Kelly O'Dwyer (Higgins, Liberal Party, Minister for Revenue and Financial Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Assistant Minister for Finance, 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: A9022 LAND 200 Tranche 2 Battlefield Communications Systems Facilities project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to construct and refurbish facilities to support the training requirements for the battle management systems being introduced under the Land 200 Tranche 2 capability which will modernise the command and control of the joint land force. The 2016 Defence white paper identifies the importance of providing defence with enhanced situational awareness and decision-making superiority. This project will ensure that the land force can achieve these functions by providing the soldier, the heart of land force capability, with a leading-edge digital communications capability. This project will enable the land force to achieve an unparalleled level of networking across the battle space.

The project will employ a diverse range of skilled consultants, contractors and construction workers and provide opportunities for small and medium enterprises through construction trade packages. The estimated cost of the project is $24.3 million, excluding GST. This includes management and design fees, construction costs, information and communications technology, furniture, fittings, equipment, contingencies and a provision for escalation. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2019 and be completed by late 2019. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Assistant Minister for Finance, 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: Myall Vale New Cotton Breeding Research facilities project.

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is proposing to build a new cotton processing facility, a laboratory research facility and a plant and equipment workshop at its existing site Myall Vale site in New South Wales. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation's work in the cotton industry is world leading, with the organisation responsible for delivering new cotton varieties and researching crop management strategies for delivery to the Australian industry.

The cotton industry is the largest natural fibre industry in Australia, with strong demand from overseas markets. The works proposed will resolve work health and safety issues, increase productivity and allow the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to undertake research to assist the Australian agricultural industry to be sustainable, productive and profitable.

The total estimated cost for the infrastructure project is $18 million, excluding GST. This includes management and design fees; construction costs; furniture, fittings, and equipment; information and communications technology; demolishing existing buildings; associated road infrastructure; contingencies; risk and escalation provisions.

The project will employ a diverse range of skilled consultants, contractors and construction workers. It will also provide economic opportunities for the local area through construction contracts. Subject to parliamentary approval of the project, construction is planned to commence in mid-2019 and to be completed by early 2021. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.

On behalf of the Assistant Minister for Finance, 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: Naval Guided Weapons maintenance facilities project.

The Department of Defence is proposing to construct a purpose-built integrated weapons facility to increase the maintenance capability and alleviate constraints within the naval guided weapons sustainment system at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills located near Penrith, New South Wales. The 2016 Defence white paper reinforced the necessity for guided weapons maintenance, stating that Defence must maintain a technological edge while simplifying maintenance of equipment.

The project expects to employ a diverse range of skilled consultants, contractors and construction workers. The project is also anticipated to provide potential economic benefits to the local region through the procurement of construction materials and labour. The estimated cost to deliver the project is $95.5 million, excluding GST. The costs included management and design fees; construction costs; information and communications technology; furniture, fittings and equipment; contingencies; and a provision for escalation. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2019 and to be completed by mid-2020. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.