Peter Hendy (Eden-Monaro, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work, which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to parliament: Fit-out of existing leased premises for the Australian Taxation Office located in Northbridge, Western Australia.

As I advised the House when referring this project to the Public Works Committee, the Australian Taxation Office proposes to undertake a fit-out of existing leased premises at 45 Francis Street, Northbridge, Western Australia. The ATO has substantially reduced the amount of space it will retain in Perth, in line with the agency's accommodation reduction 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, conference rooms, training and videoconferencing facilities, a new computer room, and new first-aid rooms and amenity areas.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that the project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project that is fit for purpose and expedient to carry out.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for once again undertaking a timely inquiry. Subject to 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.

I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to parliament: Land 121—Unit Sustainment Facilities Project.

As the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance advised the House when referring this project to the Public Works Committee, the Department of Defence is proposing to provide new and refurbished infrastructure at eight locations across Australia for the acquisition of new vehicles for the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Joint Logistics Command units across Australia. The proposed works include new maintenance workshops and associated repair parts stores, weighbridges, loading and inspection ramps, wash points, fuel points, vehicle shelters and associated hardstand. The main works will be delivered in the Townsville and Brisbane regions, with minor works being delivered near Sydney, Puckapunyal, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. This capital investment in facilities will create economic stimulus, with expected opportunities for local subcontractors over the next three years.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that the project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project that is fit for purpose and expedient to carry out. In its report, the committee has recommended that Defence provide a report to the committee on its consultation strategies with the community groups around Gallipoli Barracks and be kept advised of the development of the construction environmental management plans and any increases in environmental risks. Defence accepts and will implement the recommendations of the committee.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for, once again, undertaking a timely inquiry. Subject to the approval of the project by the parliament, construction is expected to commence in early 2016, with practical completion by the end of 2018. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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