The National Defence Strategy requires Defence to accelerate capability development, strengthen preparedness and protect Australia’s most important defence capabilities. Reforms to Defence legislation will ensure legislation supports current and future capability requirements.
On 27 October 2026, the Australian Government introduced the Defence Legislation Amendment (Accelerating Capability and Protecting Bases) Bill 2026.
This bill delivers critical reforms to Australia’s Defence legislation so that Defence can build capability faster and protect it more effectively.
The bill achieves this through 2 key reforms:
- A new Defence Capability Framework to support capability development, testing, evaluation and preparedness activities.
- A new Defence Security Zone Framework: to protect Defence people, facilities, information, activities and capability.
The bill also provides for independent oversight of the new frameworks by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force.
The bill and supporting parliamentary products will be available on the Parliament of Australia website.
Defence Capability Framework
Defence capability development has changed significantly over recent decades. Modern capability programs now involve advanced technologies, collaboration with Australian industry and trusted international partners, research organisations and activities occurring across multiple jurisdictions and operating environments.
The bill enables development, testing, evaluation, sustainment and preparation of Defence capabilities in Australia, particularly in circumstances where civilian focused regulatory schemes would inhibit those activities.
Defence Security Zone Framework
Existing Defence legislation includes security arrangements which have developed incrementally over decades, with different legislation applying in different operating environments. As a result, similar Defence activities may be subject to different security arrangements, powers, offences and penalties.
Many of these arrangements have not kept pace with changes in Defence operations, technology and the security environment, resulting in gaps, inconsistencies and enforcement limitations. For example, existing laws do not adequately address threats posed by drone incursions.
The bill replaces these fragmented arrangements with a single, integrated framework that aligns with how Defence operates today and addresses modern threats. It enables Defence Security Zones to be established wherever necessary. This ensures the powers available to law enforcement officers and Defence personnel, in these zones, are sufficient to protect Defence’s people, information and capabilities.
Resources
Defence Capability Framework – frequently asked questions (PDF, 186.83 KB)
Defence Security Zone Framework – frequently asked questions (PDF, 194.62 KB)
First Nations – stakeholder factsheet (PDF, 131.24 KB)
Industry and strategic partners – stakeholder factsheet (PDF, 131.72 KB)
Lawyers and academics – stakeholder factsheet (PDF, 135.45 KB)