Defence Force Members Cannot Serve Overseas Without Parliament's Permission or an Emergency
Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Approval of Overseas Service) Bill 2020
Private Member's BillSenate
House of Representatives
Assent
Topics
defence emergency powers government accountability government transparency military deployment national emergency national security overseas service parliamentary oversight
Introduced by: Senator Jordon Steele-John (GRN)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Members of the Defence Force cannot serve outside Australia unless both Houses of Parliament agree to a resolution or the Governor-General declares an emergency.
The Governor-General can declare an emergency to allow Defence Force members to serve overseas; this requires written advice from the Prime Minister explaining why it is impractical to wait for Parliament to agree.
Emergency declarations expire after 7 days if Parliament is not sitting or is dissolved for an election; a new declaration cannot be made until Parliament meets again.
The Governor-General and Prime Minister must publish any emergency declaration and the accompanying advice within 24 hours.
The Governor-General must provide Parliament with a report within 2 days of an emergency declaration; this report must detail the reasons, legal authority, and number of members deployed.
Presiding Officers must summon their House to meet within 2 days of an emergency declaration if the House is currently adjourned.
The Defence Minister must provide written reports to both Houses of Parliament every two months while Defence Force members are deployed overseas.