NDAs cloud Australia's landmark military sexual violence inquiry
Australia is preparing to launch a landmark inquiry into sexual violence in its military, but advocates warn that non-disclosure agreements signed by survivors years ago could silence many victims and undermine the proceedings.
Australia is finalising preparations for a long-awaited independent inquiry into sexual violence within its military, but advocacy groups warn that non-disclosure agreements signed by survivors years ago could effectively block testimony from being heard at hearings.
Victim support organisations are urging Defence to lift the NDAs before the inquiry begins, arguing that without doing so witnesses willing to come forward will fear personal financial penalties or legal action. The Australian Department of Defence has not made a clear public statement on the issue so far.
The new inquiry follows five separate reports published over the past decade, none of which saw their full set of reforms implemented. Its findings could fundamentally reshape personnel policy across Australia's military and serve as a reference point for the country's allies in the wider Pacific region.
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