Commonwealth legislation

Defence Regulation 2016

In ForceCTH

Jurisdiction

Commonwealth

Collection

legislative instrument

Plain English Summary

8/10 complexity

This is the Defence Regulation 2016, a comprehensive set of rules made under the Defence Act 1903 that governs how the Australian Defence Force (ADF) operates. Think of it as the 'rulebook' for Australia's military.

What it covers:

Service Chiefs (Part 2): How the heads of the Navy, Army and Air Force are appointed, paid and can be removed
Joining and leaving the Defence Force (Part 3): Rules for enlistment, promotion, transfers between services, retirement ages (60-65 depending on rank), and how people can be discharged — including new powers to remove members who engage in sexual violence
Honorary ranks and titles (Parts 4-5): Rules for ceremonial appointments and what former members can wear after leaving
Honours and awards (Part 6): Lists all official military decorations, from the Victoria Cross to service medals
Stop sexual harassment directions (Part 6A): A special process allowing certain senior officers to issue binding directions to stop sexual harassment, with review rights to the Chief of the Defence Force or Secretary
Complaints and grievances (Part 7): How members can challenge decisions affecting them, with protection against victimisation
Medical care (Part 8): The Commonwealth must provide medical and dental treatment to members

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Current sections

Direct links to the current provisions in Defence Regulation 2016.

174

Official source available

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.