Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

It is probably best for Senator Sterle not to open his mouth and confirm people's views. Mr President, following a review of Defence support to anti-domestic-terrorism arrangements initiated last year, the government has made a number of changes that will facilitate Defence working with federal, state and territory police in the event of a terrorist incident. Clearly, state and territory police forces remain the best first response to terrorist incidents immediately after an attack starts. However, it is the case that Defence can offer more support to states and territories to enhance their capabilities and increase their understanding of Defence's unique capabilities to ensure a comprehensive response to potential terrorist attacks.

Under the changes, Defence will offer states specialised training for law enforcement teams. Defence will also offer states placement of ADF officers within law enforcement agencies to assist with liaison and strengthen the call-out provisions in the Defence Act. These changes will ensure that Defence is better able to support states and territories in preparing for terrorist incidents. They will enable a more comprehensive ADF response to a terrorist incident if required, and they will improve information flows between the ADF and police during an incident.

Together, these measures will further develop our nation's ability to respond to terrorism as well as to improve the effectiveness of Defence's contribution to domestic counterterrorism arrangements. As we have, unfortunately, seen in recent weeks—and I note the vital work of our security agencies in disrupting a plot to bring down a passenger aircraft in this country—we can't have a 'set and forget' approach to national security. We must stay ahead of the evolving terrorist threat, which is exactly what the changes we have made will work to ensure.