17Contributions by members of scheme

#### 17 Contributions by members of scheme (1) Subject to sections 18 and 18A, an eligible member of the Defence Force shall pay to the Commonwealth fortnightly contributions in accordance with this Act. (1A) Subsection (1) does not apply to an eligible member of the Defence Force who: (a) was a recipient member immediately before he became an eligible member; and (b) is serving under an appointment or enlistment for a period of less than one year that commenced after the commencement of this subsection. (2) Subject to subsection (3), the first fortnightly contribution is payable by an eligible member of the Defence Force: (a) in the case of a person who is such a member on the date of commencement of the scheme—on the first pay‑day next following that date; or (b) in any other case—on the day on which the person becomes an eligible member of the Defence Force or, if that day is not a pay‑day, on the first pay‑day next following that day. (3) Where an eligible member of the Defence Force dies before the day on which, but for his death, his first fortnightly contribution would have been payable, that contribution shall be deemed to have become payable by him on the day on which he became an eligible member of the Defence Force.