Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Australian Taxation Office—Fit-out of new leased premises, 255 George Street, Sydney.

The Australian Taxation Office is proposing to undertake a fit-out of works for the newly leased property at 255 George Street, Sydney. The proposed works will facilitate the Australian Taxation Office's relocation from its existing office at 52 Goulburn Street, Sydney, following the lease expiry at the end of October 2022. The fit-out will support a flexible working environment and reduce property operating costs while meeting the occupational density targets that are set by the Commonwealth. The estimated cost of works is around $46.3 million, including GST, to be funded from the Australian Taxation Office's existing capital budget.

The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 16 December 2021. The committee has now recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. The committee has further recommended that the Auditor-General consider conducting an audit of the process undertaken by the Australian Taxation Office in selecting 255 George Street as the preferred site for the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the fit-out works are expected to commence in June 2022 and be completed by June 2023.

On behalf of the government I'd like to thank the committee for the work they undertake and, as a former member of that committee, offer my commentary that the Australian tax office is without a doubt one of the most prudent fit-outs, by cost per metre, of any of our government departments.

Question agreed to.