COMMITTEES

Dr LEIGH (Fenner—Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury) (10:01): 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: Attorney-General's Department—Proposed Fit-out of Existing Leased Premises at 3-5 National Circuit, Barton, Australian Capital Territory.

The Attorney-General's Department seeks approval from the parliament to fit out existing leased premises at 3-5 National Circuit, Barton, ACT. The project will enable the department to consolidate from three buildings into one building in Canberra and reduce its leased space in Canberra by 6,817 square metres, or by 26 per cent. The estimated total cost of the proposed works is $39.93 million, excluding GST.

The project was referred to the public works committee on 8 October 2025, and, 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, construction is expected to commence in June 2026 and be completed by December 2027. The committee also recommended that the department exercise its two lease-renewal options at the expiration of its current lease on 3-5 National Circuit in 2036 to maximise value for money to the Commonwealth of the proposed works unless significant considerations prevent such an extension.

The department has noted this recommendation and advised that it will consider exercising lease renewal options in the context of planning for the 2036 expiry of the department's current lease. On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for undertaking a timely inquiry. I commend the motion to the House.

Question agreed to.