Head Defence Legal (HDL) and Director General Australian Defence Force Legal Services (DGADFLS) have agreed to the introduction of professional rules for all APS and ADF Legal Officers. Draft Interim Rules were promulgated on this web site in October 2004. Following the Panel Leaders Conference in Melbourne in February 2006 the draft has been further revised.

It is proposed that the Professional Rules for Defence Legal Officers be promulgated by HDL and DGADFLS during May 2006 and that disciplinary action for breaches of these Rules would not be taken until a complaint has been considered by the Professional Standards Committee and that Committee has recommended such action. Prior to the promulgation of these Rules comment is sought on the draft.

Please provide comments to the Head of the Military Bar c/o CAPT Justin Hogan-Doran at justin.hogan-doran@sevenwentworth.com.au by 20 April 2006.

Select to view Draft Professional Rules