John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I accept the interjection that was made by a member of the opposition that this is an important issue. Let me say in response to the second supplementary question of Senator Johnston that the Navy’s preparedness will not be affected by the plan to stand down non-essential personnel in order to give them and their families the rest and respite that they have earned and that I hope members of the opposition—in fact I hope all senators—would agree is well deserved.