Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Home Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

That is actually a very important and a very salient question in today's threat environment here in Australia where, as you'd be aware, our threat level is still 'probable', given the activities that are occurring. Contingent call-out orders may be made as part of ADF security assistance for major events—for example, recently, at the Commonwealth Games or the G20. You can make contingent orders where there is a prospect of terrorism or serious violence. Contingent call-out orders pre-authorise the ADF to respond, should specified circumstances arise. That's why it's called a contingent order. They are routinely made to protect major events from air threats in particular. These amendments will also now allow the ADF to be pre-authorised to respond to land and maritime based threats when operating under a contingent call-out order.