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:

Sir John Monash Centre, Australian National Memorial Villers-Bretonneux, France.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs proposes to construct the Sir John Monash Centre at the site of the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Brettoneux, France. Sir John, like so many gallant Great War soldiers, was a country boy, raised and educated at Jerilderie. He is rightly considered to be one of the best Allied generals of the First Wold War and his name lives on in his deeds and by his leadership—a truly great Australian. The Sir John Monash Centre, to bear his name, will provide a lasting legacy from Australia's Anzac Centenary commemorations and will help ensure the service and sacrifice of Australians on the Western Front is never forgotten.

The proposed centre will consist of a building of outstanding quality with an interpretive gallery comprising a range of high-quality interactive multimedia interpretive displays. The centre will be located at the rear of the existing Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux and will enhance the experience of visitors to this important commemorative site. The centre will provide a compelling story of Australia's service and sacrifice on the Western Front during the First World War, 1914 to 1918. The estimated total cost of the centre is $99.5 million, which includes $88.6 million for the capital cost of construction and $10.9 million in project and ongoing operational expenses. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2016 and be completed for the opening in April 2018. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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