Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Johnston. I refer to the resignation of retired Major General Jim Molan from his office after three weeks, because the appointment was apparently 'not feasible'. Why was it not feasible?

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, can I say that we do not discuss the private matters of people employed in—

Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Oh, really?

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order, Senator Conroy.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

ministerial offices. Can I say that former Major General Jim Molan I hold in the highest of respect. There were some contractual terms which had been informally agreed, but which later became something that was not agreed. Accordingly, the future contractual relationship did not eventuate.

Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. When asked why he resigned, Major General Molan said he had no problem with the Department of Defence, the Secretary of Defence or the Chief of the Defence Force. Is it reasonable to conclude the minister was the problem?

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You would have to ask the former general, Mr Molan, as to what is in his mind, because in all of these matters I did not speak to him about his contractual relationship.

Alex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a further supplementary question. What does it say about the minister that a man whom he has described as 'one of the most respected former officers in the Australian army' could not work with him for more than three weeks?

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order on my left! Order.

David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I do not think it says anything at all.

Opposition Senators:

Opposition senators interjecting—