David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I refer the minister to the public comments made by Major-General Cantwell, who said very publicly:

After 38 years as a soldier and as a commander, I'd learned to read people, quickly and accurately. Reflecting on Smith's visit, the abiding impression I was left with was that he merely tolerated people like me and the troops I commanded.

In light of Major-General Cantwell's damning appraisal of the minister's performance, is it not time that the Prime Minister appointed someone who is capable of respecting and supporting our uniformed personnel?