Australia waives NDAs for landmark military sexual violence inquiry hearings
The chair of Australia's Royal Commission has announced non-disclosure agreements will be waived in the ongoing inquiry into military sexual violence. The decision opens participation in inquiry hearings to former Defence Force personnel and family members. The federal government expects the three-year commission's final report in spring 2027.
ABC News AustraliaNick Kaldas, chair of Australia's Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, has announced that non-disclosure agreements in the commission's inquiry into sexual violence will be waived. ABC News Australia reports that former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and family members have been granted broader testimony rights.
Kaldas said in a statement that 'we must take this step to surface the truths that systemic silence has protected'. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the decision was 'a decisive step toward institutional accountability'. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said 'support services and psychological rehabilitation priorities must also be reinforced'. Sexual violence survivor advocate Patricia Carriker said 'lifting the confidentiality seal is the direct result of three years of justice campaigning'.
The Royal Commission was established three years ago after the consecutive suicides of nine Australian former service members. Caroline Mort, director of the Australian Justice Institute, commented that 'waiving non-disclosure agreements could set a precedent for military-civilian legal practice'. The commission's final report is due to be presented to parliament in spring 2027. This report does not constitute legal advice.
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