Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

I should point out that Mr Hicks was previously charged. If I recall correctly, he faced three charges. There was the appeal—the Hamden-Rumsfeld case—which put proceedings in abeyance. A decision was handed down in relation to that. As a result of that decision, alterations had to be made to the constitution of the military commissions. As we understand it, that has been done, and the legislation I mentioned earlier reflects that. We do have ongoing discussions with the United States authorities in relation to how this impacts on the Hicks case. But I think senators should remember that Mr Hicks has previously been charged. Those charges were not continued with because of the Hamden-Rumsfeld decision, which was the subject of appeal and held matters up. But, in relation to the other matters raised by Senator Stott Despoja, I will raise them with the Attorney-General and see what I can bring back to the Senate.