House debates

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Committees

Public Works Joint Committee; Approval of Work

9:41 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: Airservices AustraliaPFAS Remediation of Former Fire Training Ground at Launceston Airport, Tasmania.

Airservices Australia is proposing to undertake remediation works at the former firefighting ground at Launceston Airport, Tasmania, to remove and manage per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS, contamination in the soil and associated infrastructure. The cost of the proposed work is estimated at $24.1 million, GST exclusive.

The proposed works were referred to the public works committee on 14 November 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 works are expected to commence as soon as possible and to be completed by August 2024.

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.