Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

It is true to say that the actions of Daesh remain a major threat to regional and to international security. As a member of the global coalition, and at the request of the Iraqi government, Australia already makes one of the largest contributions to disrupt and degrade Daesh in both Iraq and Syria.

With the expansion of our offensive operations into Syria in late 2015, it became clear that our domestic laws governing the conduct of operations had some inconsistency with international law, and, indeed, did not actually meet what was the ever-changing threat of terrorism. That is why the changes that the government has announced today are so important. We will continue to apply the strict rules of engagement and precise targeting processes which guide our operations, consistent with our international legal obligations. But members of Daesh and those contemplating joining them should be under no mistake: we will act against you— (Time expired)