The Albanese Government is continuing to invest in updates for Australia's Defence estate with the unveiling of the McGee Building at Anglesea Barracks in Hobart, which will accommodate Defence's customer service hotline.
The new $20.8 million building offers contemporary facilities with flexible office spaces for approximately 50 Defence personnel.
The design of the McGee Building integrates modern working accommodation without detracting from the significant cultural heritage of Anglesea Barracks.
The facility commemorates Sergeant Lewis McGee (1888-1917), a proud Tasmanian who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on Broodseinde Ridge in the First World War, during the Ypres offensive in Belgium.
Armed with only a revolver, Sergeant McGee single-handedly captured an enemy machine gun position, and led a bombing party to capture a second enemy machine gun post. Sergeant McGee was killed a week later at Passchendaele.
The McGee Building has been delivered as part of the Anglesea Barracks Mid-Term Refresh Project.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:
"We're continuing to invest in Australia's Defence estate and infrastructure so sites like Anglesea Barracks meet the operational and capability requirements we need now and in the future.
"The completion of the McGee Building delivers a solid foundation for the modernisation of Defence's essential customer service network in Tasmania.
"It's also great to see the exceptional bravery demonstrated by Sergeant McGee honoured through the naming of this facility. His memory will serve as a reminder of his courage and sacrifice in service to our nation."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Richard Dowling:
"The Australian Defence Force shares a long and rich history with the Hobart community, and today's opening ceremony is recognition of that history.
"This $20.8m investment into new facilities at Hobart's Anglesea Barracks has boosted the local construction industry and related small businesses, and will generate additional ongoing employment at the Barracks.
"This is the completion of the first phase of Defence site upgrades in Tasmania, with further refurbishment and construction to occur in Launceston."
