In today's paper. Seems to be a few like this lately in The Australian and The Age.
Minister attacks defence
Dan Oakes
November 27, 2010
DEFENCE Minister Stephen Smith has demanded better communication and accountability from defence bureaucrats.
In an unusually frank and hard-hitting speech to senior defence officials, Mr Smith said major projects were being poorly handled and that government was being deprived of vital information by the sprawling organisation.
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Since he began in the role 10 weeks ago, Mr Smith has made defence accountability a strong theme. It has been reported that he has directed senior defence personnel to show advance copies of any speeches to him or his aides.
Mr Smith also announced that the $355 million Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missile, which is fitted to fighter planes, is the latest project to be added to the notorious ''projects of concern'' list. ''This listing is not primarily because of industry delays or cost increases. It is because of our poor management, our failure to keep government properly and fully informed about the project and its difficulties,'' he said.
The Defence Materiel Organisation, which procures everything from socks to fighter planes, has become synonymous with cost blowouts and schedule overruns, and now faces a ruthless cost-cutting program. The organisation's annual report, released this week, shows that of the top 30 projects on its books, only eight are on time.
The most troubled project is the navy's $4 billion multi-role helicopter, which has been dogged by engine problems. Mr Smith said there was a lack of communication between various areas of defence, meaning he received information from individual ''silos'' rather than from defence as a whole.