Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to 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: Project AIR7000 Phase 2B—Maritime Patrol Aircraft Replacement Project.

As I advised the House when referring this project to the Public Works Committee, the Department of Defence is replacing the Australian Defence Force's existing fleet of AP3C Orion aircraft with eight Boeing P8A Poseidon aircraft. As a result, Defence proposes to construct new, and refurbish existing, facilities to support operations, maintenance and training requirements.

The facilities will be at the main operating base, Royal Australian Air Force Base Edinburgh, and forward operating bases, RAAF Bases Darwin, Pearce and Townsville. The project will also refurbish the existing torpedo maintenance facility and construct new explosive ordnance storage facilities at HMAS Stirling. The proposed works will support Australia's advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and response capability.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that that project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project that is fit for purpose and it is expedient to carry out the proposed work. The committee also commended Defence for its community consultation—in particular, with traditional owners and Indigenous communities. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for one again undertaking a rigorous and timely inquiry. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to begin in late 2015 and to be completed on all sites by 2020. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

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: Project AIR9000 Phase 7—Helicopter Aircrew Training System Facilities Project.

As I advised the House when referring this project to the Public Works Committee the Department of Defence proposes to conduct new and refurbished facilities at HMAS Albatross at Nowra in New South Wales and at Jervis Bay Airfield in the Australian Capital Territory to support the introduction of the new helicopter aircrew training system capability. The facility will provide the Australian Defence Force with the capability to integrate live flight training with virtual training devices, including flight simulators and computer based training platforms. The facility will better prepare the ADF aircrew for conversion to Defence's modern and more advanced operational helicopter types.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that the project signifies value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project which is fit for purpose and it is expedient to carry out the proposed work. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for again undertaking a rigorous and timely inquiry. I am pleased that the committee had the opportunity to visit HMAS Albatross in Nowra to see firsthand the need for these works. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in mid-2015 and to be completed on all sides by mid-2017. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.