Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Bill 2026

Summary

Amends the: Defence Act 1903 and Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 to: expand the functions of the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission to include supporting the wellbeing, health and safety of members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), veterans and their families; and provide for the collection, use and disclosure of information for certain purposes; Defence Act 1903 and Freedom of Information Act 1982 to establish a legislative basis for Defence health services; Defence Act 1903 to: ensure that benefits for former partners of ADF members can continue in the immediate aftermath of a separation; support direct engagement between Defence and ADF families; and prohibit persons who have been sentenced to a period of imprisonment for a sexual offence from joining the ADF, implement a policy of mandatory discharge for persons convicted of sexual and other serious offences and consolidate certain existing requirements relating to eligibility for service and the early termination of service in the ADF; and Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Act 2026 to make minor amendments relating to the operation of the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commission.