Albanese government backs down on selling historic defence properties
The federal government has reversed plans to sell 67 historic defence sites. These would have raised about $3 billion.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government will not sell Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Fort Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula and the RAAF base at Point Cook in Melbourne will also stay public.
The decision reverses a plan from February to fully or partly sell 67 defence sites for about $3 billion, or $1.8 billion after costs. Sharp backlash from Returned and Services League branches and former prime minister Paul Keating led to this reversal.
The sites will now stay publicly owned and open to the public, allowing Australians to see their military heritage. Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government would instead focus on a defence estate that works well.
Victoria Barracks Melbourne was built in 1856 for British troops and finished in 1858. It runs at 56 per cent capacity.
Point Cook was the first RAAF base set up 112 years ago. It has heritage-listed World War II aircraft hangars that are falling apart.
- $3 billion
- Projected sale value
- 67
- Total sites originally planned for sale
- 1856-1858
- Victoria Barracks built
Why it mattersHistoric war sites shaped Australia's defence history. They now stay open to the public instead of being sold.
AustraliaThree major Australian military heritage sites, including the 168-year-old Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, remain in public ownership and will open for public access.
