Mon, 17th March 2008

Fitzgibbon's humiliating Super Hornet backflip

Senator the Hon Nick Minchin
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate
Shadow Minister for Defence

The Opposition welcomed Mr Fitzgibbon’s humiliating backflip on the acquisition of Super Hornets, the Shadow Minister for Defence, Senator Nick Minchin, said today.

“Mr Fitzgibbon’s strategy of playing politics with acquisition issues has blown up in his face. After all of his bluster and threats to cancel the Super Hornet contract, he has now had to admit the truth – the Super Hornet is the best plane to ensure our air combat capability over the next decade,” Senator Minchin said.

“Mr Fitzgibbon’s attempt to hide his embarrassment by making this announcement on a day where the media are focused on other significant foreign policy and defence issues only serves to highlight the egg on his face.

“It was appropriate to phase out the F-111, despite its long and effective service for the RAAF. Growing wing fatigue, maintenance and running cost issues with the F-111 meant that it was no longer a viable option. For instance, for each hour’s flying time, the F-111 needed around 180 maintenance hours.

“And given the decision to phase out the F-111, and the delays outside Australia’s control in the JSF, it was appropriate to move promptly to a decision to provide for our air combat capability by acquiring the most capable multi-role aircraft in its class – the Super Hornet.

“The Review has confirmed CDF Air Marshal Houston’s statement to Senate Estimates in February that Defence backed the Super Hornet ‘100%’.”

“Mr Fitzgibbon’s attack on the Howard Government’s decision to participate in the JSF program is also regrettable.

“If Mr Fitzgibbon thinks that the JSF ‘was a flawed leap of faith’, how can explain the decisions of the USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Turkey to also participate. I’d trust the judgement of these eight nations over our inexperienced but noisy new Defence Minister any day.

“Mr Fitzgibbon will have a key decision to make when the JSF is considered for second pass approval later in 2008. I only hope Mr Fitzgibbon makes a rational decision on capability grounds rather than continuing his political games,” Senator Minchin concluded.