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Thursday, 7 July 2011
Page: 7992

Mr GRAY (Brand—Special Minister of State for the Public Service and Integrity and Special Minister of State) (11:06): I move:

That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, it is expedient to carry out the following proposed work which was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works and on which the committee has duly reported to Parliament: Australian Defence Force Academy redevelopment, Canberra, ACT.

The Australian Defence Force Academy provides a learning and living environment for officers and cadets of the Australia Defence Force undertaking military training and university studies. The scope and delivery of military training and education has changed since the academy opened in 1986. These changes have resulted in a gap between the current facilities provision and those required.

The government proposes to invest $98.5 million, plus GST, into a range of facilities to meet the future academic and military training needs of the Australian Defence Force. The proposed works include:

a new 1,200 seat auditorium;

five new teaching spaces and the refurbishment of existing teaching facilities;

a new indoor sports centre;

refurbishment of the cadets’ mess kitchen, military staff working accommodation, chaplains’ offices and staff living-in accommodation;

upgrade of the existing site engineering services; and

new secure storage for cadets’ bicycles and flammable goods.

In its report, the Public Works Committee recommended that these works proceed. Subject to parliamentary approval, the pro­ject is scheduled to commence construction late this year and be completed by the end of 2014. 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.