Politicians urge public to oppose Victoria Barracks sale

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Campaigners are calling for a rally to oppose the federal government's planned sale of Sydney's Victoria Barracks, a historic army base established in 1840.

The federal government has slated some 67 military properties for sale to raise funds, including Sydney's Victoria Barracks in Paddington, established in 1840. Between 450 and 650 personnel and their families based at the barracks will be relocated to other defence sites.

State and federal MPs across the political spectrum are calling on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene to stop the sale. NSW Liberal MP James Griffin, whose mother was the barracks' first female commander, said he had grown up on the site. 'The community it holds, the place it holds in the heart of defence members that live on base and have served there over many many years,' he told reporters.

NSW Labor MP Marjorie O'Neill said Victoria Barracks were 'far too important to be sold off' and described it as 'the spiritual home of the army'. She said senior ADF officers had repeatedly requested the site be opened more to the public for events like sporting matches, but had been blocked by bureaucrats. A rally outside the barracks on Sunday is expected to attract thousands, Ms O'Neill said. Federal independent Allegra Spender and state independent Alex Greenwich also backed the call to stop the sale.

How it is being reported

• Public urged to join fight to save army barracksCampaigners say major crowds are expected to turn out to rally against the government's planned sale of a historic army base.Perth Now · 21 Oct, 03:51
• Public urged to join fight to save army barracksCampaigners say major crowds are expected to turn out to rally against the government's planned sale of a historic army base.The West Australian · 21 Oct, 03:51

In this story: Victoria Barracks · Sydney · Anthony Albanese · James Griffin · Marjorie O'Neill · Allegra Spender · Alex Greenwich

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