exact change.

Julia Delaforce lived under a gag order for 15 years before winning back her voice through legal action. She called the announcement "an enormous step" toward the inquiry's ability to create real change.

The inquiry will examine how the military prevents, reports, and responds to sexual violence. Critically, it will also investigate the military justice system itself, looking at how the system gets misused and what barriers civilian police face when investigating cases.

The Bright Side

Advocates say the expanded terms of reference represent a major improvement from the initial draft released last year. The inquiry now includes an advisory group of survivors who will help shape outcomes, not just approve them.

Donna Manton, director of the Athena Project, which supports military sexual violence survivors, pointed to why this matters. One young soldier recently told her that when she reported her sexual assault, her entire group received punishment because they'd been breaking drinking rules at the time. "Hardly encouraging," Manton said, illustrating how minor rule violations can overshadow serious crimes.

The inquiry emerged from recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said it will help hold perpetrators accountable, identify gaps in the system, and better protect survivors.

The government does have limits. It reserves the right to keep financial settlement details confidential and cannot release survivors from obligations to third parties. The NDA waiver also currently applies only to participation in the inquiry itself, not beyond.

Still, for thousands of people who thought they'd never be allowed to speak, this represents a chance for truth and healing after years of enforced silence.