Emma Comer (Petrie, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

For more than a century, women have been part of Australia's defence story. Their contribution has been central to how our nation has protected itself and supported others in times of conflict and crisis. From the very beginning, women chose to serve their country, often without the recognition, opportunities or pathways afforded to their male counterparts. They stepped forward regardless, motivated by a strong sense of duty and a deep commitment to our nation. For far too many years, women were largely confined to nursing and support roles, but over time that contribution has evolved significantly. Women in uniform now serve in every command of the ADF and across the full spectrum of national service roles and specialties. They operate across land, sea, air, cyber and space, reflecting both the changing nature of warfare and the growing recognition of their capabilities. What has remained constant, however, is the standard of service and the ability to rise to any occasion. Australian women in uniform have consistently demonstrated professionalism, courage and resilience, whether serving in combat zones, contributing to peacekeeping missions or responding to humanitarian disasters here and abroad. Women like Olive King, Vivian Bullwinkel and Florence McKenzie were trailblazers that cleared the way to allow women like myself to enter officer training at Duntroon. I'm proud to be a small part of a large history of women who put themselves forward to serve their nation.

In the modern Australian Defence Force, women are no longer in the margins. They are leaders, specialists and decision-makers. They command units, manage complex operations and contribute to some of the most technically advanced areas of defence. Just last week, I was at the Gallipoli Barracks Open Day, commemorating 125 years of the Australian Army. I got to meet Brigadier Jennifer Harris, a senior Australian Defence Force officer who is a shining example of how women are now serving in critical leadership positions within the ADF.

That said, progress has not come overnight. While women have been serving in uniform for generations, access to combat roles was only opened to women in 2016. That milestone marked a significant shift, but it also highlights how recent some of these changes have been. The growing presence of women has strengthened Defence not only in capability but in culture. The hard work of women throughout the history of the ADF has made it crystal clear that inclusion and diversity is one of our greatest strengths, making the ADF one of the best defence forces in the world.

Today, women serve across every command and every speciality, from flying fighter jets to working in cyber operations, from frontline Army to complex intelligence and logistics functions. They are a vital part in Australia's defence capability. Women now make up more than a quarter of the Defence workforce, and their contribution continues to grow. They bring skill, determination and leadership to their roles, strengthening the ADF in every way.

At the same time, it's important to acknowledge that many women have faced challenges throughout their service. When I was in training, the bridging programs were not appropriately designed to accommodate for the lighter body weight of women. I suffered an injury as a result, and so did many of my female colleagues. Everyone in this parliament would agree that we should not lower the fitness requirements of the military. However, when I was in training, it was clear that we needed to be accommodating of different body types. It was clear that a one-size-fits-all approach risks sidelining capable recruits. I saw too many strong, determined women leave—individuals who had the potential to make significant contributions to our Defence Force.

That's why I have since raised this directly with the former chief of defence force Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston, who is now Chancellor of the University of Sunshine Coast, and I've raised this with the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Veterans' Affairs, advocating for a more considered approach that maintains standards whilst recognising difference. I will continue to advocate for a defence force that upholds readiness and capability, while ensuring that we are getting the best out of every person who has signed on the dotted line.

My electorate of Petrie has over 5,000 veterans. Many of them are women. These women have had to fight to be included in all aspects of the ADF, fight to be equal to their male counterparts and fight for the respect they deserve whilst fighting to defend our nation. If we are serious about building a defence force that is ready for the future, we must continue that work. Supporting women in defence, removing the remaining barriers and fostering an environment where everyone can contribute fully is not just the right thing to do; it is essential to maintaining a capable and ready force. Today we acknowledge and thank the women who have served and who continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. For their skill and for their courage, I recognise them and respect them.

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