Marles Hides Behind Review to Reconsider Black Hawk Acquisition
Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence Phillip Thompson says Richard Marles must explain why he is using the Defence Strategic Review as an excuse to cast doubt over the acquisition of Black Hawk helicopters.
The Defence Minister has said the previous government’s commitment to replace the underperforming MRH-90 was “fuzzy”, and that a process was underway to “evaluate that capability”.
Mr Thompson said the comments warranted an explanation to ADF members and the nation.
“We said the Defence Strategic Review must not result in cuts. This looks like exactly that,” he said.
“Is this the first example of the Labor Government using the review to disguise capability cuts in a bid to save money? Is it a decision of Minister Marles, or is former Labor Minister Stephen Smith – who cut $5.4 billion from Defence – calling the shots?
“Or does the Minister just not like the decision because it was made by the previous government?”
Mr Thompson said the decision to replace the MRH-90s with Black Hawks was overdue, with nine instances where the Taipan had been unsuitable to fly, and $37 million spent by Defence to hire civilian helicopters to maintain capability because they were grounded.
“Our soldiers need a reliable tactical troop transport helicopter now, that can be used for training, humanitarian missions as well as on combat operations. That helicopter is the Black Hawk,” Mr Thompson said.
“I was casualty-evacuated from Afghanistan in a Black Hawk myself. It’s a proven and reliable capability. The decision has been backed by soldiers and officers alike since its announcement.
“The Minister says the announcement was a “pretty fuzzy commitment”. Yet these comments were on the same day the United States State Department approved the sale of up to 40 Black Hawks to Australia.
“There’s no excuse to hide cuts to capability and delayed decision-making behind a review. There’s no question the Black Hawk is needed for our national security.”
ENDS