What this instrument does
The Defence Determination, Conditions of service Amendment Determination (No. 12) 2026 amends Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service — the instrument governing ADF members' conditions of service. It was made under section 58B of the Defence Act 1903 by the Director General, People Policy and Employment Conditions, dated 13 July 2026, and is registered on the Federal Register of Legislation as F2026L00958. The substantive amendments in Schedules 1 and 2 commence on 16 July 2026.
What the amendment covers
Schedule 1 — decision-maker amendments. The instrument removes the separate "decision maker" concept from Defence Determination 2016/19. References to "or decision maker" are deleted across dozens of provisions, references where a decision maker acted alone are replaced with the CDF, and the various definitions of "decision maker" throughout the determination are repealed. The effect is to consolidate the relevant decision-making authority under the Chief of the Defence Force.
Schedule 2 — miscellaneous amendments. The changes mainly affect removal (relocation) entitlements and utilities. The definition of "removal" is replaced, the provisions for additional removals of urgently required household items and for privately arranged removals are rewritten (including reimbursement rules capped at the cost of a Commonwealth removalist, and vehicle hire, fuel and vehicle allowance for non-commercial moves), and a new definition of "utilities" is inserted covering water, gas, electricity, other household fuel, garbage, sewerage, and drinking water where the CDF is satisfied the water at a member's residence is not fit for consumption.
Key actions
- Defence members and administrators handling relocations should review the updated removal provisions before the 16 July 2026 commencement, particularly the rewritten rules for privately arranged removals and reimbursement.
- The full text, including the itemised amendment tables, is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00958.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.