Very old topic but I would like to understand if Australia has any rules governing the deployment of troops.

I haven't seen any debate in Australia regarding Howard complying with any official tests of war so to speak. Separation of duties of military and politicians, government duty of care in deploying troops for eg can we send troops into suicidal situations like Anzac Cove because the PM is a great mate of so and so. Percentage of troops that can be involved in other's wars so that we still have adequate numbers home based. If the war is failing (as currently) shouldn't duty of care tests determine that troops be recalled, or a new strategy planned and passed by the House of Parliament?.

If we learn anything from this mess is that we need rules of engagement, not for the military but for the government. I can't locate any, maybe Mr Bartlett was right all those years ago.