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:

AIR 5431 Phases 2 and 3 Air Traffic Management and Control System Facilities and Australian Defence Force Air Traffic Control Complex Infrastructure 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 construct new or upgrade existing air traffic control towers, airfield systems complex buildings and sensor equipment to buildings at 13 Defence bases and five off-base Defence sites across Australia.

Defence and Airservices Australia are proposing to replace their existing air traffic control systems with the new civil-military air traffic management system being delivered under the OneSKY project to provide a common platform for provision of air traffic control in both civilian- and military-controlled airspace. Australia's OneSKY initiative will bring civilian and military air traffic control together under one air traffic management system for the first time, improving aviation efficiency and safety.

Defence air traffic control services are for the purpose of preventing collisions between aircraft, between aircraft and obstructions, between aircraft and vehicles in the ground manoeuvring area, and expediting and maintaining an orderly flow of air traffic within military-controlled airspace.

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 made a number of recommendations in relation to environmental and contamination matters and has requested that Defence work closely with the Hunter Water Corporation and the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority. Defence acknowledges the recommendations of the committee and will implement them to the extent that it does not compromise Defence operations and security.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for once again undertaking a timely and vigorous inquiry. Subject to parliamentary approval of the project, construction is expected to commence in early 2016 at RAAF Base Amberley. Works at the other sites will progressively commence from late 2016. All works are anticipated to be completed by the end of 2021. 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, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report:

AIR 5428 Phase 1—Pilot Training System Facilities Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to construct new and refurbished facilities and infrastructure to support the new pilot training system at five RAAF bases across Australia. AIR 5428 Phase 1 is a high priority major capital equipment project that will acquire a new capability for pilot training for all Air Force, Navy and Army pilots. It will replace the current training continuum, which is conducted in Tamworth in New South Wales, RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia and RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. The proposed works include new and refurbished working and training facilities, including: simulator facilities, flight line shelters, maintenance and storage hangars, aprons and taxiways, live-in accommodation, base infrastructure and amenities in support of the new pilot training system at RAAF Bases East Sale, Pearce, Gingin, Edinburgh and Williamtown.

The estimated cost to deliver the project is $329.8 million, excluding GST. This includes: construction costs; escalation allowances; professional service fees; design, construction and defence contingencies; and information technology equipment. This investment will bring economic benefits for the local industries in the impacted regions over the next two to three years.

Subject to parliamentary approval of the project, construction is planned to begin in the second half of 2016, with construction completion planned at RAAF Bases East Sale, Pearce and Gingin by mid-2018, and at RAAF Bases Edinburgh and Williamtown in 2019. 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, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report:

Fit-out of new leased premises for the Australian Federal Police at 45 Commercial Road, Newstead, Qld.

The Australian Federal Police proposes to undertake a fit-out of its new leased premises at 45 Commercial Road, Newstead, Queensland. The AFP requires suitable office accommodation to ensure that the AFP is adequately positioned and appropriately resourced to deal with a complex and shifting law enforcement environment. This fit-out is consistent with the objective of the AFP's property plan to provide quality and cost-sustainable buildings and accommodation as a fundamental enabler to the AFP's capabilities and enhancing the AFP's readiness and capacity to carry out organisational responsibilities for law enforcement, investigations and national security.

The new fit-out will provide the AFP with considerable advantages in terms of design and operating efficiencies. The proposed works include new workstations, offices and meeting areas, laboratories, workshops, a new security system, conference and training facilities, a new communications room and dedicated first aid and interview rooms and amenity areas.

The estimated cost of the fit-out is $25 million, excluding GST, and includes all costs associated with the fit-out such as builders' costs, consultant fees, furniture, fittings and equipment and workstations. This budget includes provisions for contingencies, cost escalation and associated professional fees. Subject to parliamentary approval, the project fit-out is expected to commence in July 2016 and be completed by February 2017. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

See this speech in context