David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence. Minister, RUAG Australia is the sole manufacturer of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's weapons bay door uplocks. Without that military equipment, the F-35 fighter currently being used by the Israeli military to bomb Gaza would be denied its lethal capability as a weapon. Can the minister please explain the government's position on providing this military equipment to Israel?

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

Thank you to Senator Shoebridge for the question. The advice I have is what the government has already made clear—that Australia has not supplied weapons to Israel since the conflict began and for at least the past five years. Australia has a stringent export control framework which ensures military and dual-use items are used responsibly outside of Australia in ways which do not violate human rights. I'm advised that Defence undertakes a rigorous assessment of each export application.

I know, in relation to these issues, the senator has asked a number of questions. I'm advised that some of the reports deal with data that is collected by the Australian Border Force and compiled by the ABS. This data is based on information provided by companies about the type and estimated value of goods.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My point of order is on relevance. My question was very specific: about the manufacture of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter weapons bay door uplocks by RUAG Australia. The minister has not been relevant.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

You've asked the minister for an explanation and the minister is giving—

Senator Shoebridge, you're not in a debate with me. The minister is being relevant. Minister Wong.

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

I also wanted to indicate, in relation to the export control framework—which is relevant to the question which has been asked—my previous advice to Senator Shoebridge, which is: the government introduced into parliament, in this session, the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill 2023, which is intended to strengthen Australia's export control framework, and is reviewing the Defence trade controls—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Shoebridge?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

President, it's on relevance: the minister is now talking about putative future legislation. My question was quite specific—about RUAG Australia's manufacture of the weapons bay door uplocks for the F-35 fighters—and I'd ask you to bring the minister back to the question.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I believe the minister is being relevant, Senator Shoebridge, and I will continue to listen carefully to her answer.

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

Well, if I can add something else, I will. I would make the point that I am seeking to answer the question by looking to the legal framework which applies to the relevant export. I would have thought that's entirely relevant, Senator Shoebridge. I know you may not like it, but it is relevant. And, with respect, as to 'a putative future bill': this is a bill that has been introduced. It reflects the government's desire or intention to strengthen our export controls framework and ensure that the Defence Trade Controls Act 2012 remains effective, efficient and fit for purpose. I again reiterate the indication I have made earlier, as has the Deputy Prime Minister, in relation to the supply of these weapons.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you, Minister; the time for answering has expired. Senator Shoebridge, a first supplementary?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister, why won't you answer the question about the manufacture of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter's weapons bay door uplocks by Australia as the sole global manufacturer? Why won't you answer that question?

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

Senator—through you, President—I have answered the question and I've said:

Australia has not supplied weapons to Israel since the conflict began and for at least the past five years.

Then I have gone to the export control framework which is in existence and government plans to strengthen that framework. That is entirely relevant to the question the senator is asking. I know there's a lot of disinformation and misinformation circulating on social media and elsewhere about this issue, and I would encourage the senator to make sure that he does not contribute to that.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Shoebridge, a second supplementary?

David Shoebridge (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Speaking to information and/or disinformation, I will say that, according to DFAT's own website, between 2017 and 2022 Australia exported over $13 million worth of 'arms and ammunition' to Israel. Can you please explain how the government can export millions of dollars worth of arms and ammunition to Israel while you also claim to be sending no weapons to Israel?

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

It is really very irresponsible of a senator to suggest that a government department is engaging in misinformation and disinformation at this time. It really is irresponsible of you in this place to do that.

You can disagree, but you know the way in which misinformation and disinformation is used in our society, particularly at this time, and you have a responsibility to use your platform in a more responsible way than you do, Senator Shoebridge. I know that politics is a hard game, but, really, you should use your platform a little more responsibly. I responded on that issue in my primary answer, where I explained—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Shoebridge, you've asked your question. I'm asking you to listen respectfully. Minister, please continue.

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

I answered that question in my primary answer, where I referenced the fact that the advice I have is that the data to which the senator refers is collected by ABF and compiled by the Australian Bureau of Statistics based on information provided by companies and, in declaring the types of goods they are exporting, companies select from a list of broad categories. (Time expired)