The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works has recently commenced two new inquiries into proposed works by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Public Works Committee Act 1969.
The ATO is proposing to fit-out approximately 22,000 square metres of office accommodation at its existing premises at 747 Collins Street, Docklands, Victoria. The ATO currently leases 38,375 square metres at the site, which it intends to reduce by 16,000 square metres in a renegotiated lease with the building’s landlord, commencing in May 2027. The reduced Net Lettable Area will result in an occupational density of around 7-8 square metres to allow the office to fall within the Government’s occupational density target of 14 square metres per occupied work point. The proposed fit-out works are intended to provide a fit-for-purpose flexible workspace that meets the ATO’s current and future needs in a cost-effective manner, while accommodating for workforce fluctuations and changing attendance patterns. The total estimated cost of the proposed project is $94.74 million (excluding GST).
DFAT seeks Parliamentary approval to commence works on the Australian High Commission in Suva, Republic of Fiji. The proposed works would extend the High Commission’s chancery, deliver a mid-life upgrade to the base building, and undertake a tenant fit-out refurbishment of the premises. The proposed extension has been funded as part of the Pacific Infrastructure Programme New Policy Proposal “Enhancing Pacific Infrastructure and Engagement”, which was approved in the 2024-25 Federal Budget. The total estimated cost of the proposed works is $80.3 million (excluding GST).
