Defence: Initiatives White Paper

Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 16 May 2002:

1. What are the initiatives funded under the $507 million allocated for the implementation of the White Paper in the 2001-02 financial year.
2. With reference to the $507 million, for each initiative, what is the projected expenditure for the 2001-02 financial year.
3. If there is a shortfall between the $507 million and the projected expenditure, what is the explanation for the shortfall.
4. For each initiative can the Minister indicate whether its implementation is on schedule, completed, delayed or halted; if delayed or halted, can an explanation be provided as to why.
5. Given that the Defence Annual Report notes that the quarterly reports on the implementation of the White Paper are provided to the Minister, can a copy of each of these reports be provided.

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

1. The initiatives funded under the $507 million allocated for the implementation of the White Paper in the 2001-02 financial year are listed as the major capital equipment projects approved in the 2001-02 Budget on page 80 of the Portfolio Budget Statements. Major capital equipment projects approved subsequent to the 2001-02 Budget are listed on page 59 of the Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements 2001-02.
2. Detailed spend spreads are not made public for projects that are yet to be contracted to protect contract negotiation processes.
3. There will be no shortfall; the total $507 million will be spent in the 2001-02 financial year on major capital equipment items.
4. All but one of these initiatives are on schedule. There has been a delay in the Military Satellite Communications Ground Infrastructure project due to the Project Definition Study requiring 6 months longer than was originally anticipated.
5. The White Paper Implementation Reports provided to me by the department are classified and cannot be made public.

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