Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) (a) The cost of $13 million was for the cyclotron itself; (b) The construction of the NMC was funded by government through a special appropriation.

(2) In the last years of its operation, the NMC became unreliable, due primarily to equipment failures in a facility approaching the end of its operating life. After considering the results of an external review of the facility, the ANSTO Board decided that further investment and high maintenance costs were no longer justifiable, as reliability could not be guaranteed.

(3) No.

(4) Not applicable – see response to (3) above.

(5) Yes.

(6) The Government cannot answer on behalf of other operators.

(7) $2.2 million.

(8) The book value.