Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

This obviously goes to the implementation of the Brereton report, which contained 143 recommendations, many of which were resolved by the previous government. The Deputy Prime Minister has instructed Defence to detail a pathway for closing out the remaining 42 recommendations.

One of the outstanding recommendations is the one referenced in Senator Lambie's question, which deals with the review of the award of decorations to those in the command positions of troop, squadron and task group level during particular Special Operations Task Group rotations. I am advised that the Chief of the Defence Force has written to a small number of people. Obviously I don't propose to comment on the outcome of each of those particular considerations. I would make the point that the government's focus is on implementing the Brereton recommendations.

In relation to the last part of your question, Senator Lambie, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr Marles, has stated that there is no cause to extend the parameters of the recommendation, and where the CDF has acted it is because there is an evidence based reason to do so.

The government remains committed to ensuring that the outstanding recommendations of the Brereton report are appropriately acted upon. I'm advised the CDF is seeking to do that where there has been a detectable pattern of behaviour underpinned by credible reports of misconduct by ADF personnel in Afghanistan. I'm also advised this applies to a very small number of people.