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Consultations to understand the community response to the Defence Estate Audit, which was publicly announced in February, are set to begin next week.
Following the announcement of 67 military sites being identified for complete or partial divestment, the federal government has revealed that “community consultation sessions” are critical as the transition occurs.
Starting in Tasmania, community members, stakeholders and local organisations will be invited into conversations with the government surrounding the audit.
“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,” Assistant Minister for Defence Peter Khalil said.
“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.”
The Albanese government said they recognise the historical significance of the sites and will do their best to divest “Defence land” in ways that benefit local communities and the environment.
The federal government specifically highlighted that heritage and culturally significant sites will be secured under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
The consultation sessions will see an explanation and overview of how the audit will impact the region in question and the role of the Department of Finance in the divestment. Members of the public will also have the opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.
“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,” Khalil added.
The public response to the audit has been largely critical of the government’s choice to partially and wholly divest these sites, with public commentary questioning the thought behind the heritage and cultural significance of these sites to the Defence community.
When the estate sale was publicised, Defence Minister Richard Marles said this was a necessary step so that the Australian Defence Force can grow and continue to protect Australia’s national interests.
“For many years this has not been the case, with many Defence sites vacant, decaying, underutilised and costing millions of dollars to maintain. That is why the Albanese government is undertaking the most significant reform to the Defence estate in Australia’s history,” Minister Marles said.
“We know this is significant and challenging reform, but we are clear-eyed and committed to seeing it through, because it is the right thing to do in the national interest.”
Sessions will occur throughout the country in April, with registration available for consultation sessions here.
