Natasha Stott Despoja (SA, Australian Democrats) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I thank the minister for his answer. I understand that he is waiting to hear about the regulations, but can I get clarification: are the government currently satisfied with the legislative framework that is contained in the Military Commissions Act at this point in time? When the government mentioned the assessment of the impact of the newly reconstituted military commission process on the case of David Hicks, did the government reach a conclusion in that assessment? Did they assess that it would have a negative or a positive impact on the case? Given the comments by the minister regarding the sentencing and possible jail time in Australia or other options for David Hicks, doesn’t it concern the government that he currently is not charged with anything? There are no charges pending. Doesn’t that therefore alter the government’s perspective on whether or not Mr Hicks should be repatriated?