Who Controls the Australian Military?

The Australian Government controls the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO).

Chain of Command

• Minister for Defence (civilian, Cabinet member) – political control, policy direction.
• Minister for Defence Personnel / Veterans' Affairs – specific portfolios.
• Secretary of the Department of Defence – senior public servant; manages budget, administration, capability acquisition.
• Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) – senior military officer; commands ADF operations, joint capability.
• Service Chiefs (Chief of Navy, Army, Air Force) – raise, train, sustain their services.

Key Principles

• Civilian control: Elected government directs military; CDF advises but obeys lawful ministerial direction.
• Parliamentary oversight: Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence & Trade Committee; budget estimates hearings.
• Legal framework: Defence Act 1903, Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

The ADO = Department of Defence (civilian) + Australian Defence Force (military). Together they deliver national security under democratic authority.