Senate debates

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Documents

Solicitor-General; Order for the Production of Documents

4:32 pm

Photo of Jordon Steele-JohnJordon Steele-John (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Attorney-General, by no later than midday on Monday, 20 March 2023:

(a) advice provided to the Attorney-General's Department by the Solicitor-General in relation to deployment of Australian Defence personnel under section 61 of the Australian Constitution;

(b) advice provided to the Attorney-General's Department by the Solicitor-General in relation to the power of general control and administration by the Minister for Defence under section 8 of the Defence Act 1903; and

(c) advice provided to the Attorney-General's Department by the Solicitor-General in relation to section 61 of the Australian Constitution or section 8 of the Defence Act 1903 between 2001-03.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

I believe leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of Anthony ChisholmAnthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | | Hansard source

The government will not be supporting this motion. It is the longstanding practice of governments not to disclose legal advice. A parliamentary committee is currently reviewing how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict, with the terms of reference referred by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP. The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will be soon be reporting on its inquiry into international armed conflict decision-making.

Photo of Sue LinesSue Lines (President) Share this | | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 161, standing in the name of Senator Steele-John, be agreed to.