Chair of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, Graham Perrett MP, presented the sixth Public Works Committee Report of 2024 to the House of Representatives on August 20.

This report considers three proposals referred to the committee between May and July 2024.

One of the projects, the upgrade of infrastructure and facilities at HMAS Stirling, is expected to cost $738.1 million. From 2027, HMAS Stirling will serve as a base for the Submarine Rotational Force – West (SRF – West), a rotational force of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines from the US and UK under the AUKUS agreement.

During its inquiry, the committee heard serious concerns about the proposed works from community organisations, local government representatives and members of the local community. Some of these concerns—for example, those relating to the AUKUS agreement and the utility of nuclear-powered submarines for Australia—fall outside the scope of the Committee’s inquiry.

The nuclear safety and environmental impact of the project will be subject to separate approval processes under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. The committee also heard about the impact the proposed works will have on local infrastructure, such as transport and housing, which is already stressed.

Mr Perrett MP said, “The committee urges Defence to provide extensive and genuine consultation opportunities on all issues of concern raised by the community. Defence should continue this consultation during the construction phase and be prepared to adapt its approach to address community concerns.”

A second proposal relates to the fit-out of the new Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices (CPO) at One Festival Tower in Adelaide. The new offices will be larger, and better equipped to handle surge capacity, than the ageing facilities currently located on King William Street. In order to ensure the physical safety of Australia’s parliamentarians, the committee recommended the Australian Federal Police be involved in the ongoing design process of this fit-out, and at an earlier stage in any subsequent CPO fit-outs.

The report also recommended expediency for the Reserve Bank of Australia – Head Office Storage and Logistics Change project.

ends

“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) commends the bipartisan support shown by both major parties, that has enabled the passage of the CFMEU Administration legislation,” HIA managing director, Jocelyn Martin said today.

HIA members seeking to undertake commercial, multi-unit or government funded work have cited concerns over many years regarding intimidation by the CFMEU and the influence they have on building sites regarding workplace conditions and jobs.

“HIA had called on the governments to act in accordance with the seriousness and gravity of the situation and use the full extent of their legal powers to address these long standing issues," Ms Martin said.
 
“The passage of this legislation provides an important reset in creating cultural change in the industry and sending a clear message that the past conduct and behaviour of the CFMEU is not appropriate and has no place going forward.
 
“There must be zero tolerance for flouting the rule of law on or off construction sites and the appointment of an independent administrator to oversee the CFMEU’s operations is a good first step, but structural change and long term reform is needed to address these issues once and for all,” Ms Martin said.

www.hia.com.au

ends

THE National Redress Scheme Parliamentary Committee will hold a public hearing tomorrow for an inquiry into the National Redress Scheme to hear from the Department of Social Services.

At a public hearing on August 2, the committee heard evidence from survivors who recalled their experiences seeking redress. This evidence has prompted the committee to invite the Department of Social Services to a public hearing to hear their views.

Committee Chair Senator Catryna Bilyk said, "We greatly appreciate the bravery and courage shown by survivors who came forward to tell their stories. We are progressing towards completing the inquiry.

"If you have been thinking of making a submission, you should send it to us soon. You can ask the committee to keep your evidence and your name confidential."

Submissions to the inquiry close on September 2 and the committee is expecting to report in October 2024.

To make a submission or find out more, email the Committee Secretariat at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or check the Committee’s webpage. A discussion paper aims to provide guidance to individuals and organisations interested in making submissions to the inquiry. 

Full details of what the inquiry is examining can be found in the terms of reference on the committee’s website. An easy English guide is also available.

Public hearing details

Wednesday 21 August 2024
8am to around 9am (Canberra time)
Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House, Canberra

Listen online at www.aph.gov.au/News_and_Events/Watch_Parliament then click on a link marked ‘live streaming’ or visit https://www.youtube.com/@AUSParliamentLive>.

ends

THE Australian Constructors Association (ACA) welcomes agreement between the Federal Government and Opposition on the CFMEU Bill, allowing it to be passed into law.

ACA CEO Jon Davies said agreement on the legislation is a welcome first step forward for the industry after the revelations of the last few weeks. 

“Law-abiding unions have an important role to play in the construction industry and the sooner the administrator is able to address all allegations of criminal and coercive behaviour within the CFMEU, the better,” Mr Davies said.

“The ACA is committed to working closely with the administrator to ensure the bill is effectively implemented, but this is only a necessary first step.

“There will be significant work required by the government, industry, clients, the administrator and the unions to make these new arrangements work and to prevent this situation happening again," Mr Davies said.

“We shouldn’t be looking at this simply as a problem that needs to be fixed but rather an opportunity that must be realised.

“This is an opportunity to create an industry that is able to construct the infrastructure Australia needs, when it needs it and for a price it can afford.”

ends