Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you again, Senator Lambie. In terms of the issue relating to medals that you've raised—and I know this is something you're very interested in, Senator Lambie, and you've pursued it in estimates as well—as I'm sure you're aware, the Chief of the Defence Force has provided his recommendations on command accountability to the Deputy Prime Minister. The Deputy Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister for Defence, is considering those recommendations and seeking advice as appropriate.

But to the broader issue about potential conflicts of interest involving Major General and Justice Brereton, Justice Brereton will resign his judicial appointment and his appointment as Assistant Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force before taking up his role as the commissioner of the NACC. He will retain his position as Major General in the ADF reserves and honorary appointments as Colonel Commander of the Royal New South Wales Regiment and the University of New South Wales Regiment. Justice Brereton will actively manage any perceived or actual conflict of interest that arises in the course of his duties from his prior roles—for example, by delegating the relevant matter to a deputy commissioner. (Time expired)