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

  

Notes to the Defence Act 1903

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 and year	Date of Assent	Date of commencement	Application, saving or transitional provisions
Defence Act 1903	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)	--
Naval Defence Act 1910	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 Remainder: Royal Assent	--
Defence Act 1917	36, 1917	25 Sept 1917	S. 6: 1 Aug 1914 Remainder: Royal Assent	--
Defence Act 1918	16, 1918	19 June 1918	S. 8: 1 Aug 1914 Remainder: Royal Assent	--
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 Remainder: Royal Assent	--
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 Remainder: 1 Jan 1948	--
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 Remainder: Royal Assent	--
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. 12: 17 Sept 1970 (see Gazette 1970, p. 5842) Remainder: Royal Assent	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 Remainder: 1 Oct 1970 (see Gazette 1970, p. 6551)	S. 4
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, 46--52, 54, 57, 59 and 60: 28 Oct 1975 (see Gazette 1975, No. G42, p. 2) (b) Ss. 4(a), (b), (d), (e), 5, 7, 8, 10--17, 19--24, 27, 28, 41, 55, 58 and 61: 9 Feb 1976 (see Gazette 1975, No. G42, p. 2) (b) S. 26: 8 Sept 1980 (see Gazette 1980, No. G34, p. 2) (b) S. 35: 24 Sept 1976 (see Gazette 1976, No. S167) (b) S. 38: 1 July 1985 (see Gazette 1985, No. S195) (b) S. 45: 9 Feb 1976 (see Gazette 1976, No. S24) (b) S. 53: 3 July 1985 (see Gazette 1985, No. S255) (b) S. 56: 29 July 1977 (see Gazette 1977, No. S151) (b)	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) S. 23(3) (am. by 164, 1984, s. 120)
as amended by
Defence Legislation Amendment Act 1984	164, 1984	25 Oct 1984