Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

I am not sure that I can add much to my answer. Of course, I am aware that there is commentary that the smartcard will cost more than is forecast, but we are putting as much rigour as we can possibly bring to bear on smartcard. It will be the most rigorous process that any government IT acquisition has ever been subjected to. Mr Hockey knows the responsibilities he has. Can I say that, for those that do blow out, there are many more that are delivered on time and on budget but that are unheralded. One should not be left with the impression that in this area it is all bad news. There are a lot of very good Australian public servants working very hard, as you would know, to make sure that Australian taxpayers do get value for money and do get delivery on time and on budget. But it is a difficult area. I accept what Senator Forshaw is saying. It is an appropriate role for the opposition to be applying its oversight to this. We will continue to do our utmost to deliver on time and on budget.

Mr President, I ask that further questions be placed on the Notice Paper.