Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Project JP154 Phase 1—Defence Counter Improvised Explosive Device Capability Facilities and Infrastructure Project.

As I advised the House, when referring this project to the Public Works Committee, the Department of Defence is proposing to deliver new and refurbished purpose-built facilities and associated infrastructure to support sustainable defence counter improvised explosive device capability into the Australian Defence Force. The facilities will support research and development; engineering acceptance and testing; and storage and training for forced protection electronic countermeasures equipment.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that this project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project which is fit for purpose and it is expedient to carry out the proposed work.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for once again undertaking a rigorous and a timely inquiry. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is scheduled to commence in South Australia in early 2015 and is planned to be completed on all other sites by late 2015. These are important works and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to