Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Consideration of Senate Message

Defence Force Discipline Amendment (RCDVS Implementation and Related Measures No. 1) Bill 2026; Consideration of Senate Message

House of Representatives · Thursday 17 September 2026

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The House considered amendments proposed by the Senate to the bill implementing Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommendations. The Minister for Veterans' Affairs supported the amendments, noting the bill's role in protecting victims-survivors and establishing an extinguishment scheme for historic homosexual offences. The Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel argued that requiring ministerial directions to be legislative instruments would ensure transparency and parliamentary oversight. The House agreed to the amendments.

Outcome

The question was agreed to.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Matt Keogh (Burt) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Keogh moved that the amendment be agreed to. Keogh stated that the bill implemented 20 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and supported a further 20. Keogh argued the measures would improve protections for victims-survivors of sexual and violent offending and enable better information sharing for the wellbeing of defence personnel and their families. Keogh also highlighted the establishment of an extinguishment scheme for historic homosexual offences and thanked crossbench members for their support.

Government response

Matt Keogh (Minister for Veterans' Affairs; Minister for Defence Personnel) ALP Burt

Keogh moved that the amendment be agreed to. Keogh stated that the bill implemented 20 recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and supported a further 20. Keogh argued the measures would improve protections for victims-survivors of sexual and violent offending and enable better information sharing for the wellbeing of defence personnel and their families. Keogh also highlighted the establishment of an extinguishment scheme for historic homosexual offences and thanked crossbench members for their support.

Opposition response

Phillip Thompson (Shadow Minister for Defence Industry; Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel) LNP Herbert

Thompson supported the coalition amendment, which required ministerial directions to the Director of Military Prosecutions to be issued as legislative instruments. Thompson argued this would ensure transparency, accountability, and parliamentary oversight of the military justice system. Thompson stated that decisions influencing military justice should not be made behind closed doors and that public scrutiny would maintain confidence in the independence of the Director of Military Prosecutions.