Indigenous Defence Project

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of Country throughout Australia and the islands of the Torres Strait. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their distinct cultures and elders, past and present and emerging.

Background to the project

Defence is committed to achieving positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through increased career opportunities and sustained improvements to Indigenous participation, and ensuring Defence is a culturally safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all personnel, now and into the future.

Defence has requested the Australian Human Rights Commission (the Commission) to complete a project examining the Inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel, including issues related to attraction, recruitment and retention.

The aim of this project is to support Defence to build a respectful organisation that provides enhanced employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.

This project will identify, review and report on the barriers and enablers to inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the ADF and Defence APS (Defence) and strengthening the relationship between Defence and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

As part of this project, the Commission is seeking participants from the following groups:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel currently or formerly employed by the ADF and/or Defence APS
• Current and former supervisors of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel in the ADF and/or Defence APS.

This project has ethical approval from the Defence and Veteran's Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee and the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies.

Complete the survey

Click here to complete the survey.

Participate in an interview

We are conducting confidential telephone interviews with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander current and former serving ADF and Defence APS personnel.

Your views and experiences are needed to inform the Commission's work examining the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander personnel in Defence.

If you wish to register for an interview, please complete the expression of interest form below:

Difficulties may be experienced with this form when accessed from some Defence protected networks. If you experience difficulties you can either complete the form on your personal device or register your interest directly with the Commission by calling 1800 324 979 or emailing us at defencemob@humanrights.gov.au. Apologies for any inconvenience caused

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Contact us

You can contact the project team at: defencemob@humanrights.gov.au or 1800 324 979

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Support services

Sharing your experiences can be distressing. Please reach out to one of the services below if you need support. 

• Open Arms – 1800 011 046 (support for veterans)

• 1800RESPECT - 1800 737 732 (a 24/7 national sexual assault and domestic and family violence counselling service)

• Suicide Call Back Service - 1300 659 467

• Relationships Australia - 1300 364 277

• Mensline – 1300 789 978

• Lifeline - 13 11 14

• Beyondblue -1300 224 636

• Black Dog Institute – (02) 9382 2991

• EAP Connect– Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Helpline – 1300 287 432

• Defence All-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036