Defence Act 1903

Act No. 20 of 1903 as amended

This compilation was prepared on 26 September 2006
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 101 of 2006

The text of any of those amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section

The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section

Prepared by the Office of Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General’s Department, Canberra

  

  

  

Contents

Part I—Introductory                                                                                                              1

1............ Short title [see Note 1]....................................................................... 1

3............ Commencement of Act [see Note 1].................................................. 1

4............ Interpretation [see Note 2]................................................................. 1

5............ Application of Act............................................................................. 4

5A......... Extension of Act to Territories........................................................... 4

6............ Application of the Criminal Code...................................................... 4

7............ Act does not appropriate money....................................................... 4

Part II—Administration                                                                                                       5

8............ Powers of Minister in relation to Defence Force............................... 5

9............ Command of Defence Force and arms of Defence Force.................... 5

9A......... Administration of Defence Force....................................................... 6

9AA...... Vice Chief of the Defence Force......................................................... 7

9B......... Remuneration and allowances............................................................. 7

9BA...... Tenure of office.................................................................................. 7

9C......... Acting appointments.......................................................................... 8

28.......... Council of Defence............................................................................. 8

Part III—The Defence Force                                                                                           9

Division 1—Constitution of the Defence Force                                             9

30.......... Defence Force..................................................................................... 9

31.......... Australian Army................................................................................. 9

32.......... Regular Army..................................................................................... 9

32A....... Army Reserve..................................................................................... 9

32B....... Attachment etc. of members of an arm of the Defence Force to another arm         10

Division 2—The raising of the Army                                                                  11

34.......... Voluntary entry................................................................................ 11

Division 3—The service of the Army                                                                12

45.......... Service of the Regular Army............................................................. 12

50.......... Service of the Army Reserve............................................................ 12

50C....... Territorial limits of service of Army................................................ 13

Division 4—The calling out of the Forces                                                       14

50D....... Calling out the Reserves................................................................... 14

50E........ Period of service during call out........................................................ 15

Part IIIAAA—Utilisation of Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests and States and self‑governing Territories                                                                             17

Division 1—Calling out and directing utilisation of Defence Force   17

51.......... Interpretation.................................................................................... 17

51A....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests against domestic violence     20

51AA.... Order about utilising Defence Force in the offshore area etc. to protect Commonwealth interests        23

51AB.... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect Commonwealth interests against violence if specified circumstances arise................................................................................................... 26

51B....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect State against domestic violence     29

51C....... Order about utilising Defence Force to protect self‑governing Territory against domestic violence       30

51CA.... Expedited call out............................................................................. 32

51CB..... Declaration of designated critical infrastructure............................... 37

51D....... Chief of Defence Force to utilise Defence Force as directed............ 38

51E........ Ministerial directions........................................................................ 39

51F........ Assistance to, and cooperation with, State etc................................. 39

51G....... Restriction on certain utilisation of Defence Force.......................... 40

Division 2—Powers to recapture locations or things, prevent or end acts of violence and protect persons from acts of violence                                                                         41

51H....... Application of this Division and Division 4.................................... 41

51I......... Special powers of members of the Defence Force............................ 41

Division 2A—Powers to protect designated critical infrastructure   43

51IA...... Application of this Division and Division 4.................................... 43

51IB...... Powers to protect designated critical infrastructure......................... 43

Division 3—General security area powers                                                      45

Subdivision A—Application of this Division and Division 4                              45

51J........ Application of this Division and Division 4.................................... 45

Subdivision B—Powers that may be exercised anywhere in a general security area         45

51K....... Declaration of general security area.................................................. 45

51L........ Authorisation to search premises in the general security area for dangerous things                46

51M...... Copy of search authorisation to be given to occupier etc................ 47

51N....... Occupier etc. entitled to be present during search............................ 48

51O....... Search of means of transport in the general security area for dangerous things       48

51P........ Search of persons in the general security area for dangerous things. 49

Subdivision C—Powers that may be exercised only in relation to a designated area in the general security area      49

51Q....... Declaration of designated area.......................................................... 49

51R....... Control of movement in relation to a designated area in the general security area   50

51S........ Members to wear uniforms and identification when exercising powers  52

Division 3A—Powers in the Australian offshore area etc.                     53

Subdivision A—Preliminary                                                                                   53

51SA..... Application of this Division and Division 4.................................... 53

51SB..... Geographic application..................................................................... 53

51SC..... International obligations................................................................... 53

51SD..... Definitions........................................................................................ 53

Subdivision B—Special powers of members of the Defence Force                  54

51SE...... Special powers of members of the Defence Force............................ 54

Subdivision C—Powers that may be exercised anywhere in an offshore area 56

51SF...... Declaration of offshore general security area.................................... 56

51SG..... Authorisation to search facilities in the offshore general security area for dangerous and other things  57

51SH..... Copy of offshore search authorisation to be given to occupier etc.. 58

51SI....... Occupier etc. entitled to be present during search............................ 59

51SJ...... Search of vessel or aircraft in the offshore general security area for dangerous or other things               59

51SK..... Search of persons in the offshore general security area for dangerous and other things          60

Subdivision D—Powers that may be exercised only in relation to an offshore designated area in the offshore general security area                                                                                 61

51SL...... Declaration of offshore designated area............................................ 61

51SM.... Control of movement in relation to an offshore designated area in the offshore general security area    62

51SN..... Members to wear uniforms and identification when exercising powers  64

Subdivision E—Other powers                                                                                 65

51SO..... Power to require person to answer questions or produce documents 65

51SP...... Power to require person to operate facility, vessel or aircraft or machinery or equipment    66

51SQ..... Geographical jurisdiction for offences.............................................. 66

Division 3B—Powers relating to aircraft                                                         67

51SR..... Application of this Division and Division 4.................................... 67

51SS...... Geographical application.................................................................. 67

51ST..... Special powers of members of the Defence Force............................ 67

Division 4—Provisions common to Divisions 2 to 3B                              70

Subdivision A—Use of reasonable and necessary force                                     70

51T....... Use of reasonable and necessary force............................................. 70

51U....... Persons to be informed of offence if detained.................................. 71

Subdivision B—Action to be taken if things are seized                                     72

51V....... Action to be taken if things are seized.............................................. 72

Subdivision C—Members not entitled to exercise powers if obligations not complied with              73

51W...... Members not entitled to exercise powers if obligations not complied with            73

Division 4A—Applicable criminal law                                                                74

51WA... Applicable criminal law.................................................................... 74

51WB.... Defence of superior orders in certain circumstances........................ 74

Division 5—Miscellaneous                                                                                      76

51X....... Publication of order and report......................................................... 76

51XA.... Review of operation of Part............................................................. 77

51XB.... Instruments that are not legislative instruments............................... 79

51Y....... Part additional to other Defence Force utilisation and powers........ 79

Part IIIAA—Superannuation benefit                                                                         80

52.......... Determination of benefit................................................................... 80

53.......... Trustee of scheme providing superannuation benefit....................... 81

Part IIIA—Remuneration, allowances and other benefits                            82

Division 1—Determinations by the Minister                                                 82

58A....... Interpretation.................................................................................... 82

58B....... Minister may make determinations.................................................. 82

58C....... Tabling, disallowance etc. of determinations.................................... 85

58E........ Delegation......................................................................................... 86

Division 2—The Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal                       87

58F........ Interpretation.................................................................................... 87

58G....... Establishment of Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal................. 88

58H....... Functions and powers of Tribunal................................................... 88

58HA.... Hearings in relation to discriminatory determinations...................... 91

58HB.... Review of discriminatory determinations......................................... 91

58J........ Reports by Tribunal......................................................................... 92

58K....... Procedure of Tribunal....................................................................... 92

58KA.... Single member may conduct Tribunal’s business............................. 94

58KB.... Procedure where single member is conducting Tribunal’s business. 94

58KC.... Review of action etc. of single member............................................ 95

58KD.... Determinations giving effect to agreement between the parties....... 96

58L........ Terms and tenure of office................................................................ 96

58M...... Resignation....................................................................................... 96

58N....... Termination of appointment............................................................ 97

58P........ Acting appointments........................................................................ 97

58Q....... Fees and allowances.......................................................................... 98

Division 3—The Defence Force Advocate                                                     99

58R....... Interpretation.................................................................................... 99

58S........ Defence Force Advocate................................................................... 99

58T....... Functions of Advocate..................................................................... 99

58U....... Tenure and terms of office.............................................................. 100

58V....... Resignation..................................................................................... 100

58W...... Termination of appointment.......................................................... 100

58X....... Acting Defence Force Advocate..................................................... 100

58Y....... Fees and allowances........................................................................ 101

Part IV—Liability to serve in the Defence Force in time of war             102

Division 1—Liability to serve                                                                              102

59.......... Persons liable to serve in Defence Force in time of war................. 102

60.......... Proclamation calling upon persons to serve in time of war............ 102

61.......... Registration and allotment for service............................................ 102

61A....... Persons exempt from service.......................................................... 103

61B....... Entry into Defence Force for service.............................................. 104

61C....... Part not to apply to certain persons.............................................. 104

Division 2—Determination of conscientious belief                                  105

61CA.... Application for determination of conscientious belief................... 105

61CB..... Secretary must refer application..................................................... 105

61CC..... Function of Conscientious Objection Tribunals............................. 105

61CD.... Parties to the hearing of an application.......................................... 105

61CE..... Notice of determination to be given to parties............................... 106

Division 3—Establishment and membership of Conscientious Objection Tribunals     107

61CF..... Establishment of Conscientious Objection Tribunals.................... 107

61CG.... Period of appointment of members................................................ 107

61CH.... Remuneration and allowances of members..................................... 107

61CJ...... Other terms and conditions............................................................ 108

61CK.... Leave of absence............................................................................. 108

61CL..... Resignation..................................................................................... 108

61CM... Removal from office....................................................................... 108

61CN.... Member of a Tribunal unavailable to complete proceeding............ 108

61CO.... Acting appointments...................................................................... 109

Division 4—Procedures of Conscientious Objection Tribunals        111

61CP..... Tribunals’ way of operating........................................................... 111

61CQ.... Powers of Tribunals....................................................................... 111

61CR..... Procedure of Tribunals................................................................... 111

61CS..... Majority decision........................................................................... 112

61CT..... Procedure where opinion of members equally divided................... 112

61CU.... Hearings.......................................................................................... 112

61CV..... Onus of proof................................................................................. 112

61CW.... Protection of members and persons giving evidence etc................. 113

61CX.... Fees for persons giving evidence.................................................... 113

61CY..... Failure of witness to attend............................................................ 113

61CZ..... Refusal to be sworn or to answer questions etc............................. 114

61CZA.. Contempt of Tribunal..................................................................... 115

Division 5—Reviews and appeals                                                                      116

61CZB.. Review of determinations of Conscientious Objection Tribunals.. 116

61CZC.. AAT Act to apply subject to modification.................................... 116

61CZD.. Appeals from AAT........................................................................ 116

61CZE.. Operation etc. of decision subject to appeal.................................. 117

Part V—Cadets                                                                                                                    119

62.......... Australian Army Cadets................................................................. 119

Part VI—Special powers in relation to defence                                                 121

63.......... General powers for defence purposes [see Note 3]....................... 121

64.......... Control of railways in time of war................................................. 121

65.......... Railways to carry troops etc. when required................................. 121

66.......... Conveyance by railway and tramway............................................ 121

67.......... Registration and impressment of vehicles etc................................. 121

68.......... Billeting and quartering................................................................... 122

70.......... Tolls................................................................................................ 122

Part VII—Offences                                                                                                            123

73A....... Unlawfully giving or obtaining information as to defences............ 123

73F........ Penalty............................................................................................ 123

79.......... Unlawfully disposing of arms etc................................................... 124

80A....... Falsely representing to be returned soldier, sailor or airman.......... 125

80B....... Improper use of service decorations............................................... 125

82.......... Sketching etc. of fortifications prohibited...................................... 126

83.......... Unauthorised use, possession or supply of emblems or flags....... 128

84.......... Penalty for bringing contempt on uniform..................................... 129

Part VIII—Offences in relation to service tribunals                                       130

86.......... Failure of witness to appear........................................................... 130

88.......... False or misleading evidence........................................................... 130

89.......... Contempt of service tribunals etc................................................... 130

90.......... Failure to comply with order under section 140 of the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982   131

Part VIIIA—Testing for prohibited substances                                                 132

Division 1—Preliminary                                                                                          132

91.......... Application of Part......................................................................... 132

92.......... Object of Part................................................................................. 132

93.......... Definitions...................................................................................... 132

93A....... Authorised person.......................................................................... 134

93B....... Determinations about prohibited substances and prohibited substance tests         134

Division 2—Testing for prohibited substances                                          135

94.......... Requirement to undergo a prohibited substance test...................... 135

95.......... Conduct of testing.......................................................................... 135

96.......... Notice to person required to provide a sample.............................. 135

Division 3—Return of a positive test result                                                 136

98.......... Application..................................................................................... 136

100........ Notice to be given of a positive test result..................................... 136

101........ Termination or discharge................................................................ 137

102........ Form and date of effect of termination or discharge....................... 138

103........ Reduction in rank............................................................................ 139

104........ Warning if a prohibited substance test returns a positive result.... 139

Division 4—Miscellaneous                                                                                    141

106........ Failure to provide sample............................................................... 141

107........ Unauthorised acts in relation to sample......................................... 141

108........ Finding made as a result of testing not admissible in certain criminal proceedings  141

109........ Defence Instructions....................................................................... 142

110........ Other administrative action not precluded..................................... 143

Part VIIIB—Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force         144

Division 1—Establishment and functions of the Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force 144

110A..... Object of Part................................................................................. 144

110B..... Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force....................... 144

110C..... Functions of the Inspector‑General ADF...................................... 144

110D..... When the Inspector‑General ADF can conduct inquiries or investigations             145

Division 2—Administrative provisions about the Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force                                                                                                                    146

110E...... Appointment.................................................................................. 146

110F...... Qualifications for appointment...................................................... 146

110G..... Tenure............................................................................................. 146

110H..... Resignation..................................................................................... 146

110I....... Remuneration.................................................................................. 147

110J...... Leave of absence............................................................................. 147

110K..... Engaging in other paid work........................................................... 147

110L...... Termination of appointment.......................................................... 147

110M.... Disclosure of interests.................................................................... 148

110N..... Acting appointments...................................................................... 148

110O..... Staff................................................................................................ 149

110P...... Inquiry officers, inquiry assistants and Assistants IGADF.......... 149

Division 3—Other matters                                                                                    150

110Q..... Protection from civil actions........................................................... 150

110R..... Reports........................................................................................... 150

110S...... Delegation....................................................................................... 150

Part IX—Legal procedure                                                                                              151

111........ Subscription, arms etc. vested in commanding officer.................... 151

111A..... Property of Rifle Club vested in Captain....................................... 151

Part IXA—Provisions relating to the forces of other countries                152

Division 1—Interpretation                                                                                     152

116A..... Interpretation.................................................................................. 152

Division 2—Attachment of personnel and mutual powers of command 153

116B..... Attachment to the Defence Force of members of the forces of another country and vice versa             153

116C..... Forces serving together................................................................... 154

116D..... Corresponding ranks....................................................................... 155

Division 3—Absentees without leave                                                              157

116E...... Interpretation.................................................................................. 157

116F...... Apprehension of absentees without leave...................................... 157

116G..... Detention of illegal absentee........................................................... 157

116H..... Disposal of person in custody....................................................... 158

116J...... Evidence for the purposes of this Division.................................... 159

116K..... Proof of facts by certificate............................................................ 159

Division 4—Miscellaneous                                                                                    161

116M.... Delegation....................................................................................... 161

Part IXB—Public areas of defence land                                                                163

116P...... Interpretation.................................................................................. 163

116Q..... Public areas of defence land............................................................ 163

116R..... Delegation....................................................................................... 163

116S...... Appointment of rangers................................................................. 164

116T..... Rangers ex officio............................................................................ 164

116U..... Identity cards.................................................................................. 164

116V..... Powers of arrest.............................................................................. 164

116W.... General powers of rangers.............................................................. 165

116X..... Seizure and forfeiture...................................................................... 166

116Y..... Assaulting etc. rangers.................................................................... 167

116ZA.. Officers and employees of governments and authorities................ 167

116ZB... Prosecution of offences.................................................................. 167

116ZC... Concurrent operation of State and Territory laws......................... 168

116ZD.. By‑laws.......................................................................................... 168

Part IXC—Salvage claims                                                                                             171

117........ Interpretation.................................................................................. 171

117A..... Salvage claims by crew of Naval ships........................................... 172

117AA.. Apportionment of salvage between the Commonwealth and crew members          172

117AB.. Apportionment of salvage amongst crew members........................ 173

Part X—Miscellaneous                                                                                                    175

117B..... Members and former members may bring actions for money due in respect of service          175

118........ Penalty against raising forces without authority............................ 175

118A..... Employer not to prevent employee from serving.......................... 175

118B..... Enlistment of apprentices in time of war....................................... 176

119........ Forfeiture or suspension of salary in certain circumstances........... 176

120........ Notice etc. need not be in writing unless required herein............... 176

120A..... Delegation....................................................................................... 177

120B..... Attachment of salaries of members................................................ 179

121........ Proof of order................................................................................. 183

122........ Appointments etc. not invalid because of defect etc. in connection with appointment          184

122AA.. Taxation consequences of disposals of assets to defence companies 184

122A..... Immunity of Australian Defence Industries Pty Ltd from certain State and Territory laws  185

123........ Immunity from certain State and Territory laws............................ 186

123A..... Intoxicating liquor........................................................................... 187

123AA.. Intoxicating liquor not to be supplied to cadets............................. 187

123B..... Religion........................................................................................... 188

123F...... Certain persons not permitted to serve in Defence Force.............. 188

123G..... Orders in relation to rifle ranges..................................................... 188

Part XI—Regulations                                                                                                       190

124........ Regulations [see Note 3]................................................................. 190

Notes                                                                                                                                          197

An Act to provide for the Naval and Military Defence and Protection of the Commonwealth and of the several States

Part I—Introductory

  

1  Short title [see Note 1]

                   This Act may be cited as the Defence Act 1903.

3  Commencement of Act [see Note 1]

                   This Act shall commence on a day to be fixed by Proclamation.

4  Interpretation [see Note 2]

             (1)  In this Act, unless the contrary intention appears:

AAT means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

AAT Act means the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975.

Aircraft—Includes aeroplanes, seaplanes, balloons, kite balloons, airships and other machines for flying.

Aircraft Material—Includes any engines, fittings, guns, gear, instruments, ammunition, bombs or apparatus for use in connexion with aircraft, and any components or accessories of aircraft, and petrol and any other substance used for providing motive power for aircraft, and lubricating oil.

Airman—Means a member of the Air Force other than an officer.

Australia and Commonwealth includes the Territories.

Conscientious Objection Tribunal means a Conscientious Objection Tribunal established under section 61CF.

exemption from service because of conscientious beliefs means exemption from service under paragraph 61A(1)(h) or (i) or exemption from combatant duties under subsection 61A(1A).

Federal Court means the Federal Court of Australia.

Inspector‑General ADF means the Inspector‑General of the Australian Defence Force referred to in section 110B.

Member—Includes any officer, sailor, soldier and airman.

Non‑commissioned Officer—Means a soldier (other than a warrant officer) holding non‑commissioned rank.

Officer means:

                     (a)  in relation to the Australian Navy—a person appointed as an officer of the Australian Navy, including a person who holds the rank in the Australian Navy of Acting SubLieutenant or of Midshipman; or

                     (b)  in relation to the Australian Army or the Australian Air Force—a person appointed as an officer of the Australian Army or the Australian Air Force.

Permanent Forces means the Permanent Navy, the Regular Army and the Permanent Air Force.

Reserves means the Naval Reserve, the Army Reserve and the Air Force Reserve.

Sailor—Means a member of the Navy other than an officer.

Service Decoration—Means any order, medal, badge, clasp, bar or other insignia that was or may be conferred for valour, distinguished conduct or service, long service, good conduct, devotion to duty, efficiency, participation in a campaign or other warlike operation or for any other reason on a member of the Defence Force or of any armed force of any part of the Queen’s dominions or of any Power allied or associated with Australia in any war or warlike operations in which Australia is or has been engaged, and includes the ribbon of any such order, medal, badge, clasp or other decoration and any colourable imitation, representation or miniature of any such order, medal, badge, clasp or other decoration.

Service tribunal has the same meaning as in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982.

Soldier—Means a member of the Army other than an officer.

The Secretary means the Secretary to the Department.

Time of Defence Emergency—Means the period between the publication of a proclamation declaring that a state of defence emergency exists in relation to Australia and the publication of a proclamation that that state of defence emergency no longer exists.

Time of War—Means any time during which a state of war actually exists, and includes the time between the issue of a proclamation of the existence of war or of danger thereof and the issue of a proclamation declaring that the war or danger thereof, declared in the prior proclamation, no longer exists.

War—Means any invasion or apprehended invasion of, or attack or apprehended attack on, Australia by an enemy or armed force.

             (2)  Unless the contrary intention appears, in this Act or in any other law:

                     (a)  a reference to the Naval Forces or the Navy shall be read as a reference to the Australian Navy;

                     (b)  a reference to the Military Forces or the Army shall be read as a reference to the Australian Army;

                     (c)  a referen