RSL Launches National Petition for Senate Inquiry into Defence Estate Sell-Off
MEDIA RELEASE
Australia's largest and oldest veteran organisation has launched a national petition calling for a Senate Inquiry into the Government’s planned sale of Defence properties around the country.
The Returned & Services League of Australia says while it understands the strategic logic of the proposed divestment of some 67 Defence Estate sites and supports the modernisation of Defence infrastructure, the decision needs more careful consideration.
RSL Australia National President Peter Tinley AM says 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.
“As we said when the Government made its announcement of 4 February, these aren't empty paddocks on a spreadsheet - they're places where Australians learn to soldier, where bonds of mateship were and are still forged, and where generations prepared to defend this nation and still do so," Mr Tinley said.
"The Government needs to tap the brakes here and take a breath. Because once these sites are gone, they're gone forever. A Senate Inquiry will provide that necessary oversight and caution.
“The Government announced it would divest 67 Defence estate sites representing the most significant reform to the Defence estate in Australian history, and they made this announcement without public consultation or the opportunity for stakeholders to respond to the plan,” he said.
“Many veterans and serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have deep connections to the identified sites and many of the sites are still used by ADF personnel and/or hold significant heritage value to the Australian community.
“Yet, the Government’s decision to sell these assets was based on the Defence Estate Audit completed in 2023, and does not seem to have considered recent developments in Australia's strategic circumstances, reserve force structure or mobilisation requirements; nor does it detail clear transition arrangements for sites that are used by permanent forces, reserve units and cadet organisations.”
Peter Tinley said the Senate Inquiry must require the Government to clearly identify and set out the reasons for the divestment decisions, how its planning aligns with Australia’s defence needs, the adequacy of transition arrangements, the suitability of each asset for divestment, and assumptions used to cost returns from divestment; and consider public submissions on use, value and connections to the sites.
“The Petition is now live on the RSL Australia website and is being promoted through State Branches, the League’s nearly 1,100 sub-branches throughout Australia and its social media channels. The Petition will be open for signatures for two weeks and then presented to the Senate.
“This proposed sell-off must be done correctly. These sites belong to all Australians - past, present and future and we must ensure veteran voices are heard and our military heritage is properly protected. A Senate Inquiry will help achieve this,” Peter Tinley said.
MEDIA CONTACT – RSL AUSTRALIA Tony Harrison – 0417 318 178 media@rsl.org.au