Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I am glad that this has everyone’s attention. I could argue the case that it meets the US standard, despite what the arm of government, Standards Australia, worked on in 1998 with the Department of Defence—which is totally ignored. We are now seeing the Department of Defence, through DMO, taking these up at the expense of jobs in regional areas. I have 55 jobs on the line in Taree right now because of an overseas company whose locks and safes fall outside Standards Australia accreditation. Here is a good, practical example of where a government department should ensure that part of the tendering process meets Standards Australia guidelines. It is government talking to government, rather than ignoring government. It is a really good example of how government can help the region. (Time expired)

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