Question Time AU

General Debate

Australian Defence Force

Senate · Tuesday 31 March 2026

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

At a glance

Senator Shoebridge moved a motion to suspend standing orders to allow precedence for a debate on the deployment of the Australian Defence Force to the United Arab Emirates. Shoebridge argued that the government had failed to comply with its own Memorandum on Government Conventions Relating to Overseas Armed Conflict Decision Making by not tabling legal advice or providing transparency regarding the deployment. The motion to suspend standing orders was put to a vote and passed, allowing the substantive motion to proceed. However, the substantive motion regarding the deployment itself was subsequently defeated.

Outcome

The motion to suspend standing orders was passed, but the substantive motion regarding the deployment of the Australian Defence Force was defeated.

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

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

David Shoebridge (NSW) (Australian Greens) Greens

Shoebridge argued that the government had breached its own conventions by failing to table legal advice or provide transparency regarding the deployment of 85 Australian personnel and military assets to the United Arab Emirates. Shoebridge contended that the government was avoiding accountability for supporting what he described as an illegal war led by the United States and Israel. Shoebridge called for the government to explain the legal basis and objectives of the deployment and to ensure the safety of Australian forces in the region.

Votes during this debate

Division 5: Australian Defence Force Passed 23–10 Division 6: Australian Defence Force Not passed 10–23