Mr McClelland asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 27 May 1997:

(1) Will his Department sell RAAF Bases; if so, (a) which bases will be sold and (b) when.

(2) Does either RAAF Base Richmond or RAAF Base Williamtown have the capacity to handle domestic passenger jets; if not, what works would need to be undertaken to upgrade the capacity of the bases for that purpose.

Mr McLachlan —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) Defence will sell bases or establishments which become surplus to its requirements. In the case of RAAF bases, the Defence Efficiency Review identified bases at Richmond, Wagga, Fairbairn and Point Cook for consideration for possible disposal in the medium term (2001-2006). The disposal program is driven primarily by the requirement to achieve operating cost savings through consolidation of similar functions and rationalisation of bases. The Government will make a decision in the future on the disposal of individual bases following detailed studies of the feasibility, costs and benefits of the various functions and base activities. RAAF Fairbairn will also be considered in the context of the sale of Canberra airport under Phase 2 of the Federal Airports sales process.

(2) The RAAF bases at Richmond and Williamtown have the capacity to handle domestic passenger jets although ground facilities are rudimentary. The capacity to service civil air traffic is lacking, apron parking is minimal, and ground support and refuelling facilities would require upgrading. Williamtown has a civil terminal for commuter-type aircraft. Any proposal to operate domestic jet aircraft from either base would be subject to military operations and airspace considerations.