Information about the inquiry

Inquiry into the Defence Legislation Amendment (Aid to Civilian Authorities) Bill 2005

Information about the inquiry

On 8 December 2005 , the Senate referred the above Bill to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Legislation Committee for inquiry and report by 7 February 2006.

The Defence Legislation Amendment (Aid to Civilian Authorities) Bill 2005 seeks to amend Part IIIAAA of the Defence Act 1903 in order to enhance the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) ability to support domestic security and to provide appropriate powers and protections for ADF personnel during callouts, including powers to search and seize and to use force in specified circumstances. Proposed amendments include those relating to: the use of Reserves in domestic security operations; ADF call out notification requirements; expedited call out procedures for sudden and extraordinary emergencies; identification of called out ADF personnel; criminal laws and procedures applicable to called out ADF personnel; and ADF powers to protect designated critical infrastructure and respond to domestic security incidents or threats in offshore areas or the air.

Lodging Submissions

Submissions are called for by 16 January 2006. Submissions become Committee documents and are only made public after a decision by the Committee. Unauthorised release of submissions is not covered by parliamentary privilege. Further assistance can be obtained by phoning the secretariat on (02) 6277 3560.

For further information, contact:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Australia

Phone: +61 2 6277 3560
Fax: +61 2 6277 5794
Email: legcon.sen@aph.gov.au