It shits me, all they need to do is write some solid requirements and stick to them, if strengthening strategic ties with Japan is important make it a requirement, if AN/BYG-1 is needed, make it a requirement. Be honest and up front about what you want and why and if that rules out most of the competition so what, you are still getting what you want.
To me the biggest issue is there is a perception the government are being sneaky and as such it has become all about that rather than the actual requirement. The primary objective should be the most suitable capability for the RAN, including the ability to affordably support it through life of type, if this is best done overseas then it needs to be justified and I'm not talking about a bs productivity commission review but a fully costed review of procurement, through to replacement and disposal done by competent experts with an appropriate technical background and no ties to a particular ideology.