Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Minister for Small Business) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: JP500 Phase 2A—Electronic Warfare Operations Support Facility Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to construct fit-for-purpose facilities and associated infrastructure capable of supporting the new systems installation for current and emerging electronic warfare detection and countermeasure technologies at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia. This multiphase project aims to bring the Australian Defence Force's electronic warfare capabilities in the land and maritime environments up to a level which is commensurate with the ADF's current air electronic warfare capabilities. The proposed facilities will help ensure ADF platforms fitted with electronic warfare systems can achieve and maintain battle-worthy capabilities. This project will expand the Defence Science and Technology Group's research and development capability for current and emerging detection and countermeasure technologies.

The estimated cost to deliver the project is $24.91 million excluding GST. This includes construction cost escalation allowances; professional service fees; design, construction and design contingencies; and information technology equipment. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in mid-2017 with completion expected by mid-2018. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Proposed fit-out and relocation of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, Canberra in the ACT.

The Department of Defence, on behalf of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, proposes to fit out a suitable building to relocate the Australian Cyber Security Centre within Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory. The project will deliver a facility which will foster innovation and cyberinitiatives by allowing for greater engagement with industry and academia, and will accommodate future growth.

The estimated cost to deliver the project is $38.8 million excluding GST. This includes construction costs, site preparation, infrastructure service costs, management and design fees, fittings and equipment, and provisions for contingencies, cost escalation and associated professional fees. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2017, with completion expected by late 2017, with completion of an initial operating capability anticipated by June 2017. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Woomera Range Remediation Facilities Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver new and refurbished facilities and infrastructure capable of facilitating the operation of a new range-safety and -control system at the Woomera Range Complex in South Australia. This project will provide purpose-built facilities which will enable more frequent and more sophisticated trials in support of future testing and evaluation of air platforms and weapons. The project will significantly contribute to meeting a defence capability need for the future use of the Woomera testing range. The proposed works will enhance aerospace testing and evaluation techniques and increase the capacity of the range for future air warfare development.

The works will provide the Australian Defence Force with purpose-built facilities to support the introduction into service of a new, state-of-the-art integrated range control system at the Woomera Range Complex in South Australia. The proposed works include a new range control centre, a communications interface building and a maintenance and storage facility. The works will significantly improve the ADF's ability to conduct more regular and sophisticated trials. The project also proposes to upgrade and establish new communication sites on the range, which will be supported with road upgrades and the expansion of a fibre-optic network.

The estimated cost to deliver the project is $48.64 million, excluding GST. This includes construction costs; escalation allowances; professional design fees; service fees; design, construction and defence contingencies; and information technology equipment. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in mid-2017, with completion expected in mid-2018. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.