Senator Chris Evans asked the Minister for Justice and Customs, upon notice, on 8 October 2003:

(1) When was the contract signed for the Bay Class Customs vessels.

(2) When were the first and last vessels delivered.

(3) When were the first and last vessels accepted into service by Customs.

(4) How many vessels were delivered under the contract and what was the total cost.

(5) What were the original estimates for the cost of operating and maintaining the fleet, and what was the actual cost for each of the following financial years: (a) 2001-02; and (b) 2002-03.

(6) What was the original expected life of the vessels and what is the current estimate for when they will be retired from service.

(7) Is it planned to have a replacement vessel in service when the vessels are retired.

(8) Is there a plan to refit the vessels or extend their life; if so, what is the estimated cost of the project.

Senator Ellison (Minister for Justice and Customs) —The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

(1) The contract for the vessels was signed on 6 May 1998.

(2) The first of the Bay class fleet was delivered in February 1999 and the last in August 2000.

(3) The first vessel was accepted into service in February 1999 and the last in August 2000.

(4) There were eight vessels delivered under the contract at a total cost of $55.5 million (1998 prices).

(5) The estimate for operating and maintaining the fleet in the financial year 2001-02 was $37.4 million, and the actual cost was $28.5 million. The estimate for the year 2002-03 was $36.4 million and the actual cost was $35 million.

(6) The expected life in Customs of the Bay class fleet is 10 years, with retirement of the fleet anticipated to commence in 2009.

(7) Yes.

(8) No.