Women need to be in key roles: defence

INCREASING the number of women in organisations won't improve equality unless they're in key roles, the vice chief of Australia's defence force says.

THE vice chief of the Australian Defence Force has stressed the importance of a respectful workplace ahead of a royal commission into family violence.

THE navy is Australia's largest workplace supporter of the anti-domestic violence group White Ribbon, and the army and air force are expected to sign up by 2017.