Senate debates

Wednesday, 14 June 2017

Documents

Defence Properties; Order for the Production of Documents

3:47 pm

Photo of Janet RiceJanet Rice (Victoria, Australian Greens) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 340 standing in my name for today concerning an order for the production of documents relating to the Defence site at Maribyrnong.

Leave granted.

I move the motion as amended:

That there be laid on the table, by the Minister for Defence, by no later than 12.30 pm on 20 June 2017, the following documents regarding the Defence site Maribyrnong:

(a) the consultant report referred to by the Minister for Defence at the estimates hearing on 29 May 2017 of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee regarding the sale and proposed capacity of 6,000 dwellings for the site; and

(b) any correspondence between the Department of Defence or the Minister for Defence and her office and Australia Zhongren Enrichment Holding Pty Ltd or associated entities.

(c) any property contamination profile or related documents held by the Department of Defence;

(d) any correspondence by or to the Department of Defence or the Minister for Defence and her office regarding the cost of site remediation or decontamination; and

(e) any correspondence by or to the Department of Defence or the Minister for Defence and her office regarding advice on the number of houses that could be built on the land and potential congestion and urban planning issues including schools, child care, medical centres, amenities and the environment.

3:48 pm

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Photo of Stephen ParryStephen Parry (President) Share this | | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Photo of James McGrathJames McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | | Hansard source

The government does not release commercially sensitive information that could have the potential to distort local markets, and is therefore unable to release the consultant report on this basis. The government can confirm that Defence has received an unsolicited proposal from Australia Zhongren Enrichment Holding Pty Ltd but this has not been accepted and is not being considered. All parties, including the Victorian government, are welcome to participate in the open-market process. Planning decisions for the Defence site Maribyrnong, including the potential number of dwellings that could be built on the site, will ultimately be decisions for the city council and relevant Victorian government authorities. The government remains committed to working with the Victorian government and local council to ensure the needs of the broader community are considered in plans for future development of the site.

Question agreed to.