Thursday, September 15, 2011

Media watch- AFR flubs F-35 reporting

Today's Australian Financial Review (AFR) has some errors with their reporting on the status of the F-35.

(click image to make larger)


The story states:

"Australia has already ordered the first 14 joint strike fighters due for delivery from 2014 at a cost of $3.2 billion...".

This is not correct. AFR should try and understand the difference between statements from ill-advised bureaucrats promoted way beyond their ability and an actual order. No money has been handed over for the first 14 aircraft. None should be handed over as the jet is a flying question mark.

The story does report an interesting point. Smith says the F-35 for Australia is in peril if the U.S. chop budget commitment. Sorry Mr. Smith (and fans), you lose.

16 comments:

Bonza said...

Actually that's not completely true Eric and the 2011-2012 Budget documents demonstrate that. AIR-6000 Phase 2A/B has an approved budget of $2.75b and as of June 30, 2011 some $66m of this budget has already been spent.

http://www.defence.gov.au/budget/11-12/pbs/2011-2012_Defence_PBS_04_dmo.pdf

(Page 160).

The major monies haven't yet been handed over true, but to say that no money has yet been handed over is not correct either.

RS said...

66 Million wasted?
More to come?

Atticus said...

Ah the apologist of the incompetent and criminally responsble returns.
How can you continue to believe in the dribble put out by LM the DOD and DMO.

Bonza said...

Yeah right, you can't believe Portfolio Budget Statements...

Atticus said...

No. I work with various Govt Departments.
I left Kindy when I was 5 years old.

Bonza said...

You don't sound like it...

Atticus said...

When did any Government Department tell the truth?
Ah, you have been watching the ABC again.
Dera me.

Atticus said...

Sorry dear me.

Anonymous said...

Hey, Bonza, what has that $66m been spent on?

Project office salaries, travel & other benefits?

Possibly even your salary, too?

Unknown said...

The 2012 decision from Smith is what will determine the fate such as it is.

Yeah, be interesting to see what that $66M was wasted on.

And people thought the Sea Sprite waste was big.

Unknown said...

Don't forget the money spent on cardboard F-35s to hand out to the kids at air shows.

Your tax dollars at work. Defence/DMO is actively performing sales work for the troubled F-35 program.

Your tax dollars at work.

Horde said...

Eric:

That has been the fundamental problem all along with the JSF Program.

Officials in Ministries and Depts of Defence around the western world have been marketing the JSF, on behalf of LM, to their political masters, rather than doing the due diligence and applying caveat emptor in keeping with what is expected of them.

Ponzi scheme is only one way to describe this just-so-flawed/just-so-failed JSF Program.

Bonza said...

Afraid not Anon. I work for a living. Government only takes money from me, I regrettably don't get much back in return...

AS for what it has been spent on, I suspect the Williamtown environmental study has consumed a large chunk of it, along with project office activities.

Anonymous said...

Bonza of the DMO said,"I suspect the Williamtown environmental study "
What working out how to pay for all the hearing aids needed once the residents go deaf from the noise of the dumpy little monster?

Atticus said...

Bonza, you must really feel a little powerless at times. Unlike DT, you do (as well as your close friends) have a red pen and the ability to demonise and ban those who have a different view.
This is an example of the veracity of anything you ever rread agian from Bonza, directly from DT.
Such a darling.

"BTW, as Bonza has mentioned APA is not considered a reputable source for information, for a number of reasons. IMO they are more a source of comic relief than anything crediable or considered. Unfortunately from my perspective, they have some fairly 'slick' marketing, with enough information that sounds accurate for the ignorant to listen to them, and are vocal enough so that some end up listening to them. All the while not realizing the problems with either the sources or information, never mind the conclusions."
Not reputable, they identify themselves, and publish their qualifications. Bonza and mates hide away in their lairs. Who are you Bonza?
Your theme song Bonza and mates.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TxvjHDmmJoA#t=0s
You belong in that era, you would have excelled.
Regards

Atticus said...

"unlike DT you DO NOT have a red pen"