FINESTKIND
Ever heard of aid to the civil power? It is an ADF role.
Let's not forget that the ADF is fully funded by the citizens of Australia not the "government"!
When our fellow citizens are in trouble we must ALL be there.
Agree that the accountants view of defence whereby we'll have one multi-role type to do everything in a general area is flawed. There have been and continue to be issues with machines that will affect a whole fleet - then what?
Having a minimum of two types [including engines] etc reduces risk. Even South Korea recognises that by buying F-15's in batches with different engine types.