Joel Fitzgibbon (Hunter, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

When the impact of the implementation of that decision on the special forces soldiers came to my attention, I immediately directed Defence to suspend any recovery action. I was advised, as late as about five to two this afternoon, that that suspension remains in place. I told the House last year that I would fix this problem. In addition to directing Defence to suspend the recovery payments, I have also directed them to fix the problem. I have been frustrated that Defence has been so slow to fix the problem, but on 18 February the Chief of Army, who has intervened in this issue at my request, issued a directive which will suspend the operation of the tribunal’s determination both retrospectively and prospectively. I reaffirm my commitment to this House that no—

See this speech in context