Gary Gray (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service and Integrity) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

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: Construction of a new post-entry quarantine facility at Mickleham, Victoria.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry currently leases and operates five post-entry quarantine facilities for the management of imported animals and plants under the Quarantine Act 1908. Existing leases on all properties are due to expire between 2015 and 2018 with no opportunity for lease extensions. New facilities are required that satisfy contemporary quarantine standards and meet future demands, in particular for high-risk species. A single consolidated facility has been determined to be the best option to respond to this need. The proposed post-entry quarantine facility project will be delivered by the Department of Finance and Deregulation, which will own the project site and facility. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will operate and manage the post-entry quarantine facility. The estimated capital cost of the proposal is $293.1 million plus GST and includes all costs for management and design fees, construction costs, furniture, fittings and specialist equipment and allowances for escalation. The land was purchased in Mickleham, Victoria for the project at the cost of $34.98 million in June 2012, utilising funds provided for this purpose in the 2011-12 budget. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction will commence in late 2013 and be completed by late 2018.

I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.