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Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite MP has announced that the Albanese government is calling on public feedback on the reform of the Defence Act 1903 as part of the government’s broader defence and national security realignment.
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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 Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Assistant Minister for Defence, explained the importance of the proposed reform, saying, “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.”
The reforms will help to enable and reinforce future capability in the ADF to protect the Australian community and Australia’s national interests — both individuals and organisations now have the opportunity to provide comment and make a submission.
“These reforms provide a future-focused legal framework to better serve Australia’s strategic needs and enable the robust defence of our national interests,” Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite said.
Three key initiatives are being considered as part of the proposed reform, which will:
- Support the full range of military activities and capabilities required to defend Australia and its national interests;
- Enhance the capacity for interoperability with our international allies and partners; and
- Improve the security of Australia’s military capabilities.
The Albanese Labor government has embarked on this reform to the defence legislation to ensure the ADF can meet the challenges of a rapidly changing strategic environment and the realities of modern competition and conflict.
“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,” Assistant Minister Thistlethwaite added.
Interested stakeholders are invited to provide comment on the Reforming Defence legislation to meet Australia's strategic needs consultation paper by 21 April, 2023 by following the links here.
