Mr LINDSAY (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) (9:38 AM) —I move:

Being the even-handed person that I am, this is one for the Victorians. This is a $101.3 million proposal for the redevelopment of the Defence Force School of Signals at Simpson Barracks. The object of the proposal is to address current facility shortfalls required to deliver communications and information systems training to defence personnel. The proposed facilities and infrastructure works involve a mixture of new facilities and adaptation and refurbishment of existing facilities.

In its report, the Public Works Committee recommended that these works proceed subject to the recommendations of the committee. I am pleased to say that the Department of Defence accepts and will implement all of those recommendations. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction could commence in early 2008 with completion by late 2009. On behalf of the government, I thank the committee for its support. I commend this motion to the House.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Mr Jenkins)—While the chair is always neutral on these matters, I make the observation that this is two kilometres outside the electorate of Scullin.

Question agreed to.