Roberts-Smith to quit abuse taskforce

The head a taskforce examining abuse in the defence force is stepping down.

Former West Australian Supreme Court judge Len Roberts-Smith has advised the federal government he won't be able to stay beyond November for personal reasons.

The decision has disappointed Attorney-General George Brandis, who was keen to see Mr Roberts-Smith complete the job as chairman of the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce.

"He has built a highly effective national operation from the ground up, and one which is delivering excellent outcomes to victims of abuse in Defence," Senator Brandis said in a statement on Friday.

Mr Roberts-Smith, father of VC winner Ben Roberts-Smith, was appointed head of the taskforce in 2012.

It was established to examine a large number of complaints of sexual and other abuse in the ranks, and conduct a process of restorative justice.

It is also administering a compensation scheme paying victims up to $50,000.

Senator Brandis said the government would announce arrangements for the taskforce beyond November 30 in due course.