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ARTICLE · 01 MARCH 2023

How does Australia decide to send troops to war?

Stacks Law Firm
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A federal parliamentary committee is now reviewing how Australia makes decisions to send our troops to war.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Michael McHugh
Michael McHugh
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Did you know that only one person makes the decision in Australia to send troops to fight wars? That decision may be based on fear of imminent attack, in response to a request for support from an ally, a first strike against a perceived enemy, or perhaps just to keep a powerful ally on side.

Prime minister responsible for decision to send troops

Regardless of the reason for war, in Australia the decision to declare war or send our military forces to fight overseas rests with just one person - the prime minister.

Section 68 of the Australian Constitution vests the commander-in-chief role of military forces in the governor-general, who acts on the advice of ministers. The power to send troops overseas is contained in the Defence Act 1903.

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