Senate debates

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Committees

Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee; Reference

3:37 pm

Photo of Alex GallacherAlex Gallacher (SA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting day in June 2015:

The potential use by the Australian Defence Force of unmanned air, maritime and land platforms, with particular reference to:

(a) their role in intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance operations, including in support of border security, civil emergencies and regional cooperation;

(b) their cost- and combat-effectiveness in relation to conventional military platforms;

(c) the Government’s force structure review and defence capability plan;

(d) challenges, opportunities and risks associated with their deployment;

(e) domestic and international legal, ethical and policy considerations;

(f) research and development capabilities and Australia’s industrial expertise;

(g) transport, health and air safety implications; and

(h) other related matters.

Question agreed to.