Steve Hutchins (NSW, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Minchin, in his capacity as the Minister for Finance and Administration. I refer the minister to the Defence budget statements which say that the acquisition of six airborne early warning and control aircraft will not be finished until 2010, four years late. I also refer the minister to Senator Campbell’s failure to answer my question of 4 December last year on whether Defence would come good on Minister Nelson’s threat of 29 June 2006 to pursue damages if the project was two years late. Can the minister confirm advice from the Audit Office that the CEOs of Commonwealth agencies have a legal obligation under the Financial Management and Accountability Act to pursue damages if agreed deadlines are not met? As the minister responsible for that act, and given that this project is now four years late, can the minister explain what action he is taking to ensure that Defence complies with its obligations under the law?