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

Senator Kirk’s supplementary question implies that the government is content to leave David Hicks over there in custody without trial forever. That is totally untrue. We are making it very clear that Australia believes that this man should be brought to trial and we are saying to the United States that that should be done as soon as possible. He has been there for a lengthy period of time. There have been court proceedings which have necessitated a delay in the proceedings of the charges. He was previously charged on three serious counts in relation to his alleged activities and we believe that the military commission is an appropriate way to deal with him, but he should be brought to trial as soon as possible.