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

On behalf of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, I present the committee's report 4/2020 Referrals made in April and June 2020.

Report made a parliamentary paper in accordance with standing order 39(e).

by leave—Report No. 4 considers two proposals referred to the committee in April and June 2020. The total value of the proposed works for the two projects was $320.75 million, with the projects being undertaken across Australia. The first is the proposed fit-out and security hardening of new leased Australian Federal Police premises at West Perth. The new office accommodation will be purpose built, allowing for full compliance with ASIO and AFP security policies. The estimated cost of this project is $27.1 million, excluding GST. The second project is the Department of Defence's Air 555 phase 1 airborne intelligence surveillance reconnaissance electronic warfare capability facilities works. The project will provide purpose-built facilities and infrastructure to support the incoming MC-55A Peregrine capability. The facilities include maintenance, computer infrastructure, intelligence and operational planning areas. They will be located across three operating bases within Australia and one on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The estimated cost of this project is $293.65 million, excluding GST.

As part of its statutory role under the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the committee scrutinised each project, considering the purpose of the work and its suitability, the need for the work, whether the money expended is cost-effective, whether any revenue is generated and the present and prospective value of the work. In current circumstances, the committee was unable to travel to these locations and inspect the proposed works in person so undertook a detailed scrutiny via presentations from the proponent entities. In each case the committee recommended that it is expedient that the works are carried out. I commend the report to the House.