COMMITTEES

Senator GALLAGHER (Australian Capital Territory—Minister for Finance, Minister for the Public Service, Minister for Women, Minister for Government Services and Manager of Government Business in the Senate) (15:43): I move: That, in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, the following proposed work be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration and report as expeditiously as is practicable: Department of Defence—Facilities to support AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control (Package 1)—RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory.

Senator GALLAGHER: I table a statement in relation to the work. The incorporated speech read as follows— Department of Defence — Facilities to Support AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile, Defence Command and Control (Package 1), RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory The Department of Defence is proposing to deliver new facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Base Darwin in support of the AIR 6500 Integrated Air and Missile Defence Command and Control project.

The scope of works will encompass a new operations support facility to enable the storage, maintenance and operation (including training) of AIR 6500 capabilities, new vehicle shelters and associated external works to provide infrastructure and security support. The total estimated capital delivery cost of the project is $299.1 million (excluding GST). The works must be referred to, considered by, and reported on to both Houses of the Parliament by the Public Works Committee before work may commence.

Subject to Parliamentary approval construction is expected to commence by mid-2027 for completion by late 2029 over a projected 30-month construction program. I commend the motion to the Senate. Question agreed to.