Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed, the processes around these, starting in 2014 and 2015, actually began before the Brereton report was even commissioned, so it certainly is the case that the initial instigators, if you like, of these changes in relation to citation and award practices dated back prior to the commissioning of the Brereton report. The changes were made well before that report was completed and before the Prime Minister was briefed on it. The Prime Minister was only briefed on the content of that report in November of 2020, some months after the changes had been made in July of 2020.

The government understands the extreme sensitivities in relation to these matters. It is why we expect them to be handled with sensitivity and why we are at pains to stress and reinforce the fact that we have nothing but the highest of regard for the exemplary service of the vast majority of Australian service men and women. (Time expired)