Richard Worth National Defence Spokesperson

27 September 2002

Defence procurement flaws continue

"The announcement by the Ministry of Defence that it wants to get local industry increasingly involved in defence tenders and contracts reeks of hypocrisy," says National Defence spokesperson Richard Worth.

"Not only does the Ministry not encourage local industry to participate in providing military and related equipment to our Armed Services; it actively works against such involvement.

"A recent illustration is the decision of the Navy to buy Zodiac boats from France and to exclude from consideration a reputable New Zealand supplier from even providing a tender. That particular New Zealand supplier has provided inflatable boats to the Armed Services of a number of countries including the navies of Indonesia and Malaysia and the Australian commando forces.

"This decision was allegedly based on the justification for what the military call 'sole source purchase'.

"I am sure that the Australian Government would not for a moment put up with the shenanigans of our Government on Defence procurement. Where equivalent New Zealand product is available, it should be bought," Mr Worth said.

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