Drones are now widely used across Australia. They help farmers, businesses, emergency services, researchers and hobby users, and they bring many benefits to the community. But as drones become cheaper, easier to use and more capable, new safety and security risks are presenting themselves.
Importantly, drones are being misused near airports, prisons, sensitive sites and major events, sometimes by mistake and sometimes on purpose.
The Drones Security Public Consultation Paper 2026 (569KB PDF) addresses emerging drone security risks and responds to priorities identified in the Aviation White Paper: Towards 2050, which emphasises the need to better protect people and industry from drone-related threats.
This consultation paper recognises that drones can operate in the air, on land and at sea, and can be used together in places like ports, transport hubs and industrial sites.
The paper explains how the Australian Government proposes a range of potential measures to improve drone security outcomes, while supporting people and businesses to use drones in safe and helpful ways. It suggests a simple set of guiding principles that aim to:
- focus on higher‑risk places and activities, like critical infrastructure and large public events
- be flexible, so rules still work as technology changes over time
- cover drones that operate in the air, on land and at sea
- balance safety and innovation, so responsible users are not unfairly restricted.
This consultation is now closed for submissions.
Consultation on Drone Security
The Department of Home Affairs encouraged relevant stakeholders to share their feedback on the following themes covered in the Drones Security Public Consultation Paper 2026 (569KB PDF):
- proactive management of growing drone threats
- strengthened counter-drone capabilities to protect community and infrastructure
- enhanced identification and tracking through conspicuity
- balanced enforcement that deters misuse and enables innovation
- drone classifications and operating areas
- build public and industry awareness
This consultation is now closed for submissions.
Note: The Department of Home Affairs will publish submissions on this webpage in due course , unless advised that a submission was confidential.
More information
For more information on the drone security consultation and any additional questions please email uncrewed.systems.policy@homeaffairs.gov.au.
