Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cyber Security) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the member for Mitchell's amendments. These amendments are only necessary due to the inclusion of the provision that the Chief of Defence Force can authorise ADF officers other than chaplains to solemnise marriages occurring overseas. It is worth noting that the best course of action would've been to not include this provision in the Smith bill, as it is hard to fathom a situation where this course of action would be necessary. However, in recognising that it is included, these amendments are necessary to protect the conscientious rights of all ADF officers.

See this speech in context