Discussions on VCS

Question

Senator James James Paterson: When did those intense discussions first start? VADM Mead: Really, beginning of last year. Senator James James Paterson: Right. So, for 18 months, we have been trying to persuade the Americans to change the optimal pathway? Ms James: Senator, Mikaela James, I think, as the Secretary commented yesterday, there have been ongoing discussions, as you would expect, for a program of this size and complexity with our trilateral partners. They happen at all levels on a very regular basis and this is part of an ongoing conversation about how we optimise implementation and achieve the ambitious pathway that we have laid out. Senator James James Paterson: Sure. But that's not really germane to my question. So, was it in January? Was it in February? VADM Mead: I'm just. It was an iterative process that we began to raise it. I can't remember the exact date. I can't remember the actual occasion. Senator James James Paterson: Okay, could you take on notice the exact dates. I think that's important to have on the record when you can provide it if you don't have it available.