Coat of arms

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

Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion
Senator for the Northern Territory

Media Release
27 February 2019

Government investing $13.4 million to improve Defence Health Facilities in the Territory

Assistant Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon. David Fawcett, and Country Liberals Senator for the Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, today announced the Government will deliver upgrades to Defence health facilities in the Northern Territory.

Following a competitive tendering process, Defence has awarded a $13.4 million contract to Cockram Constructions Pty Ltd for the construction of a new health centre at Larrakeyah Barracks and the refurbishment of the existing health centre at Robertson Barracks.

Minister Fawcett said the upgrades would help support the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to maintain and sustain health preparedness for ADF for operational requirements.

“These two health centre upgrades will enhance the provision of primary care, mental health, rehabilitation, pharmacy, physiotherapy and dental services to ADF members in Darwin,” Minister Fawcett said.

“In line with the Coalition Government’s committment to strengthening opportunities for local industries, Cockram Constructions has developed a Local Industry Capability Plan to ensure Territory businesses, suppliers and trades are given full opportunity to be involved in the facilities construction.”

Senator Scullion said this was a fantastic example of the Government’s procurement policies working to benefit local Territory and Indigenous businesses.

“It is also great that Cockram are estimating around 90 per cent of the workforce will come from the local Darwin region,” Mr Scullion said.

Cockram Constructions anticipate up to 25 sub-contract packages at Robertson Barracks, with a value of $1.1 million, and up to 30 sub-contract packages at Larrakeyah Barracks, with a total value of $9.3 million, will be sourced from companies within the greater Darwin region.

The upgrades are part of a $212 million Joint Health Command Garrison Health Facilities Upgrade Project which will see upgrades to Defence health centres across 13 Defence sites nationally.

Ends.