Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee

Malcolm Roberts

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 7 September 2026:

The fatal July 2023 MRH-90 Taipan Helicopter incident in the Whitsundays, with specific reference to:

(a) airworthiness assessments of the MRH-90 platform and associated equipment;

(b) Army Aviation compliance with the Defence Aviation Safety Regulations;

(c) findings of the Comcare investigation into the incident;

(d) any other investigations into the incident;

(e) the appropriateness of the decision not to prosecute any matters arising from the incident; and

(f) any other related matters.

Paul Scarr

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

The opposition has stood by the families of the four servicemen who tragically died as a part of this exercise. The opposition has facilitated briefings and supported the release of documents to provide more information to families about how this came to be and how the government reached its decision. In light of the continued questions around this tragic event, the coalition will support this motion for a short and appropriately scoped inquiry to provide answers to the families and lessons to government about how to reduce the risk of this happening again.

Katy Gallagher

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

The government recognises and pays tribute to the fallen on MRH-90 aircraft lost in the Lindeman Island incident on 28 July 2023. We remember the lives, dedication and spirit of Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Phillip Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs. It is fundamentally important for the families, for the Australian Defence Force and for the nation that we understand what caused this accident. Independent investigations into the accident are still underway, and the government believes that these processes should be allowed to conclude before any further inquiries, including by the parliament, take place. It is for this reason we will not be supporting Senator Roberts's motion.

Sue Lines

The question is that business of the Senate No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Roberts, be agreed to.