Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I totally and utterly reject the premise of that question. There is absolutely no evidence that that tragic crash of the aircraft and the loss of three American firefighters—who were also, I note, veterans—had anything to do with the nature of the contracts themselves.

They are a highly professional company. They were highly professional and experienced emergency services personnel.

An honourable senator: They're grounded.

I'll take that interjection. Of course it's grounded. We always do that after any accident to take precautions. But the point is this—and I actually thank and acknowledge all of the air crews, because, as I said, this is a highly specialised skill that very few people globally have. It is dangerous work and the crews and the pilots are very skilled. They are brave and we should be acknowledging more their specialist skills. I entirely reject the premise of that question, Senator Griff. (Time expired)