Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026

Mr THOMPSON (Herbert) (16:21): This is a sensible coalition amendment, and I want to thank my colleagues in the other place, especially Senator Collins, who spearheaded this for the coalition. The amendment will ensure, if the minister is to provide directions or guidance to the Director of Military Prosecutions, at a minimum any directions or guidelines issued by the minister should be a legislative instrument.

That would ensure transparency, accountability and parliamentary oversight. Decisions that have the potential to influence the operation of the military justice system should not be made behind closed doors. By requiring directions and guidelines to be legislative instruments, parliament can scrutinise their content, ensure they are publicly available and maintain confidence in the independence and integrity of the Director of Military Prosecutions.

If such powers are to exist, they should be exercised openly and be subject to the scrutiny of this parliament. This is a sensible coalition amendment. We support this amendment.

Question agreed to.