COMMITTEES
Dr LEIGH (Fenner—Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury) (10:03): 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 Home Affairs—Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre Hawk Compound Redevelopment.
The Department of Home Affairs seeks approval from the parliament for upgrade works at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre, located at Northam, approximately 90 kilometres north-east of the Perth central business district. The estimated cost of the works is $34.95 million, excluding GST. The project was referred to the public works committee on 2 September 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 mid-2026 and be completed by March 2027. The committee also recommended that the department ensure that current staff involved in the day-to-day operations of the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre are consulted on the proposed works and are provided an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed design.
The committee further recommended that the department include a full accounting of its staff consultation processes for the proposed works in the post-implementation report of the project. The department has advised that it notes the committee's recommendations and will provide full information about the staff consultation processes for the proposed works in the post-implementation report of the project.
On behalf of the government, I would like to thank the committee, ably chaired by the member for Makin, for undertaking a timely inquiry and for its consistent focus on the inclusion of the voices of public servants in Public Works Committee approvals. I commend the motion to the House. Question agreed to.