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Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Page: 3077

Mr COLEMAN (Banks—Assistant Minister for Finance) (13:09): 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: Maritime Operational Support Capability facilities project.

The Department of Defence proposes to upgrade the facilities and infrastructure at HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia, and the Garden Island defence precinct and Randwick Barracks in Sydney, New South Wales, to support the Maritime Operational Support Capability, MOSC, project. The Australian Defence Force will replace the ageing HMA ships Success and Sirius with a single class of auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.

The MOSC project will provide fit-for-purpose facilities and infrastructure to support the new vessels. The project will employ a diverse range of skilled consultants, contractors and construction workers and will include opportunities for upskilling and on-the-job training to improve employability prospects on future projects. The project will employ a construction workforce of about 65 personnel, with 50 at HMAS Stirling, and 15 at the Randwick Barracks.

The committee has conducted an inquiry and is of the view that the project is considered value for money for the Commonwealth and constitutes a project that is fit for purpose and expedient to carry out. On behalf of the government, I would once again like to thank the committee for again undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.