Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) 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: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation—Nuclear Medicine Facility Project.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation is proposing to construct a new nuclear medicine manufacturing facility to replace the existing facility at Lucas Heights in south-east Sydney, which is nearing the end of its useful life. The project will ensure an existing nuclear medicine manufacturing capability is maintained. The proposed new facility will also become key to the nuclear medicine manufacturing and distribution supply chain underpinning Australia's development of a local radiopharmaceuticals industry. The estimated cost of the works is $619.2 million, excluding GST.

The proposed works were referred to the Public Works Committee on 15 November 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended 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 works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the new facility is expected to be fully operational by mid-2023.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

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