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Commonwealth legislation
This Act has been repealed and is no longer in force. It is retained for historical reference.
The Defence Force Regulations 1952 are the main administrative rulebook for the Australian Defence Force (ADF), operating under the Defence Act 1903. They cover the practical "how-to" of running the military across the Army, Navy and Air Force.
What these regulations do:
Joint Operations: When different branches work together, these rules determine who is in charge using a detailed rank comparison table (e.g., an Army Colonel equals a Navy Captain equals an Air Force Group Captain).
Helping Civilian Authorities: They set out when and how the ADF can be called out to assist states or territories during emergencies, including strict limits on using force against protesters or industrial action.
Legal Documents Overseas: Military officers can witness signatures and administer oaths for service members abroad, so they can complete legal paperwork (like affidavits or powers of attorney) without finding a civilian lawyer.
Deaths and Estates: Special procedures certify deaths of service members, handle remains, and manage estates when someone dies on service—including "provisional certificates" for cases where someone is presumed dead but might be found alive later.
Complaints (Redress of Grievances): A three-step internal appeals system lets members challenge unfair decisions, starting with their commanding officer and potentially escalating to their Service Chief or the Chief of the Defence Force.
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Direct links to the current provisions in Defence Force Regulations 1952.
Zoe has indexed the source text for search and analysis. Use the official register for the original document and download formats.
View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Defence Areas: Rules for declaring prohibited zones (like the Woomera test range) and training areas, including powers to remove unauthorised people and pay compensation to affected landowners.
Pay and Discipline: Circumstances where salaries can be suspended or forfeited for being absent without leave, being in civil custody, or undergoing military detention.
Foreign Forces: Recognition of visiting forces from allied countries (like the US, UK, Canada) and rules for enforcing their military discipline while in Australia.