Mr SLIPPER (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) (7:15 PM) —On behalf of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport and Regional Services, I move:

The Presiding Officers have recently considered a number of recommendations dealing with security issues affecting Parliament House. One of these issues includes the replacement of the existing temporary vehicle barrier with a permanent arrangement. Design development of a system to replace the temporary vehicle barrier is being developed by the Department of Parliamentary Services using MGT Canberra Architects and Mr Romaldo Giurgola, the original architect of Parliament House. The design is being developed in consultation with the National Capital Authority.

The Department of Parliamentary Services is committed to giving the highest priority to the replacement of the existing temporary vehicle barrier with a permanent arrangement. Providing that a suitable design can be developed and agreed and appropriate funding is made available, it is planned to have the permanent arrangement in place by 31 March 2005.

This motion proposes an extension of time for the existing temporary vehicle barrier until 31 March next year. Under section 5 of the Parliament Act 1974, the Presiding Officers are responsible for works within the parliamentary precincts, and the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads is responsible for other works in the parliamentary zone. Accordingly, this motion is moved on behalf of the Speaker and the President. There are no costs associated with the proposal to extend the approval. The National Capital Authority has given works approval, and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.