C0119
दावा
“Paid $39 million to a naval boat manufacturer when not required to because the company failed to fulfil the relevant contract clauses, and they coincidentally donated to the Liberal party.”
मूल स्रोत: Matthew Davis
मूल स्रोत
✅ तथ्य सत्यापन
The The core core facts facts in in this this claim claim are are substantially substantially accurate accurate according according to to multiple multiple authoritative authoritative sources. sources. **$39 **$39 million million payment payment confirmed:** confirmed:** The The Australian Australian Border Border Force Force (ABF) (ABF) did did pay pay $39 $39 million million to to Austal, Austal, a a shipbuilder shipbuilder manufacturing manufacturing the the Cape-class Cape-class patrol patrol boats boats [1]. [1].
The core facts in this claim are substantially accurate according to multiple authoritative sources.
**$39 million payment confirmed:** The Australian Border Force (ABF) did pay $39 million to Austal, a shipbuilder manufacturing the Cape-class patrol boats [1].
The The payment payment was was made made in in two two tranches: tranches: $31 $31 million million paid paid in in late late 2015 2015 (two (two days days before before Christmas Christmas 2015) 2015) and and $8 $8 million million paid paid in in June June 2016 2016 [1]. [1]. **Contract **Contract milestone milestone requirements requirements not not met:** met:** The The SMH SMH investigation investigation confirmed confirmed that that ABF ABF internal internal advice advice stated stated Austal Austal had had failed failed to to reach reach key key milestones milestones required required for for the the $44.6 $44.6 million million success success fee fee [1]. [1]. The payment was made in two tranches: $31 million paid in late 2015 (two days before Christmas 2015) and $8 million paid in June 2016 [1].
**Contract milestone requirements not met:** The SMH investigation confirmed that ABF internal advice stated Austal had failed to reach key milestones required for the $44.6 million success fee [1].
Specifically, Specifically, the the boats boats delivered delivered were were "plagued "plagued with with problems" problems" and and the the ABF ABF advice advice stated stated the the company company had had not not met met the the milestones milestones because because the the boats boats had had "ongoing "ongoing 'capability 'capability and and support support system system deficiencies'" deficiencies'" [1]. [1]. Specifically, the boats delivered were "plagued with problems" and the ABF advice stated the company had not met the milestones because the boats had "ongoing 'capability and support system deficiencies'" [1].
The The Auditor-General's Auditor-General's December December 2018 2018 report report confirmed confirmed that that "even "even by by October October 2018, 2018, almost almost three three years years after after the the first first payment, payment, the the Cape-class Cape-class patrol patrol boat boat program program had had failed failed to to reach reach its its milestones" milestones" [1]. [1]. **Payment **Payment made made despite despite internal internal advice advice against against it:** it:** ABF ABF disregarded disregarded internal internal advice advice not not to to pay pay the the success success fee, fee, proceeding proceeding after after "intense "intense lobbying lobbying by by Austal" Austal" [1]. [1]. The Auditor-General's December 2018 report confirmed that "even by October 2018, almost three years after the first payment, the Cape-class patrol boat program had failed to reach its milestones" [1].
**Payment made despite internal advice against it:** ABF disregarded internal advice not to pay the success fee, proceeding after "intense lobbying by Austal" [1].
Sources Sources with with knowledge knowledge of of the the investigation investigation confirmed confirmed that that ABF ABF "in "in late late 2015 2015 and and early early 2016, 2016, disregarded disregarded internal internal advice advice that that it it should should not not pay pay Austal Austal part part of of a a $44.6 $44.6 million million success success fee" fee" [1]. [1]. **Austal **Austal donations donations to to Liberal Liberal Party:** Party:** In In the the 2015-16 2015-16 financial financial year, year, Austal Austal donated donated $60,000 $60,000 to to the the Liberal Liberal Party, Party, including including $20,000 $20,000 to to the the party's party's West West Australian Australian branch, branch, and and only only $1,500 $1,500 to to the the ALP ALP [1]. [1]. Sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that ABF "in late 2015 and early 2016, disregarded internal advice that it should not pay Austal part of a $44.6 million success fee" [1].
**Austal donations to Liberal Party:** In the 2015-16 financial year, Austal donated $60,000 to the Liberal Party, including $20,000 to the party's West Australian branch, and only $1,500 to the ALP [1].
These These donations donations occurred occurred in in the the same same financial financial year year as as the the payments payments were were made. made. **Corruption **Corruption investigation investigation launched:** launched:** The The Australian Australian Commission Commission for for Law Law Enforcement Enforcement Integrity Integrity (ACLEI) (ACLEI) formally formally launched launched a a corruption corruption investigation investigation in in early early 2019, 2019, ordered ordered by by then-integrity then-integrity commissioner commissioner Michael Michael Griffin, Griffin, into into Austal Austal and and Border Border Force Force over over the the shipbuilding shipbuilding contract contract [1]. [1]. These donations occurred in the same financial year as the payments were made.
**Corruption investigation launched:** The Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity (ACLEI) formally launched a corruption investigation in early 2019, ordered by then-integrity commissioner Michael Griffin, into Austal and Border Force over the shipbuilding contract [1].
गायब संदर्भ
However, However, the the claim claim omits omits several several important important contextual contextual factors factors that that significantly significantly complicate complicate the the narrative: narrative: **Multiple **Multiple regulatory regulatory investigations, investigations, not not just just speculation:** speculation:** The The corruption corruption investigation investigation was was not not based based on on merely merely "coincidental" "coincidental" donations. donations.
However, the claim omits several important contextual factors that significantly complicate the narrative:
**Multiple regulatory investigations, not just speculation:** The corruption investigation was not based on merely "coincidental" donations.
It It was was formally formally triggered triggered by by a a December December 2018 2018 Auditor-General's Auditor-General's report report that that documented documented objective objective failures failures to to meet meet contract contract milestones milestones [1]. [1]. It was formally triggered by a December 2018 Auditor-General's report that documented objective failures to meet contract milestones [1].
Three Three separate separate regulatory regulatory bodies bodies investigated: investigated: ACLEI ACLEI (Australian (Australian Commission Commission for for Law Law Enforcement Enforcement Integrity), Integrity), ASIC ASIC (Australian (Australian Securities Securities and and Investments Investments Commission), Commission), and and US US corporate corporate regulators regulators examining examining Austal's Austal's US US operations operations [1]. [1]. **No **No proven proven causal causal link link between between donations donations and and payments:** payments:** While While the the SMH SMH article article notes notes "There "There is is no no suggestion suggestion the the donations donations had had any any impact impact on on the the funds funds being being released released by by Border Border Force Force to to Austal" Austal" [1], [1], the the claim's claim's use use of of "coincidentally" "coincidentally" implies implies a a connection connection that that has has not not been been proven. proven. Three separate regulatory bodies investigated: ACLEI (Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity), ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission), and US corporate regulators examining Austal's US operations [1].
**No proven causal link between donations and payments:** While the SMH article notes "There is no suggestion the donations had any impact on the funds being released by Border Force to Austal" [1], the claim's use of "coincidentally" implies a connection that has not been proven.
The The timing timing may may be be suspicious suspicious but but remains remains a a matter matter of of investigation investigation rather rather than than established established fact. fact. **The **The investigation investigation itself itself was was compromised/terminated:** compromised/terminated:** After After the the initial initial corruption corruption inquiry inquiry was was launched launched by by Michael Michael Griffin, Griffin, his his successor successor Jaala Jaala Hinchcliffe Hinchcliffe (appointed (appointed by by Attorney-General Attorney-General Christian Christian Porter Porter in in February February 2020) 2020) scrapped scrapped the the planned planned coercive coercive hearings hearings and and removed removed counsel counsel assisting assisting the the investigation investigation in in April April 2020 2020 [1]. [1]. The timing may be suspicious but remains a matter of investigation rather than established fact.
**The investigation itself was compromised/terminated:** After the initial corruption inquiry was launched by Michael Griffin, his successor Jaala Hinchcliffe (appointed by Attorney-General Christian Porter in February 2020) scrapped the planned coercive hearings and removed counsel assisting the investigation in April 2020 [1].
This This termination termination meant meant the the investigation investigation was was never never completed, completed, preventing preventing any any definitive definitive conclusion conclusion about about whether whether corruption corruption actually actually occurred occurred [1]. [1]. This termination meant the investigation was never completed, preventing any definitive conclusion about whether corruption actually occurred [1].
One One commission commission insider insider told told SMH: SMH: "It's "It's either either corruption, corruption, maladministration maladministration or or inexplicable inexplicable incompetence incompetence [by [by ABF] ABF] but but whatever whatever it it is, is, the the Australian Australian public public deserve deserve to to know know about about it" it" [1]. [1]. **Austal's **Austal's defense defense and and broader broader business business pressures:** pressures:** Sources Sources familiar familiar with with various various probes probes indicated indicated Austal Austal "wanted "wanted the the $44.6 $44.6 million million in in taxpayer taxpayer funds funds as as it it faced faced major major problems problems with with the the Cape-class Cape-class project project and and a a major major US US naval naval contract" contract" [1]. [1]. One commission insider told SMH: "It's either corruption, maladministration or inexplicable incompetence [by ABF] but whatever it is, the Australian public deserve to know about it" [1].
**Austal's defense and broader business pressures:** Sources familiar with various probes indicated Austal "wanted the $44.6 million in taxpayer funds as it faced major problems with the Cape-class project and a major US naval contract" [1].
This This suggests suggests possible possible financial financial distress distress rather rather than than purely purely opportunistic opportunistic lobbying. lobbying. **The **The broader broader context context of of defense defense procurement:** procurement:** The The Cape-class Cape-class boats boats had had genuine genuine capability capability issues, issues, but but this this reflected reflected problems problems common common across across Australian Australian defense defense procurement. procurement. This suggests possible financial distress rather than purely opportunistic lobbying.
**The broader context of defense procurement:** The Cape-class boats had genuine capability issues, but this reflected problems common across Australian defense procurement.
The The Auditor-General's Auditor-General's own own findings findings documented documented systemic systemic issues issues with with the the project project management, management, not not solely solely with with payment payment authorization. authorization. The Auditor-General's own findings documented systemic issues with the project management, not solely with payment authorization.
स्रोत विश्वसनीयता मूल्यांकन
**Original **Original source source (SMH) (SMH) - - High High credibility:** credibility:** The The Sydney Sydney Morning Morning Herald Herald is is a a mainstream, mainstream, reputable reputable Australian Australian newspaper. newspaper.
**Original source (SMH) - High credibility:** The Sydney Morning Herald is a mainstream, reputable Australian newspaper.
The The article article was was written written by by Nick Nick McKenzie McKenzie and and Charlotte Charlotte Grieve. Grieve. The article was written by Nick McKenzie and Charlotte Grieve.
McKenzie McKenzie is is an an Age Age investigative investigative journalist journalist who who has has won won multiple multiple Walkley Walkley Awards Awards (Australia's (Australia's highest highest journalism journalism honor), honor), including including the the Gold Gold Walkley, Walkley, and and has has been been three three times times named named the the Graham Graham Perkin Perkin Australian Australian Journalist Journalist of of the the Year Year [1]. [1]. McKenzie is an Age investigative journalist who has won multiple Walkley Awards (Australia's highest journalism honor), including the Gold Walkley, and has been three times named the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year [1].
This This represents represents a a credible credible mainstream mainstream news news source source with with professional professional investigative investigative standards. standards. **Secondary **Secondary sources sources used used - - Mixed Mixed credibility:** credibility:** The The claim claim ultimately ultimately relies relies on on the the SMH SMH investigation, investigation, which which drew drew from: from: - - Official Official Auditor-General's Auditor-General's report report (high (high credibility credibility - - independent independent government government body) body) - - ACLEI ACLEI investigation investigation documents documents (high (high credibility credibility - - law law enforcement enforcement integrity integrity agency) agency) - - ASIC ASIC investigations investigations (high (high credibility credibility - - corporate corporate regulator) regulator) - - US US federal federal agency agency investigations investigations into into Austal Austal (high (high credibility credibility - - foreign foreign government government oversight) oversight) - - Anonymous Anonymous sources sources "with "with knowledge knowledge of of the the investigation" investigation" (lower (lower credibility credibility - - anonymous anonymous sources sources can can introduce introduce bias) bias) The The SMH SMH reporting reporting is is balanced balanced and and notes notes its its own own caveats caveats (explicitly (explicitly stating stating no no proven proven connection connection between between donations donations and and payments), payments), which which increases increases credibility. credibility. This represents a credible mainstream news source with professional investigative standards.
**Secondary sources used - Mixed credibility:** The claim ultimately relies on the SMH investigation, which drew from:
- Official Auditor-General's report (high credibility - independent government body)
- ACLEI investigation documents (high credibility - law enforcement integrity agency)
- ASIC investigations (high credibility - corporate regulator)
- US federal agency investigations into Austal (high credibility - foreign government oversight)
- Anonymous sources "with knowledge of the investigation" (lower credibility - anonymous sources can introduce bias)
The SMH reporting is balanced and notes its own caveats (explicitly stating no proven connection between donations and payments), which increases credibility.
⚖️
Labor तुलना
**Did **Did Labor Labor government government have have similar similar defense defense contractor contractor issues?** issues?** Search Search conducted: conducted: "Australian "Australian Labor Labor government government defense defense procurement procurement spending spending problems problems Cape-class Cape-class Rudd Rudd Gillard" Gillard" Finding: Finding: Labor Labor government government had had its its own own defense defense procurement procurement controversies, controversies, though though not not directly directly equivalent equivalent to to the the Austal Austal case case [2]. [2].
**Did Labor government have similar defense contractor issues?**
Search conducted: "Australian Labor government defense procurement spending problems Cape-class Rudd Gillard"
Finding: Labor government had its own defense procurement controversies, though not directly equivalent to the Austal case [2].
The The Australian Australian Department Department of of Defence Defence has has experienced experienced systemic systemic procurement procurement problems problems across across multiple multiple government government administrations administrations [3]. [3]. The Australian Department of Defence has experienced systemic procurement problems across multiple government administrations [3].
A A 2016 2016 thesis thesis on on institutional institutional corruption corruption identified identified "institutional "institutional corruption corruption as as one one possible possible reason reason for for the the poor poor procurement procurement results results that that occur occur within" within" Defence Defence procurement, procurement, affecting affecting both both Coalition Coalition and and Labor Labor governments governments over over three three decades decades [3]. [3]. **Historical **Historical context:** context:** The The Cape-class Cape-class patrol patrol boat boat program program was was initiated initiated under under the the Howard Howard government government (Coalition) (Coalition) in in 2007 2007 [1]. [1]. A 2016 thesis on institutional corruption identified "institutional corruption as one possible reason for the poor procurement results that occur within" Defence procurement, affecting both Coalition and Labor governments over three decades [3].
**Historical context:** The Cape-class patrol boat program was initiated under the Howard government (Coalition) in 2007 [1].
The The problematic problematic payments payments occurred occurred during during the the Abbott-Turnbull Abbott-Turnbull Coalition Coalition government government (2015-2016). (2015-2016). The problematic payments occurred during the Abbott-Turnbull Coalition government (2015-2016).
There There is is no no documented documented equivalent equivalent instance instance of of Labor Labor government government (2007-2013) (2007-2013) paying paying defense defense contractors contractors significant significant sums sums for for unmet unmet contract contract milestones. milestones. There is no documented equivalent instance of Labor government (2007-2013) paying defense contractors significant sums for unmet contract milestones.
However, However, defense defense procurement procurement failures failures and and cost cost overruns overruns have have affected affected governments governments of of both both parties parties [2][3]. [2][3]. **Broader **Broader pattern:** pattern:** The The issue issue appears appears to to be be systemic systemic to to Australian Australian defense defense procurement procurement rather rather than than unique unique to to Coalition. Coalition. However, defense procurement failures and cost overruns have affected governments of both parties [2][3].
**Broader pattern:** The issue appears to be systemic to Australian defense procurement rather than unique to Coalition.
The The 2023 2023 KPMG KPMG Defense Defense data data contract contract review review found found $100 $100 million million in in governance governance failures, failures, conflicts conflicts of of interest, interest, and and lack lack of of accountability accountability - - occurring occurring under under the the Coalition Coalition government government but but reflecting reflecting broader broader procurement procurement culture culture issues issues [2]. [2]. The 2023 KPMG Defense data contract review found $100 million in governance failures, conflicts of interest, and lack of accountability - occurring under the Coalition government but reflecting broader procurement culture issues [2].
🌐
संतुलित दृष्टिकोण
While While critics critics argue argue the the $39 $39 million million payment payment represented represented potential potential corruption corruption or or maladministration, maladministration, the the official official narrative narrative was was more more nuanced. nuanced.
While critics argue the $39 million payment represented potential corruption or maladministration, the official narrative was more nuanced.
Border Border Force Force officials officials claimed claimed the the boats, boats, despite despite early early problems, problems, ultimately ultimately met met operational operational requirements. requirements. Border Force officials claimed the boats, despite early problems, ultimately met operational requirements.
However, However, the the Auditor-General's Auditor-General's December December 2018 2018 report report specifically specifically contradicted contradicted this, this, finding finding that that "even "even by by October October 2018, 2018, almost almost three three years years after after the the first first payment, payment, the the Cape-class Cape-class patrol patrol boat boat program program had had failed failed to to reach reach its its milestones" milestones" [1]. [1]. However, the Auditor-General's December 2018 report specifically contradicted this, finding that "even by October 2018, almost three years after the first payment, the Cape-class patrol boat program had failed to reach its milestones" [1].
The The legitimate legitimate questions questions raised: raised: 1. 1. **Policy **Policy rationale rationale for for payment:** payment:** Border Border Force Force may may have have faced faced pressure pressure to to maintain maintain the the Austal Austal contract contract for for national national security security continuity, continuity, as as Austal Austal is is a a major major domestic domestic defense defense manufacturer manufacturer [1]. [1]. The legitimate questions raised:
1. **Policy rationale for payment:** Border Force may have faced pressure to maintain the Austal contract for national security continuity, as Austal is a major domestic defense manufacturer [1].
Losing Losing Austal Austal would would have have disrupted disrupted future future shipbuilding shipbuilding capability. capability. 2. 2. **Financial **Financial vs. vs. performance performance issues:** issues:** The The investigation investigation uncovered uncovered evidence evidence that that Austal Austal "wanted "wanted the the $44.6 $44.6 million million in in taxpayer taxpayer funds funds as as it it faced faced major major problems problems with with the the Cape-class Cape-class project project and and a a major major US US naval naval contract" contract" [1]. [1]. Losing Austal would have disrupted future shipbuilding capability.
2. **Financial vs. performance issues:** The investigation uncovered evidence that Austal "wanted the $44.6 million in taxpayer funds as it faced major problems with the Cape-class project and a major US naval contract" [1].
This This suggests suggests potential potential financial financial distress distress driving driving the the lobbying lobbying rather rather than than corruption corruption per per se. se. 3. 3. **Systemic **Systemic vs. vs. individual individual corruption:** corruption:** The The termination termination of of the the formal formal investigation investigation before before completion completion means means we we cannot cannot distinguish distinguish between between individual individual corruption, corruption, systemic systemic maladministration, maladministration, or or legitimate legitimate policy policy trade-offs trade-offs made made without without proper proper authorization. authorization. **Key **Key context:** context:** This This is is not not unique unique to to the the Coalition. Coalition. This suggests potential financial distress driving the lobbying rather than corruption per se.
3. **Systemic vs. individual corruption:** The termination of the formal investigation before completion means we cannot distinguish between individual corruption, systemic maladministration, or legitimate policy trade-offs made without proper authorization.
**Key context:** This is not unique to the Coalition.
Australian Australian defense defense procurement procurement has has experienced experienced systemic systemic cost cost overruns, overruns, delays, delays, and and poor poor contract contract management management across across multiple multiple government government administrations administrations [3]. [3]. Australian defense procurement has experienced systemic cost overruns, delays, and poor contract management across multiple government administrations [3].
The The Adelaide-class Adelaide-class sustainment sustainment contracts, contracts, for for example, example, were were awarded awarded without without formal formal bidding bidding by by both both Coalition Coalition and and Labor Labor pledges pledges of of additional additional defence defence investment investment [2]. [2]. The Adelaide-class sustainment contracts, for example, were awarded without formal bidding by both Coalition and Labor pledges of additional defence investment [2].
However, However, the the specific specific concern concern here here is is different: different: not not defense defense procurement procurement failure failure generally, generally, but but potential potential improper improper influence influence through through political political donations. donations. However, the specific concern here is different: not defense procurement failure generally, but potential improper influence through political donations.
The The investigation investigation was was terminated terminated before before completion, completion, preventing preventing any any definitive definitive determination determination of of whether whether corruption corruption occurred occurred [1]. [1]. The investigation was terminated before completion, preventing any definitive determination of whether corruption occurred [1].
आंशिक रूप से सत्य
6.5
/ 10
The The core core facts facts are are accurate: accurate: ABF ABF did did pay pay $39 $39 million million to to Austal Austal despite despite internal internal advice advice against against it, it, the the company company had had failed failed to to meet meet contract contract milestones, milestones, and and Austal Austal donated donated to to the the Liberal Liberal Party Party in in the the same same year. year.
The core facts are accurate: ABF did pay $39 million to Austal despite internal advice against it, the company had failed to meet contract milestones, and Austal donated to the Liberal Party in the same year.
However, However, the the claim's claim's suggestion suggestion of of a a direct direct causal causal link link ("coincidentally ("coincidentally donated") donated") overstates overstates what what has has been been established. established. However, the claim's suggestion of a direct causal link ("coincidentally donated") overstates what has been established.
The The investigation investigation that that could could have have determined determined whether whether corruption corruption actually actually occurred occurred was was scrapped scrapped by by ACLEI ACLEI leadership, leadership, leaving leaving the the core core question question unanswered unanswered [1]. [1]. The investigation that could have determined whether corruption actually occurred was scrapped by ACLEI leadership, leaving the core question unanswered [1].
The The payment payment appears appears improper improper based based on on the the Auditor-General's Auditor-General's findings, findings, but but whether whether it it constituted constituted "corruption" "corruption" specifically specifically (rather (rather than than maladministration maladministration or or financial financial desperation desperation by by Austal) Austal) remains remains unresolved unresolved [1]. [1]. The payment appears improper based on the Auditor-General's findings, but whether it constituted "corruption" specifically (rather than maladministration or financial desperation by Austal) remains unresolved [1].
अंतिम स्कोर
6.5
/ 10
आंशिक रूप से सत्य
The The core core facts facts are are accurate: accurate: ABF ABF did did pay pay $39 $39 million million to to Austal Austal despite despite internal internal advice advice against against it, it, the the company company had had failed failed to to meet meet contract contract milestones, milestones, and and Austal Austal donated donated to to the the Liberal Liberal Party Party in in the the same same year. year.
The core facts are accurate: ABF did pay $39 million to Austal despite internal advice against it, the company had failed to meet contract milestones, and Austal donated to the Liberal Party in the same year.
However, However, the the claim's claim's suggestion suggestion of of a a direct direct causal causal link link ("coincidentally ("coincidentally donated") donated") overstates overstates what what has has been been established. established. However, the claim's suggestion of a direct causal link ("coincidentally donated") overstates what has been established.
The The investigation investigation that that could could have have determined determined whether whether corruption corruption actually actually occurred occurred was was scrapped scrapped by by ACLEI ACLEI leadership, leadership, leaving leaving the the core core question question unanswered unanswered [1]. [1]. The investigation that could have determined whether corruption actually occurred was scrapped by ACLEI leadership, leaving the core question unanswered [1].
The The payment payment appears appears improper improper based based on on the the Auditor-General's Auditor-General's findings, findings, but but whether whether it it constituted constituted "corruption" "corruption" specifically specifically (rather (rather than than maladministration maladministration or or financial financial desperation desperation by by Austal) Austal) remains remains unresolved unresolved [1]. [1]. The payment appears improper based on the Auditor-General's findings, but whether it constituted "corruption" specifically (rather than maladministration or financial desperation by Austal) remains unresolved [1].
📚 स्रोत और उद्धरण (4)
-
1
Border Force subject to corruption investigation after millions paid to ship builder
The anti-corruption commission in charge of the investigation is accused of pulling its punches over the $39 million payment and has sacked the probe’s counsel assisting.
The Sydney Morning Herald -
2
Australia's Adelaide-class Sustainment Contracts
Corruption Tracker -
3PDF
Institutional Corruption: the Australian Department of Defence's Achilles Heel
Afca Edu • PDF Document -
4
$100m Defence contract with KPMG rife with governance failures, review finds
A Defence data project involving a $100 million contract issued to KPMG is rife with serious governance failures, conflicts of interests and a "lack of accountability", according to an external review.
Abc Net
रेटिंग स्केल कार्यप्रणाली
1-3: गलत
तथ्यात्मक रूप से गलत या दुर्भावनापूर्ण मनगढ़ंत।
4-6: आंशिक
कुछ सच्चाई लेकिन संदर्भ गायब या विकृत है।
7-9: अधिकांशतः सत्य
मामूली तकनीकी बारीकियाँ या शब्दावली संबंधी मुद्दे।
10: सटीक
पूर्ण रूप से सत्यापित और संदर्भ में उचित।
कार्यप्रणाली: रेटिंग आधिकारिक सरकारी रिकॉर्ड, स्वतंत्र तथ्य-जाँच संगठनों और प्राथमिक स्रोत दस्तावेज़ों के क्रॉस-रेफ़रेंसिंग के माध्यम से निर्धारित की जाती हैं।