3Overview of the Act

#### 3 Overview of the Act (1) The following is a simplified overview of the Act. (2) This Act sets out entitlements and prohibitions that apply in relation to people who are rendering, or have rendered, defence service as members of the Reserves. In some cases, the entitlements extend to their dependants. (3) The kind of defence service rendered by a particular member determines the scope of the prohibitions and entitlements available in relation to him or her: see Part 3. (4) Part 4 contains prohibitions against conduct that discriminates against members in their employment or other work. This Part applies to all types of defence service. (5) Part 5 sets out the consequences for a member’s employment if he or she was employed when he or she started to render defence service. This Part applies to all kinds of defence service. (6) Part 6 protects members from having their partnerships dissolved while the members are absent on defence service. This Part applies to all kinds of defence service. (7) Part 7 requires an education institution to make reasonable adjustments for a member who undertakes defence service. (8) Part 8 postpones debts that a member (or his or her dependant) is liable to pay and that would otherwise fall due after the member starts rendering: (a) defence service as a result of a call out; or (b) operational service. Interest accrues on the postponed debts. Part 8 also stays proceedings in respect of the postponed debts. (9) Part 9 protects a member or his or her dependant from bankruptcy proceedings. It applies only if the member has rendered: (a) defence service as a result of a call out; or (b) operational service. (10) Part 10 allows for a member who has rendered defence service as a result of a call out to get access to loans and guarantees to enable him or her to resume civilian life after returning from that service. (11) Part 11 deals with enforcement and remedies. Part 12 deals with minor miscellaneous matters.