House debates

Thursday, 1 December 2022

Committees

Public Works Joint Committee; Approval of Work

10:38 am

Photo of Andrew LeighAndrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) 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 Broadcasting Corporation—Proposed fit-out of Parramatta and Ultimo Offices.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation is proposing works to fit-out its newly leased office at 6 to 8 Parramatta Square in Parramatta and to refurbish its existing office at Ultimo, NSW.

On completion of the Parramatta works, the ABC will relocate a portion of its news and content production functions from Ultimo to Parramatta, along with approximately 300 staff. The refurbishment of the existing Ultimo office will involve the replacement of the current fit-out that has reached end-of-life. The estimated cost of the works is $43.6 million excluding GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, fit-out works are expected to commence from early 2023 and be completed by mid-2025.

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 this project.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. 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 DefenceHMAS Harman Redevelopment Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to undertake redevelopment works at HMAS Harman in the ACT. HMAS Harman supports Defence's communications capabilities and provides administrative and personnel functions to support Navy personnel here in the terrific Canberra region. The proposed works include a new Navy administration command facility and other office accommodation, upgrades to the entry precinct, a new gymnasium and the refurbishment of existing facilities. The estimated cost of the works is $116.4 million, excluding GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in late 2023 and be completed in 2025.

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 this project. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. 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 Defence—Robertson Barracks Base Improvements.

The Department of Defence is proposing to undertake works at Robertson Barracks in the Northern Territory to support Australian Defence Force operations. The project will provide essential base upgrades to facilities and infrastructure and replace ageing facilities that are reaching end of useful life. The estimated construction cost is $389.1 million, excluding GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in mid-2023 and be completed in 2026.

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 this project. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.