Mr SLIPPER (5:39 PM) —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: Anzac Hall extension, Australian War Memorial, Canberra.

The Australian War Memorial proposes to build a modern, flexible exhibition hall of 3,000 square metres to showcase its world-class collection of large technology objects. It is planned that Anzac Hall will utilise the technique `object theatre' to interpret and display its many wartime relics. An example of these relics includes the Japanese midget submarine which, when finally displayed, will be suspended as if caught in antisubmarine nets—as it was in Sydney Harbour in 1942. Another example, once its conservation work is completed, is the Lancaster Bomber G for George, which will appear as if in a bombing raid with a German fighter poised menacingly above it.

Four years ago the Australian War Memorial began an exciting and challenging major program to revitalise its galleries, which had become dated. The galleries were not communicating as well as they might and were not using modern display techniques, particularly multimedia. In its summary statement to the Public Works Committee, the War Memorial turned to its founder, Charles Bean, and his original vision for the institution. He once said:

We are out to make our war museum, our war gallery and our war library, if possible, not merely fine museums for Australia, but the finest that the world contains.

As I stated when referring this matter to the Public Works Committee, the first stage of revitalising the galleries and facilities in the main building is now complete. It should be noted that there has been an increase of over 30 per cent in attendance since the reopening of the galleries by the Prime Minister in March this year. It became strikingly apparent during the renewal program that the public had strong expectations of seeing many of the large major icons of the collection when they visited. Unfortunately, most of these are in a repository in the outer Canberra suburb of Mitchell with limited public access.

This stage of the Anzac Memorial Hall development will go a long way towards satisfying further the strong public demand for such displays of our nation's proud heritage. The building design of Anzac Hall comprises two major elements: a wall which rests 20 metres behind the main building and acts as a backdrop to the iconic form of the main building, and a large, slightly curved, metal roof which fans out from the centre point of the dome and sits behind the wall. The wall conceals some of the bulk of the building which is dug into the ground so that it cannot be seen from Anzac Parade. The roof sits lower and into the landscape so that it does not dominate the view from Mount Ainslie.

A simple glass link will join the historic, main War Memorial building to the clean and striking architecture of Anzac Hall. The site of Anzac Hall is the current car park facility for staff and visitors. A new car park will be constructed on the western side of the Admin istration Building, and all associated road, pedestrian access and other external works will need to be completed before the existing car park is closed. This new area will provide 256 spaces. An additional 109 spaces, including 10 disabled parking spaces, can be accommodated in the future on the eastern side of the building. The Australian War Memorial is very confident that all of the 109 additional car park spaces designated for the eastern side of the site can be constructed prior to the building opening in April 2001. It is seeking tenders, which will include sealing of all car parks. The Anzac Hall project has a budget of $11.9 million funded from the Federation Fund. Subject to parliamentary approval, tenders are expected to be called early next year, with work scheduled for completion by 30 March 2001. It is planned that the building will be officially opened on Anzac Day 2001.

The Public Works Committee in its report has recommended that this project proceed. The memorial enjoys a close and cooperative working partnership with the National Capital Authority and the Australian Heritage Commission. It is sure that its architects will provide design solutions which will meet the issues that these agencies raised on the appropriateness of the designated roofing materials. The memorial is engaging a disabled access consultant to advise on the internal and external design of Anzac Hall and its associated works. The memorial will continue its program of ensuring that its facilities enable visitors with disabilities to enjoy their visit and participate in the full experiences offered by the memorial. In closing, I would thank the committee for its support. I commend the motion to the House.