Dr KELLY (Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support) (10:45 AM) —I move:

The Australian War Memorial is a unique national institution. In the last decade, the memorial precinct has been extensively transformed, including the development of the western precinct, sculpture garden, ANZAC Hall, the parade ground and the CEW Bean Building. The current proposal to develop the eastern precinct represents the next stage in a program of planned site development and will deliver a new formal memorial courtyard, much improved and safer coach and car parking, improved outdoor areas and toilet facilities and replacement of the existing cafe with an accessible facility more suited to the requirements and significance of the site.

The development is necessary to improve visitor safety, access and amenity in the eastern precinct and to bring the substandard eastern precinct up to the high standard of the remainder of the site. The new memorial courtyard also provides a site for the National Service Memorial. The estimated cost of the eastern precinct development, inclusive of escalation in costs, contingencies, GST and all professional fees and disbursements is $19.54 million. The cost of the National Service Memorial will be funded by the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia. In its report, the Public Works Committee has recommended that these works proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, construction is expected to commence after Anzac Day 2009, with scheduled completion prior to Anzac Day 2010. On behalf of the government, I thank the committee for its support and I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.