Mark Bishop (WA, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry, Procurement and Personnel) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Abetz, the Minister representing the Minister for Defence. Is the minister aware that the High Court has given the green light to a constitutional challenge to the military’s disciplinary powers? Is it the case that such a challenge is likely to freeze the military justice system until the case is heard some time next year? Given this likelihood, can the minister explain how Defence will be able to uphold military discipline until the High Court challenge is heard and a decision is handed down? Doesn’t the challenge also mean that 62 accused personnel currently in the system will have to be relieved from duties on full pay whilst awaiting the chance to defend themselves?