New bill says just who runs Defence

A bill before the Senate clarifies just who runs the defence force.

The Defence Legislation Amendment Bill implements key measures from a review, commissioned by former Defence Minister David Johnston, to examine how defence can become effective.

The First Principles Review, released in April, found Defence was akin to a loose federation, suffering from a proliferation of structures, processes and systems, with unclear accountabilities, institutionalised waste, delayed decisions, duplication and flawed execution.

Among the findings, the review committee found that the Defence Act did not actually give the chief of the defence force full command over the Australian Defence Force.

As well, the defence chief's powers could be constrained by army, navy and air force chiefs in commanding their services.

The latest legislation, introduced to the Senate by Attorney-General George Brandis on behalf of Defence Minister Marise Payne, removes legislative limitations to give the defence chief full command of the ADF, subject to ministerial direction.

It retains the diarchy, the dual role of the CDF and secretary, as joint defence administrators, again subject to ministerial direction.

The minister had general control and administration of the defence force. The new legislation explicitly recognises the vice-chief of the defence force as the true deputy to the CDF, with command and administrative responsibilities subject to CDF direction.

Debate was adjourned.