I, and also on behalf of Senator Lambie and Senator Xenophon, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee for inquiry and report by 1 May 2016:

The planned acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter), with particular reference to:

(a) the future air defence needs That the aircraft is intended to fulfil;

(b) the cost and benefits of the program to Australia, including industrial costs and benefits received and forecast;

(c) changes in the acquisition timeline;

(d) the performance of the aircraft in testing;

(e) potential alternatives to the Joint Strike Fighter; and

(f) any other related matters.