Darren Chester (Gippsland, National Party, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

In summing up, I would like to acknowledge the honourable members who contributed to the debate on this bill, acknowledge the bipartisan support shown in the second reading debate, and also acknowledge the member for Herbert's contribution in particular, in relation to the contribution our Australian Defence Force personnel have made in response to the Townsville flooding event. The efforts of our serving men and women have been nothing short of extraordinary. Lives have been saved as a direct result of their intervention. Their efforts during the response phase and now the recovery phase have been commended right across our country, and we're very proud of them. We are also particularly proud of their families, many of whom have themselves been exposed to flooding and have had to deal with their own situations while their serving member of the Defence Force has gone out to protect the community. It has been quite an extraordinary effort.

The Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 has three separate measures. The first measure amends the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 to ensure greater transparency in the selection of the members of the judge advocate's panel and to enhance the independence of judge advocates. The second measure amends the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001 to move the complaint, investigation and mediation scheme from the regulations to the act, whilst simplifying and improving these processes. The third measure also amends the Defence Force Discipline Act, making number of technical, flow-on and minor amendments.

In conclusion, this bill moves to make some small but significant changes to Defence legislation. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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