Government move to block Defence contract detail faces renewed scrutiny

The Coalition's move to block publication of details about a $1.3 billion defence contract is facing renewed scrutiny, as Labor warns against limiting parliamentary checks and balances.

Last month, key sections of an Australian National Audit Office report were blocked from publication on national security grounds, keeping from the public details of the Defence Department's contract with French-owned company Thales Australia for the purchase of 1100 Hawkei combat vehicles.