An almighty row has erupted over Australia’s newest warships as concerns rage over if the $45.5bn frigates will be fit for purpose.
Earlier this month, a leaked Defence report revealed an “engineering team assessment” of the program warnexjmtzywd that the ships would be slower, vulnerable to detection and less safe for crews.
Fronting estimates, first assistant secretary for ships Sheryl Lutz downplayed the report, insisting concerns about the frigates’ weight were now under control.
But South Australian senator Rex Patrick was not having it.
“Please don't try and snow job us,” he said.
Ms Lutz told the committee that while she had raised concerns with propulsion issues, she had not made mention of weight problems, a claim Senator Patrick disputed.
“That tells me you lied to this committee,” he added.
Chair Eric Abetz asked the senator to withdraw his accusation: “To say somebody has lied is a direct imputation.”
“No, I’m not going to withdraw,” Senator Patrick responded. “I’m happy to ground it in evidence.”
The first Hunter class frigate, to be built by shipbuilder BAE Systems, will replace the Anzac class fleet.
Design of the ships is based on the mature T-26 version built in the UK.
Estimates was told the program, which has been hit with delays due to Covid and design changes, won’t have an operational ship until 2031.
Deputy secretary for national naval shipbuilding Tony Dalton however did concede the program could be listed as a “project of concern” with any further delays.
