Derryn Hinch (Victoria, Derryn Hinch's Justice Party) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you. I will be supporting the motion to suspend standing orders to discuss this important issue, but I endorse the comments of Senators Brandis, Payne and Gallagher that ANZUS is there, ANZUS is important and ANZUS must be respected, and it is for the executive government to make a decision on such an important issue. If North Korea or one of Australia's other neighbours launched any form of attack or threat on Australia, we would not be sitting here arguing that the United States Congress should decide before America comes to our defence and assistance. On this, I agree with the government that it is an issue of such importance as to send troops. It should never be taken lightly, but it's for the executive government to do that. I think that this can be heard, and I think that the Greens are fair to bring it on.