Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026

Summary

The Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) amends the Defence Force Discipline Act to implement the Restorative Centre for Defence and Veterans Support (RCDVS) — a new approach to handling complaints and misconduct within Australia's military. Instead of always using traditional disciplinary processes, the military can now use restorative justice practices that aim to repair harm and resolve conflicts between parties, particularly in cases involving lower-level misconduct or workplace disputes. This change affects how Defence Force members and veterans experience the complaints system, potentially offering faster, less adversarial resolution while maintaining accountability. The amendment matters because it modernises how the military addresses internal discipline, shifting from purely punitive measures to practices that can preserve relationships and trust within Defence Force units while still ensuring serious misconduct is properly addressed.