Dr STONE (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) (10:47 AM) —I move:

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade proposes a comprehensive mid-life upgrade and refurbishment of the existing chancery of the Australian High Commission in Singapore to modernise the facility and ensure full compliance with current Australian and Singapore building codes.

A key objective of the refurbishment is the consolidation of accommodation requirements. Since the building was first occupied, the number of staff—both Australia based and locally engaged—has been reduced, reflecting changes in office practices and efficiencies. The current configuration of offices and services is therefore no longer appropriate. Some areas of the building are currently vacant or inefficiently configured. The refurbishment will provide for a consolidation of current vacant areas into one floor, which will be available for any future requirements. New office fit-outs for tenant agencies will be undertaken concurrently with the mid-life upgrade of the building to create safe, flexible and efficient work spaces. Many of the existing building services are more than 25 years old and have reached the end of their useful and economic life. Their replacement is required to ensure that major plant breakdowns do not occur.

The project also includes, within a fenced compound:

• full support services—this is emergency power, potable water and fire fighting;
• staff recreation areas;
• a controlled access car parking area;
• and fully landscaped surrounds.

The estimated cost of the new proposal is $12.7 million. In its report the Public Works Committee recommended that this proposal should proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, these works are planned to commence in March 2006 and to be completed in the first half of 2007. I would like to thank the committee for its support. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.