Joint media release with the Hon Catherine King MP
A consultation paper inviting public and industry input on proposals to strengthen Australia’s national security framework for uncrewed systems, commonly referred to as drones, opened today.
The Australian Government is seeking feedback from a broad range of stakeholders, including recreational users, industry, retailers, critical infrastructure operators, emergency services and the wider community.
The use of drones, particularly aerial drones, has grown significantly, delivering productivity and efficiency gains across key industries and critical functions, including agriculture, infrastructure maintenance, emergency services, construction and law enforcement.
Australia’s national security settings must keep pace with evolving drone technologies, while continuing to support the increased capability and productivity this technology provides.
The consultation is not about restricting responsible drone use. Rather, it is focused on supporting safe, secure and assured growth of the uncrewed systems sector.
The consultation will explore options to improve visibility and accountability across aerial, land and maritime uncrewed systems. This includes seeking feedback on measures to identify and track drones and their users, align regulatory settings with different operating environments, support security‑informed innovation, and strengthen public and industry awareness – while supporting safe and legitimate use.
The consultation responds to commitments made in the Aviation White Paper: Toward 2050 and is being progressed jointly by the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
It focuses on national security considerations across uncrewed systems, while complementing Australia’s existing aviation safety and operational frameworks.
The consultation will be open for four weeks. Information about how to make a submission can be found at: Consultation on proposed approaches to Australia's drone security
Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs, The Hon Tony Burke MP
“This is about keeping Australia safe, while supporting the responsible way drones are already being used across our community.”
“The security risk from drones is real. And we shouldn’t wait for a major incident before we act.”
“This consultation is about how we deal with these risks in a practical, proportionate way.”
“People who use drones every day have a real stake in this, and their views will help shape what happens next.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Catherine King MP
“Drone technologies are now relied upon by many industries to conduct activities in a more cost-effective and efficient manner, helping to boost productivity.”
“Ensuring we have appropriate guardrails in place will support industries to continue realising the capability and efficiencies this technology can unlock, while protecting Australians from drone misuse.”
