Bill
Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026
passed, as at 2026-09-28. Defence portfolio.
- Sponsor
- Not recorded
- Portfolio
- Defence
Recorded stages
- introduced — 2026-06-25
- second reading — 2026-06-25
- other — 2026-07-01
- second reading — 2026-07-01
- second reading — 2026-07-01
- other — 2026-07-02
- third reading — 2026-07-02
- introduced — 2026-07-02
- second reading — 2026-07-02
- second reading — 2026-09-17
- second reading — 2026-09-17
- third reading — 2026-09-17
- passed — 2026-09-17
- royal assent — 2026-09-28
Divisions
No divisions recorded. Most questions are decided on the voices; this does not establish that a bill was unopposed.
Plain-language summary
Written by a model from the explanatory memorandum; not the record, as at 2026-06-25.
This bill would implement reforms from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide to improve wellbeing and safety for ADF members, veterans and their families.
It would amend the Defence Act 1903 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to expand health, data and transition support functions, and establish a legislative basis for Defence health services.
The bill includes mandatory discharge for ADF members convicted of sexual or other serious offences resulting in a prison sentence, and prevents those with such convictions from joining the ADF.
- Adds a dedicated part to the Defence Act 1903 for health and wellbeing support.
- Expands the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission's functions to include prevention and early intervention services.
- Allows better use of data for research on suicide and wellbeing.
- Clarifies information sharing for transition support and claims processing.
- Establishes a legislative framework for Defence health services with quality assurance activities.
- Enables Defence to directly engage with families who provide contact details and to provide benefits to former partners after separation.
Australian Defence Force members, veterans, their families, the Department of Defence, the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission.
Sources
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