Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I just wanted to add a few words to the very thorough presentation from the chair on those reports. I particularly commend her work when it comes to finding savings for the Commonwealth, as detailed. With nearly $2.5 billion of projects on foot, to find savings of approaching $50 million will, I am sure, see the Treasurer recognising that in his Christmas gifts in the lead up to Christmas.

I also wanted to acknowledge the great work at the Harold E Holt Naval Communications Station, which we visited on Melbourne Cup Day—we actually missed out on seeing the Melbourne Cup, which is above and beyond the call of duty for any politician, I would suggest—and also the project at Nurrungar, near Woomera. It was great to be able to see the salt plains out at Pimba and see that project take shape. Hopefully it will save the lives of Australian soldiers.

I particularly want to thank Brigadier Darren Naumann and wish him all the best in his future endeavours. He has been a model presenter when it comes to Defence projects. In the last project, at Woomera, his dealing with the Kokatha people I think would raise the bar and set the standard in terms of the way Commonwealth department deal with traditional owners. I thank the secretariat for their great support, whether it be in the hot desert near Woomera, or in the challenging environment of Bangkok or Djakarta. Thank you.

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