Source : Perth Now news
Anthony Albanese has backed down on a controversial move to sell off the historic Victoria Barracks in Sydney.
Victoria Barracks in Moore Park has been spared, along with three Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and Point Cook (RAAF Williams).
They will now all remain in public hands after they were among 67 military sites slated to be sold as part of the government’s $1.8bn plan.
But it is only a partial backdown from the government, which will hold the Moore Park facility as it explores opportunities to open the 13ha military precinct to the public.
In a statement on Sunday, first reported by the Sunday Telegraph, the Prime Minister said the sites were no longer for sale.
“Victoria Barracks Sydney has a special place in our nation’s history and we will be keeping it in public hands,” Mr Albanese said.
“This program creates opportunities to open Defence’s historic sites and buildings to the public, and to commemorate our nation’s history.”
But the grounds will not be kept as a Defence facility.
The Albanese government will explore how it can maximise community, heritage and appropriate commercial opportunities at each location.
To ensure the significance of the sites are acknowledged, the government will also engage the Australian War Memorial to help tell the history of sites.
The backdown followed intense public backlash, with NSW Premier Chris Minns joining former prime minsters John Howard, Tony Abbott and Paul Keating, in voicing their displeasure with selling the sites.
Thousands of protesters – including veterans, community members and political figures such Mr Howard and Mr Abbott – joined a community rally to save Victoria Barracks on October 25.
While some have rallied against what they had described as a fire sale, others warned the site needed to remain in Defence hands given its strategic position in Sydney.
Opposition says fight to keep Victoria Barracks not over
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has vowed to keep fighting to retain four military properties, including Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, in Defence hands, warning Labor’s decision to abandon their sale does not settle questions over their future.
Mr Taylor said the Coalition wanted guarantees the sites would remain active Defence facilities, and flagged further battles over other military properties earmarked for disposal.
“Some welcome news this morning that we’ve forced Anthony Albanese to overrule his Defence Minister Richard Marles and cancel Labor’s plans to sell off Victoria Barracks Sydney, Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams Point Cook,” he said on X.
“Congratulations to all Australians and every veteran who fought for this victory to protect our history, our heritage, and our vital defence bases.”
