Department of Defence

The Department of Defence is a Commonwealth department of state which includes the Australian Defence Force (ADF), consisting of three services – the Royal Australian Navy, the Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. Defence is accountable to the Commonwealth Parliament which represents the Australian people to efficiently and effectively carry out the Government’s Defence Policy

Defence has two key purposes, to:

• Defend Australia and its national interests – through the conduct of operations and provision of support for the Australian community and civilian authorities in accordance with Government direction; and
• Protect and advance Australia’s strategic interests – through the provision of strategic policy, the development and sustainment of military, intelligence and enabling capabilities and the promotion of regional and global security and stability as directed by Government.