House debates

Thursday, 30 November 2023

Committees

Public Works Joint Committee; Approval of Work

10:47 am

Photo of Andrew LeighAndrew Leigh (Fenner, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury) Share 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: Department of Defence—Defence Fuel Transformation Program—Tranche 2 Facilities Project.

The Department of Defence is proposing works to remediate, replace, upgrade or dispose of existing Defence fuel installations across sites in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. The estimated total capital cost to the works is $286.9 million, excluding GST. The project was referred to the public works committee on 12 September 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 also recommended that Defence conduct the proposed additional below-the-line works in conjunction with project scope where budget is available. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence in late 2024 for completion by mid-2027.

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

Question agreed to.