Alan Griffin (Bruce, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is with some fear and trepidation that on behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, 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: fit-out of the ANZAC Park West Building, Parkes, ACT.

The Department of Finance and Deregulation proposes to fit out the Anzac Park West Office Building in Parkes in the Australian Capital Territory. The Department of Defence has signed a heads of agreement formally indicating its intention to lease Anzac Park West from the Department of Finance and Deregulation following a fit-out of the building. Anzac Park West is a vacant heritage listed office building located within the Parliamentary Triangle. It was built in 1966 and, along with Anzac Park East, is a portal building framing the vista between Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.

The base building refurbishment was completed in December 2006 within budget, at a cost of $48 million, prior to a planned fit-out by the Australian Federal Police. In July 2007 the AFP advised that Anzac Park West would no longer suit their accommodation needs due to unprecedented growth and they requested to be released from their lease commitment to the building. The fit-out works were not undertaken.

The proposed fit-out for the Department of Defence will house approximately 900 staff and comprises base building modification works; office accommodation of approximately 15,000 square metres including a reception area, meeting rooms, offices and work points for the remaining staff; landscaping and external works including passive security measures, new pathways, car park rectification and planting of trees and plants; and base building works to the pavilion adjacent to Anzac Park West. The estimated out-turned cost of the proposal is $45.5 million inclusive of GST. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in February next year with completion by December 2010. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.