Paterson launches public campaign to save key Defence sites in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane

The sites addressed by the campaign include Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Victoria Barracks in Brisbane and Fort Queenscliff in Victoria.

“The Albanese Government has announced the sale of 67 ADF sites across Australia. While some sites might be suitable for sale, among them are irreplaceable pieces of our national story. Once sold, they are gone forever,” according to public comments from Paterson.

“I am launching an ambitious campaign aimed at forcing the government to rethink the sale of important heritage defence sites, and I need you standing with me.

“Labor says these sales are about modernising our defence estate. But the truth is this is about plugging holes in an inadequate defence budget that Labor refuses to fund properly.

“The RSL has called for a rethink. Heritage bodies are sounding the alarm. And I am fighting this in the Senate, in the media, and in the community.

“But I cannot do it without your support. Please sign the petition and encourage your friends and family to join us in this fight.”

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The Federal Government has previously announced that more than 68 military sites have been identified for complete or partial divestment, under the most significant reform to the Defence estate in the country’s history.

The changes were announced by the federal government alongside the release of a public version of the Defence Estate Audit and the government’s response to it – agreeing or agreeing in principle to all 20 of the audit’s recommendations.

Under the changes, the government has announced that a total of 68 sites have been identified for divestment. These include the following:

Wholly divesting 64 sites, three of which have been divested since the audit’s commissioning: Magnetic Island (Queensland), Haberfield Training Depot (NSW) and Garbutt (Queensland).

Partially divest three sites: HMAS Penguin (NSW), RAAF Williams – Laverton (Victoria) and Warradale Barracks (South Australia).

Retain in full one site: Pittwater Annex (NSW).

All proceeds from divestments under this process will be retained within the Defence portfolio and be reinvested in National Defence Strategy priorities, including continuing to upgrade and strengthen northern bases.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.