Alex Gallacher SA, Australian Labor Party
2:25 pm
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
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
Oh, really?
David Johnston WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence
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
2:26 pm
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
2:27 pm
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
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?
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Senators:
Opposition senators interjecting—
David Johnston WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence
2:28 pm
I do not think it says anything at all.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Senators:
Opposition senators interjecting—