Sexual violence in the Australian military will be targeted as part of a major overhaul of Defence culture and how it deals with misconduct.

Troops will face being booted from the defence force, under a “presumption” of discharge to be introduced for sexual offences convictions, including harassment and intimate image abuse.

This will take place regardless of whether the conviction is under the military justice system or civilian courts.

But personnel will be able to argue why they shouldn’t be kicked out and could remain in the ADF.

The Albanese government on Monday released its response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, agreeing to the majority of the 122 recommendations made.

Of those, 104 were agreed to, or accepted in principle.

Labor has rejected changing the rules which gives more compensation for injuries incurred during operations, as opposed to those hurt during training.

The issue of war-like service remains highly controversial within the veteran community, with some wanting to keep the different standards.

The royal commission found sexual misconduct remained a systemic issue for the military, with the government agreeing to a future standalone inquiry into the issue.

The government is working through the detail, with no date yet set for the start of the probe into sexual violence.

Asked about the scale of sexual violence in the military, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said “quite clearly we need to do better”.

The government agrees victims should not be posted with their perpetrators over the course of their careers and anonymised sexual misconduct data should be published each year of all incidents and outcomes.

A statutory body overseeing the reform of Defence and veterans’ affairs will be set up immediately, with an interim head to be appointed as soon as possible, before the body is legislated by September 2025.

The  government “noted” the finding the Inspector-General of the ADF should not have previously served in uniform.

Mr Albanese spoke of the royal commission’s finding 1677 serving and former serving defence personnel had died by suicide between 1997 and 2021 – more than 20 times the number killed in active duty over the same period.

“Every single one of them is heartbreaking and I want to conclude by acknowledging that today will be triggering for many families as well … it will be a really difficult day,” he said.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said any death by suicide for serving personnel or veterans was a “national tragedy”.

In a joint statement, Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston said the government’s response was guidance for “real, meaningful and enduring reform”.

“We recognise that systemic change is needed with more to be done,” he said.

Independent senator an army veteran Jacqui Lambie welcomed the government’s quick response to the royal commission.

“Veterans, their families and mothers like Julie-Ann Finney fought for years for justice and I thank them for their fight,” she said.

Senator Lambie, who advocated for a royal commission, said it was essential the statutory body be independent and provide “frank and fearless” advice to the government.

Ms Finney led the push to set up a royal commission, after her navy veteran son David took his life in 2019.

RSL Australia national president Greg Melick said the implementation of the recommendations would best be achieved by an independent and enduring body.

“The RSL is indebted to every individual who shared their story and stands ready to work with the government to play its part in bringing about meaningful change,” he said.

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This post was originally published on Michael West.