Mark Dreyfus (Isaacs, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to respond to this question. The member for Clark has raised concerns about war crimes and about the prosecution of Mr David McBride and Mr Richard Boyle. In relation to war crimes, members should be aware that, following an investigation by the Office of the Special Investigator, a former SAS soldier has been charged with a war crime under Australian law, and his matter is currently before the courts. I am sure that the member for Clark is aware of this and I am sure that the member for Clark supports the ongoing work of the Office of the Special Investigator, which of course is responsible for war crimes investigations.

I am strongly of the view that integrity and the rule of law are central to Australia's criminal justice arrangements. The Attorney-General does have the power to discontinue proceedings, and I'm sure that the member for Clark would understand that that power of the Attorney-General is reserved for very unusual and exceptional circumstances. As Mr McBride's proceeding and Mr Boyle's proceeding both remain ongoing, it's inappropriate for me to comment further on the particulars of their matters, but I would note that the government is committed to delivering—

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