Referral of Work

On the 22 June 2006 the proposal for the development of canine kennelling and training facilities for the Australian Federal Police (AFP) at Majura, ACT was referred to the Public Works Committee for consideration and report in accordance with the provisions of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 (the Act).¹

The Hon Peter McGauran MP, Deputy Leader of the House, advised the House that the estimated cost of the proposed works was $10.2 million. Subject to parliamentary approval, the works would commence in November 2006 and be completed over the period July to November 2007.

Background

A review of aviation security and policing at Australian airports (The Wheeler Review) led to the expansion of the role of the AFP at eleven major airports across Australia.²

The AFP has Government approval and funding to provide additional dogs for drug, firearm and explosives detection and for aviation security. This includes a Government commitment to provide canine services for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2007 meeting, to be held in Australia, along with those required for the new Airport Uniform Policing (AUP) function.³

The AFP site at Majura, ACT, is located due east of Landers Creek and Majura Road. It is approximately 6km north of Canberra Airport and 3km south of the Federal Highway.⁴ The site of the proposed development is in an area of approximately three hectares in the south west corner of the 193.8 hectare AFP site.⁵ The site is remote from neighbours and other developments, close to the airport and convenient to Canberra.⁶

Inquiry Process

The Committee is required by the Act to consider public works over $6 million⁷ and report to Parliament on:

• the purpose of the work and its suitability for that purpose;
• the need for, or the advisability of, carrying out the work;
• whether the money to be expended on the work is being spent in the most cost effective manner;
• the amount of revenue the work will generate for the Commonwealth, if that is its purpose; and
•  the present and prospective public value of the work.⁸

The Committee called for submissions by advertising the inquiry in The Canberra Times on Saturday, 15 July 2006. The Committee also sought submissions from relevant government agencies, private organisations and individuals, who may be materially affected by, or have an interest in, the proposed work. The Committee subsequently placed submissions and other information relating to the inquiry on its web site in order to encourage further public participation.

Inspection and Public Hearing

On Friday 8 September 2006 the Committee inspected the site and environs of the proposed works. A confidential briefing from the AFP and a public hearing were held at Parliament House later that day.⁹

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 2 Back

ibid, paragraph 3 Back

ibid, paragraph 6 and 55 Back

ibid, paragraph 54 Back

ibid, paragraph 42 Back

Public Works Committee Act 1969, Part III, Section 18 (8) Back

Public Works Committee Act 1969, Part III, Section 17 Back