Applications open
Lived Experience Advisory Group - Military Sexual Violence Inquiry
Background:
The Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission (DVSC) is undertaking an independent Inquiry into military sexual violence within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The Inquiry will formally commence in late 2026 and will report at the end of 2027.
Lived Experience Australia is managing the application process to establish a Lived Experience Advisory Group to support the Inquiry.
Applications close Saturday 7 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT.
About the Lived Experience Advisory Group
We are seeking 6-10 Advisory Group members who will bring lived experience of military sexual violence. For the Advisory Group, this could include:
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current and former-serving ADF members with lived experience of military sexual violence,
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family of ADF members with lived experience of military sexual violence, or
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ADF members who have witnessed military sexual violence.
Advisory Group members will contribute their expertise, review materials, and support safe and inclusive engagement approaches within the Inquiry.
The Advisory Group will meet face-to-face and/or online with the DVSC across a series of up to six meetings over the course of the Inquiry. The first meeting will occur in mid‑late January 2027. The time and date will be determined based on the availability of Advisory Group members. Members will be remunerated for their time.
Who is managing this process?
Lived Experience Australia (LEA) will manage the recruitment and onboard members for the DVSC. The process will be trauma-informed, transparent and respectful of the expertise and courage it takes to participate.
LEA will have a support person available to support people throughout the application process.
Any questions about this process, your application, or what DVSC involvement would mean for you can be sent to:
Sharon Lawn, Executive Director
slawn@livedexperienceaustralia.com.au
0459 098 772
About the DVSC Inquiry
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide heard extensive evidence about the devastating effects of sexual assault and other forms of sexual misconduct for serving and former serving ADF members, their families and colleagues.
The DVSC is conducting an independent Inquiry into military sexual violence in the ADF. This Inquiry is in response to recommendation 25 of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
You can find more information about the Inquiry and its Terms of Reference here:
www.dvsc.gov.au/inquiries/MSV
What you will do if you join the Lived Experience Advisory Group
Members will provide advice and guidance from a lived experience perspective on the approach and work of the Inquiry. Members will play a critical role in helping the DVSC to:
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understand the systems and culture that lead to military sexual violence and hinder disclosure and reporting
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identify what makes it more likely for someone to experience sexual violence in the ADF, and
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inform decisions about improving responses, services and outcomes for people who have been affected.
DVSC will work with the Lived Experience Advisory Group to agree meeting dates.
Members with lived experience of military sexual violence will not be asked to share their personal experience or relive difficult events.
How the application process will work
Before putting in your application, please read the Participant Information Sheet.
This includes information about eligibility and selection criteria for the Group. This document also contains more details about:
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the Inquiry
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what is involved if you participate in the Advisory Group
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how the selection process will work, and
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whether the Advisory Group is the right fit for you.
How to submit your application
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Before completing your application, please read the accompanying
Participant Information Sheet. -
Complete your application via the Application Form – Fill out form.
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LEA will review all applications against eligibility and selection criteria.
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Shortlisted applicants may be contacted for a brief, informal conversation (approximately 15-20 minutes) to learn more about you and answer any questions you may have.
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The DVSC will make the final selection.
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All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application as promptly as possible, whether or not they are selected.
If you experience any problems with the online application form, or would prefer to send your application via email, you can contact slawn@livedexperienceaustralia.com.au for the Word template.
Applications close Saturday 7 November 2026 at 11.59pm AEDT.
Support Services
ADF All-hours Support line
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1800 628 036
Open Arms – Veterans and Families Counselling
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1800 011 046
Lifeline
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13 11 14
1800RESPECT
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1800 737 732