David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for his question. It is, of course, obviously important that Defence personnel can act without fear or favour, as they do. They are on the front-line of defending Australia and Australians without, as I say, fear or favour. In return, they can expect bipartisan support in carrying out their orders and conducting their operations.

Last week, I observed a most disgraceful attack upon a senior, respected lieutenant-general, who is dealing with one of the most difficult policy failures this country has had to confront—and, may I say, doing a sterling job in very difficult circumstances. This attack was one of the most disgraceful low points of this parliament. He was accused of engaging in a political cover-up. The opposition spokesperson for defence sank to a new low in this place. He has single-handedly demeaned the standing of his own party in the eyes of Defence personnel and the wider Defence community and members of the Australian community. This situation needs to be repaired. I say the senator should apologise and withdraw. Such behaviour reflects on all of us. Being robust is fine. Asking difficult questions in estimates is fine. But a personal attack on a professional member of the ADF—doing a very good job in difficult circumstances—is completely unacceptable. This is not the view of all parliamentarians. He should not have been attacked, and Senator Conroy should have apologised. (Time expired)