Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's third report of 2025, referral made in July 2025, and I ask leave of the House to make a short statement in connection with the report.

Leave granted.

On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's third report for 2025—the first for the 48th Parliament. This report considers the proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 7 London Circuit, Canberra City, Australian Capital Territory, by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts. The total cost of delivery for the proposed fit-out is $32.5 million. The fit-out proposed by the department will use a precinct model to provide for the long-term accommodation needs of its staff. The leases of the two existing office sites, 111 Alinga Street and 62 Northbourne Avenue in Canberra City, are due to expire in June 2026, and both buildings are at the end of their economic lives.

A precinct model of two existing buildings close to each other is proposed to provide a long-term accommodation solution for the department. The lease period for the new premises will be for 15 years, with an option to extend by an additional five years. As 7 London Circuit has been fully refurbished and is available for an immediate fit-out, it was selected by the department as the centrepiece for the two-building solution. The scope of the works reflects the different styles of working within the department and respects inclusion and accessibility requirements. The fit-out design is predominantly for open-plan, modular workstations with break-out areas and support facilities. The fit-out will also include a variety of workstations, settings, security services, multifaith and multipurpose rooms, staff amenities and equality of access for staff with disabilities.

After conducting an inquiry into the proposed works, the committee is satisfied with the proposal and acknowledges the comprehensive staff consultation process undertaken by the department. The committee encourages the department to continue to prioritise accessibility preferences to ensure the fit-out accommodates the diverse and ever-changing needs of staff. The committee recommends that it is expedient that the proposed works are carried out.

I thank the Public Works Joint Committee secretariat for all the work that they did in supporting the committee and putting together the information required for the committee to do its job. I commend the report to the House.

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