John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank speakers for their contribution to the debate on the Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2008, a subject that I know has become something of a long-running saga in this place. Indeed, I want specifically to thank members of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, who have been very, very persistent in getting this reform underway. It speaks volumes for the committee, because it has been a long and drawn-out process. But not only that, I think it is fair to say that this committee has continued to demand accountability from the government of the day and be a serious watchdog in the public interest. I would also like to thank the committee for its objectivity in pursuing what is good public policy over the crude political pressure which so often defeats good reform like this.

Senator Payne, in her speech in the second reading debate, urged an early review of the reforms. I am advised that this is already underway, with Mr Justice Street having been engaged from June to December this year to undertake that role. I also accept that continuing review and oversight by the foreign affairs and defence committee would be sensible and I am quite sure that under Senator Bishop, as the new chair of that committee, it will give consideration to an appropriate role for the committee in that regard. Another issue that Senator Payne raised, in relation to consultation, is also a critically important one. I believe that consultation is one of those things that can probably always be done better. I take the point that is made about the Law Council’s views and I particularly note the controversy on rules of evidence. Again, I think points about consultation are well made.

I could say, and I think all senators in the chamber would agree, that at last we do have long overdue reform after as many as six independent reviews. We hope that the continuing public controversy over the years, which has seriously tarnished the reputation of our military, might now become a thing of the past. I would like to congratulate the Chief of the Defence Force, who has made this reform a personal goal. I think that should be said in this chamber as we finalise this legislation. That leadership has been absolutely critical and fundamental, and we sincerely hope that the current commitment to change continues both in behaviour and in attitude.

I thank those senators who have contributed to the debate on this bill. I thank all of those senators who have been intimately involved in the work of the foreign affairs and defence standing committee. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.