$75m upgrade to national security facilities

Minister for Defence Personnel Dan Tehan and Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja today announced the Government would invest $75 million upgrading infrastructure at the Australian Signals Directorate buildings in Canberra.

The Australian Signals Directorate is a 24-hours a day, seven day a week operation providing signals intelligence and information security to the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force.

The $75 million upgrade to critical infrastructure at the Russell Offices Buildings R5 and R6 will improve performance while lowering running costs.

Mr Tehan said the $75 million upgrade had been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works today and would be funded under the Defence Integrated Investment Program.

“The ASD is essential to Australia’s national security and these improvements will help keep Australians safer by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of operations,” Mr Tehan said.

“The Government is committed to returning Defence spending to two per cent of GDP within a decade, delivering an additional $30 billion which will be invested in capability, infrastructure and personnel.”

Senator Seselja said the project would create job opportunities for local sub-contractors and suppliers.

“This $75 million project will generate significant economic benefit for the ACT, not only through the direct investment and jobs but flow-on effects such spending has in the community,” Mr Seselja said.