Dr KELLY (Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support) (9:22 AM) —I move:

The Hardened and Networked Army initiative, which was approved by government in December 2005, greatly strengthens the Army’s protection, mobility, firepower and communications, allowing operations in more complex, dangerous and uncertain environments. The initiative will increase options for the government in terms of both the combat weight of the force that can be deployed and the duration that forces can be sustained on operations.

As part of this initiative, the 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment—7RAR—is being re-raised as a mechanised infantry battalion. The battalion currently occupies temporary facilities in Darwin but will be based at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, Adelaide, along with supporting artillery, combat engineer and logistics troops. The Hardened and Networked Army Facilities project at Edinburgh Defence Precinct, at an out-turned cost of $623.68 million plus GST, will provide working accommodation, training facilities, urban warfare training facilities, a driver training area, a vehicle wash point and common user facilities for both Army and Air Force, including health, messing, fitness and community facilities. The project will deliver a high priority Defence capability requirement. It will also deliver economic benefits for South Australia and provide a popular posting location for Army personnel.

In its report the Public Works Committee has recommended actions for the Australian government and the Minister for Defence. The Department of Defence has acknowledged these recommendations and notes they are respectively matters for the Australian government and the Minister for Defence. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is planned to commence in late 2008 and be completed by December 2011. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for its support and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.