Overview
The Defence Regulations 2026 is a new set of federal regulations made under the Defence Act 1903. The instrument was registered on 9 September 2026 and is now in force. It is administered by the Department of Defence.
What the regulations cover
The Defence Regulations 2026 covers a range of internal military matters, including:
- Appointment and service conditions of Australian Defence Force members
- Service chiefs and honorary ranks
- Defence honours and awards
- Stop sexual harassment directions
- Redress of grievances
- Medical and dental treatment
- Defence areas and aviation areas
Aviation areas and defence areas
Parts 12 and 13 of the instrument include provisions relating to aviation areas and defence areas. These sections contain height restrictions and hazard rules that apply near defence aviation areas. The instrument also includes entry prohibition, property removal, and obstruction offence provisions in Part 12 (sections 70 to 78) relating to declared defence areas.
Impact on small businesses
The instrument has no direct compliance obligations for most small businesses. The aviation area and defence area provisions are the sections most likely to be relevant to property owners or developers located near defence sites.
Key actions
- If you own or develop property near a defence aviation area, check whether height restriction or hazard rules in Parts 12-13 of the Defence Regulations 2026 apply to your site - view the full instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01185
- If you operate a business on or near a declared defence area, review the entry prohibition, property removal, and obstruction offence provisions in Part 12 (sections 70-78) of the instrument at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01185
- Subscribe to alerts for this legislation via the Federal Register of Legislation by saving the title to My Account at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01185
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.