Otherwise I can't see why defence dollars have been spent on this bit of ego kit. And perhaps if they really wanted a Harrier carrier they should have waited a bit and bought Invincible at a knock down price.
Because, if you want to operate helicopters in an amphibious op, then you need the best amount of deck space to do it. Experience has shown that arranging it like a carrier gives the best option.
It has f8ck-all to do with ego-projects - either you Aussies have a requirement for amphibious ops (which given your geography and neighbours you probably do) or your defence requirements staff are telling porkies.
The fact it has a ramp is probably more to do with the deck design underneath than any desire to operate STOVL. However, given that you spend a lot of time with Uncle Sam, the ability to act as a spare deck for the USMC Harriers (and potentially Dave B) might just be useful.......
As for Invincible - I'd have thought the experience of Manoora and Kanimbla would have cured you of the idea that buying second hand utterly knackered ships is a good way to save money...........