Peter Dutton's ban on 'woke' defence events overturned

The Defence Chief previously said the ADF should not be distracted by things separate to its core mission. (Department of Defence)

A controversial ban on defence staff holding special events celebrating diversity and cultural causes such as LGBT+ morning teas has been overturned.

Last year former defence minister Peter Dutton ordered defence officials to restrict activities, including events, where participants would wear rainbow colours to support the LGBTIQ community. 

On Tuesday Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty and Defence Chief General Angus Campbell issued a revised "all-staff" directive confirming new minister Richard Marles had ordered the previous policy be immediately scrapped.

"People will always be our most important asset, and Defence is focused on building inclusive and capable teams, underpinned by our unified Values and Behaviours," the memo stated.

"We recognise a diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture is essential to Defence's capability and effectiveness.

Defence headquarters in Canberra was lit up with rainbow colours days after the federal election result, May 2022. (Supplied)

"We look forward to working with all of you to build capability through fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce to deliver on Defence's mission."

The new directive will allow Defence Department staff to hold activities this week recognising the upcoming Wear it Purple and R U Okay Day.

Existing guidelines for defence's participation in events will remain, following the principles of impartiality, selectivity, reputation, inclusivity, and readiness.

When issuing the original "morning tea" ban, defence bosses reminded employees that "Defence represents the people of Australia" and that it "must at all times be focused on our primary mission to protect Australia's national security interests".

Defence IDAHOBIT morning teas were banned under the previous government. (Defence: Nicci Freeman)

"We must not be putting effort into matters that distract from this," General Angus Campbell and Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty wrote last May.

"To meet these important aims, changing language protocols and those events such as morning teas where personnel are encouraged to wear particular clothes in celebration are not required and should cease."

Shortly after becoming defence minister last year, Mr Dutton argued "I will not tolerate discrimination, but we are not pursuing a woke agenda".