Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I read Major-General Cantwell's commentary, and I think it was unfortunate and wrong. It is absolutely wrong. Minister Smith has great belief in our troops. He provides enormous support and commitment to those troops and he has always respected the role that they play. As I said, I have discussed with Minister Smith on many occasions issues relating to defence and deployment of our troops and I know for a fact that he feels very deeply when we have had the loss of a soldier serving in Afghanistan or when we have had serious injuries to our serving personnel. I know he feels that very deeply and feels the responsibilities very deeply. So I absolutely reject the accusations made.

Minister Smith is very committed to supporting our troops, very respectful of the role they play and is doing everything he can to advance their and Australia's national interests.