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Women currently make up 19.2% of the ADF workforce.[1] Women have served in Australian armed forces since 1899.[2] Until World War II women were restricted to the Australian Army Nursing Service. This role expanded in 1941–42 when the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force established female branches in which women took on a range of support roles. While these organisations were disbanded at the end of the war, they were reestablished in 1950 as part of the military's permanent structure. Women were integrated into the services during the late 1970s and early 1980s, but were not allowed to apply for combat roles. In January 2013, serving women were allowed to apply for all positions in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) except special forces which became open to women in January 2014.[3][4] In January 2016, civilian women became able to direct entry to all positions.[4][5]
- ^ Department of Defence 2020, pp. 103, 120.
- ^ "A Short History of Australia's Servicewomen". Veterans SA. Retrieved 2019-10-25.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Lifting of gender restrictionswas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston (16 June 2014). Minister for Defence – Opening address - Defence Women in Peace and Security Conference (Speech). 2014 Defence Women in Peace and Security Conference. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Landmark moment for women in the ADF". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (Press release). 24 October 2018. Retrieved 15 March 2021.