ID :
16023
Sat, 08/16/2008 - 08:40
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16023
The shortlink copeid
Nelson denies defence truck bungle
Federal Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson has denied the former coalition government bungled a $1.6 billion defence tender for trucks last year.
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon says the tender must be let again and the bunglecould add $300 million to the overall cost.
Mr Fitzgibbon accused the then defence minister Dr Nelson of failing to give defence enough time to test the markets or test the vehicles before making the tenderdecision.
But Dr Nelson said the claims were "complete nonsense".
He said while a preferred tenderer was selected last year, the contract had not beensuccessfully concluded.
It now appeared that defence had not been able to conclude those negotiations, DrNelson said.
"There is nothing surprising in that," he told Sky News.
He said the government should stop blaming other people for its problems.
Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon says the tender must be let again and the bunglecould add $300 million to the overall cost.
Mr Fitzgibbon accused the then defence minister Dr Nelson of failing to give defence enough time to test the markets or test the vehicles before making the tenderdecision.
But Dr Nelson said the claims were "complete nonsense".
He said while a preferred tenderer was selected last year, the contract had not beensuccessfully concluded.
It now appeared that defence had not been able to conclude those negotiations, DrNelson said.
"There is nothing surprising in that," he told Sky News.
He said the government should stop blaming other people for its problems.
