2.1

DAFF proposes that the fit-out will provide a modern, efficient work environment, which will meet the Department’s needs for the next 15 years. The fit-out will be designed to reduce churn costs by adopting a modular, generic approach to the provision of workspaces and offices.¹ The new building will meet Commonwealth building, environmental and security standards and will take account of the occupational health and safety (OH&S) needs of staff.²

Need

The proposed relocation and fit-out has been prompted mainly by the condition of the EBB which is ageing and no longer meets current codes and standards in terms of:

• the Building Code of Australia (BCA);
• OH&S;
• access equity;
• ecological sustainability; and
• security.³

The need for the proposed new office facility has also been driven by an increase in staff numbers, and the approaching expiry of the EBB lease in February 2007.⁴

Scope

DAFF proposes to lease the whole of a new building at 18 Marcus Clarke Street, Civic, ACT, with overflow of office space into the adjacent building at 3-5 London Circuit, also known as the National Information and Communications Technology Australia (NICTA) building.⁵

The proposed fit-out works include:

• integration of services into base-building works including:
• electrical services;
• air conditioning;
• ventilation;
• lighting control;
• data communications;
• security services;
• fire services; and
• hydraulic services;
• office accommodation including:
• partitioning for individual offices;
• meeting and conference rooms;
• reception areas;
• utility and store rooms;
• training rooms;
• break-out and staff facility areas; and
• communication equipment rooms;
• workstations including desks and personal storage units; and
• loose furniture.⁶

Project Delivery

DAFF proposes to engage a developer to prepare the detailed design documentation and to construct the fit-out concurrently with the base-building. The developer will be required to comply with the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines in tendering the trade packages and will include the cost of this additional work in the management fee.⁷

Subject to parliamentary approval, the developer’s draft construction and integrated fit-out program will commence in March 2007 with a view to practical completion of both the base-building and integrated fit-out works by October 2007.⁸

Cost

The estimated cost of the proposed fit-out is $36 million, excluding GST. This figure includes:

• contingency;
• project management;
• design and documentation; and
• escalation to 2007.⁹

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 1.1.4 Back

Appendix D, Official Transcript of Evidence, page 2 Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraphs 1.2.7 and 1.2.8 Back

ibid, paragraph 1.4.5 Back

ibid, paragraph 1.5.1 Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 1.5.12 Back

ibid, paragraph 7.1.1 Back

ibid, paragraph 8.1.1 Back

ibid, paragraph 6.1.1 Back