Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I will make a very brief contribution. I acknowledge the work of the chairman of the committee on these very important matters—particularly on Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which we know are critical in terms of Australia's forward-facing infrastructure, particularly for Defence and others. I also acknowledge the forbearance of those that live on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. They will have a competitive edge and competitive costs when it comes to the matter of the seawater reverse osmosis plant project, which is relatively unique: saltwater bores enter reverse osmosis to provide fresh water for the residents that live there, along with a number of others who live on the defence base, and for the airport et cetera.

Unfortunately, I couldn't make it to the tax office facility in Tasmania, so I'll leave that alone. But I will come to recommendation 4, in regard to the proposed work by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade at the World Expo 2025 Osaka facility. We did have long discussions—as acknowledged by the chair and others—and I thank DFAT and others for putting forward their propositions. Whilst it is supported, I do still have concerns about the cost of the proposal, at $60 million, but it is up to the government to demonstrate value for money. Japan is a critical partner in trade, along with a number of other matters on which we deal with them on an international level.

I also had some concerns about DFAT's priorities, in terms of what was being put forward on the forward-facing part of the facility and the pavilion, given that our major exports to Japan are coal and gas, and our major reasons for trading with them are around coal and gas exports and of course the opportunities for tourism and education on a two-way-trade basis. It didn't seem that that lined up with DFAT's priorities for the expo. I do look forward to seeing them have a successful expo, and I congratulate them on the work they do, but I am concerned about the cost, given what has been expended on previous expos around the world, and as to whether it's value for money.

I thank the committee. I thank all of those who showed up as witnesses. And I thank you for your forbearance, Mr Deputy Speaker.

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