Anthony Albanese has criticised “eastern suburbs” journalists who, he said, had never visited Victoria Barracks, while rejecting claims his government had reversed course by keeping the historic site in public hands.
The Prime Minister confirmed on Sunday that the Sydney landmark, along with three other Defence properties, would be excluded from a planned private sale after strong opposition from across the political spectrum.
Victoria Barracks was one of 67 Defence sites earmarked for disposal under a proposal intended to reduce maintenance costs and free up funds for the Australian Defence Force.
When asked whether retaining the properties would reduce expected government revenue—and whether more Defence sites might also be protected—Albanese rejected the suggestion that the policy had been abandoned. Instead, he pointed to plans to expand public access.
“You live in Sydney, and you had never been to this site in Paddington,” he told one reporter.
“Most journalists, all of whom seemed to live in the eastern suburbs or the inner areas of Sydney, had never had access to this site.”
“What we want is for people to actually have access to this site, to learn about the history of the Australian Defence Force presence here and give appropriate tribute to it.”
Under the revised arrangement, the historically important sections of all four properties will remain publicly owned, while the Australian War Memorial will help explain and preserve their military significance.
Albanese (pictured) rejected claims the government had reversed its decision to sell the site
The government has nevertheless left open the possibility of future “opportunities for commercial use”.
It said it remained committed to maximising community access, protecting heritage and pursuing appropriate commercial opportunities at Victoria Barracks in Sydney and Melbourne.
Asked whether the announcement represented a “walk back” after opposition from veterans, politicians and the public, Albanese said: “No, this is a good outcome and the timeline is the same.”
He also challenged media reports and criticism suggesting the heritage-listed military site could be placed at risk.
“One of the things that was said was that somehow heritage could be interfered with on this site,” Albanese said.
“I know at one stage there was a front page about heritage listing. It’s listed, it’s protected under Australian law.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles likewise defended the government’s approach, dismissing the argument that Victoria Barracks remained vital to Australia’s national security.
CONTINUE READING: Senior military leaders promise strong support for Israel despite demonstrations – NewsFinale
“I don’t think there is anyone actually who is really seriously suggesting that Victoria Barracks Sydney is central to the defence of Australia,” Marles said.
Marles (pictured) said Victoria Barracks was not central to Australia’s defence
He said Defence could no longer justify spending heavily on facilities that were underused, particularly as Australia faced a more difficult strategic climate.
“It is utterly untenable to be spending hundreds of millions of dollars maintaining defence sites as defence sites when we don’t use them, and when they are not central to the defence of Australia,” he said.
The decision follows months of criticism from veterans, former military leaders and politicians representing parties across the political divide.
Former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard were among those who addressed an October rally opposing the proposed sale.
NSW Labor MP Marjorie O’Neill, Greens leader David Shoebridge and independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender also spoke at the event.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, another rally speaker, welcomed the government’s decision to retain the four properties.
However, he warned the dispute was not settled, arguing that uncertainty remained over whether the sites would continue to operate as Defence facilities.
“The Liberals and Nationals will continue the fight to keep these sites in Defence’s hands, and to save other sites including HMAS Penguin, Lancer Barracks, Irwin Barracks and more,” he said.
Hundreds of protesters attended an October rally urging the government not to sell the barracks
Taylor claimed the proposal “was never about modernising the Defence estate” and accused the Prime Minister of pursuing a revenue grab while failing to control government spending.
Although the government has abandoned plans to sell the four heritage properties outright, Defence will still vacate them as scheduled, with personnel moving to other locations.
The sites will eventually be handled through a divestment process intended to preserve public ownership while allowing for future community and commercial uses.
Eleven Defence sites have already been transferred to the Department of Finance, and the government says its wider program to reform the Defence estate will proceed.