Anthony Albanese has criticised “eastern suburbs” journalists who had never visited Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, while rejecting claims that his government reversed course by deciding to retain the historic military site in public hands.
The Prime Minister announced on Sunday that Victoria Barracks and three other Defence properties would not proceed to a proposed private sale, following sustained opposition from politicians across the divide, veterans and members of the public.
The Sydney landmark was one of 67 Defence properties identified for potential disposal under a plan intended to reduce maintenance expenses and redirect funding towards the Australian Defence Force.
Questioned about whether retaining the sites would lower the revenue expected from the program, and whether more properties might be protected, Albanese rejected the suggestion that the government had backed down. 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 journalist.
“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 amended arrangement, the heritage areas of all four properties will stay in public ownership. The Australian War Memorial will assist with presenting their military history and significance.
Albanese (pictured) rejected claims that the government had reversed its decision to sell the site
The government has nevertheless left open the possibility of future commercial uses at the properties.
It said it remained committed to finding the right balance between community access, heritage protection and suitable commercial opportunities at Victoria Barracks in both Sydney and Melbourne.
Asked whether the announcement represented a “walk back” after widespread criticism, Albanese said: “No, this is a good outcome and the timeline is the same.”
He also challenged media coverage suggesting the heritage status of the 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 policy, dismissing claims that Victoria Barracks remained essential to Australia’s national security.
“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) argued that Victoria Barracks was not essential to Australia’s defence
He said Defence could not continue paying to maintain facilities that were underused, particularly as the country confronted a more demanding strategic environment.
“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 opposition from veterans, former military leaders and politicians representing parties across the political spectrum.
At an October rally, former prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard joined calls for the proposed sale to be abandoned.
NSW Labor MP Marjorie O’Neill, Greens leader David Shoebridge and independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender were also among those who addressed the gathering.
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor, who spoke at the rally, welcomed the government’s announcement.
However, he warned the dispute was not settled, with ongoing uncertainty 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 to abandon the proposed sale
Taylor accused the government of pursuing the policy primarily to raise money, saying: “This was never about modernising the Defence estate. It was just another smash and grab for revenue by a Prime Minister who can’t manage money and can’t control his spending.”
Although the government has dropped plans to sell the four heritage properties outright, Defence will still leave the sites as scheduled, with personnel to be transferred to other locations.
The properties will then move through a divestment process aimed at preserving public ownership while examining possible community and commercial uses.
Eleven Defence sites have already been transferred to the Department of Finance, with the government insisting its broader reform of the Defence estate will continue.
