I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report as expeditiously as is practicable: Department of Defence—Armoured Fighting Vehicles Facilities Program—Stage 3.

The Department of Defence proposes to deliver the third stage of major facilities and infrastructure supporting the Australian Army's armoured fighting capability program, which commenced in 2020. The project will provide vehicle maintenance, sustainment and training facilities at Lavarack Barracks, located approximately 10 kilometres south of the Townsville central business district. The estimated cost of the project is $231.1 million, excluding GST.

Through this motion, the government is referring the proposed work to the public works committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for consideration and report to both houses of parliament. Following that report, the House of Representatives must subsequently resolve that it is expedient for the work to be carried out before work may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, the project is expected to commence construction by mid-2027 and be completed by late 2028. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.