John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

A technical modification might be necessary to this amendment where Senator Brian Hayes refers to the adjutant general. The position of adjutant general no longer exists in the Defence Forces. Deputy Chief of Staff — Support would be the correct term for the position to which he refers.

I am a little surprised by this amendment because a number of sections address the point raised by Senator Hayes. In sections 7(4) and 7(6) there is an onus on the ombudsman to inform. In addition, section 9(2) deals with the conduct of investigations. Senator Hayes said that if a complaint was made against him and he heard nothing for 12 months, he would be peeved. He would be right to feel peeved but I believe that is covered in the section which states that the ombudsman has to report back. The comments made in proposing this amendment are not a fair reflection of the legislation before us.