The Defence Force is to allow a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender support group to be set up within the forces.
It is one of only a handful of militaries around the world to develop a formal internal support network like this.
Flight Lieutenant Stu Pearce is part of the group's management team and says it is a significant step for Defence, which he describes as a conservative organisation, despite the lifting of a ban on gay personnel serving openly in 1993.
He says the group's establishment is worthwhile to ensure that the welfare of all Defence Force personnel is met.
The support group was approved in November and will launch in January next year.
