Statement regarding President of the Senate and Leader of the Opposition visit to the Middle East in April 2018

The purpose of the visit by the President of the Senate and the Leader of the Opposition was to attend ANZAC Day in Afghanistan. This was a significant program of events in which both members actively participated.

VIP visit programs to the Middle East are always subject to change, this is not unusual.  

Defence acknowledges there were multiple versions of the program for this visit.  Defence understands that the President of the Senate and Leader of the Opposition were not aware that any ADF personnel would be inconvenienced by changes to the program.

Defence apologises to the President of the Senate and the Leader of the Opposition for any confusion regarding the final program arrangements.