The Defense Department reported that the overall cost of the Vietnam war was $173 billion (equivalent to $770 billion in 2003 dollars). Veteran's benefits and interest would add another $250 billion ($1 Trillion in 2003 dollars)= about 2 trillion today.
Population was 45 million 1970, say 30 million communists , 6 million men. Give each man his share of 2 trillion : $300 ,000 and he becomes capitalist. US today is selling weapons to Vietnam. United Korea will probably become a Chinese-capitalist ally of US with Kim and Trump arm-wrestling in the White House.

Hasbeen quote "would you please tell me just what the point would be in adding a fleet 9 of new frigates to the Oz navy"

If you can't pick out the answer here is a quote from my comment
"For $30 Billion 2,000 new jobs that is 15 million dollars per job
Good one Turnbull add that to the $50 Billion for the submarines."

Quote "When you have our 2 major ships recently being followed by large ocean going tugs, it says a lot about the condition of our ships, & the standard of the maintenance."
I would say it is more appropriate to blame public servants who drew up the specifications for the ships and possible corruption in tendering and checking on the job.