Gang rape, sexual harassment and bullying of Australian Defence Force members are cited in more than 100 compensation claims for abuse, but a lawyer representing claimants has praised the ADF's response.

Key points: ADF dealing with 105 compensation claims for physical and sexual abuse

ADF dealing with 105 compensation claims for physical and sexual abuse Gang rape, sexual harassment and bullying among them

Gang rape, sexual harassment and bullying among them A lawyer representing complainants said ADF trying to resolve them quickly

Adair Donaldson, a partner at the law firm representing many of the claimants, said the Department was trying to resolve them quickly, unlike in the past.

He described the approach as "a breath of fresh air".

The ADF confirmed it was dealing with 105 compensation claims for physical and sexual abuse, over incidents dating back to 1963.

In total, there were 300 compensation claims outstanding.

Sorry, this video has expired Lawyer Adair Donaldson said the Department was trying to resolve them quickly, unlike in the past.

"They're looking for four things and the first thing is the acknowledgement, the apology, the assurance that steps are in place that it won't happen again," Mr Donaldson said.

"And finally they're looking for some form of assistance there, and whether it be in relation to counselling assistance and ongoing counselling assistance, or whether it be in relation to compensation.

"But in my experience the assistance comes as a distant fourth to the other three issues."

Regardless, he said, the bill to the Commonwealth was likely to run to many millions of dollars.

"They may be claims [of] more than $1 million," Mr Donaldson said.

"In the more minor situations, they may be claims in the vicinity of $10,000 to $20,000.

"I think that what needs to be acknowledged is that the manner in which the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Government is handling these matters is to be commended, because what they're doing is they're trying to handle them as efficiently and collaboratively as possible to try to bring resolution."

In a statement, an ADF spokeswoman said Defence was committed to effective cultural reform and building on its recent Pathway to Change strategy.

ADF handling child sex abuse claims

Mr Donaldson said he believed the culture of Defence was changing after a review by the former sex discrimination commissioner Elizabeth Broderick and the work of the Defence Abuse Taskforce.

"The Australian Defence Force is the highest profile public service, employs around about 80,000 individuals, and you would expect that with the side of an organisation like that that there are going to be claims that exist at any stage," he said.

"I think what the ADF has to be complimented on is the manner in which they are approaching the abuse claims, and historical abuse involving child abuse.

"We're dealing with 15- and 16-year-olds that suffered abuse when they were employed by the Australian Defence Force.

"It's like a breath of fresh air."

Mr Donaldson said the ADF is leading the way for other institutions to follow.

"That's not to say they are rolling over and simply accepting the claims.

"They're making sure that a vigorous approach is taken with respect to ensuring the validity of the claims, but they're doing those in a sensitive way and collaborating with the individuals to give them, to give them the justice that they deserve."