Public Works Committee referred proposed works by ANSTO, DEWR and Defence

Parliament of Australia

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced three new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) and the Department of Defence (Defence) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.

ANSTO is proposing a replacement of its backup power network with a new, centralised High Voltage backup power network at its Lucas Heights site in New South Wales. The project seeks to deliver a new Campus Utilities Building, a new campus backup power system, and associated infrastructure elements. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $30.416 million (excluding GST).

DEWR is proposing a fit-out of its new leased premises at 40–60 London Circuit, Canberra City. The fit-out will provide DEWR and the Department of Education 46,389 m² of modern office accommodation to consolidate their Canberra-based workforce into a single precinct while supporting long-term operational requirements and strategic objectives. The estimated cost of the proposed works is $110.641 million (excluding GST) at a rate of $2,375 per m² (excluding GST).

Defence is proposing to deliver facilities and infrastructure at RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria, to support the Future Air Mission Training System. The project includes delivery of working and training accommodation, simulation equipment and Living-In Accommodation in line with the National Defence Strategy 2026. The estimated total cost of the works is $130.8 million (excluding GST)

The Committee invites interested individuals and organisations to make submissions by Thursday, 6 August 2026 for these referrals. More information is available on the inquiry websites: ANSTO, Lucas Heights, DEWR, London Central, and Defence, Air Mission.

Please note: the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works is not involved in the tendering process, awarding of contracts or details of the proposed works. Enquiries on these matters should be directed to the relevant Commonwealth entities.

Media inquiries

Mr Tony Zappia MP, Chair of Standing Committee on Public Works
(08) 8265 3100

For background information

Committee secretariat
02 6277 4636
[email protected]

For more information about this Committee, you can visit its www.aph.gov.au/pwc. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right hand corner of the page.