DELEGATION REPORTS
Dr REID (Robertson) (09:01): by leave—I present the report of the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the 71st Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and bilateral visit to Croatia. I seek leave to make a short statement in connection with the report. Leave granted.
Dr REID: I had the honour to lead the Australian parliamentary delegation to the annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly late last year, accompanied by the member for Page. The annual session brought together parliamentarians from NATO member states and partner countries at a time of significant strategic uncertainty. Unsurprisingly, discussions focused heavily on Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the need to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence posture following comments and commitments made at the NATO summit at the Hague.
However, discussions extended well beyond Europe. Of particular interest to Australia was the strong recognition throughout the assembly of the security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions that are increasingly interconnected. This was reflected in committee deliberations and in growing interest in NATO's engagement with partner countries across our region.
The delegation participated across all five assembly committees, which examined a broad range of issues, including democratic resilience, cybersecurity, foreign interference, disinformation, emerging technologies, defence capability, economic security and the future of uncrewed warfare. A consistent theme throughout the assembly was that modern security is not solely about military strength.
Members and experts emphasise the importance of resilient democratic institutions, secure critical infrastructure, technological innovation and the capacity to counter hybrid threats such as cyberattacks and disinformation. The plenary session adopted six resolutions addressing democratic resilience, NATO's defence priorities, economic security, stability in the Western Balkans, continued support for Ukraine and preparation for future forms of warfare.
Importantly for Australia, the assembly adopted changes to its rules of procedure that grant Australia enhanced rights as a partner for comprehensive security. These reforms provide greater opportunities for Australian delegates to participate in committee proceedings, including the ability to move amendments and vote in committees. The delegation strongly encourages future Australian participants to make use of these expanded opportunities.
In the margins of the assembly, the delegation participated in bilateral meetings with delegations from several participating countries. These meetings provided an opportunity to deepen relationships and discuss shared interests, including the importance of upholding the international rules-based order. Beyond the assembly, the delegation undertook a valuable program of bilateral engagements in Slovenia and Croatia.
These meetings strengthened parliamentary and government relationships, promoted Australia's interests and provided opportunities to discuss issues ranging from defence, innovation and economic cooperation to the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific. The delegation wishes to record its appreciation for Australia's ambassadors and diplomatic staff in Slovenia and Croatia, whose expertise and support were instrumental to the success of the visit.
The delegation also extends its thanks to the governments and parliaments of Slovenia and Croatia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the International and Parliamentary Relations Office for their support in facilitating a highly successful visit. I would also like to thank and acknowledge Justin Baker from the Department of the House of Representatives for his generous support and assistance to the Australian Parliamentary Delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and Croatia.
I commend the report to the House.