Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2025

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (13:19): Senator, your question is based on a false premise. The legislation does not operate as you describe. The legislation is very clear about membership.

It allows for the appointment of government members and non-government members. This allows for flexibility, and prime ministers will exercise their judgement about the appointment of non-government members in consultation with leaders of the recognised political parties within the parliament.