COMMITTEES

Dr LEIGH (Fenner—Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury and Assistant Minister for Employment) (09:10): 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: Department of Defence—Facilities to support LAND 8113 Phase 1 Long Range Fires.

Defence is proposing works to provide new facilities and infrastructure at the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, South Australia, to support a regiment to operate and maintain a new long-range fires capability. At this point, those listening carefully to parliament might have wondered, 'Why did he say "fires" rather than "firing"?' For those unfamiliar with the term, 'fires' is a doctrinal term used in military strategy which encompasses all forms of long-range offensive action—not just traditional artillery but also missiles, rockets, drone, air strikes and electronic attacks.

It is plural and abstract, like 'forces' or 'operations'. Defence is also proposing works to upgrade and reuse existing training sustainment and storage facilities at the School of Artillery at the Puckapunyal Military Area, Victoria, to also support the new capability. The total estimated cost of the works is $376.7 million, excluding GST.

The proposed works were referred to the public works committee on 6 November 2024. Following its inquiry, the committee recommended that the House of Representatives resolve that it is expedient to carry out the proposed works. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works at Edinburgh are scheduled to commence in late 2025 and be completed by late 2028.

The works at Puckapunyal are scheduled to commence in mid-2026 and be completed by late 2026. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.