Defence: Capital Works Projects

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

With reference to the Defence Annual Report which notes that in the 2000-01 financial year, the Government made a decision to accelerate $190 million of capital works projects:

1. What projects were funded as a result of this decision; (b) what funding was allocated to each project; and (c) where the project involved a base facility, what was the name of the facility.
2. When was the decision to accelerate this funding made.
3. Why was this funding accelerated.

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

1. Expenditure increases in 2000-01 were related to requirements across the entire Capital Budget as opposed to any individual project or activities.
2. The decisions were taken in the context of the close of the 2000-01 financial year.
3. The decision to accelerate funding was largely driven by cost pressures associated with the depreciation of the Australian Dollar. The decision enabled Defence to meet its contractual commitments during 2000-01.

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