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

Summary

Australia's military discipline system is being reformed to respond to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, with three main goals: implementing key recommendations from that inquiry, better handling mental health issues in military courts and discipline cases, and making the system fairer and more efficient. The changes amend the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 and make related changes to seven other laws including the Defence Act 1903 and the Defence Force Discipline Appeals Act 1955. This matters because Defence Force members involved in disciplinary proceedings will now have better protections for their mental health, greater fairness similar to civilian courts, and more transparent processes — reducing harm and suicide risk while maintaining military commanders' ability to uphold discipline.