Mitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeMitchell Mark: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 20 May 2015. Volume:705;Page:3452. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]6.MARK MITCHELL (National—Rodney) to the Minister of Defence: What is the Government doing to engage the New Zealand public on the future of the Defence Force?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE (Minister of Defence): I recently announced the beginning of a public consultation process on the 2015 defence white paper. We are asking the views of New Zealanders on the future capabilities of the New Zealand Defence Force. A series of public meetings will be held around the country to better inform the consultation process. The meeting schedule and the information on the submissions process can be found at www.defence.govt.nz.Mark Mitchell: Why is the Government undertaking the 2015 defence white paper?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: The white paper which is intended to be published before the end of the year will be a blueprint for how the Government plans to address the security threats challenges and opportunities facing New Zealand over a 25-year period. Recognising that matters affecting our security can change rapidly it is my view that a 5-yearly cycle for white papers is desirable. The white paper 2015 therefore will review and build on the 2010 white paper while outlining the roles and tasks that the Defence Force should undertake in responding to challenges as well as the capabilities and resources that it needs to carry out its roles and tasks effectively.Hon Phil Goff: Is the Minister prepared to engage the public and Defence Force families on the more immediate issue of his assessment of the risks posed to New Zealand soldiers in Taji just over 100 kilometres away from Ramadi which has just fallen to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: The Government has been very cautious about its commitment to building partner capacity in Iraq and therefore it is very concerned always and has been from the outset about the security of soldiers who are participating in that programme at Taji. That will continue.Hon Phil Goff: I raise a point of order Mr Speaker. You will recall that I asked the Minister for his assessment of the risk. I do not think he touched on that at all.Mr SPEAKER: Again that question in my mind was addressed. It is marginal as to whether the question should be allowed in. The member cunningly used the words about whether he will engage with the public and on that basis I allowed it through.Hon Phil Goff: In engaging the public will he ensure then that soldiers deployed to Taji for the non-combat role of training will not soon be engaged in a major fire fight and attack?Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: As we have said right from the start it is not our intention that New Zealand troops in Iraq for the training mission will be engaged in front-line combat. What we have said is that there is a force protection—Hon David Parker: You’re teaching them how to retreat!Hon GERRY BROWNLEE: It is not the sort of matter that people should be joking about frankly Mr Parker. The point I would make is that we have always said that we would review New Zealand’s commitment depending on the circumstances that existed and of course that if they come under fire we would expect them to protect themselves.