Overview
The Defence Legislation Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 2) Act 2026 (Act No. 94, 2026) became law on 28 September 2026. The Act is administered by the Department of Defence.
What the Act covers
The Act makes changes across five areas:
- Information sharing - amendments to improve wellbeing, health and safety outcomes, made to the Defence Act 1903 and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004.
- Defence health services - amendments to the Defence Act 1903 and the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
- ADF families - other amendments to the Defence Act 1903 to support Australian Defence Force families.
- Requirements to serve in the Defence Force - amendments to the Defence Act 1903, including contingent amendments.
- Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Act 2026 - other amendments to this Act.
Connection to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The title of the Act references implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (RCDVS). The source does not specify which recommendations these amendments implement, nor the specific operational detail of each schedule beyond the legislation titles listed.
Key actions
- Businesses that provide services to ADF members, veterans, or their families - such as health services, counselling, or rehabilitation - can review the full text of the Act at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00094 to check whether the changes to information sharing or defence health services affect how client information is handled or how contracted services are delivered.
- Registered My Account users on the Federal Register of Legislation can set up an alert for this Act at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00094 to be notified of any future amendments or related instruments.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.