ASIO headquarters cost 'well justified'
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The building will operate 24-hours a day when it opens in 2012. (ASIO: Artist's impression)
Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has defended the cost of the new Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) headquarters in Canberra.
The $606 million building on Constitution Avenue in Parkes is under construction and will eventually house 1,800 staff and operate 24 hours a day.
The project has been criticised on several fronts.
It was originally expected to cost $460 million with money allocated in the 2007-2008 federal Budget. The cost has now topped $600 million.
There were also issues around where to dispose of asbestos-contaminated waste from the building site. The rubble was eventually taken to a former landfill in Canberra's north.
Nearby residents and the Walter Burley Griffin Society have also complained the building is too big for the site and will resemble a barbed wire city in the heart of Canberra.
But Mr McClelland says ASIO does need to have a modern building with appropriate technology to do its work.
"I am not managing the project I am overseeing the project and do whatever we can to ensure it comes within cost predictions," he said.
"But having said that, I think it is well justified. I think AISO is doing a tremendous job in cooperation with our law enforcement agencies."
Mr McClelland says he is optimistic the project will be completed within the current budget predictions. It is expected to open in 2012.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Authority (NCA) is expected to be questioned tonight over why it allowed the controversial building to go ahead.
The NCA is holding a public forum at Parliament House to discuss planning in Canberra.
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