Mr BRENDAN O'CONNOR (1:28 PM) —by leave—I wish to supplement the comments made by the member for Pearce. It was clear to all the committee members that this work was indeed required. Comparing the manner in which it has been undertaken with some other works, I have to say that this would be certainly one of the better processes that the committee has been involved in in the last 12 months. As indicated by the member for Pearce, some concerns were raised about the way in which a number of conditions of employment for Customs officers would be adversely affected if they were not properly addressed. I am happy to say that some of the matters to do with parking arrangements and ensuring that there are food outlets have been properly dealt with. However, it might be important that the parking arrangements continue to be under review to ensure that the current conditions that apply and the availability of car parking for the public and the staff are not limited in any way that would make it more difficult for staff and for the customers who deal with this important department.

Leaving that aside, can I say that the arrangements of this department in relation to this fit-out have been exemplary. The way in which they have dealt with the committee has been very good. That is exemplified by the fact that there have been very few formal objections to the way it was undertaken. I can only concur with the comments by the member for Pearce and support the statement.