The newly formed Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCD) has begun its work reviewing Australia’s defence policy, capability development, administration and spending, with a stated focus on long-term effectiveness and strategic outcomes.
At its first meeting on 12 May, the committee elected Senator Deborah O’Neill as Chair and Senator Dave Sharma as Deputy Chair, setting the leadership structure for its expanded oversight responsibilities across the defence portfolio.
Senator O’Neill said she was honoured to take on the role, pointing to the pressures facing Australia’s security environment.
“Australia is contending with the most complex and demanding strategic environment that it has faced in decades,” she said. “Every Australian has a stake in the success of our resilience, preparedness and capabilities.”
She said the committee’s enhanced powers and revised structure would allow for stronger bipartisan scrutiny of defence-related agencies. According to Senator O’Neill, the aim is to keep the public better informed about defence investment, including its impact on jobs, industry capability and supply chains. She also noted that new arrangements allowing private and secure briefings from relevant agencies would support parliamentary oversight without compromising national security.
Deputy Chair Senator Dave Sharma said the Parliament’s responsibility to national security sits at the centre of the committee’s work.
“There is no more important role for the Parliament than protecting the security, interests and way of life of the Australian people, and defending Australia’s sovereignty and national freedoms,” he said. He added that Australia’s strategic environment is facing rising uncertainty, making the committee’s work increasingly important.
He said he looked forward to working with Senator O’Neill to strengthen national preparedness and contribute to long-term security outcomes.
The PJCD will oversee the Department of Defence as well as several other agencies within the portfolio, including the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Australian Submarine Agency. The committee has indicated it will work closely with these bodies as it takes on its responsibilities, with an emphasis on constructive engagement, detailed examination and public interest considerations.
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