Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

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: 17th Construction Squadron Relocation Infrastructure Project.

It is proposed that the Department of Defence will provide new, fit for purpose facilities to support the relocation of the 17th Construction Squadron from Holsworthy Barracks, Sydney, New South Wales, to Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Queensland. The proposed project will provide new working accommodation, vehicle and equipment shelters, quartermaster stores, workshops for the Army and a new fire training area for Royal Australian Air Force fire services. Relocating the 17th Construction Squadron to join its parent unit, the 6th Engineer Support Regiment at RAAF Base Amberley, will improve efficiencies in management, logistics support and operations. The construction is estimated to cost $71.8 million, excluding GST, which includes provision for management and design, facility construction, furniture, fittings and equipment, contingencies and escalation. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in late 2015 and should be completed by late 2016. I am sure the committee will undertake a robust inquiry into the project and I look forward to its report. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

See this speech in context