THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT ON JOINT STATUTORY COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE

Tuesday 19 March 2024

Shadow Minister for Defence, Defence Industry and Defence Personnel, the Hon. Andrew Hastie MP, has welcomed a letter from Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles, indicating the Albanese Government will prioritise the establishment of a Joint Statutory Committee on Defence (JCD).

Mr Hastie first wrote to the Minister in 2022 requesting a JCD be established – modelled on and with the same security and secrecy provisions as the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security.

The new Joint Statutory Committee on Defence will bring rigorous Parliamentary oversight to Australia's Defence agencies and the Australian Defence Force and facilitate confidential discussions and briefings.

It comes as the passage of the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023 and the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets 2023 are expedited this sitting fortnight – both of which are vital to the success and progression of AUKUS.

The Coalition looks forward to receiving the draft legislation within weeks and offers bipartisan support to the Government in progressing the Committee at best speed.

ENDS