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The Australian Senate will vote Monday on whether to examine details of the country’s purchase of the F-35.

Greens defence spokesman Peter Whish-Wilson has urged the Senate’s standing committee on foreign affairs and trade to inquire into the suitability of the F-35 for Australia’s strategic interests, writes Daniel Flitton of the Sydney Morning Herald.

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Representatives from Australia’s Defence Department originally told a Senate hearing that Canada’s withdrawal from the F-35 project would not mean extra costs for Australia.

But they were later contradicted by US Air Force Lieutenant-General Chris Bogdan, who told U.S. lawmakers the Canadian pullout will cost F-35 partners about $1 million per aircraft.

“This is about the public’s right to know how their money is being spent and if we are getting value for money,” Australian Senator Whish-Wilson said.

“I would like to see many of the criticisms leveled at this procurement answered by a wide range of experts and discussed in detail at this inquiry.”

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/push-for-inquiry-into-australias-24-billion-f35-joint-strike-fighter-purchase-20151127-gl9ubr.html#ixzz3st3400Em

