Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) | Hansard source

by leave—Whilst I won't repeat what the chair has covered, I will say it is a significant investment of over $2 billion that is covered in these projects and over $1 billion for the Australian Defence Force Academy here in Canberra. I'll be generous. We did see as a committee and hear from witnesses, with that generosity, some confusion between the National Capital Authority and Defence around the ability, or lack of, to build accommodation of different levels, as in four storeys to six storeys. That would make a significant difference in an area like ADFA, here in Canberra where the footprint and the land are so valuable. We think that we've addressed those issues between those organisations, and I would hope that, before any further construction is planned or attempted, those organisations will get together and determine what an appropriate height is to get the maximum benefit not only for the participants but of course for the taxpayers, who are paying for these facilities.

In RAAF Base Wagga there were some elements that I saw that were of concern to me, as the deputy chair. One of which was what appears to be an all-electric policy for Defence. Wagga has a gas reticulation system, which is apparently to be either removed or disconnected as part of a significant upgrade at Wagga. To me, that is foolish in the extreme. It is a very, very cold location. We were there a few weeks ago with the chair. Just as a brief aside, the chair and I did find ourselves at the International Hotel Wagga Wagga, which was also the home for the New South Wales state Nationals' conference, which was a bit uncomfortable, I think, for the chair on occasions! However, he did take it in good spirit, and I have to say that I was unaware that that was the case, but that's where we were.

Given the weather conditions and given the thousands of people that will utilise the mess and the renewed accommodation, for example, I think the concept that it can be all electric and avoid gas is one that is actually quite foolish. You should use the resources that are there that work and that are functional, whether they are gas or electric. This is actually about providing services for people. We want them in our armed forces, and we need to provide the best opportunity for them to do what they do, particularly in training.

Mutitjulu was quite an incredible experience, I have to say, and I thank all of those involved, from the secretariat right through to the participants and those individuals who provided evidence. Clearly, it is a community which has been built in an ad hoc manner over a number of decades. When it comes to infrastructure, it does need a significant upgrade, for both sewerage and electrical distribution. Of course, the local workforce has to be provided that work in a way which is not overwhelming. It is very, very remote work and it is quite challenging, particularly given the weather conditions and the availability of pretty much anything. Everything has to be brought in; you can't duck down to the local Bunnings. It is a very, very long way from the source of supply. So, for those who will be doing that work, I think it's being well managed and well handled by Parks Australia and others to ensure there is as much participation from local providers as possible. That, of course, continues to develop local skills and opportunities. I think that's one of the things that we are all in this parliament to help achieve right across the country.

With that, I thank all participants. I thank Defence. It's a big country, and it's a very significant spend. Of course we support those projects going forward in what is a very important period of time for our nation.

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