I was at Leeming when CFS did the fly-off. They recommended the PC-9. I recall one of the instructors telling me that they had to do a re-fly-off, as they hadn't given the 'right answer' (Tucano) the first time, but that they weren't going to change their minds. They had to pretend the Tucano would have a bunch of upgrades for the refly-off, whilst one of the main requirements was Proven Technology. A farce.
I have no objection to the politicians deciding on one option over another for 'big picture' reasons, but Government spending is in the mess it's in because they refuse to admit true reasons and lie about it.