'Dozens' of women working with the Australian Federal Police 'raped by male colleagues' - with 46 per cent claiming sexually harassment at work

  • Sexual harassment reports in AFP are almost double the national average
  • 62% of men and 66% of women reported they were bullied in last 5 years
  • Federal police commissioner has vowed to stamp out AFP's 'boys' club'
  • Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick did review 
  • The six-month study was conducted with more than 1,000 AFP members 

By Ashleigh Davis For Daily Mail Australia and Aap

Published: | Updated:

A major review of the Australian Federal Police has found sexual harassment and bullying is rife and dozens of members may have been the victims of rape and attempted rape by colleagues.

Nearly half of female members of the AFP say they have been sexually harassed at work in the last five years, while two-thirds of all members said they had been bullied. 

The six-month review by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick titled Cultural Change: Gender Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace, was carried out with more than 1,000 members of the force. 

Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick (pictured) conducted the review over a six-month period and found bullying and sexual harassment was 'pervasive' in the Australia Federal Police

Former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick (pictured) conducted the review over a six-month period and found bullying and sexual harassment was 'pervasive' in the Australia Federal Police

Federal police commissioner Andrew Colvin has vowed to stamp out his organisation's 'boys' club' after the review.

He has also flagged the potential of criminal investigations into serious allegations of assault if people come forward.

Former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick, who undertook six months of work and 1,000 interviews, said there is an urgent need for action inside the Australian Federal Police.

Releasing the report publicly on Monday, Mr Colvin also highlighted the finding that two per cent of those surveyed said they had been subjected to actual or attempted sexual assault in the past five years.

'All of this ends today,' he told reporters in Canberra, unreservedly apologising for past behaviour.

He urged members who told their stories to Ms Broderick anonymously to consider coming forward.

Police commissioner Mark Colvin (pictured) has vowed to stamp out the AFP's 'boys club' after the review findings 

Police commissioner Mark Colvin (pictured) has vowed to stamp out the AFP's 'boys club' after the review findings 

WHAT WERE THE REPORT FINDINGS? 

  • 46 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men reported being sexually harassed in the workplace in the last five years - more than double the national average
  • 62 per cent of men and 66 per cent of women reported they were bullied in the workplace in the past five years
  • Members don't trust the reporting system, with many believing a complaint can have a negative impact on their career or leave them being ostracised
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'The processes that we have put in place from today will be different,' he said, vowing to take action.

A disappointed Mr Colvin admitted the report makes it clear there is a 'boys' club' and conceded on reflection he's seen evidence of bullying first-hand.

He agreed to all 24 'challenging and uncomfortable' recommendations from the report.

PLAN TO CLEAN UP AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE CULTURE 

Key recommendations from former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick include: 

  • Set up a cultural reform board to help assist with cultural change
  • Set up a specialised, independent office to investigate sexual harassment and abuse and support victims 
  • Advise all employees there will be a zero tolerance approach to sexual harassment and all incidents will be treated as serious matters
  • Adopt a 'flex by default approach, which would see refusal for flexible work reviewed by senior leadership 

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Assistant commissioner Ray Johnson will head up a new division to lead the reform process.

Many women reported to Ms Broderick's team they had rewarding and worthwhile careers in the AFP, but a large proportion of others said they experience a range of challenges.

CHALLENGES REPORTED BY WOMEN IN THE AFP 

  • Difficulties of having to 'fit in' in a male-dominated culture
  • Having to 'prove themselves'
  • In some cases, work in a sexualised environment
  • Others spoke of the struggle to choose between a career and family and a stigma attached to maternity leave
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Despite the challenges female members of the force reported, Ms Broderick commended the AFP for trying to create a more flexible workplace, through trials of split shifts and other rostering initiatives.

She proposed a 'flex by default' policy, under which senior staff would review refusal for flexible hours.

The report also found women are under-represented across the AFP.

Mr Colvin also highlighted the report finding that two per cent of those surveyed said they had been subjected to actual or attempted sexual assault in the past five years

Mr Colvin also highlighted the report finding that two per cent of those surveyed said they had been subjected to actual or attempted sexual assault in the past five years

As of April 2016, women made up 35 per cent of all personnel - including 22 per cent of police.

Despite the findings, Ms Broderick says they are not a reason for the community to in any way have reduced confidence in the AFP.

'Quite the contrary,' she said.

'In all my interactions with the AFP leadership team I have observed a strong desire to step forward in a transformative manner, not just tinkering around the edges.' 

 

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