Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

at RAAF Base Edinburgh just two days before the South Australian election. As my South Australian colleague next to me, Senator Farrell, has made the point, it did not help them in the end. They trash convention and trash and embarrass our military just for some cheap political point-scoring on an Air Force base. He stood there on this base next to the still Liberal opposition leader, Steven Marshall, in front of a Liberal Party banner. The banner included the Liberal Party logo, Liberal Party slogans and the Liberal opposition leader's Twitter handle. This was on an Air Force base. I have written to the minister and asked for an explanation. I am still waiting to hear how he allowed this to happen and, more importantly, how he intends to make sure it never happens again.

Those opposite stand condemned by their decision to cut this payment to the children of killed or injured ADF personnel. There is no support for these cuts in the community. There is no reason for these cuts. This is one of those few times when those opposite just let their mask slip and we get to see what they are really about—mean spiritedness and penny-pinching. The Labor Party will not support the government's efforts to cut this important payment, and nor should anyone else in this chamber. The Senate should agree to this motion to ensure continued support for the children of killed or injured ADF personnel.