Mr SLIPPER (5:19 PM) —I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report: Replacement nuclear research reactor, Lucas Heights, NSW.

The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation intends to construct and operate a replacement research reactor at the Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre. The new facility will replace the 41-year-old high flux Australian reactor, which is expected to reach the end of its operational life around the year 2005.

ANSTO has engaged in the necessary and appropriate level of public consultation, undertaking—and I stress this—a full environmental impact statement on this project, which it has submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection (Impact of Proposals) Act 1974. Consideration by the Public Works Committee is the next step in the acquisition process and is a standard requirement for all significant Commonwealth construction projects.

The replacement research reactor will meet the specific objectives of: maintaining and enhancing health care benefits provided to the Australian community; maintaining Australia's nuclear technical expertise; providing a neutron beam research facility that will meet Australia's scientific and industrial needs and serve as a regional centre of scientific excellence; providing research and research training facilities and programs to enhance the educational opportunities available to Australia's scientists and engineers; providing radioisotopes, for use in industry and environmental applications, and facilities for neutron activation analysis, irradiation of materials, and neutron radiography to service the needs of industry, environmental applications and agriculture; and meeting all health, safety, environmental and quality standards in its construction and operation.

The estimated cost of the facility is $286 million. It is proposed that tenders be called in July 1999 with the objective of completion by the end of the year 2005. I commend the motion to the House.

Question resolved in the affirmative.