Richard Marles (Corio, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for that very important question. I will come back to the member with the precise answer on the number of those who have been recruited and when we can expect that six-week duration to be put in place. But I would point out that the lack of support that was provided by the former government in relation to this area over the preceding nine years has led to the situation that is now facing so many Australians. It has led to the situation that so many Australians are facing right now. It's not surprising to me that you have had inquiries coming in to your office about this question, because such inquiries have been fielded by all of those on this side of the House and I suspect in the electorate offices of those opposite. What occurred under the former government in relation to this was an absolute disgrace. The Albanese government is completely committed to rectifying this—

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