Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

I completely reject that. My previous answer outlined very clearly the approach of the Australian government to this matter. We have had 16 consular visits to Mr Hicks—and I stress consular visits. We have actively monitored his welfare. We have not found any evidence whatsoever that he has been the subject of torture and, of course, we as a nation totally reject torture being used in any situation. Could I say that, in relation to this matter, we have taken particular care and attention to ensure that Mr Hicks’s interests are looked after. The reason why he is not before the military commission is not of the making of the US government or the Australian government; it is because proceedings have been brought in the courts in the United States in the case of Hamdan v Rumsfeld.