Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share this | Link to 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: Department of Defence—Facilities to Support JP9101 Phase 1 Enhanced Defence High Frequency Communication System—'Project Phoenix'.

The Department of Defence is proposing to undertake works to support its enhanced defence high frequency communication system. The proposed works include the refurbishment of control buildings, engineering services and infrastructure at existing sites and the construction of a facility at a new site and fibre optic cable links between a number of regional paired sites. The estimated cost of the works is $280.2 million, excluding GST.

The works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 20 June 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, 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. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2024 for completion of all sites by late 2026. 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.