Defence projects suffer $6.5bn cost blowout as Marles promises more scrutiny in future

Minister takes aim at Coalition's handling of defence projects, saying money was flushed down the toilet'

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Defence projects have blown out by at least $6.5bn placing even greater pressure on the federal budget, the government will reveal on Monday.

The new figure - which comes before the promised nuclear-powered submarines have even been factored into the budget - has led the government to commit to prudent" future management of defence projects.