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

I do not think the Labor Party should be lecturing us about Defence acquisition following their appalling record. The senator referred specifically to speculation with regard to the acquisition of the so-called Super Hornets. The government has made absolutely no decision to make such an acquisition. I note Dr Nelson’s comments. Of course, he is entitled to indicate his views about the way forward with regard to our air combat capability, as is his responsibility, but there has been no decision made to acquire those Super Hornets. As you know, we are proceeding down the path of the acquisition of the JSFs, and we have to balance that proposed acquisition against the life span of the F111s and the existing Hornets. There is speculation about whether Super Hornets may have a role to play in our air capability, but no decision has been made to acquire those Super Hornets.