Overview
The federal government has made the Defence Force Discipline Appeals Regulations 2026, which came into force on 4 September 2026. The new regulations replace the Defence Force Discipline Appeals Regulation 2016, which is repealed by Schedule 1 of the new instrument. The regulations are administered by the Attorney-General's Department.
What the regulations cover
The regulations set out the rules for how appeals are handled by the Defence Force Discipline Appeal Tribunal. The subject matter includes:
- Appeal timeframes
- Lodgement of appeals
- Legal aid
- Fees
- Registry operations
- Procedures following a tribunal decision
Which proceedings the regulations apply to
The new rules apply to appeals and applications made on or after commencement on 4 September 2026.
Transitional provisions
Pending appeals and applications made under the Defence Force Discipline Appeals Regulation 2016 are saved under transitional provisions. Sections 22 and 23 of the new regulations preserve existing matters under the old rules.
Key actions
- Parties with a pending appeal or application under the 2016 regulation can refer to the transitional provisions in sections 22 and 23 of the new regulations. The full text is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01159.
- Those who deal with Defence Force discipline appeal matters - for example, as a legal practitioner - can review the updated procedures for lodgement, appearances, costs enforcement, and fee structures set out in Parts 2 and 3 of the new regulations.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.