Jessica Collins (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I don't think that surprises us at all, Senator Shoebridge. I rise today to speak on the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025, which improves oversight of Australia's defence. I support this bill because the proper governance and accountability of the defence of Australia is more important today than on any other day since World War II. The Liberal Party believes that strength is peace and that strength in defence is necessary even in times of peace. The Liberals' unwavering allegiance to the sovereignty of this great nation is unmatched. The opposition understands that sovereignty is first and foremost secured by the brave men and women of the Australian Defence Force, and I take this opportunity to again thank those in uniform, past and present, for their service and dedication to preserving the freedom of this great nation.

The Liberal Party is committed to the key function of this bill, which is the creation of a new defence committee to oversee, prioritise and enhance the ADF and the defence architecture of this nation. This area of governance is sadly in need of urgent reform, and we've seen weak and ineffective Labor members of government not understand, or refuse to face, the challenges in the Indo-Pacific in 2026 and beyond. In support of this bill, the opposition reaffirms that we follow the proven bipartisan track record of the practices of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security. This practice demands that only parties of government be included on the committee, so those who seek to weaken defence, like those in the Greens political party or the teal political movement, are unwelcome. Just rewind a little to hear the contributions from Senator Shoebridge and you will understand why they are not welcome on this committee.