Public Works Committee (Repetitive Works) Notice 2026

Overview

The Public Works Committee (Repetitive Works) Notice 2026 was enacted on 14 May 2026 to address the need for streamlining and efficiency in the execution of repetitive works by the Commonwealth and its authorities. This notice was issued in accordance with subsection 18(8A)(b) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969 (the Act) by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. Katy Gallagher, the Minister for Finance, declared that she was satisfied the work described in the Schedule was substantially similar to other works carried out or anticipated by the Commonwealth or its authorities, thereby classifying it as 'repetitive works' under subsection 18(8A) of the Act. The policy objective underpinning this notice is to facilitate the efficient management of resources by recognising and treating repetitive tasks uniformly, thereby enhancing consistency and reducing administrative burden.

Scope and Application

The Public Works Committee (Repetitive Works) Notice 2026, made under the authority of the Public Works Committee Act 1969, designates certain works as 'repetitive works'. This notice applies to the maintenance and inspection of airfields as outlined in the Schedule, specifically the EST P1006 Airfields Minor Maintenance and Inspection Regime managed by the Department of Defence. The Act applies to the Commonwealth and any entities or authorities under its purview, ensuring that the repetitive nature of these works is acknowledged and managed efficiently. The notice extends the application of the Act by identifying specific types of work as repetitive, thereby allowing for streamlined approval processes and better resource allocation. However, the notice does not specify any exclusions or exemptions, and its jurisdictional reach is limited to the works identified within the Schedule and their execution by the Commonwealth or its authorities.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Public Works Committee (Repetitive Works) Notice 2026 (C2026G00486) are contained within subsection 18(8A)(b) and subsection 18(8) of the Public Works Committee Act 1969. According to these sections, the work described in the Schedule, which pertains to the Department of Defence's EST P1006 Airfields Minor Maintenance and Inspection Regime, has been identified as 'repetitive works'. This classification is based on the determination that the work is substantially similar to other works that have been carried out, are being carried out, or are likely to be carried out by or for the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth. This notice effectively declares that the identified maintenance and inspection activities fall under the category of repetitive works as defined by the Act. The obligations imposed by this Act on the parties or entities it governs include the requirement to ensure that repetitive works are managed efficiently and consistently. The Act mandates that such works be overseen by the Public Works Committee and that any repetitive works identified must be subject to the provisions of the Act. This includes ensuring that the repetitive nature of the work is recognised and that any efficiencies that can be achieved through standardisation and centralisation are realised. The Department of Defence, in this case, must ensure that the EST P1006 Airfields Minor Maintenance and Inspection Regime adheres to these standards and practices set out by the Act. The notice also outlines potential consequences for breaches of the Act. While the specific offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the Notice itself, the Public Works Committee Act 1969 provides a framework for addressing such breaches. Generally, under the Act, any failure to comply with the requirements for managing repetitive works could result in administrative or legal action. This might include fines, corrective measures, or other penalties as prescribed by the Act or relevant regulations. The exact penalties would depend on the nature and severity of the breach, but the overarching aim is to enforce compliance and ensure the efficient management of repetitive works within the Commonwealth.