Big words, Maximillion.

>>...the contracts [major specialists and surgeons] enjoy are on a par with those of the financial sector. Use of theatres, wards, staff etc, all provided for their private customers, free of charge, plus monetary returns that reflect their "connections" rather than their skill or labour<<

Evidence?

Thought not.

NewAustralia, your website states that Labor's $100 Billion defence Plan 'will force our neighbours to increase their military spending to neutralise the threat that the ADF will pose'.
Wake up! Our neighbours forces are much larger than us already.

As for cancelling the JSF and ordering the F15E or even the Sukhoi 35, how would that be good for defence? The design of the F15E is 36 years old, while the more modern SU35 could cause problems in the spare parts department. The FSU is still not what we could call an ally so, depending on the mood at the time, Putin or his successors could block any parts needed here.
The link on your website regarding cheaper deltic submarines points to the old Soviet Kilo class. Again you advocate using old designs. As a maritime nation, we should have nuclear subs to seriously and effectively patrol our vast coastline and associated zones. Also to carry out covert ops if attacked or threatened by one of our 'neighbours'.

On the subject of our neighbours - have you any idea of the size and capability of their forces? Indonesia and India could knock out our present defences and what about China? We need to be strong and up-to-date in case the worst happens.

Grim asks 'why do we need fighter/bombers at all?' From a defensive POV, if the hordes are hitting our beaches, we can take out their landing craft and support vessels, though we would need something with greater missile capacity than The Pig (F 111) to be effective.

Pericles, it's easy to be a sneerer, isn't it?
Most of the details are no longer available to the public, "commercial in confidence", and FOI is rejected every time, now, why do you suppose that is?
I have seen reports and costings a few years ago, through connections at the Health Dpt, and have had some highly illegal conversations with friends at the ATO, so am quite happy with my statements.
Can you prove I'm wrong?
I'd suggest rather than curling your lip, you actually research it and refute me if you think I am incorrect!

You were probably - quite reasonably - expecting a sneer, Maximillion. Which is why you interpreted my straightforward question as such.

But it was actually just a question: you made an assertion, where's the evidence?

>>Most of the details are no longer available to the public, "commercial in confidence", and FOI is rejected every time, now, why do you suppose that is?<<

Free intrepretation: I couldn't find any evidence for my statements, therefore there must be a conspiracy to keep them secret. Not particularly convincing, I'm afraid.

Incidentally, what did the FOI application(s) cover, and whom did you ask?

>>I have seen reports and costings a few years ago, through connections at the Health Dpt, and have had some highly illegal conversations with friends at the ATO, so am quite happy with my statements.<<

Connections in the Health Department, friends at the ATO. Can none of them provide any evidence?

>>Can you prove I'm wrong? I'd suggest rather than curling your lip, you actually research it and refute me if you think I am incorrect!<<

OK, I've researched everything available on the internet, and I have found absolutely nothing to support your propositions. So that now makes two of us.

But fair's fair, I don't have the inside scoop that you have. So how about you simply share some of the data you have gathered from your contacts at the Health Department and your friends at the ATO? You don't have to give their names, so they won't get into trouble.

I'm prepared to take your word that it is the truth, honest.

Pericles, I usually enjoy reading your posts, but your supercilious sneering belittles you.
Common sense would tell you no-one was passing around data, it was “look at this”, and others breaking the confidentiality laws by discussing what had passed across their screens, and disgusted them!
I followed up certain things with FOI applications, 4yrs ago, and was refused on seven requests, it cost me an arm and a leg, but no, I have no records now, I destroyed them all in frustration and disgust.
As for your clever denial of sneering, again, you embarrass yourself.
Never-the-less, I can accept everyone has a bad day, and I’ll look forward to more interactions.
You have a mind I can (mostly) respect, but I notice you didn’t deny that disagreeing with you automatically made me ignorant, - hubris, dear boy, hubris.

Austin Powerless: I don't think you are right to dismiss the F15E as "36 years old". Sure the first ever 15E flew 36 years ago but look at the latest aircraft to carry the label - F15K (South Korea) and F-15SG (Singapore). Look at the specs - these aircraft are not to be sneezed at! They have far better performance than the JSF in everything except frontal X-band radar cross section and that is of declining relevance as the Russians sell their new VHF radar-band radars to all and sundry.

The Su-35 is brand new and Air Power Australia rates it as the second best aircraft available behind the F-22 Raptor. As for parts we state that all consumables would have to be made here. China and India are licensed to make entire planes so that should be feasible. Part availability is a huge issue for any aircraft including the JSF. Rumour has it that many JSF parts will not be maintained locally.

Re 'Old Kilo' submarines on that link you were looking at (http://www.ckb-rubin.ru/eng/project/submarine/noatompl/index.htm) please scroll to the bottom for the latest stuff. Suggest also look up the new Amur class on the Federation of American Scientists site and other authoritative sites.

Cheers,
Alan.