Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Productivity) 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:

Fit-out of existing leased premises for the Australian Taxation Office located in Northbridge, WA.

The Australian Taxation Office proposes to undertake a fit-out, refurbishment of existing leased premises at 45 Francis Street, Northbridge, Western Australia. The ATO has a substantial presence in Perth and, for the past 23 years, has been located in the building, where it has a lease in place. The ATO has substantially reduced the amount of space it will retain in Perth, in line with the agency's off-ramping strategy. The reduction in space equates to a saving of $59 million, excluding GST, over seven years, representing an excellent outcome for the Commonwealth.

The new fit-out will provide the ATO with considerable advantages in terms of design and operating efficiencies. The proposed works include new workstations, offices and meeting areas, a new security system, enhanced conference rooms, training and videoconferencing facilities, a new computer room and new first aid rooms and amenity areas.

The estimated cost of the fit-out is $27.5 million, excluding GST, and includes all costs associated with the delivery of the project, including provisions for contingencies, cost escalation and professional fees. Subject to the approval of the project by the parliament, the fit-out is expected to commence in early 2016 with staged, practical completion scheduled from mid-2017. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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