Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury) | 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: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Aquarium Redevelopment project, Townsville, Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority seeks parliament's approval to redevelop the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, the national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef, at 2-36 Kelleher Place, Townsville, Queensland. This project is a key deliverable of the Townsville City Deal signed in 2016. The scope of works includes significant architectural works and redevelopment of the existing building, living and thematic exhibitions, filtration and life support systems, and remediation of dilapidated structural, electrical, mechanical services and civil foundation works. The estimated total cost of the works is $161.1 million (excluding GST).

The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 25 November 2025. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction and major works are scheduled to commence in the 2026-27 financial year, with re-opening scheduled for 2029. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, 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—9 Molonglo Drive Project, Brindabella Park, Australian Capital Territory.

The Department of Defence seeks parliamentary approval to fit out newly leased premises at 9 Molonglo Drive, Brindabella Park, ACT to enable the department to consolidate four existing leases at Brindabella Park which have aged office fit-outs that are now beyond end of life. The scope of works includes the construction of workstations, individual offices, meeting and conference rooms, utility and storage spaces, secure rooms, training rooms, breakout spaces, an emergency operations centre and ICT help desk space. The estimated total cost of the works is $103.9 million, excluding GST. The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 3 November 2024. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works are expected to commence in mid-2026 for completion by late 2027. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, 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 Foreign Affairs and Trade—Refurbishment of Australian High Commission Staff Residential Compound, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade seeks parliamentary approval to refurbish 39 of the 45 staff residences located at the Australian High Commission's staff residential compound in Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The scope of works is for fit-out works only, including the demolition of internal services and fittings, removal of redundant services, new wall and ceiling linings, a full refurbishment of wet areas and kitchens, replacement flooring, upgrades to building services and safety upgrades to staircases. The estimated total cost of the works is $37.3 million, excluding GST but including Papua New Guinean value-added tax. The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 25 November 2025. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, including resolution of any outstanding requirements, construction is expected to commence in 2026 and be completed in 2029. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, 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 Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at One City Hill, Canberra City.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts seeks parliamentary approval to fit out levels 1 to 6 in new leased premises at One City Hill, Canberra City. The proposed work will comprise predominantly open-plan and modular workstations, meeting and breakout areas, and support facilities. The work will conform to the department's operational requirements, including physical and electronic security, with higher security zones and secure lift lobbies to each floor. The total project cost is estimated to be $46.4 million excluding GST. The proposed works were referred to the public works committee on 25 November 2025. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works are expected to commence in October 2026 for completion in May 2027. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.