The inquiry follows a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which concluded that sexual misconduct is a systemic problem in the ADF.

In the five years before the commission’s 2024 final report, 800 sexual assaults were reported in the ADF, but the report estimated that about 60 % of incidents go unreported, suggesting the real number is much higher.

The new inquiry will start accepting written submissions later this year, hold public hearings early next year, and must deliver its final report by the end of the year. Victim‑survivors have been told that any non‑disclosure agreements they signed with the ADF will not be enforced for the inquiry (ABC News: Lucas Hill).

Stott Despoja’s lack of a military background was highlighted as a reason for her appointment, giving the process an independent, fresh perspective that is meant to be trauma‑informed and centred on victims’ voices.