Member

As we have consistently said, as the Bill is drafted, the commander has very little real power. What is proposed is not a genuine command role. It is, at best, a loosely defined policy advisory position—a job title without teeth, responsibility without power and process without impact. The Bill merely creates a figurehead who can issue suggestions but not instructions, who can write reports but not drive outcomes, and who can identify threats but not act on them. In the face of rising illegal entry, dangerous sea crossings and the exploitation of our asylum system, that simply is not good enough. If the Government want to rectify the current situation, I urge them to strengthen the commander’s role, improve the operational effectiveness and accept these amendments. I beg to move.