Steve Hutchins (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, Senator Ian Campbell. Can the minister confirm that the project to acquire six airborne early warning and control aircraft is two years late? Can the minister guarantee that taxpayers will not have to pay for a cost blow-out in this project on top of the $3½ billion that has already been budgeted? In light of the two-year delay, does the government intend to review its budget decision to spend $469 million on this project this financial year? Will the government also come good on Minister Nelson’s threat of 29 June to pursue damages from the contractor given that the project is now two years late? Aren’t taxpayers entitled to expect that there will be consequences for contractors who fail to meet contract requirements to deliver multibillion dollar projects on time and on budget?