Andrew Gee (Calare, National Party, Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank all members who contributed to the debate on the Defence Legislation Amendment (Discipline Reform) Bill 2021. I would particularly like to thank and acknowledge those members who have served our nation in uniform and brought their considerable experience and understanding to the debate on this bill. I also acknowledge the member for Blair and those opposite for their support of this bill in this House.

This bill will reform the system of military discipline for those who serve in our Defence Force by improving the way discipline officers and summary authorities operate under the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982. It builds on the success of the Discipline Officer system and will enable minor breaches of discipline to be managed as a disciplinary infringement. In doing so, it will remove the stress of lengthy criminal-like investigations and court-like procedures that apply to matters dealt with by summary and superior military tribunals. It also introduces a new cyberbullying service offence. This will send a very strong message to those in uniform that the use of social media to cyberbully another person is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in the Australian Defence Force.

Discipline lies at the heart of military service. These reforms will better support Australian Defence Force commanders and give them the tools they need to defend Australia and its interests. I commend this bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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