Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That, in accordance with section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the House approves the following proposal for works in the Parliamentary Zone which was presented to the House on 11 August 2009, namely: Parliament Drive one-way road upgrade.

This motion is seeking approval of the parliament to upgrade the Parliament Drive one-way road. Parliament Drive was converted to a one-way road in late 2006. This was done to help improve the traffic efficiency of the road following security upgrades in the area. Since that time there have been a number of minor traffic incidents on the road, such as vehicles proceeding the wrong way along the one-way road. If left unaddressed, the current situation could result in a serious traffic accident.

A traffic engineering report was commissioned by the Department of Parliamentary Services. This report recommended a number of modifications to significantly reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents occurring. The proposed project will implement these recommendations. The estimated construction cost for the upgrade is $1.4 million and construction works are planned to take place late in 2009. The costs and timings of the works will be confirmed after construction contracts have been received.

Under section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the Presiding Officers are responsible for works within the parliamentary precinct and the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government is responsible for other works in the Parliamentary Zone. Accordingly, this motion is moved on behalf of the Speaker and the President in my capacity as Leader of the House, and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.