John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Defence all documents including briefs to ministers concerning complaints and allegations made in 1997 and 1998 about substandard maintenance on Navy ships and the likely risks of harm, particularly with respect to the safety of HMAS Westralia, as well as responses and results of any investigations into those complaints and allegations subsequently conducted.

Question put.

Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr President, I seek leave to make a very brief statement—in fact it is one sentence—in relation to the previous vote.

Leave granted.

Given that all matters surrounding HMAS Westralia are currently being investigated by the Ombudsman, it would be inappropriate to comply with this request.