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
Drone Security Public Consultation Paper 2026 addresses emerging drone security risks 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.
The Australian Government is asking the public, industry and other groups to share their views.
Your feedback will help shape future rules to keep people safe, protect important places, and support the responsible use of drones across Australia.
The consultation
closes at 12:00PM, Monday 25 May 2026.
Consultation on Drone Security
The Department of Home Affairs encourages relevant stakeholders to share their feedback on the following themes covered in the
Drones Security Public Consultation Paper 2026:
- 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
Submissions will contribute to the development of a future framework for the lawful use of uncrewed systems in Australia. Uncrewed system operators and developers, including counter‑drone vendors and operators, from civil, commercial and recreational sectors are encouraged to respond to the consultation paper.
The
Drones Security Public Consultation Paper 2026 is now available.
Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN) members will find updates and information about upcoming consultation events on the TISN cross-sector platform.
You can find more information at our
TISN page.
Providing a submission for the drone security consultation
The consultation
closes at 12:00PM, Monday 25 May 2026.
The consultation paper asks several questions for each measure that could guide the structure of your submission.
The Department of Home Affairs will publish submissions on its website after the public consultation period ends, unless advised that a submission is confidential.
Submissions may only be provided in PDF, JPEG, JPG, or PNG file formats.
Please send your feedback via the
consultation on proposed approaches to Australia's drone security submission form.
Submissions to Drone Security Consultation
Interested parties are encouraged to provide their feedback through the submission
consultation on proposed approaches to Australia's drone security submission form
More information
For more information on the drone security consultation please email
uncrewed.systems.policy@homeaffairs.gov.au
