The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing tomorrow to examine how Australia makes decisions to send service personnel into international armed conflict.
The inquiry was referred by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, on 28 September to the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) (see Terms of Reference).
The Committee will hear from witnesses advocating for both preservation of the status quo and for reform in this important area of public policy. Due to give evidence are Australians for War Powers Reform, legal scholars from academic institutions, public citizens, the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Australian Defence Association, and the Australian Defence Force.
Commenting on the inquiry hearing, Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, noted that, "This public hearing will hear evidence from a range of stakeholders and witnesses to examine disparate views around the transparency and accountability of policy settings in the current exercise of these powers. The Terms of Reference also seek advice regarding the impact of any proposed policy changes on the safety and security of our Defence Force personnel.
"The Subcommittee is keen for evidence regarding the way other Westminster democracies exercise these powers, as well as examining this issue from a legal and constitutional perspective."
Further information in relation to the inquiry is available from the JSCFADT's website.
Public hearing details
Date: Friday 9 December
Time: 1.00 pm – 6.30 pm ADST
Location: Committee Room 1R3 and via teleconference
The hearings will be audio streamed live at aph.gov.au/live.
