While today’s papers
report the Government’s updated defence policy, the media missed a
small, but significant amendment that slipped through during
Parliament’s final frenetic fortnight.

According to veteran
gallery correspondent Rob Chalmers today, Parliament has passed
legislation giving the PM power to call out the troops. Our subscribers
would know that under Section 68 of the Constitution the
Governor-General is commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

But according to Chalmers’ Inside Canberra
bulletin today, the amended legislation says the PM can call out the
troops now if “a sudden and extraordinary emergency exists.” And if the
PM cannot be contacted any two ministers can call out the troops.
Furthermore the order need not be in writing.

Does this mean
that if any future GG does a Kerr and sacks the PM, he could call out
the troops to arrest the GG? Something Paul Keating declared he would
have done if some “jumped up bunyip potentate” tried to sack him.

Which
means that if the Sydney riots escalate out of control at the weekend,
that the GG’s on Christmas holidays, the PM could call out the troops
to help police to restore order. Which is comforting, but makes for an
interesting parlor game. Which two ministers
would you feel “relaxed and comfortable” with control of the armed
forces? How about those frontbench dandies, Citizenship Minister John
Cobb and Roads Minister Jim Lloyd?