John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I ask a supplementary question. I appreciate that the minister will attempt to provide an answer but I am disappointed that the Minister for Finance and Administration is not able to indicate to the Senate how the financial interests of Australian taxpayers are protected in a deal where we get four upgraded ships for the price of six. It is disappointing that the minister, as minister for finance, is not able to respond on this critical issue of how the government agreed to this absurd proposition.