Australia cancels sell off of Sydney Victoria Barracks after backlash

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Sunday that the government will keep Sydney's Victoria Barracks and three other Defence properties in public hands. The Daily Mail and ABC News Australia reported that the government cancelled plans to sell off the historic site following widespread cross-party backlash. [1][4]

The four heritage-listed sites set to remain under public ownership are Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff, and Point Cook, according to ABC News Australia and The Guardian. ABC News Australia reported that management of the locations will be transferred from the Department of Defence to the Department of Finance. Victoria Barracks in Sydney was one of 67 Defence properties originally selected for sale under a proposal intended to lower maintenance costs. [1][3][4]

The Guardian reported that the decision came after opposition from veterans, former prime ministers, and the general public. Defence Minister Richard Marles denied claims that repurposing the site for community use would undermine Australian defence capabilities, according to The Guardian. Daily Mail reported that Albanese denied that the decision was a backflip, criticism aimed at journalists who had not visited the site. [1][3]

Albanese has served as the 31st prime minister of Australia since 2022 and has led the Labor Party since 2019. Victoria Barracks is an Australian Army base located in the Sydney suburb of Paddington, which houses Headquarters Forces Command. [9][10]