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

I thank Senator Molan for his question. The No. 1 priority for the Turnbull government is the safety and security of Australians and Australia. In recent years terrorist attacks around the world and closer to home—for example, in Indonesia and the Philippines—have horrified us all. It's clear that terrorist tactics are evolving and, as we've also seen in the Middle East, some groups are capable of planning and conducting complex, well-coordinated attacks. As the threat evolves so must our approach to dealing with counterterrorism. Legislation being introduced by the government today will make it simpler for state and territory governments to call on the resources and expertise of the Australian Defence Force when they need it to deal with a terror related event or other acts of violence.

The defence amendment bill gives effect to the recommendations of the defence counterterrorism review announced last year. These amendments are the most significant changes to ADF callout powers since part IIIAAA of the Defence Act was introduced. The changes have been made in close consultation with the states and territories. It is very important to note that state and territory police will remain the best first response to terrorist and other incidents and continue to have primary responsibility for protecting life and property in their state or territory. I also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the Australia-New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Committee for its work in consulting with the states and territories so effectively and also to acknowledge and thank the state and territory governments for their active and constructive contributions to the consultation process on this extremely important matter of national security.