Australian government calls feedback on Defence legislation reforms

With the Australian government’s response to the Defence Strategic Review and several AUKUS-related announcements due over the next few weeks, the Australian Government has called for public feedback on proposed fundamental reforms to Defence legislation.

Submissions close on 21 April, 2023.

The Defence Act 1903, and related legislation, will be amended to better position the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an agile, integrated, warfighting enterprise. The proposed reforms to the legal framework will address the full range of modern military capabilities and operational domains, including cyber and space.

“The effectiveness of existing laws is impacted by strategic competition and uncertainty, the changing character of warfare, new and emerging technologies, domestic regulation and globalisation,” said Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite.

“The revised Defence legislation will support the full range of military activities and capabilities required to defend Australia and its national interests, while also providing for seamless interoperability with our defence partners.”

The reforms will help to enable and reinforce future capability in the ADF to protect the Australian community and Australia’s national interests.

Individuals and organisations now have the opportunity to provide comment and make a submission.

The Australian Government is committed to reforming defence legislation to ensure the ADF can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing strategic environment and the realities of modern competition and conflict.

Further information on how to make a submission is available on the Department of Defence website at https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/reforming-defence-legislation