Veterans group battles Defence push to vacate historic barracks
The RSL opposes relocating Army personnel from Victoria Barracks amid a 67-property Defence sale.
The Returned and Services League opposed plans to move Australian Army personnel from Victoria Barracks in inner Sydney, saying the move was rushed and not well explained. The heritage site was started in the 1840s and is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List.
Victoria Barracks is key to the Albanese government's plan to sell 67 Defence properties. This would raise about $1.8 billion.
RSL President Brigadier Vince Williams said the organisation saw no strong reason to remove Defence. Removing Defence would not improve capability.
Removing Defence would not help Australia's defence interests. Army personnel were ordered to leave by 19 December.
But the order was cancelled. Defence said moves could begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This would happen once security and operational needs were met. The RSL asks for Victoria Barracks to stay in Commonwealth ownership.
The site should remain a fully operational military base.
- 67 nationwide
- Defence properties for sale
- $1.8 billion
- Expected revenue from sales
- 1840s
- Barracks established
- Q4 2026
- Relocation timeline
Why it mattersA heritage military site with almost 180 years of history faces potential sale. This raises questions about whether Defence priorities rest on money rather than strategic capability.
AustraliaSydney's Victoria Barracks, a key Australian military precinct and heritage site, could be sold as part of a national Defence property restructure.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
