House debates

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Committees

Public Works Joint Committee; Approval of Work

9:02 am

Photo of Jim ChalmersJim Chalmers (Rankin, Australian Labor Party, Treasurer) Share 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: Australian Taxation Office—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 6 Parramatta Square.

The Australian Taxation Office is proposing fit-out works for its new office at 6 Parramatta Square, Parramatta, Sydney. The proposed works will facilitate the Australian Taxation Office's relocation from its existing office at 2-12 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, Sydney, following lease expiry in June 2023. The fit-out will support a flexible working environment and reduce property operating costs while meeting occupational density targets. The estimated cost of the works is $64.4 million excluding GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works will commence shortly thereafter and are expected to be completed by April 2023.

The project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works on 3 August 2022. Following its inquiry, the committee has 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. On behalf of the government, I'd like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry, and 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, 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: Department of DefenceAIR7000 Phase 1B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver infrastructure and facilities under the AIR7000 Phase 1B Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Facilities Project for the introduction of the new Triton aircraft system at RAAF bases Edinburgh and Tindal. The proposed works will include a Triton control centre, training facilities, squadron headquarters, operating and maintenance facilities, aircraft hangars and wash point facilities, and airfield pavements. The estimated cost of the works is $427.1 million excluding GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2023, with works at Edinburgh completed in late 2024 and works at Tindal completed in late 2025.

The project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works on 3 August 2022. Following its inquiry the committee has 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.

On behalf of the government, once again, I'd like to thank the committee for undertaking another timely inquiry, and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.