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

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Wednesday 1 April 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Veterans' Affairs introduced the bill to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The legislation aims to modernise the military justice system by improving workplace protections, updating sentencing procedures, and reforming mental health provisions. It also addresses historical injustices by allowing the extinguishment of convictions for consensual homosexual activity. The debate was adjourned following the Minister's speech.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 13 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The House of Representatives debated the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026, which implements key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The legislation aims to modernise the military justice system by enhancing victim protections, improving mental health responses, and increasing transparency in sentencing. All speakers supported the bill's principles, with the Coalition noting concerns regarding the use of tasers by military police but ultimately not opposing the legislation. The bill was passed without amendment.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time and reported to the House without amendment.

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4. Thursday 14 May 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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6. Monday 22 June 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Minister for Industry and Innovation moved the second reading of two bills in the Senate. The first bill aims to prohibit unfair trading practices, ban drip pricing, and end subscription traps by modernising the Australian Consumer Law. The second bill implements recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, reforming military discipline, sentencing, and mental health provisions. The Minister argued these measures protect consumers and modernise the defence justice system to align with civilian standards. No other members spoke during this segment of the debate.

   Outcome: The second reading speeches were incorporated in Hansard and the bills were moved for second reading.

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7. Thursday 17 September 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration of Senate Message

   The House considered amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill implementing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs supported the amendments, noting the bill's role in protecting victims-survivors and establishing an extinguishment scheme for historic homosexual offences. The Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel argued that requiring ministerial directions to be legislative instruments would ensure transparency and parliamentary oversight. The House agreed to the amendments.

   Outcome: The question was agreed to.

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8. Thursday 17 September 2026 · Senate

   In Committee

   The Senate considered amendments to the bill during committee stage. The government opposed an amendment that would restrict investigating officers to Defence members, arguing it would hinder investigations. Another amendment to remove ministerial oversight powers was also opposed. A third amendment making ministerial directions subject to disallowance was supported by the government and passed. The bill was subsequently reported and adopted.

   Outcome: The bill, as amended, was agreed to, reported, and the report was adopted.

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9. Thursday 17 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026, which implements recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. All parties supported the bill, recognising its role in modernising military justice, addressing sexual misconduct, and improving mental health provisions. The Liberal Party and One Nation raised concerns regarding ministerial oversight of prosecutions and the potential for systemic abuse, with the Liberals foreshadowing amendments. The bill was passed on second reading.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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10. Thursday 17 September 2026 · Senate

    Third Reading
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