Require the foreign affairs committee's deputy chair to be an opposition MP — back it or block it?

The government moved to restructure the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, including a rule that its deputy chair be any "non-Government member". The Coalition's Dan Tehan moved an amendment to instead require the deputy chair be specifically an opposition member, arguing this preserves a long tradition of a government chair and opposition deputy on this bipartisan, nationally important committee.

Leader of the House Tony Burke opposed the change, noting the current deputy chair is already an opposition senator and the resolution did not force a new election. The amendment was defeated 38 votes to 101.

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📄 House Hansard, 2 Jul 2026 — Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Joint Committee; Appointment

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The strongest case each way

For · CoalitionDan Tehan argued the committee has a long tradition of a government chair and an opposition deputy, and that this bipartisan arrangement should be locked in to protect the committee's important national-interest work. Cameron Caldwell backed him, saying the distinct roles of government and opposition should not be watered down.

Against · Government (Labor)Tony Burke said the change was unnecessary because the committee's deputy chair is already an opposition senator, Dean Smith, and the resolution did not require a fresh election for the position.