Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I was aware, Senator Lambie, and I believe the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence is also aware, of the matters that you informed the Senate of earlier today, which is that you have filed an article 15 communication to the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court. What I would say is that I'm advised that Australia is taking all appropriate steps to investigate allegations concerning the conduct of members of the ADF in Afghanistan, including by establishing the Office of the Special Investigator, and I think the senator has been briefed about that.

In relation to the Brereton report, it is a hugely significant document and there are very substantial allegations contained within it. The government has been focused, since taking office in May 2022, on ensuring that the recommendations of that report are implemented to the fullest possible extent. That work is ongoing. I am also advised that, as part of that work, the Chief of the Defence Force has considered the command accountability of current and former serving ADF members who held command positions during the periods in which the Inspector-General of the ADF found credible information of incidents of alleged unlawful conduct, as identified in the Afghanistan inquiry. The CDF has presented the relevant material to government for consideration. The Deputy Prime Minister, in his capacity as Minister for Defence, is considering the recommendations and seeking advice as appropriate. I am advised that the Deputy Prime Minister has offered to meet with you to discuss these matters.