Damian Hale (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question to the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister is: as a member of the caucus National Security Committee, I am interested in knowing what the Rudd government is doing to build on its strong track record in national security. I understand the Prime Minister and cabinet has a strong policy focus on national security matters in areas such as defence policy and border security. Over the past month, there has been a lot of debate concerning a freeze on public service recruitment. So I wonder what the effect of such a freeze might have on the department’s capacity to deliver advice in this very important area.

In terms of new initiatives, I wonder what this budget includes and what the government’s focus is. Another aspect of the government’s policy on which I have been focusing closely is the National Security Legislation Monitor. I would ask whether the government is fulfilling this commitment and why the commitment has been made.

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