This Division confers powers on members of the Defence Force if the Defence Force is being utilised under a call out order that specifies that this Division applies. The powers are to protect infrastructure, in Australia or the Australian offshore area, that has been declared by the authorising Ministers in an infrastructure declaration.

An infrastructure declaration can be made whether or not a call out order is in force.

An expedited infrastructure declaration can be made under Division   7 in sudden and extraordinary emergencies.

Division   6 allows members of the Defence Force exercising powers under this Division to use reasonable and necessary force. Division   6 also:

  (a)   confers powers and imposes obligations if persons are detained or things are seized; and

  (b)   contains an offence for failing to comply with a direction; and

  (c)   deals with the consequences of the exercise of powers by members of the Defence Force if obligations imposed in relation to the exercise of those powers have not been met or if call out orders and other instruments have not been validly made.