Andrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) 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: Australian Taxation Office—Proposed fit-out of new leased premises at 15 Sydney Avenue, Barton, ACT.

The Australian Taxation Office is proposing to undertake fit-out works in premises to be leased at 15 Sydney Avenue, Barton, in the Australian Capital Territory. The proposed fit-out will allow for the consolidation of the Australian Taxation Office's Canberra workforce into a single building and will provide a fit-for-purpose workspace. The total cost of the fit-out is estimated to be $125.8 million, excluding GST.

The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 3 August 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the fit-out works are expected to commence in late 2024 and be completed by May 2025.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry. 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: Department of Defence—Edinburgh Defence Precinct mid-term refresh.

The Department of Defence is proposing works at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct in South Australia. The proposed works include new and upgraded engineering services, including the high-voltage power network, fire water, sewer and stormwater, and facilities and infrastructure to support base operational requirements. The estimated cost of the project is $311.9 million excluding GST.

The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on    3 August 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in early 2024 for completion in mid-2027.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry.

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: National Capital Authority—Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra, ACT, Renewal Project.

The National Capital Authority is proposing structural upgrades to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in the Australian Capital Territory. The works will extend the bridge design life by 50 years, provide improved access for all users and ensure the bridge complies with industry standards.

The works were referred to the Public Works Committee on  20 June 2023.  Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. The committee has also recommended that the National Capital Authority provide six-monthly written updates to the committee.

Further, the committee has recommended that the National Capital Authority offer a briefing to local and federal members of parliament of the Australian Capital Territory that may be affected by the proposed works and report back to the committee on their progress. As a member representing the ACT, I'm pleased by this recommendation. Subject to parliamentary approval of this project, construction is expected to commence in 2024 and be completed by the 2024-25 financial year.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry.

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: National Capital Authority—Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project.

The National Capital Authority is proposing to undertake works to strengthen the existing water dissipator structure at the foot of the Scrivener Dam on the Molonglo River in Canberra. The proposed works will attend to structural risks and ensure the ongoing safe operation of the dam. The current estimated cost of the project is $39.8 million excluding GST.

The project was referred to the Public Works Committee on 3 August 2023. Following its inquiry, the committee has recommended that the House of Representatives resolve, pursuant to section 18(7) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, that it is expedient to carry out the works. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction works will commence in early 2024 and are scheduled to be completed in late 2025.

On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Moreton, for undertaking a timely inquiry.

I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.