Defence: Strategic Reform Program

Senator Johnston asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 January 2010:

With reference to the Strategic Reform Program and for the period 1 July to 30 September 2009: (a) what productivity improvement savings of the forecasted $700 million to $1.050 billion have been made; and (b) have any one‑off savings been made.

Senator Faulkner - The answer to the honourable Senator’s question is as follows:

(a) and (b)       The Defence Budget Audit proposed productivity improvements which would save between $700m and $1,050m by 2035 relating to the future of the Defence estate, including consolidating the Defence estate into a ‘super base’ model. The Government does not accept these recommendations. While acknowledging that any move to a ‘super base’ model would have strategic, economic and social impacts, the Defence Budget Audit was focussed on financial benefits and therefore did not fully take into account these broader issues.

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