Chris Ellison (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I think that the last time I looked at it the vast majority of defence contracts were on time. Anybody these days who deals with defence procurement across the world realises that it is an area which is complex, involving technology and a number of stakeholders. You cannot assume that in every instance and in every contract everything is going to happen on time. I would challenge anyone to say that any contract under defence procurement is not without its difficulties.

I understand we are on track for the vast majority of our projects and I can say to the Senate that we have in this budget a vast array of announcements which deal with building on acquisition of material. I mention the acquisition of the Super Hornet multi-operational fighter. We have the funding for the Collins class submarines. We have the funding for a number of other logistics backups in relation to the ADF. These are measures that will enhance the operation of the ADF and we will continue with our acquisition programs. We have announced the multi-operational Super Hornet aircraft and we are on track for our Joint Strike Fighter. They are the most progressive purchase contracts for the defence of this country and its Air Force that have been announced. We also have—