Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Assistant Minister to the Minister for the Public Service, I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, and by reason of the urgent nature of the works, it is expedient that the following work be carried out without having been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works: new quarantine facilities in Queensland and Western Australia.

The government, in partnership with the Western Australian and Queensland governments, wishes to proceed urgently with construction of new quarantine facilities in Perth and Brisbane respectively. The Commonwealth is working with both governments to progress the development of these projects, which includes consideration of Commonwealth processes, agreeing design requirements, procurement, contracting and a build program to completion.

I note that a proposal to proceed with the construction project without referral to the Public Works Committee is not common. The government very much supports the work of the Public Works Committee and has not taken the decision lightly. The government has decided that given the urgency of the projects it is not feasible to refer these works to the Public Works Committee. This is consistent with the approach taken for the Victorian quarantine facility. Subject to parliamentary approval, the projects will commence as soon as possible. I commend the motion to the House.

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