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

Stage by Stage

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

1. Thursday 25 June 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 improve health and wellbeing outcomes for defence members, veterans, and their families through enhanced information sharing and modernised governance. It includes measures to support the new Veteran and Family Wellbeing Agency and strengthen privacy safeguards. The Minister noted that the bill would be referred to a Senate inquiry. The debate was adjourned without further speeches.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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3. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026, which implemented recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide regarding information sharing, health system modernisation, and family support. Government members endorsed the bill as a vital measure to reduce administrative fragmentation, while Opposition and independent members supported its principles but raised concerns about a separate annual limit of $5,000 on allied health services for veterans. Speakers also highlighted reforms to integrity standards for service entry and exit, as well as improved support for domestic violence cases. The discussion concluded with the House adjourning before a final vote was recorded in the initial transcript, though subsequent records indicated the legislation proceeded.

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

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4. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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5. Thursday 17 September 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated the second tranche of legislation implementing recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The bill aims to improve information sharing, modernise defence health governance, support families, and enforce integrity standards. All parties supported the bill, though the Coalition emphasised the need for robust privacy safeguards and effective implementation. The Greens also called for a formal apology and financial redress for LGBTQIA+ personnel historically discriminated against by the ADF.

   Outcome: The bill was read a second time.

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6. Thursday 17 September 2026 · Senate

   Third Reading
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