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

I thank Senator Lambie for her question. She has been consistent and persistent in her advocacy for defence personnel and the veterans community on many issues, including this one. By way of background, the Afghanistan inquiry was initiated in 2016 to determine whether there was any substance to rumours and allegations relating to breaches of the Law of Armed Conflict by Special Operations Task Force over the period 2005 to 2016. The matter was dealt with through the IGADF and is also being dealt with through the Office of the Special Investigator, and I'm advised that the next court mention for the first charge brought by that office is scheduled for 2 July 2024.

I'm also advised that the defence department has implemented the required actions to close 139 of the 143 inquiry recommendations and that the Office of the Special Investigator is continuing its work. In relation to the IGADF—and I don't know if the senator wants me to go to this, but I know she has raised this also publicly, including today—I know that the senator has sought an audit of the efficiency and effectiveness of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. I'm advised, as the senator is aware, that there was a review initiated of the IGADF, conducted by former justice Duncan Kerr, and the matter is currently before the government. (Time expired)