Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

House of Representatives · Wednesday 1 April 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

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.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Matt Keogh (Burt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Keogh argued that the bill delivers on key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, specifically regarding sexual violence and military justice. Keogh stated that the reforms modernise the Defence Force Discipline Act to align with contemporary community expectations and civilian legal standards. Keogh highlighted that the legislation strengthens workplace protections for victims and improves transparency in recording serious offences. Keogh emphasised that the changes address fairness, timeliness, and mental health treatment within the discipline framework.

Government response

Matt Keogh (Minister for Veterans' Affairs; Minister for Defence Personnel) ALP Burt

Keogh detailed six schedules in the bill, including powers to suspend members under investigation for civil offences and requirements for superior tribunals to provide reasons for sentencing. Keogh explained that the bill establishes a Defence mental health tribunal framework to replace outdated custodial provisions for those unfit to plead. Keogh noted that the legislation introduces summary contraventions for minor misconduct to reduce unnecessary escalation into the service offence system. Keogh also highlighted measures to extinguish historical convictions for consensual homosexual activity and align drug offence thresholds with Commonwealth legislation.