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

Let me say, I certainly understand the anger of many Australians over this issue. Indeed, I have taken Defence to task at Senate estimates, while in opposition, on the defence combat disruptive pattern uniform. We manufacture that in Wangaratta and Bendigo and we are competing with Chinese manufacturers where the cost is less than one quarter of manufacturing that particular product here. So I am concerned. I will investigate this for you, Senator. I want to see the basis upon which we have discriminated in terms of the ultimate winner of the tender. If it is a matter of price and if I can do anything, I will come back to you with what can be done. But, can I say, this is below the radar. They appear to have complied with all the rules. The rules are there for good reason. We do not discriminate by way of country. I want to positively look at how we can help Australian manufacturers going forward. That is the issue for us in Defence and, of course, there is a balance to be struck between value for money and how we support Australian manufacturers. (Time expired)