Australia cancels sale of four historic military sites
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the reversal following public protests regarding the 166-year-old Victoria Barracks in Sydney.
The Australian government has decided not to sell several heritage military locations, including the 166-year-old Victoria Barracks in Sydney, according to the Times of India.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced the change on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The decision follows public opposition and concerns regarding the protection of military history.
While an independent review of Defence properties suggested selling or partially selling 67 sites to raise between $1.8 billion and $3 billion, four heritage sites will now remain in public hands. These include Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff in Victoria, and RAAF Williams at Point Cook in Victoria.
Albanese stated that Victoria Barracks Sydney holds a special place in the nation's history and will be kept in public hands. The government intends to work with the Australian War Memorial to document the history of these sites and make parts of them accessible to visitors.
The broader programme to sell unused military land will continue to reduce Defence costs and fund new equipment. Defence minister Richard Marles said the government cannot afford to waste money on maintaining unnecessary land given the current strategic landscape.
Some properties will be transferred to local communities or Indigenous groups, such as returning part of the Stokes Hill Fuel Installation in the Northern Territory to the Larrakia people. Additionally, the Angophora Forest at HMAS Penguin in New South Wales will be transferred to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.