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

There will be times when the states and territories may seek defence assistance to deal with violent situations, as I've indicated, and the amendments in the bill will improve and enhance the existing legal framework for that.

Nevertheless, as I said, police remain the best first responders to terrorism incidents, and the bill makes no changes to the primary responsibility of the states and territories to protect lives and property in their jurisdictions. Nor are there any changes to the primacy of the civil power. Civilian law enforcement agencies remain the paramount authority during a call-out. In particular, the amendments make it clear that when operating under a call-out order the Australian Defence Force must assist and cooperate with state and territory law enforcement agencies. As far as reasonably practical, and even after it has been called out, the ADF will not act unless formally requested by the relevant state or territory police force.

All levels of government recognise that our highest duty is to protect the Australian people. (Time expired)