Defence Estate Divestment
March 2026
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 have been heard, and a Senate Committee inquiry was announced.
Latest Update
The Senate Committee inquiry into the Management of Defence estate assets has a deadline: submissions must be received by 17 April 2026.
It's a tight turnaround, and RSL Australia is moving fast.
We are working directly with RSL State and Territory Branches to build a unified submission that reflects the views of our entire network. The contributions many of you shared over recent weeks are being incorporated into that submission. Your input is shaping what we put to the Committee.
RSL Australia is committed to holding the Government to account on this. The decision to divest 67 Defence estate sites, the most significant reform to the Defence estate in Australian history, must be accompanied by genuine transparency and proper community consultation. We intend to make that case clearly.
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Show your support
We are building a strong base of community support to inform and strengthen this submission.
Add your name to show your support for the veteran and defence community, and to demonstrate ongoing public backing for a thorough and transparent inquiry process.
If you would like to stay informed on the progress of the inquiry and RSL Australia’s advocacy, you can also subscribe to the President’s Newsletter below.