‘A Flawed Finance Policy’: Former Government Adviser Criticises Defence Estate Sale
Peter Collins also argued that the government was failing in its responsibility to protect Australians by committing to sell 67 defence assets.
Community groups have informed the Senate that the government appears to have a predetermined outcome for the disposal of surplus defence land, despite promises of wide consultation. An independent audit commissioned in 2023 found the defence estate to be too large, unsustainable, and containing unsafe or unused portions. Consequently, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the decision to sell all or part of 67 Defence holdings, including significant heritage sites.
- Community groups allege a predetermined outcome in the government’s approach to selling surplus defence land.
- The Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee is inquiring into the management of defence estate assets.
- An independent audit of the defence estate concluded it is ‘too large and is on an unsustainable trajectory’.
- Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the decision to sell all or part of 67 Defence holdings.
- Some of the sites slated for sale are described as high-profile heritage and historic sites.
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