Which government level is responsible for national defence and military?

The federal government is responsible for Australia's national defence and military forces. Defence is one of the original heads of legislative power in section 51(vi) of the Constitution and has been a federal responsibility since federation in 1901, replacing the separate colonial military forces that operated before then.

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is made up of three services: the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), the Australian Army, and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Total ADF strength is about 60,000 permanent members and about 30,000 active Reserve members across the three services. The ADF is led by the Chief of the Defence Force, the senior uniformed officer, who reports to the Minister for Defence and through the Minister to the Cabinet and Parliament. The Department of Defence is the civilian department supporting policy, procurement, and broader defence functions.

Defence policy is set by the Cabinet and the National Security Committee of Cabinet. Major recent decisions include the AUKUS partnership announced in September 2021, under which Australia will acquire nuclear-powered (but conventionally armed) submarines from the United States and the United Kingdom, with deliveries planned from the early 2030s. The 2023 Defence Strategic Review reshaped defence priorities toward the Indo-Pacific region. The 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2024 Integrated Investment Program detail the planned capability and infrastructure investments through to the 2030s.

Recruitment is voluntary in peacetime. The ADF actively seeks Australian citizens, with permanent residents eligible for some roles after demonstrating commitment to Australia. Conscription has been used twice in Australian history (during the Second World War for specific operations, and through the National Service Scheme from 1951 to 1959 and 1964 to 1972). The 1972 abolition of compulsory service has not been reversed. Australia has contributed to many international operations including Korea, Vietnam, the first Gulf War, East Timor, Iraq, Afghanistan, and current Indo-Pacific deployments alongside allies and partners through the ANZUS alliance, AUKUS, the Quad, and Pacific defence cooperation. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra commemorates Australians who have died in service.