Dan Tehan (Wannon, Liberal Party, Minister for Education) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Assistant Treasurer, 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: AIR 555 Phase 1 Airborne Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Electronic Warfare Capability Facilities Works.

The Department of Defence is proposing a project to provide fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure to support the introduction into service of new capabilities at RAAF bases Edinburgh, Darwin and Townsville and the territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The 2016 Defence white paper highlighted both the need for enhanced situational awareness through a strengthened intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and space capability and the need to strengthen electronic warfare and cyber capabilities. The project will deliver key facilities early and enable Defence to commence generating an initial operating capability before these incoming aircraft arrive. The project will support the incoming Peregrine aircraft to become a fully operating capability once all aircraft have been delivered and all associated operating personnel are deployed in their roles. The estimated total capital out-turn cost of the project is $293.7 million.

The project was referred to the PWC on 16 June 2020. The committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18C of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the project. Subject to parliamentary approval the works are expected to commence shortly thereafter and be completed by mid-2024. On behalf of the government I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.