Senate debates

Thursday, 23 June 2011

Questions on Notice

Attorney-General: Accommodation (Question No. 668)

Photo of Eric AbetzEric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Attorney-General, upon notice, on 24 May 2011:

Has the department undertaken any building works at its offices on National Circuit, Canberra, in the past year; if so: can a detailed list be provided of these works, together with their individual cost.

In response to the Senator Abetz's question 668,

Photo of Joe LudwigJoe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | | Hansard source

The Attorney-General has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

The following information is provided for the 2010-11 financial year (current to 24 May):

The Attorney-General's Department (AGD) undertook fitout changes to 3-5 National Circuit, Barton to accommodate a Departmental restructure. The cost of these fitout changes was $146,057.09.

The building owner of 3-5 National Circuit (ISPT) and AGD are sharing the cost of constructing an outdoor cover area for staff. This permanent structure is required to address potential OH&S issues (protection from the sun and rain) so that AGD can utilise the outdoor space for training, meetings and functions. Prior to its construction, staff could not utilise the area due to the extreme hot or cold conditions, reflection of light from the pavement and exposure to the elements. Expenditure for this project to 24 May 2011 is $542,190.90 of which the AGD component is $340,863.64. ISPT is responsible for any remaining expenditure (not expected to exceed $25,000).

Various minor fitout works were completed within the premises at 3-5 National Circuit at a total cost of $62,956.24. No single item exceeded $8,000.

AGD has committed to lease 8,000sqm of office space in a new building being constructed at 4 National Circuit, Barton. Expenditure to 24 May 2011 on this project is $3m against a total fitout budget of $18m. The project was approved through the Public Works Committee on 24 February 2011. Through this project AGD will achieve cost savings from:

        All costs provided above are GST exclusive.