Defence: Reviews

Senator Johnston asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 13 November 2008:

For each agency within the responsibility of the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary:

1. How many reviews are currently being undertaken in the portfolio/agency or affecting the portfolio/agency.
2. What was the commencement date of each review.
3. When will each review be concluded.
4. (a) Which reviews were completed in the period 1 April to 30 September 2008; and (b) when will the Government respond to the each of these reviews.
5. As at 30 September 2008, what has been the cost of each of these reviews.

Senator Faulkner - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

1. , (2) and (3)  The Defence White Paper was commissioned on 22 February 2008 and will be delivered to the Government in 2009.  For the list of reviews being undertaken as part of the White Paper, see the response to question 8 (taken on notice) from the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Budget Estimates Hearing on 4 June 2008.
   
   Other significant reviews which are currently being undertaken include:
   • Review of Mental Health Care in the ADF – commenced in July 2008 and expected to conclude in January 2009; and
   • Independent Review of Military Justice Reforms – commenced in June 2008 and expected to conclude in February 2009.
4. (a) and (b) The following list of significant Defence reviews have recently reported and a Government response is expected this year:
   • Defence Budget Audit – commenced in July 2008 and reported in December 2008.
   • Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review – commenced in May 2008 and reported in September 2008;
   • Review of the ADF Cadets Scheme – commenced in August 2008 and reported in November 2008;
   • Air Combat Capability Review – commenced in February 2008 and reported in April 2008; and
   • Review of Intelligence Capability – commenced in April 2008 and reported in June 2008.
5. Please refer to my response to Senate Question on Notice No. 950.

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