Australian Defence Force

Jordon Steele-John

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, by no later than midday on Monday, 6 March 2023:

(a) advice provided to the Prime Minister in relation to Australia's decision to deploy members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) into Iraq in March 2003;

(b) correspondence with the United States Embassy, the United States Department of State and the United States Department of Defence, in relation to decision making to enter Iraq in 2003; and

(c) all instructions given by the Minister for Defence to senior Department of Defence officials and Heads of Service in relation to general control and administration of the ADF in 2003.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines

Leave is granted for one minute.

Katy Gallagher

The government will not be supporting this motion for the same reasons given in relation to an almost identical motion moved by Senator Steele-John earlier this week. The Labor Party placed its views on these matters on the public record 20 years ago. While the Greens may wish to engage in historic accounting, the more important foreign policy priority that this government faces is the fact we live in the most difficult strategic circumstances since World War II. The government is focused on utilising the means at our disposal through investing in our strategic and diplomatic capabilities to keep Australians safe.

Sue Lines

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 148 standing in the name of Senator Steele-John be agreed to.