Mr SLIPPER (5:51 PM) —On behalf of the Minister for Finance and Administration, 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: Refurbishment of 4 Treasury Place, Melbourne.

The government has approved the provision of $15.8 million from the Federation Fund to undertake the refurbishment of the Commonwealth Offices at 4 Treasury Place, Melbourne, subject to the normal Public Works Committee processes. No. 4 Treasury Place was constructed in two stages between 1911 and 1913 as the first purpose-built federal building. The building consists of six levels and a total gross area of 6,364 square metres. It is located on the eastern fringe of Melbourne's central business district within the Treasury Reserve and adjacent to a number of state government owned buildings of similar age, character and historical significance.

No. 4 Treasury Place is of national significance because of its close association with the history of the Commonwealth of Australia, and it is of continued importance today as the Melbourne offices of the Prime Minister, cabinet, Melbourne based ministers and visiting ministers, the Governor-General and former Governors-General. Having regard to the significance of the building and its place within the historic Treasury Reserve precinct, retention of the building in Commonwealth ownership and continuation of its historic use as Commonwealth parliamentary offices is considered the most appropriate course of action.

The building will, accordingly, continue to be leased by the Ministerial and Parliamentary Services group of the Department of Finance and Administration and by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. It is proposed that non-government senators and members who currently are located in private sector leased premises elsewhere in Melbourne be accommodated within the building, with consequent rental savings.

The proposed refurbishment works include repair of the render work and application of new finishes, demolition of the non-original fourth-floor additions, restoration of the slate roofs, replacement of all building services and refurbishment of amenities throughout the building. Public access will be provided to an information resource centre which is proposed to be established within the building basement.

The proposed works will restore and protect this valuable heritage asset while providing the building tenants with an efficient and safe working environment with reduced building operational costs. The level of disruption associated with the proposed building works necessitates the relocation of tenants to alternative accommodation for the duration of the refurbishment works. The proposed refurbishment works are expected to take about 14 months, and the official opening of the refurbished building will form an important part of the Centenary of Federation celebrations in Melbourne early in the year 2001. I commend the motion to the House.