Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1)    (a) The budget was originally set at $164.5 million but the reduction in client numbers announced on 9 May 2011 is expected to provide savings of about $40 million. (b) There are too many variables to provide an accurate figure on operating costs at this stage.(c) Clearing, site preparation, construction and commissioning.

(2) Contracts were let with GHD for project management services and with Wilde and Woollard for quantity surveying services. Southern Fencing was engaged to repair the boundary fence.

(3) The completion date announced on the 18 October 2010 was indicative only; completion is currently projected for October 2011. Since preparation for construction began, more detailed studies have identified the extent of bedrock, requiring design alterations. Further design alterations have been commissioned to meet environmental requirements and there will be longer than anticipated lead times to bring services to the site.

(4) Site preparation including clearing has commenced.

(5) On 18 October 2010 the Government made a decision to construct a facility at Northam. Until that point the Department did not have authority or appropriation to begin construction preparations. Preliminary site assessments had been undertaken to determine whether a facility could be constructed on the site.

(6) Yes.

(7) (a) The budget was originally set at $164.5 million but the reduction in client numbers announced on 9 May 2011 is expected to provide savings of about $40 million. (b) No.

(8) Single males who would have moved to Northam at the end of March will be accommodated elsewhere across the detention network until the facility is complete.