30 November 2011

Senator the Hon John Hogg
President of the Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600


Dear Mr President

Inquiry into procurement procedures for Defence capital projects

Pursuant to Standing Order 38(7), I present to you an interim report of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee in relation to procurement procedures for Defence capital projects.

The Senate referred the matter to the Committee on 9 February 2011, for inquiry and report by 30 November 2011.

The Committee has called for submissions on the matter and at the time of reporting had received 32 public submissions, which are published on its website, and 4 confidential submissions. The committee held public hearings in Canberra on 11 and 12 August, and 5 and 7 October 2011.

In order to identify clearly the key issues raised in evidence, the committee has agreed that it should take extra time to examine all the documentation before it. To do so, the committee has agreed to table this interim report with the intention of tabling a substantial preliminary report before 16 December 2011.

Also, the committee has agreed that this preliminary report would form the basis for further investigation and analysis requiring the committee to take further evidence. The committee's intention is then to table a final report by 28 June 2012.

Yours sincerely


Senator Alan Eggleston
Chairman