Coat of arms

SENATOR THE HON DAVID FAWCETT
Assistant Minister for Defence
Senator for South Australia

Media Release
13 March 2019

Military Training Area on Track

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon David Fawcett today welcomed the reinstatement of Laing O’Rourke’s building licence.

“I have been informed that last week’s suspension of Laing O’Rourke’s building licence by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission has been lifted,” Assistant Minister Fawcett said.

“This is good news for local industry and the community in Central Queensland where Laing O’Rourke is expanding the Shoalwater Bay Training Area under the $2.25 billion Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI).

“Laing O’Rourke is currently contracted to Defence to deliver a number of construction projects across the country in support of Australia’s defence capability.

“Defence has been closely monitoring the situation and has been in touch with relevant companies and subcontractors to ensure their interests are protected.

“Under Defence’s contracting arrangements, the Commonwealth has options available to ensure the ASMTI proceeds and we remain fully committed to its implementation.”

Work on the ASMTI has been progressing well since Laing O’Rourke was announced as the Managing Contractor in September 2018.

Local businesses have been engaged and are providing design and development services.

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