The federal government is pressing ahead with plans for a $100 million memorial honouring Australia's greatest general in the French village where his troops won a decisive victory on Anzac Day 1918.
Parliament on Wednesday referred the project to its public works committee for scrutiny - a requirement for all major taxpayer-funded works.
Plans to build the Sir John Monash Centre were unveiled at Villers-Bretonneux by Prime Minister Tony Abbott after his visit to Gallipoli for the Anzac landing centenary commemoration.
On the night of April 24, 1918 and the following day Australian troops dislodged a bigger German force from Villers-Bretonneux, which is about 20km east of the strategically vital city of Amiens.
The town has never forgotten - inscribed in the town school is "N'oublions jamais l'Australie" (Never forget Australia).
The Monash Centre, which is to provide a multimedia experience for visitors, will be built at the Australian National Memorial on the edge of town.
Parliamentary secretary Michael McCormack, who moved to refer the project to the committee, said work should start early next year and should be completed by April 2018.
Its estimated cost is $99.5 million.
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