Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie has recently expressed that, under a Coalition government, women would be eligible for close combat roles in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). However, he also reaffirmed a controversial 2018 remark in which he stated that he believed close combat units should be “exclusively male.”
This debate comes in the wake of the Liberal Party’s decision to disendorse Benjamin Britton from contesting the NSW South Coast seat of Whitlam after his comments advocating for the removal of women from combat roles during a podcast, where he claimed their inclusion had “lowered standards” in the ADF. Britton’s remarks about the purported disadvantages women face in combat roles echo Hastie’s earlier views.
At a press conference alongside Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Hastie clarified that the Coalition’s stance allows for all combat positions to be open to women, stating, “It’s been our long-standing position.” He elaborated that anyone, regardless of gender, race, or background, can pursue any role in the ADF. Despite this, Hastie insisted on standing by his previous comments, stating, “I said what I said,” and suggesting that his past views do not need to be retracted.
Hastie, a former ADF member with extensive experience, emphasised the physically demanding nature of close combat roles. He reflected on difficulties in training scenarios, where he had to carry comrades under intense pressure, reinforcing his stance that he will not compromise on the opinions he held years ago. This aligns with Defence Minister Richard Marles’ assertion that a defence minister should not oppose women in combat roles, emphasising that women have been permitted to serve in all combat capacities since January 2013.
Britton, disendorsed as a candidate, claimed he was the target of a “witch hunt” from party factions, but Dutton mentioned multiple reasons contributed to his replacement. The new candidate for Whitlam has now been identified as Nathaniel Smith, a former state member and plumbing business owner.
Dutton has also been pushed to confirm his support for women in combat roles, stating his past actions as Defence Minister reflected this commitment. He reiterated that both his and Hastie’s views support the inclusion of women in all capacities within the ADF.
As discussions continue around the place of women in combat roles, this incident reflects broader societal debates on diversity and equity within military settings.