David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 15 June 2011:

(1) Why was the decision made to purchase both a multi-cam design from Crye and a licence to manufacture the garment.

(2) What opportunities did the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) provide for Australian companies to bid for this design work.

(3) Were Australian companies deemed as not being capable of designing this camouflage pattern.

(4) Where will the fabric for the multi-cams be manufactured in Australia; if not in Australia, where will it be manufactured.

(5) Where will the uniforms be manufactured.

(6)

  (a) What will be/was the tender process to manufacture the uniforms;

  (b) what was the process in DMO deciding to purchase the licences to manufacture the four Crye garments;

  (c) was this expertise not available in Australia;

  (d) what was the cost of purchasing these licences;

  (e) what cost savings were realised in deciding to proceed with this particular contract; and

  (f) how can the Government reconcile that Australian manufacturers were ready and able to supply world's best practice in the design of this camouflage pattern and provide a significant sample for $70 000 compared to the $7.8 million that has been spent by the Government.

(7) What technical advice and independent expertise was undertaken by the Government before committing to this $7.8 million expenditure.

(8) How is this procurement on a value for money basis going to pay for itself many times over into the future, as stated by Dr Gumley on 30 May 2011.

(9) How many options were put to Government in relation to this procurement and what were they.