Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026

Defence Act 1903 and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004

• expand the functions of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission to include supporting the wellbeing, health and safety of members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), veterans and their families
• provide for the collection, use and disclosure of information for certain purposes

Defence Act 1903 and Freedom of Information Act 1982

• establish a legislative basis for Defence health services

Defence Act 1903

• ensure that benefits for former partners of ADF members can continue in the immediate aftermath of a separation
• support direct engagement between Defence and ADF families
• prohibit persons who have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment for a sexual offence from joining the ADF, implement a policy of mandatory discharge for persons convicted of sexual and other serious offences and consolidate certain existing requirements relating to eligibility for service and the early termination of service in the ADF

Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Act 2026

• make minor amendments relating to the operation of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission