New Defence legislation to protect bases and accelerate capability

The Albanese Government has today introduced new legislation to protect Defence bases, personnel, and critical assets, as well as accelerate the development of capability Defence needs to keep Australians safe. 

The Defence Legislation Amendment (Accelerating Capability and Protecting Bases) Bill 2026 reforms the Defence Act 1903 to establish a modern legislative framework that meets Australia’s complex and challenging strategic environment.

This includes a new framework to support Defence capability development and preparedness activities, enabling Defence, industry and trusted international partners to develop, test and introduce advanced capabilities more efficiently in Australia.

These reforms are critical to implement the National Defence Strategy and progress work on Pillars I and II of AUKUS. 

Importantly, the legislation also provides Defence with an enduring legislative authority to conduct counter-measures against uncrewed systems (UXS, more commonly referred to as ‘drones’) over sensitive Defence sites. 

This includes the ability to detect, identify, monitor, track and, where necessary, take action against UXS devices. It follows a number of recent UXS incursions at Defence bases, and at military bases in other similar jurisdictions globally and builds on the Albanese Government’s previous regulatory changes. 

These counter-measures will be done where it is safe to do so and with appropriate safeguards in place. The Bill also includes a number of additional oversight powers for the Inspector-General Australian Defence Force (IGADF). 

This legislation will help ensure Defence can develop and sustain the capabilities Australia needs to be more self-reliant and support Australian defence industry. Importantly, they will help Defence fulfil its mission of defending Australia and its national interests.

The introduction of the Bill is an important step and the reforms will now be subject to Parliamentary consideration before any changes take effect.

Further information can be found at: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/governance/defence-legislation-amendment-accelerating-capability-protecting-bases-bill-2026  

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

"Australia's strategic circumstances demand urgency, discipline and a relentless focus on delivering capability. 

"These reforms will provide Defence with a modern legislative framework to accelerate capability development, protect our people and bases, and respond to emerging security threats. 

"As we implement the National Defence Strategy, these reforms will help ensure Defence can work effectively with Australian industry and trusted international partners to deliver the capabilities Australia needs.”

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Peter Khalil MP:

"As Australia's strategic environment becomes more challenging, protecting Defence personnel, critical infrastructure and sensitive capabilities has never been more important.

"Modern threats demand modern laws. These reforms will strengthen the legislative framework to support Defence's security arrangements, while ensuring strong safeguards and oversight.

"This Bill will help ensure we can protect what matters most while also boosting our ability to work with industry and Australia’s international partners to strengthen our Defence estate.”