Howard opposes federal plan to sell Sydney's Victoria Barracks

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 10:02 · Archive

Former prime minister John Howard has accused the federal government of indifference to military heritage over plans to sell Sydney's Victoria Barracks.

The federal government plans to sell 67 defence sites across Australia, including Victoria Barracks in Sydney and barracks in Melbourne and Brisbane, worth approximately $3bn. The proposal is part of a cost-cutting exercise intended to redirect defence infrastructure towards Australia's north.

Former prime minister John Howard has accused the government of indifference to military heritage over the plan. He said he would attend and speak at a rally on Sunday at Moore Park Road Entrance, Kippax Lake at 12.45pm to voice public opposition. Hundreds of veterans and community members are expected to attend the rally, which is organised by Liberal Senator Jess Collins and Labor MP for Coogee Marjorie O'Neill.

The proposal has drawn opposition from veterans and politicians across the political divide. Last month, a dispute erupted between Defence Minister Richard Marles and NSW Premier Chris Minns over the barracks' future. Mr Minns described the barracks as 'the spiritual home of the Australian Army' and backed the veterans' position. However, Mr Marles argued that Defence was the wrong organisation to manage the site from a heritage perspective and that most Australian Army members had never been to Victoria Barracks. He said the barracks 'should be returned to Sydneysiders and Australians'.

How it is being reported

• Former PM John Howard hits out at Albanese Government over plan to sell Sydney’s historic Victoria BarracksFormer prime minister John Howard has weighed in on the future of a historic military site, accusing the federal government of “indifference” amid plans to sell it.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 09:54
• Former PM John Howard hits out at Albanese Government over plan to sell Sydney’s historic Victoria BarracksFormer prime minister John Howard has weighed in on the future of a historic military site, accusing the federal government of “indifference” amid plans to sell it.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 09:53

In this story: John Howard · Richard Marles · Chris Minns · Jess Collins · Marjorie O'Neill · Victoria Barracks · Sydney · Australian Army

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