Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) Share this | Hansard source

) ( ): On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 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: Christmas Island Stormwater, Landslide and Rockfall Mitigation Works Project.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is proposing to undertake infrastructure works to manage the risks of stormwater flooding, landslide and rockfall at key locations on Christmas Island. Proposed works include upgrades to the stormwater overland flow and in-ground network arrangements at Drumsite, as well as landslide and rockfall defence mitigation and protection measures at Flying Fish Cove.

These proposed works are necessary to protect the community and visitors living or working on Christmas Island and to ensure the government meets its obligations to provide safe workplaces. The estimated cost of the works is $28.9 million excluding GST. The works must be referred, considered by and reported on to both houses of the parliament by the Public Works Committee before work can commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction activities are expected to commence in January 2022, with completion expected by mid-2023. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, 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: Department of Defence—United States Force Posture Initiatives Northern Territory Training Areas and Ranges Upgrades Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing a project to deliver essential upgrades to facilities and infrastructure at four existing Defence training areas in the Northern Territory to ensure the Australian Defence Force has reliable access to suitable military training areas and weapon ranges to meet military capability. This investment supports implementation of the 2020 Force Structure Plan initiative for enhancements to Defence training areas and facilities. The proposed works will also enhance the levels of interoperability between the Australian Defence Force and our allies, including with United States military forces, through expanded cooperation and increased opportunities for combined training and exercises.

The total estimated capital delivery cost of the project is $747 million. The works must be referred to, considered by and reported on to both houses of parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, the construction works are expected to commence in late 2021 and are scheduled to be completed by mid-2026. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, 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: Department of Home Affairs—Parramatta office fit-out.

The Department of Home Affairs is proposing fit-out works as part of its consolidation of leased office space in Sydney. Home Affairs currently occupies three buildings in Sydney—two in the Sydney central business district and one in Parramatta. The leases are due to expire in 2022 and 2023, with no options to extend. Under the Home Affairs Sydney precinct strategy, the consolidation of these three sites into a single site in Parramatta will provide operational efficiency and flexibility to allow the change in future business requirements and will reduce overall property operating costs. The estimated costs of the works is $25.2 million. The works must be referred to, considered by and reported on to both houses of the parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, fit-out works are expected to commence in November 2021 and scheduled to be completed in mid-2022. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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