Jess Walsh (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Early Childhood Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the request of Senator Gallagher, I move government business notices of motion Nos 1 to 3 together, and I table statements in relation to the works:

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 1

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 Foreign Affairs and Trade—Refurbishment of Australian High Commission staff residential compound, Konedobu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 2

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:

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Great Barrier Reef Aquarium redevelopment project, Townsville, Queensland.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NOTICE OF MOTION NO. 3

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 Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at One City Hill, Canberra City.

The statement s read as follows

REFURBISHMENT OF AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION STAFF RESIDENTIAL COMPOUND, KONEDOBU, PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is proposing construction works to refurbish 39 of the 45 staff residences located at the Australin High Commission 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 surfaces 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 upgrades are required as the condition of these residences, originally constructed in 1993, has gradually declined to a point where residences are increasingly unfit for purpose.

The estimated total cost of the works is $37 .3 million (excluding GST, but including local Value Added Tax).

Subject to Parliamentary approval, including resolution of any outstanding requirements, construction is expected to commence in early 2026 and be completed in 2029.

I commend the motion to the Senate.

GREAT BARRIER REEF AQUARIUM REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, TOWNSVILLE, QUEENSLAND

he Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is proposing 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, 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 works must be referred to, considered by, and reported on to both Houses of the Parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, construction and major works are scheduled to commence in late 2026 for completion by late 2028.

I commend the motion to the Senate.

FITOUT OF NEW LEASED PREMISES AT ONE CITY HILL, CANBERRA

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (Infrastructure) is proposing to fitout levels 1-6 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 Infrastructure's operational requirements including physical and electronic security with high security zones and secure lift lobbies to each floor.

The total project cost is estimated to be $46.4 million (excluding GST).

The works must be referred to, considered by, and reported on to both Houses of the Parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, the works are expected to commence in July 2026 with completion in May 2027.

I commend the motion to the Senate.

Question agreed to.