FED: Air radar system $77m and four years over target: Dems

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-1999
FED: Air radar system $77m and four years over target: Dems

The Australian Democrats say Australia's new air traffic control system's budget has blown
out by $77 million and is four years behind schedule.

The Advanced Australian Air Traffic Syste, or TAAATS, which uses software and
satellite-based technologies, was expected to be completed by December 1995 for $300 million.

It will now be finished at the end of this year for $377 million.

The completion date has been pushed back by a series of problems, including the tender
process having to be repeated following a 1992 inquiry into its fairness.

Answering questions on notice from Democrats aviation spokesman JOHN WOODLEY, Regional
Services Minister IAN MACDONALD said the extra costs cover items not included in the original
$300 million estimate.

Senator WOODLEY says the issue is one of public administration and safety and a Senate
inquiry into aviation reform will examine TAAATS.

AAP RTV fh/mfh/lm/jn

KEYWORD: RADAR (CANBERRA)

1999 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.