Peter Dutton takes swipe at Marles for overturning rainbow ban

Peter Dutton has lashed the new Defence Minister for overturning a “woke” ban while Vladimir Putin is on the loose.

Peter Dutton has taken a swipe at the government’s decision to tear up a controversial ban on defence staff from holding “woke” morning teas.

Last year, the former defence minister asked the department’s top brass to issue a directive to restrict events that celebrate diversity and cultural causes.

It was sparked after defence staff wore rainbow clothing and held a morning tea to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transophia.

A Dutton-era ban on “woke” morning teas was overruled on Tuesday. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

At the time, Mr Dutton said while he was against discrimination defence should not be “pursuing a woke agenda”.

On Tuesday, secretary Greg Moriarty and chief General Angus Campbell issued another directive to staff confirming new minister Richard Marles had scrapped the policy.

“We recognise a diverse workforce supported by an inclusive culture is essential to Defence‘s capability and effectiveness,” the memo stated.

Speaking on Sydney radio on Thursday, Mr Dutton scoffed at Mr Marles’ order to reverse the ban, questioning if he had better things he should be focused on.

Mr Dutton questioned if the Defence Minister had anything better to focus on. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“I always thought the time for morning teas was after you've won that war,” he told 2GB.

“I’m pretty sure in other countries at the moment, they’re not having woke morning teas. They’re getting on with how they can protect and defend our country.

“We do live in an uncertain time. It's uncomfortable to talk about but that’s the reality President Putin.”

Special events held by ADF would now be allowed and celebrated, with officials looking first to Wear it Purple and R U OK Day.

“People will always be our most important asset, and Defence is focused on building inclusive and capable teams, underpinned by our unified Values and Behaviours,” the memo stated.

Tuesday‘s directive said the next 12 months will be used to plan the Department of Defence’s third five-year cultural change strategy.

“To demonstrate our commitment to all of our people we will consider a wider range of events of significance and importance for 2023,” the Defence email said