Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Leave granted.

I would like to address today’s news that Mr David Hicks has pleaded guilty to the charge of providing material support for terrorism. I have requested a detailed briefing from the Attorney-General regarding Mr Hicks’s guilty plea, and I do not intend to comment on it until I receive an adequate briefing from the government as to the application of the law and the substance of the government’s negotiations with the US authorities. I note also the Prime Minister’s statement today that he will not comment on the matter until the military commission finalises its proceedings in relation to Mr Hicks.