Trevor Evans (Brisbane, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Waste Reduction and Environmental Management) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority—Transformation of Reef HQ Aquarium.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is proposing works to deliver stage 2 of the redevelopment of the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef's Reef HQ Aquarium. The proposal will deliver upgrades to provide a range of immersive experiences and revitalised exhibits, including educational activities, hands-on experiences, onsite diving programs, scientific demonstrations and the use of interactive technology.

The estimated cost of the stage 2 works is $40 million excluding GST. The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 26 August. The committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the project. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction works are expected to commence in March 2022 and to be completed in late 2023.

On behalf of the government, I'd like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Department of Defence—Facilities to support LAND 19 Phase 7B Short Range Ground Base Air Defence, RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia.

The Department of Defence is proposing to provide new facilities and infrastructure works at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia, to enable the Royal Australian Artillery to support new air defence capability as part of the integrated air and missile defence program.

The project will replace the existing portable laser-guided surface-to-air missile system with a significantly larger and more capable vehicle-based air defence system. The total estimated capital delivery cost of the project is $266.1 million excluding GST. The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 26 August. The committee's recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the project. Subject to parliamentary approval, the construction works are expected to commence in late 2022 and to be completed in late 2024.

On behalf the government, I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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—Proposed fit-out of 808 Bourke Street, Docklands, Victoria.

The Department of Home Affairs is proposing fit-out works for new office space at 808 Bourke Street, Melbourne. Home Affairs currently occupies three buildings in the Melbourne central business district and surrounding areas. The leases are due to expire in 2023 with no options to renew. Under its Melbourne precinct strategy, Home Affairs will consolidate the three sites into one new location, allowing for operational efficiencies and reduced property operating costs. The estimated cost of the works is $34.3 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 may commence. Subject to parliamentary approval, the construction works are expected to commence in May 2022 and to be completed in February 2023. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Services Australia—Fit-out of new leased premises at 205 North Quay, Brisbane, Queensland.

Services Australia is proposing to undertake fit-out works at new leased premises at 205 North Quay in Brisbane. Services Australia currently occupies nine buildings in the Brisbane area, many of which include fit-outs that are approaching the end of economic life. Services Australia is proposing to consolidate these sites into fit-for-purpose office accommodation at North Quay. The consolidation will provide operational efficiencies and flexibility to meet future business requirements and reduce overall property operating costs. The estimated cost of the works is $89.4 million excluding GST. 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, fit-out works and relocations to the new building are expected to be completed by December 2024. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Minister for the Public Service, 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: Services Australia—Fit-out of new leased premises at 120 Bathurst Street, Hobart, Tasmania.

Services Australia is proposing to fit out new leased premises as part of its consolidation of leased office accommodation in Hobart.

Services Australia currently occupies three buildings in Hobart. The leases are due to expire in 2024, and the fit-outs are approaching the end of economic life. The consolidation of three sites into 120 Bathurst Street, Hobart will provide operational efficiencies and flexibility to allow for changing and future business requirements and reduce overall property operating costs. The estimated cost of the works is $32.8 million excluding GST. 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 August 2022 and relocations are scheduled for June 2024. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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