The new Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence has begun operations examining Defence policy, capability development, and administration. At its inaugural meeting on 12 May, Senator Deborah O'Neill was elected Chair and Senator Dave Sharma as Deputy Chair.
Chair O'Neill stated: "Australia is contending with the most complex and demanding strategic environment" in decades, emphasizing that "Parliament has chosen to give this committee stronger powers and a more robust structure to provide necessary bipartisan scrutiny."
Deputy Chair Sharma remarked: "There is no more important role for the Parliament than protecting the security, interests and way of life of the Australian people" and expressed his intention to work constructively with O'Neill on enhancing national security and preparedness.
The committee will oversee the Department of Defence, Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the Australian Submarine Agency, operating with emphasis on long-term effectiveness and strategic outcomes while maintaining parliamentary oversight without compromising national security.
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