Defence estate community consultation sessions begin

Community consultation sessions will begin in Tasmania next week as part of the Albanese Government’s nationwide response to the independent Defence Estate Audit. 

The Audit, delivered in 2023 by Ms Jan Mason and Mr Jim Miller, undertook a comprehensive review of Australia’s Defence estate – including bases, training areas and rifle ranges – to ensure it is fit-for-purpose and provides our Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the facilities and capabilities they need to keep Australian safe. 

Following careful consideration of the Audit’s recommendations, the Government released its response last month. Community consultation sessions have been identified as a key part of the implementation process, with local community organisations, key stakeholders and the broader public invited to provide input on the proposed divestment of 67 sites.

The consultation process will support discussions about how surplus Defence land can best deliver benefits for surrounding communities, reaffirm protections for history and heritage including through the Environment Protections and Biodiversity Conservation Act, and capture the broad range of views from the community.

Many of these Defence sites have served Australia proudly, hold great sentimental value, and are a reminder of our past sacrifices and achievements. The Government deeply understands the emotional attachment that current and former Defence personnel have to the history of our Defence Force. 

That’s why the Albanese Government is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections, so Australians can continue to recognise and celebrate our proud military history.

The community consultation sessions will also provide an opportunity for the public and interested parties to better understand the Department of Finance’s role in managing the divestment process.

While consultation sessions will commence in Tasmania next week, sessions in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Victoria are scheduled to take place in April. These sessions will build on ongoing, site-by-site engagement with Defence people, including cadets and reservists, which is already underway. 

Further information on the planned community consultation sessions, including dates and details and how to participate, is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate/defence-estate-audit-community-information-sessions 

A full list of sites selected for divestment is available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/locations-property/delivering-future-estate

Quotes attributable to the Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil:

“Australia’s Defence estate is the largest property portfolio in the country. Implementing the independent Audit’s recommendations will ensure our bases and training areas are fit for purpose in a rapidly changing world.”

“Community consultation sessions start today in Tasmania, and we look forward to hearing directly from communities about how the Defence estate can best support Australia’s security while also strengthening the regions in which Defence operates.”

“By engaging directly with communities across the country in the months ahead, we can ensure the Defence estate is modern, efficient and positioned to support the ADF well into the future.”