Defence Estate Divestment

On 4 February 2026, the Government announced it would divest 67 Defence estate sites – the most significant reform to the Defence estate in Australian history – without public consultation or the opportunity for stakeholders to respond.

Many veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have deep connections to these sites. Many are still actively used by ADF personnel and/or hold significant heritage value to the Australian community.

However, the decision relies on the 2023 Defence Estate Audit and does not reflect recent developments in Australia’s strategic circumstances, reserve force structure, or mobilisation requirements. It also lacks clear transition arrangements for sites used by permanent forces, reserve units, and cadet organisations.

In response, RSL Australia called on the Government to Tap the Brakes and launched a petition seeking a Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry into the planned management, use, and disposal of Defence estate assets. Thank you to the thousands of supporters who signed the RSL Australia petition.

The collective voices of the veteran, service, and broader communities were heard, and a Senate Committee inquiry was announced.

RSL Australia worked directly with RSL State and Territory Branches and stakeholders to build a unified submission that reflects the views of our entire network.

Submission to the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Reference Committee Inquiry into the Management of Defence Assets.

Read the Submission
Read the Submission

RSL Media Releases

Featured
Veteran and Defence Voices Heard in Decision to Conduct Defence Estate Sell-Off Inquiry

The RSL has welcomed the Senate Inquiry into the proposed divestment of 67 Defence estate sites, describing it as a critical opportunity to ensure the process is done properly. The Government has only one chance to get the disposal of Defence assets right — and must ensure decisions are transparent, strategic and deliver long-term benefit for veterans, Defence personnel and the broader community.

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RSL Launches National Petition for Senate Inquiry into Defence Estate Sell-Off

RSL has launched a national petition calling for a Senate Inquiry into the Government’s planned sale of Defence properties around the country. The League wants the Senate Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade to thoroughly examine the proposed sell-off and look at the management, use and disposal of the Defence estate assets to be put up for sale.

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RSL Urges Government to tap the brakes on Defence Estate sell-off

RSL Calls for Careful Stewardship of Defence Heritage in Historic Estate Reform

RSL Australia is calling on the Government to slow down and get this right, following today's announcement of the largest Defence estate divestment in Australian history.

RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM says while the organisation supports modernising Defence infrastructure, the sale of 64 sites, including Victoria Barracks in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, demands more careful consideration than a single announcement allows.

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