Commonwealth Consolidated ActsAct No. 20 of 1903 as amended
This compilation was prepared on 28 March 2008
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 6 of 2008
The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section
The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may
be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section
Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and
Publishing,
Attorney‑General's Department, Canberra
Contents
Part I--Introductory 1
1............ Short title [see Note 1] ....................................................................... 1
3............ Commencement of Act [see Note 1] .................................................. 1
4............ Interpretation [see Note 2] ................................................................. 1
5............ Application of Act ............................................................................. 4
5A......... Extension of Act to Territories ........................................................... 4
6............ Application of the Criminal Code ...................................................... 4
7............ Act does not appropriate money ....................................................... 4
Part II--Administration 5
8............ Powers of Minister in relation to Defence Force ............................... 5
9............ Command of Defence Force and arms of Defence Force .................... 5
9A......... Administration of Defence Force ....................................................... 6
9AA...... Vice Chief of the Defence Force ......................................................... 7
9B......... Remuneration and allowances ............................................................. 7
9BA...... Tenure of office .................................................................................. 7
9C......... Acting appointments .......................................................................... 8
28.......... Council of Defence ............................................................................. 8
Part III--The Defence Force 9
Division 1--Constitution of the Defence Force 9
30.......... Defence Force ..................................................................................... 9
31.......... Australian Army ................................................................................. 9
32.......... Regular Army ..................................................................................... 9
32A....... Army Reserve ..................................................................................... 9
32B....... Attachment etc. of members of an arm of the Defence Force to another arm 10
Division 2--The raising of the Army 11
34.......... Voluntary entry ................................................................................ 11
Division 3--The service of the Army 12
45.......... Service of the Regular Army ............................................................. 12
50.......... Service of the Army Reserve ............................................................ 12
50C....... Territorial limits of service of Army ................................................ 13
Division 4--The calling out of the Forces 14
50D....... Calling out the Reserves ................................................................... 14
50E........ Period of service during call out ........................................................ 15
Part IIIAAA--Utilisation of Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests and States and self‑governing Territories 17
Division 1--Calling out and directing utilisation of Defence Force 17
51.......... Interpretation .................................................................................... 17
51A....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests against domestic violence 20
51AA.... Order about utilising Defence Force in the offshore area etc. to protect Commonwealth interests 23
51AB.... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests against violence if specified circumstances arise ................................................................................................... 26
51B....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect State against domestic violence 29
51C....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect self‑governing Territory against domestic violence 30
51CA.... Expedited call out ............................................................................. 32
51CB..... Declaration of designated critical infrastructure ............................... 37
51D....... Chief of Defence Force to utilise Defence Force as directed ............ 38
51E........ Ministerial directions ........................................................................ 39
51F........ Assistance to, and cooperation with, State etc. ................................ 39
51G....... Restriction on certain utilisation of Defence Force .......................... 40
Division 2--Powers to recapture locations or things, prevent or end acts of violence and protect persons from acts of violence 41
51H....... Application of this Division and Division 4 .................................... 41
51I......... Special powers of members of the Defence Force ............................ 41
Division 2A--Powers to protect designated critical infrastructure 43
51IA...... Application of this Division and Division 4 .................................... 43
51IB...... Powers to protect designated critical infrastructure ......................... 43
Division 3--General security area powers 45
Subdivision A--Application of this Division and Division 4 45
51J........ Application of this Division and Division 4 .................................... 45
Subdivision B--Powers that may be exercised anywhere in a general security area 45
51K....... Declaration of general security area .................................................. 45
51L........ Authorisation to search premises in the general security area for dangerous things 46
51M...... Copy of search authorisation to be given to occupier etc. ............... 47
51N....... Occupier etc. entitled to be present during search ............................ 48
51O....... Search of means of transport in the general security area for dangerous things 48
51P........ Search of persons in the general security area for dangerous things . 49
Subdivision C--Powers that may be exercised only in relation to a designated area in the general security area 49
51Q....... Declaration of designated area .......................................................... 49
51R....... Control of movement in relation to a designated area in the general security area 50
51S........ Members to wear uniforms and identification when exercising powers 52
Division 3A--Powers in the Australian offshore area etc. 53
Subdivision A--Preliminary 53
51SA..... Application of this Division and Division 4 .................................... 53
51SB..... Geographic application ..................................................................... 53
51SC..... International obligations ................................................................... 53
51SD..... Definitions ........................................................................................ 53
Subdivision B--Special powers of members of the Defence Force 54
51SE...... Special powers of members of the Defence Force ............................ 54
Subdivision C--Powers that may be exercised anywhere in an offshore area 56
51SF...... Declaration of offshore general security area .................................... 56
51SG..... Authorisation to search facilities in the offshore general security area for dangerous and other things 57
51SH..... Copy of offshore search authorisation to be given to occupier etc. . 58
51SI....... Occupier etc. entitled to be present during search ............................ 59
51SJ...... Search of vessel or aircraft in the offshore general security area for dangerous or other things 59
51SK..... Search of persons in the offshore general security area for dangerous and other things 60
Subdivision D--Powers that may be exercised only in relation to an offshore designated area in the offshore general security area 61
51SL...... Declaration of offshore designated area ............................................ 61
51SM.... Control of movement in relation to an offshore designated area in the offshore general security area 62
51SN..... Members to wear uniforms and identification when exercising powers 64
Subdivision E--Other powers 65
51SO..... Power to require person to answer questions or produce documents 65
51SP...... Power to require person to operate facility, vessel or aircraft or machinery or equipment 66
51SQ..... Geographical jurisdiction for offences .............................................. 66
Division 3B--Powers relating to aircraft 67
51SR..... Application of this Division and Division 4 .................................... 67
51SS...... Geographical application .................................................................. 67
51ST..... Special powers of members of the Defence Force ............................ 67
Division 4--Provisions common to Divisions 2 to 3B 70
Subdivision A--Use of reasonable and necessary force 70
51T....... Use of reasonable and necessary force ............................................. 70
51U....... Persons to be informed of offence if detained .................................. 71
Subdivision B--Action to be taken if things are seized 72
51V....... Action to be taken if things are seized .............................................. 72
Subdivision C--Members not entitled to exercise powers if obligations not complied with 73
51W...... Members not entitled to exercise powers if obligations not complied with 73
Division 4A--Applicable criminal law 74
51WA... Applicable criminal law .................................................................... 74
51WB.... Defence of superior orders in certain circumstances ........................ 74
Division 5--Miscellaneous 76
51X....... Publication of order and report ......................................................... 76
51XA.... Review of operation of Part ............................................................. 77
51XB.... Instruments that are not legislative instruments ............................... 79
51Y....... Part additional to other Defence Force utilisation and powers ........ 79
Part IIIAA--Superannuation benefit 80
52.......... Determination of benefit ................................................................... 80
53.......... Trustee of scheme providing superannuation benefit ....................... 81
Part IIIA--Remuneration, allowances and other benefits 82
Division 1--Determinations by the Minister 82
58A....... Interpretation .................................................................................... 82
58B....... Minister may make determinations .................................................. 82
58C....... Tabling, disallowance etc. of determinations .................................... 85
58E........ Delegation ......................................................................................... 86
Division 2--The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal 87
58F........ Interpretation .................................................................................... 87
58G....... Establishment of Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal ................. 88
58H....... Functions and powers of Tribunal ................................................... 88
58HA.... Hearings in relation to discriminatory determinations ...................... 91
58HB.... Review of discriminatory determinations ......................................... 91
58J........ Reports by Tribunal ......................................................................... 92
58K....... Procedure of Tribunal ....................................................................... 92
58KA.... Single member may conduct Tribunal's business ............................. 94
58KB.... Procedure where single member is conducting Tribunal's business . 94
58KC.... Review of action etc. of single member ............................................ 95
58KD.... Determinations giving effect to agreement between the parties ....... 96
58L........ Terms and tenure of office ................................................................ 96
58M...... Resignation ....................................................................................... 96
58N....... Termination of appointment ............................................................ 97
58P........ Acting appointments ........................................................................ 97
58Q....... Fees and allowances .......................................................................... 98
Division 3--The Defence Force Advocate 99
58R....... Interpretation .................................................................................... 99
58S........ Defence Force Advocate ................................................................... 99
58T....... Functions of Advocate ..................................................................... 99
58U....... Tenure and terms of office .............................................................. 100
58V....... Resignation ..................................................................................... 100
58W...... Termination of appointment .......................................................... 100
58X....... Acting Defence Force Advocate ..................................................... 100
58Y....... Fees and allowances ........................................................................ 101
Part IV--Liability to serve in the Defence Force in time of war 102
Division 1--Liability to serve 102
59.......... Persons liable to serve in Defence Force in time of war ................. 102
60.......... Proclamation calling upon persons to serve in time of war ............ 102
61.......... Registration and allotment for service ............................................ 102
61A....... Persons exempt from service .......................................................... 103
61B....... Entry into Defence Force for service .............................................. 104
61C....... Part not to apply to certain persons .............................................. 104
Division 2--Determination of conscientious belief 105
61CA.... Application for determination of conscientious belief ................... 105
61CB..... Secretary must refer application ..................................................... 105
61CC..... Function of Conscientious Objection Tribunals ............................. 105
61CD.... Parties to the hearing of an application .......................................... 105
61CE..... Notice of determination to be given to parties ............................... 106
Division 3--Establishment and membership of Conscientious Objection Tribunals 107
61CF..... Establishment of Conscientious Objection Tribunals .................... 107
61CG.... Period of appointment of members ................................................ 107
61CH.... Remuneration and allowances of members ..................................... 107
61CJ...... Other terms and conditions ............................................................ 108
61CK.... Leave of absence ............................................................................. 108
61CL..... Resignation ..................................................................................... 108
61CM... Removal from office ....................................................................... 108
61CN.... Member of a Tribunal unavailable to complete proceeding ............ 108
61CO.... Acting appointments ...................................................................... 109
Division 4--Procedures of Conscientious Objection Tribunals 111
61CP..... Tribunals' way of operating ........................................................... 111
61CQ.... Powers of Tribunals ....................................................................... 111
61CR..... Procedure of Tribunals ................................................................... 111
61CS..... Majority decision ........................................................................... 112
61CT..... Procedure where opinion of members equally divided ................... 112
61CU.... Hearings .......................................................................................... 112
61CV..... Onus of proof ................................................................................. 112
61CW.... Protection of members and persons giving evidence etc. ................ 113
61CX.... Fees for persons giving evidence .................................................... 113
61CY..... Failure of witness to attend ............................................................ 113
61CZ..... Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions etc. ............................ 114
61CZA.. Contempt of Tribunal ..................................................................... 115
Division 5--Reviews and appeals 116
61CZB.. Review of determinations of Conscientious Objection Tribunals .. 116
61CZC.. AAT Act to apply subject to modification .................................... 116
61CZD.. Appeals from AAT ........................................................................ 116
61CZE.. Operation etc. of decision subject to appeal .................................. 117
Part V--Cadets 119
62.......... Australian Army Cadets ................................................................. 119
Part VI--Special powers in relation to defence 121
63.......... General powers for defence purposes [see Note 3] ....................... 121
64.......... Control of railways in time of war ................................................. 121
65.......... Railways to carry troops etc. when required ................................. 121
66.......... Conveyance by railway and tramway ............................................ 121
67.......... Registration and impressment of vehicles etc. ................................ 121
68.......... Billeting and quartering ................................................................... 122
70.......... Tolls ................................................................................................ 122
Part VII--Offences 123
73A....... Unlawfully giving or obtaining information as to defences ............ 123
73F........ Penalty ............................................................................................ 123
79.......... Unlawfully disposing of arms etc. .................................................. 124
80A....... Falsely representing to be returned soldier, sailor or airman .......... 125
80B....... Improper use of service decorations ............................................... 125
82.......... Sketching etc. of fortifications prohibited ...................................... 126
83.......... Unauthorised use, possession or supply of emblems or flags ....... 128
84.......... Penalty for bringing contempt on uniform ..................................... 129
Part VIII--Offences in relation to service tribunals 130
86.......... Failure of witness to appear ........................................................... 130
88.......... False or misleading evidence ........................................................... 130
89.......... Contempt of service tribunals etc. .................................................. 130
90.......... Failure to comply with order under section 140 of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 131
Part VIIIA--Testing for prohibited substances 132
Division 1--Preliminary 132
91.......... Application of Part ......................................................................... 132
92.......... Object of Part ................................................................................. 132
93.......... Definitions ...................................................................................... 132
93A....... Authorised person .......................................................................... 134
93B....... Determinations about prohibited substances and prohibited substance tests 134
Division 2--Testing for prohibited substances 135
94.......... Requirement to undergo a prohibited substance test ...................... 135
95.......... Conduct of testing .......................................................................... 135
96.......... Notice to person required to provide a sample .............................. 135
Division 3--Return of a positive test result 136
98.......... Application ..................................................................................... 136
100........ Notice to be given of a positive test result ..................................... 136
101........ Termination or discharge ................................................................ 137
102........ Form and date of effect of termination or discharge ....................... 138
103........ Reduction in rank ............................................................................ 139
104........ Warning if a prohibited substance test returns a positive result .... 139
Division 4--Miscellaneous 141
106........ Failure to provide sample ............................................................... 141
107........ Unauthorised acts in relation to sample ......................................... 141
108........ Finding made as a result of testing not admissible in certain criminal proceedings 141
109........ Defence Instructions ....................................................................... 142
110........ Other administrative action not precluded ..................................... 143
Part VIIIB--Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force 144
Division 1--Establishment and functions of the Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force 144
110A..... Object of Part ................................................................................. 144
110B..... Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force ....................... 144
110C..... Functions of the Inspector‑General ADF ...................................... 144
110D..... When the Inspector‑General ADF can conduct inquiries or investigations 145
Division 2--Administrative provisions about the Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force 146
110E...... Appointment .................................................................................. 146
110F...... Qualifications for appointment ...................................................... 146
110G..... Tenure ............................................................................................. 146
110H..... Resignation ..................................................................................... 146
110I....... Remuneration .................................................................................. 147
110J...... Leave of absence ............................................................................. 147
110K..... Engaging in other paid work ........................................................... 147
110L...... Termination of appointment .......................................................... 147
110M.... Disclosure of interests .................................................................... 148
110N..... Acting appointments ...................................................................... 148
110O..... Staff ................................................................................................ 149
110P...... Inquiry officers, inquiry assistants and Assistants IGADF .......... 149
Division 3--Other matters 150
110Q..... Protection from civil actions ........................................................... 150
110R..... Reports ........................................................................................... 150
110S...... Delegation ....................................................................................... 150
Part IX--Legal procedure 151
111........ Subscription, arms etc. vested in commanding officer .................... 151
111A..... Property of Rifle Club vested in Captain ....................................... 151
Part IXA--Provisions relating to the forces of other countries 152
Division 1--Interpretation 152
116A..... Interpretation .................................................................................. 152
Division 2--Attachment of personnel and mutual powers of command 153
116B..... Attachment to the Defence Force of members of the forces of another country and vice versa 153
116C..... Forces serving together ................................................................... 154
116D..... Corresponding ranks ....................................................................... 156
Division 3--Absentees without leave 157
116E...... Interpretation .................................................................................. 157
116F...... Apprehension of absentees without leave ...................................... 157
116G..... Detention of illegal absentee ........................................................... 157
116H..... Disposal of person in custody ....................................................... 158
116J...... Evidence for the purposes of this Division .................................... 159
116K..... Proof of facts by certificate ............................................................ 159
Division 4--Miscellaneous 161
116M.... Delegation ....................................................................................... 161
Part IXB--Public areas of defence land 163
116P...... Interpretation .................................................................................. 163
116Q..... Public areas of defence land ............................................................ 163
116R..... Delegation ....................................................................................... 163
116S...... Appointment of rangers ................................................................. 164
116T..... Rangers ex officio ............................................................................ 164
116U..... Identity cards .................................................................................. 164
116V..... Powers of arrest .............................................................................. 164
116W.... General powers of rangers .............................................................. 165
116X..... Seizure and forfeiture ...................................................................... 166
116Y..... Assaulting etc. rangers .................................................................... 167
116ZA.. Officers and employees of governments and authorities ................ 167
116ZB... Prosecution of offences .................................................................. 167
116ZC... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws ......................... 168
116ZD.. By‑laws .......................................................................................... 168
Part IXC--Salvage claims 171
117........ Interpretation .................................................................................. 171
117A..... Salvage claims by crew of Naval ships ........................................... 172
117AA.. Apportionment of salvage between the Commonwealth and crew members 172
117AB.. Apportionment of salvage amongst crew members ........................ 173
Part X--Miscellaneous 175
117B..... Members and former members may bring actions for money due in respect of service 175
118........ Penalty against raising forces without authority ............................ 175
118A..... Employer not to prevent employee from serving .......................... 175
118B..... Enlistment of apprentices in time of war ....................................... 176
119........ Forfeiture or suspension of salary in certain circumstances ........... 176
120........ Notice etc. need not be in writing unless required herein ............... 176
120A..... Delegation ....................................................................................... 177
120B..... Attachment of salaries of members ................................................ 179
121........ Proof of order ................................................................................. 183
122........ Appointments etc. not invalid because of defect etc. in connection with appointment 184
122AA.. Taxation consequences of disposals of assets to defence companies 184
122A..... Immunity of Australian Defence Industries Pty Ltd from certain State and Territory laws 185
122B..... Exercise of rights and discharge of duties and obligations by legal officers 186
123........ Immunity from certain State and Territory laws ............................ 186
123A..... Intoxicating liquor ........................................................................... 187
123AA.. Intoxicating liquor not to be supplied to cadets ............................. 188
123B..... Religion ........................................................................................... 188
123F...... Certain persons not permitted to serve in Defence Force .............. 188
123G..... Orders in relation to rifle ranges ..................................................... 189
Part XI--Regulations 190
124........ Regulations [see Note 3] ................................................................. 190
Notes 197
Note 1 The Defence Act 1903 as shown in this compilation
comprises Act No. 20, 1903 amended as indicated in the Tables below. The Defence Act 1903 was amended by the Workplace
Relations Amendment (Work Choices) (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2006
(No. 1) (SLI 2006 No. 50). The amendment is incorporated in this
compilation. See section 16 of the Defence (Visiting Forces)
Act 1963 as to the application of that Act and of the Defence Act 1903 to
the Defence Force and to certain other Naval, Military and Air Forces. All relevant information pertaining to application, saving or
transitional provisions prior to 22 September 1999 is not included in this
compilation. For subsequent information see Table A. Table of Acts
|
Act |
Number |
Date |
Date of commencement |
Application, saving or transitional provisions |
|
20, 1903 |
22 Oct 1903 |
1 Mar 1904 (see Gazette 1904, p. 119) |
|
|
|
Defence Act 1904 |
12, 1904 |
9 Dec 1904 |
9 Dec 1904 |
S. 12 |
|
Defence Act 1909 |
15, 1909 |
13 Dec 1909 |
1 Jan 1911 (see Gazette 1910, p. 1571) |
-- |
|
30, 1910 |
25 Nov 1910 |
25 Nov 1910 |
-- |
|
|
Defence Act 1910 |
37, 1910 |
1 Dec 1910 |
1 Dec 1910 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1911 |
15, 1911 |
22 Dec 1911 |
22 Dec 1911 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1912 |
5, 1912 |
4 Sept 1912 |
4 Sept 1912 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1914 |
36, 1914 |
21 Dec 1914 |
21 Dec 1914 (a) |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1915 |
3, 1915 |
30 Apr 1915 |
Ss. 4 and 7: 1 Aug 1914 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1917 |
36, 1917 |
25 Sept 1917 |
S. 6: 1 Aug 1914 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1918 |
16, 1918 |
19 June 1918 |
S. 8: 1 Aug 1914 |
-- |
|
Defence Act (No. 2) 1918 |
47, 1918 |
25 Dec 1918 |
25 Dec 1918 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1927 |
1, 1927 |
8 Apr 1927 |
8 Apr 1927 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1932 |
50, 1932 |
21 Nov 1932 |
21 Nov 1932 |
-- |
|
Statute Law Revision Act 1934 |
45, 1934 |
6 Aug 1934 |
6 Aug 1934 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1939 |
13, 1939 |
21 June 1939 |
6 July 1939 (see Gazette 1939, p. 1263) |
S. 5(2) |
|
Defence Act (No. 2) 1939 |
38, 1939 |
26 Sept 1939 |
26 Sept 1939 |
-- |
|
Defence Act (No. 3) 1939 |
70, 1939 |
15 Dec 1939 |
15 Dec 1939 |
-- |
|
Air Force Act 1939 |
74, 1939 |
15 Dec 1939 |
15 Dec 1939 |
S. 7 |
|
Defence Act 1941 |
4, 1941 |
4 Apr 1941 |
Ss. 3 and 4: 3 Sept 1939 |
-- |
|
Re‑establishment and Employment Act 1945 |
11, 1945 |
28 June 1945 |
27 Aug 1945 (see Gazette 1945, p. 1859) |
-- |
|
Defence (Transitional Provisions) Act 1947 |
78, 1947 |
11 Dec 1947 |
Ss. 1--3: Royal Assent |
-- |
|
Commonwealth Public Service Act 1948 |
35, 1948 |
26 June 1948 |
1 Sept 1948 (see Gazette 1948, p. 3115) |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1949 |
71, 1949 |
28 Oct 1949 |
1 Jan 1950 |
S. 20 |
|
Statute Law Revision Act 1950 |
80, 1950 |
16 Dec 1950 |
31 Dec 1950 |
Ss. 16 and 17 |
|
Defence Act 1951 |
19, 1951 |
19 July 1951 |
19 July 1951 |
-- |
|
Defence Act (No. 2) 1951 |
59, 1951 |
11 Dec 1951 |
S. 6: 1 Jan 1950 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1952 |
98, 1952 |
18 Nov 1952 |
16 Dec 1952 |
Ss. 3 and 4 |
|
Defence Act 1953 |
20, 1953 |
9 Apr 1953 |
9 Apr 1953 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1956 |
72, 1956 |
29 Oct 1956 |
29 Oct 1956 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1964 |
92, 1964 |
6 Nov 1964 |
6 Nov 1964 |
Ss. 33(2), 40 and 41 |
|
Defence Act 1965 |
51, 1965 |
7 June 1965 |
Ss. 3(b), 20 and 23: 5 Nov 1965 (see Gazette 1965,
p. 4841) |
S. 25 |
|
Statute Law Revision (Decimal Currency) Act 1966 |
93, 1966 |
29 Oct 1966 |
1 Dec 1966 |
-- |
|
Defence Act 1970 |
33, 1970 |
23 June 1970 |
Ss. 1(1), 2 and 4: Royal Assent |
|
|
Statute Law Revision Act 1973 |
216, 1973 |
19 Dec 1973 |
31 Dec 1973 |
Ss. 9(1) and 10 |
|
Defence Force Re‑organization Act 1975 |
96, 1975 |
9 Sept 1975 |
Ss. 3, 4(c), 6, 9, 18, 25, 29--34, 36, 37, 39, 40,
42--44, |
Ss. 14(2), (3), 16(2), 23(2), (4), (5), 24(2), 28(2),
35(2), 36(2), 41(2), 55(2) and 59(2) |
|
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
|
164, 1984 |
25 Oct 1984 |