Senator HARRADINE (10:01 AM) —I remember the debate that occurred very well. I want to ask the parliamentary secretary, firstly, in regard to reservists: are they also covered by the provisions that were introduced on the last occasion or by the whole of the—

Senator Abetz —I'm sorry; I cannot hear you, Senator.

Senator HARRADINE —Are reservists covered by the strictures that apply to the regular armed forces? Secondly, my understanding is that situations involving confrontations with civilians within Australia, such as strikes, are already exempt.

Senator Faulkner —That's right, Senator.

Senator HARRADINE —I see the acknowledgment of the Leader of the Opposition and also of the parliamentary secretary.

Senator Faulkner —He's been promoted to the ministry.

Senator HARRADINE —I'm sorry. I beg your pardon.

Senator Abetz —And you wrote me a very nice letter.

Senator HARRADINE —I did. I beg your pardon, Minister. Thank you for that clarification. That part of Senator Brown's amendment is, of course, then redundant. We then go to the question of the words `such as strikes or protests'. I notice Senator Brown has got—

Senator Abetz —`Peaceful' is deleted.

Senator HARRADINE —`Peaceful' is deleted. I am not sure what is meant by that, but I recall that provisions were inserted in the legislation which would, as far as I could see, give protection to the principle that the armed forces are the armed forces, and their duties are not generally peacekeeping duties within Australia. There are, however, very strictly encompassed circumstances wherein the armed forces could be called as an aid to the civil power. But that would be in extraordinary circumstances. Senator Murray says that there may be a minister, there may be a commander in the situation, but that is why that particular action is very circumscribed. I take the view that has been adopted by the leader here, after consultation with shadow ministers, and I am yet to be convinced otherwise. My personal views are very strong on the question of the right of peaceful protest, the right to strike and so on. But I believe, as has been indicated by the Leader of the Opposition and by the minister, that provisions are already in place, having regard to the amendments that were adopted on the last occasion and the legislation itself.