David Feeney (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Senator, I do not think we have a disagreement. The convention is an international agreement. It has been struck and the words are before us. Australia has signed that convention and is obviously now in the process of ratifying it. This bill gives life to the convention for the purposes of Australian law but the convention is an international instrument and we are one of 49 signatories.

Senator Xenophon interjecting—

The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Senator Xenophon, I think if you have a question, it is easier for Hansardif you stand up, and I will acknowledge you.

Just to deal with your point about rules of engagement, Senator Ludlam at an earlier stage asked what other measures above and beyond the legislation are required to realise Australian government support for the treaty. Of course, in answering Senator Ludlam's question I made the point that there are a range of measures that the government will be taking. The convention and its intent need to be enabled through ADF doctrine, ADF directives and potentially rules of engagement. All of those non-legislative measures are very important.