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