The ''Defence Act 1903'' (Cth) is an Act of the

Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia The Parliament of Australia (officially the Federal Parliament, also called the Commonwealth Parliament) is the legislative branch of the government of Australia. It consists of three elements: the monarch (represented by the governor-gen ...

, that acquired royal assent on 22 October 1903. It was created to allow for the naval and military defence of

Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...

. The Act was amended and expanded over time to legislate for and repeal conscription, to incorporate the Naval Defence Act 1910 and the Air Force Act 1923, and today governs how the

Australian Defence Force The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of the Commonwealth of Australia and its national interests. It consists of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Forc ...

operates.

Background

On 1 January 1901, the

federation A federation (also known as a federal state) is a political entity characterized by a union of partially self-governing provinces, states, or other regions under a central federal government (federalism). In a federation, the self-governin ...

of the

Australian Colonies The states and territories are federated administrative divisions in Australia, ruled by regional governments that constitute the second level of governance between the federal government and local governments. States are self-governing ...

to form the

Commonwealth of Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. With an area of , Australia is the largest country by ...

was proclaimed, with the newly in force

Constitution of Australia The Constitution of Australia (or Australian Constitution) is a written constitution, constitutional document that is Constitution, supreme law in Australia. It establishes Australia as a Federation of Australia, federation under a constitutio ...

requiring that the colonial military forces be combined under the Commonwealth.

Act

Original

The Act, as originally made, consisted of 11 parts, 124 sections, and 3 schedules.

Current

As of 2021, the Act is divided into 24 parts, 359 sections, and 1 schedule.

Administration

Part II and Part III's Division 1 covers the administrative aspects of the defence force. The rest of part III covers the requirements of service, including reservist service, and remuneration. Part IV deals with the citizenry's liability to serve within the defence forces, while part V covers the Australian Defence Force Cadets. Part VI charges the Governor–General with special powers. Part VII to IX deal with disputes and offences committed under the act.

Analysis

Amendments

Legacy

References

{{Reflist Acts of the Parliament of Australia Law of Australia Australian defence policies