Mike Kelly (Eden-Monaro, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support) Share this | Hansard source

The Department of Finance and Deregulation proposes to fit out the Anzac Park West building in Parkes, Australian Capital Territory at an estimated out-turn cost of $45.5 million, inclusive of GST. On the basis that the building will be fit out appropriately, the Department of Defence has signed a memorandum of understanding and a lease for Anzac Park West with the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

Anzac Park West is a vacant heritage listed office building located within the Parliamentary Triangle. It was built in 1966 and, along with Anzac Park East, is a portal building, framing the vista between Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. Anzac Park West base building refurbishment was completed in December 2006 within budget at a cost of $48 million, prior to a planned fit-out by the Australian Federal Police. In July 2007 the Australian Federal Police advised that Anzac Park West would no longer suit their accommodation needs due to unprecedented growth. The Australian Federal Police subsequently requested to be released from their lease commitment to the building, and the planned fit-out works were not undertaken.

The proposed fit-out of Anzac Park West for the Department of Defence will house approximate 900 staff and comprise: a base building modification works; office accommodation of approximately 15,000 square metres, including a reception area, meeting rooms, offices and work points for the remaining staff; landscaping; external works, including passive security measures, new pathways, car park rectification, and the planting of trees and plants; and base building works to the pavilion adjacent to Anzac Park West.

Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in February next year with targeted completion by October 2010. In its report the Public Works Committee recommended that these works proceed. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee for its support and I commend the motion to the House.

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