Nick Xenophon (SA, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

In the very limited time available, I indicate that this is a very important report. It is a major acquisition, and there have been major questions raised on the acquisition of the F35 joint strike fighters as to whether they will be adequate for Australia's needs and whether there will be significant cost overruns, which is what I fear.

I also wish to commend Senator Peter Whish-Wilson for instigating this inquiry, which I was very pleased to co-sponsor because this is an important inquiry. We need to make sure that as taxpayers we get the best value for money in any acquisition but also that importantly for our troops, our Air Force, it provides the best defence possible for the Commonwealth of Australia. The fact that there have been serious concerns raised around the world, the fact that the Israelis, who know a thing or two about defence, have real concerns about this program and are going down a different path in that the F35s they are aquiring are quite different from the F35s that our nation is acquiring, the fact that the Canadians have gone down a different path and the fact that there appears to be a lack of contestability in this process is all very concerning. It raises issues of capability as well. I seek leave to continue my remarks later on this very important issue.

Leave granted; debate adjourned.