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

I thank the Senator for his question. Of course the government does not believe in torture or coercion to obtain confessions. I inform the Senate that today Mr Hicks has entered the plea of guilty to the charge of providing material support for terrorism at his arraignment before a military commission. I should also point out that this man has very competent legal advice. I understand that the judge has requested that the parties file an agreed upon statement of facts on 27 March, Guantanamo Bay time.

To the extent that Senator Brown raises the question as to what has gone before, it would seem rather redundant in the face of an admission which has been afforded to the court. The plea is obviously a matter for Mr Hicks. The government welcomes the fact that Mr Hicks’s case should now be resolved quickly. I underline the fact that there has now been a voluntary plea of guilty to the charge of providing material support for terrorism. The matter, as I say, is for Mr Hicks, his lawyers and the US authorities. Sentencing is a matter for the military commission. I do not believe I can take it much further. The matter is in the care and custody of the commission and it would be inappropriate for me to say anything further.