Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath for his question. Yes, I can provide some information in response to that question, Senator McGrath, and if further information is needed then I will seek to get that information after question time. The draft special-purpose aircraft guidelines 2023 have been updated to reflect the security advice ratified by the security coordination committee on 1 March 2023. In accordance with this advice, the draft guidelines will not be finalised until the transparency and accountability considerations are finalised.

Well, I'm directly answering your questions, so please listen. Until the guidelines are finalised, the government is authorising flights in accordance with the 2013 guidelines. The use of special-purpose aircraft is being reported, reflecting the security advice and the updated draft guidelines. As I said, if there's further information that I can provide then I shall do that.