Senator MARK BISHOP (2:56 PM) —My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Hill. Does the minister recall reports indicating on 17 June that he had given the Department of Defence six weeks to prepare a response to the unanimous recommendations of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence And Trade References Committee report on the effectiveness of the military justice system? Given that eight weeks have elapsed since the minister made that commitment, can the minister indicate whether he has received that response, and when a formal government response is expected? In other words, what hope can the minister give the grieving parents of suicide victims and others whose lives have been destroyed by the current system that their pain and loss will not be shared by others in the future?

Senator HILL (Minister for Defence) —A Senate committee did bring down a report on military justice. I said that I would seek considered advice from my department within a period of six weeks. My department met that requirement and provided me with a comprehensive response within that timetable. I have considered that response carefully and have now responded to my department in terms of my views on their advice. They are now considering my contribution, and we will be holding a meeting next week to resolve any outstanding differences. After that, a cabinet submission will be prepared. On adoption of the submission by government, a report will be made to the Senate. I am confident that the response will be within the period of three months, the period within which the government undertakes to respond. If I can do that, it will almost create a record. In saying that, I am taking into account the response period of the former government, I might say, which was atrocious. It is now so long ago that some have forgotten, particularly those on the other side of this chamber. These are serious issues, and they are being taken very seriously by the government.

Senator MARK BISHOP —Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. In light of that detailed response by the minister, I ask: would the minister be able to give a commitment now, at this stage, to give Air Chief Marshal Houston every support as he moves to implement the committee’s recommendations?

Senator HILL (Minister for Defence) —Even more than that: the government will require its determination to be implemented.