Australia: Defence force told to investigate sex allegations

The Australian navy tanker HMAS Success, pictured during a visit to Auckland in 2004. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

CANBERRA - An alleged contest among sailors to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible needs to be fully investigated by the Australian Defence Force, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard says.

Ms Gillard said nothing should preclude women from enjoying a full and rewarding career in the Australian Defence Force.

A group of sailors from HMAS Success was sent home and an inquiry launched after they allegedly organised a challenge to have sex with as many female crewmates as possible.

"Obviously this is a matter for our defence forces to deal with and to fully investigate," Ms Gillard told Network Ten on Sunday.

She said both the government and the nation had been saying for a long time that women should be able to join the army, the navy or air force.

"We don't want to see anything that precludes women from having a good career in our armed forces if that is what they choose to do with their lives. Clearly these allegations need to be fully investigated," she said.

"In the first instance we need our defence hierarchy to get on with the job of investigating these claims and taking appropriate action."

The Seven Network reported that the sailors allegedly detailed their contest in a document called "The Ledger" where dollar values were placed on each woman's head, during an overseas deployment in May.

Larger amounts were offered if the sailors could sleep with a female officer or a lesbian and sailors challenged each other to have sex in various locations, including on top of a pool table, the report said.

The arrangement was discovered while HMAS Success was visiting Singapore.

The captain ordered the sailors to immediately return home to Australia after they were formally interviewed.

The Defence Department confirmed a formal inquiry was underway but said "the veracity of any allegations has yet to be confirmed".

"The individuals were removed from the ship after an equity and diversity health check, which led to a formal inquiry being initiated," a defence statement said.

"During the equity and diversity health check a number of concerns were raised by female crew members. These concerns are now subject to formal inquiry."

- AAP