Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I wish to add to an answer.

David Hawker (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The minister may proceed.

Brendan Nelson (Bradfield, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member for Barton asked me a question about a side-arm that had been raised in the course of the board of inquiry into the death of Private Kovco. In answering the question in relation to the nine-millimetre Browning pistol used by our troops in Iraq, I referred to comments made by former Chief of Defence and Chief of Army General Cosgrove. He said specifically:

... although the Browning pistol was “as old as the hills” it remained a good handgun.

…         …         …

“... it is not a question of how old it is; it is proven technology.

“The pistol itself may have been made last year, it is just a very old design.

He also said:

“I know that the money spent to prepare the diggers, both in terms of their personal kit and their training, is immense—unprecedented.”

I table that report.