Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 20 July 2011:

In regard to a recent Lateline program on aeroplane constructing (namely Boeing) and parts not meeting their specifications, especially supporting hoops for fuselages: As a result of the report:

(a) have any investigations been undertaken by the department, the Royal Australian Air Force or any organisation within Defence in relation to equipment purchased from Boeing by the department; if so, what have those investigations revealed;

(b) is the department in negotiations with Boeing concerning these revelations; and

(c) what steps, if any, have been taken to investigate the potential safety issues outlined in the program

Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(a)   Defence has not conducted, nor is conducting, any investigations in relation to Boeing aircraft parts mentioned in the Dateline program. Defence relies on the United States Federal Aviation Authority to notify operators, in accordance with the Chicago Convention, of safety concerns.

(b)   Defence is not in negotiation with Boeing concerning this.

(c)   Defence has taken no steps to investigate this as there is no evidence of a safety issue. Defence maintenance programs for both Boeing Business Jets and aircraft include inspections of the areas alleged to be suspect.