53Minister may issue death certificates

#### 53 Minister may issue death certificates (1) The Minister may issue a death certificate for a member of the Defence Force if the Minister is satisfied that, while on service, the member: (a) has died; or (b) has become missing and is presumed to have died. (2) The certificate must state: (a) the date on which the member died or is presumed to have died; or (b) a date before or after which the member died or is presumed to have died. (3) The death certificate is evidence in all courts and for all purposes of the death, and time of death, of the member. (4) For the purposes of this Part, a reference to a member of the Defence Force includes a reference to: (a) a person who accompanies a part of the Defence Force; or (b) a member of the Defence Force who is a prisoner of war, interned or in custody in a place outside Australia.