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.
