Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to support the Defence Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2010 on behalf of the coalition. The main objective of the bill is to amend the Defence Act 1903 to formally establish the Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal. In addition, this bill contains amendments that will ensure that there is procedural fairness in the termination and the discharge process which arises from a defence member testing positive for a prohibited substance. It will also have amendments that will clarify that certain determinations made in accordance with the Defence Act are disallowable instruments. It further amends the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme Act 2008 to include all Reserve members. It will make minor amendments to the discipline scheme in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982. This is non-controversial legislation from the coalition’s perspective, and I commend the bill to the Senate.

Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the opposition for their contribution to the debate. I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.