Defence — bills, debates & Question Time

Let Defence and Veterans' Affairs share veterans' records to spot risk earlier, and bar serious offenders from serving — back it or block it?

This bill acts on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which made 122 recommendations. It directly implements 15 and supports another 20. The core change lets Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs share personal and health information — with privacy safeguards — so a veteran doesn't have to retell their story to each agency and support can reach people before a crisis. It also sets up a legal framework for Defence health services, keeps benefits flowing to a former partner where family violence is present, and forces the discharge of members jailed for serious violent or sexual offences.

All sides backed the bill. The debate ran about two and a half hours; it passed its second reading and was reported without amendment.

🗳 A public mood-check, not a scientific poll. Vote to see where the room stands.

🗳 1 voted🏛 2h 33m debated

Motion · SenateRejected 15–24

Defence · Ordering release of ADF reports

Order Defence to hand over the command-accountability report and a reform study — back it or block it?

Senator David Shoebridge moved two orders demanding the Defence Minister table full copies of two documents by 28 July: the Inspector-General's report into command accountability following the ADF's Afghanistan inquiry, and a Defence reform study by interim National Armaments Director Nadine Williams.

The Coalition, speaking through Senator Jonathon Duniam, opposed the first, saying the report is highly classified, covers operational matters, and that releasing it could jeopardise ongoing war-crimes investigations led by the Office of the Special Investigator. The Senate rejected the first order 15 votes to 24, but passed the second 33 to 21.

🗳 A public mood-check, not a scientific poll. Vote to reveal how the chamber voted.

🗳 be the first to weigh in🏛 8m debated

📄 Senate Hansard, 2 Jul 2026 — Australian Defence Force; Order for the Production of Documents

drill in ▸close ▾

The strongest case each way

For · David Shoebridge (Greens)The government should be forced to publicly release the command-accountability report and the Defence reform study, setting a firm deadline for the minister to table them.

Against · CoalitionThe command-accountability report is highly classified and covers operational matters; releasing it could jeopardise ongoing war-crimes investigations being run by the Office of the Special Investigator.