Former Prime Minister John Howard joined a multipartisan rally in Sydney urging the Albanese government to reverse its plan to sell Department of Defense land, including the historic Victoria Barracks. The protest drew thousands of attendees and united political rivals across the spectrum, from the conservative Liberal Party to the left-wing Greens and nationalist One Nation, against the disposal of prime harbor-front properties.
The Australian government proposes selling surplus defense assets to raise 3 billion Australian dollars in gross revenue, or 1.8 billion dollars net, to address fiscal deficits and fund housing initiatives. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has stated that the Department of Defense is not best positioned to preserve the heritage value of these sites and that the proceeds would be better utilized for future military capability.
What the Left Is Saying
Despite the government's fiscal arguments, members of the ruling Labor Party and the Greens have voiced strong opposition. Marjorie O’Neill, Labor’s parliamentary secretary for transport in New South Wales and a protest organizer, faced jeers from the crowd for beginning the rally with an acknowledgment of country and crediting the coalition against the sale without initially naming One Nation.
Justin Bowra, a Greens member and local resident, argued that the community should determine the land's use rather than leaving it to the highest bidder for private development. "The right thing to do is let the community decide, let locals decide, and make those decisions with the benefit of all Australians in mind rather than turning them into a bunch of condos," Bowra said.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative figures have framed the selloff as an affront to national heritage and identity. John Howard, a former Liberal Prime Minister, told the crowd that while he supports lower spending and taxes, the issue at hand is distinct. "What is more important to the soul of a nation? [Than] its history, its heritage, and those that have gone before," Howard stated. "You don’t give that up for a few bob."
Tony Abbott, another former Prime Minister and current Liberal Party president, emphasized the cultural significance of the protest. "And isn’t it wonderful to be at this protest, where the only flag on display is the Australian flag — and not the Palestinian one," Abbott said, reflecting the nationalist sentiment present at the rally.
What the Numbers Show
The proposed sale aims to generate 3 billion Australian dollars in gross terms, with a net revenue target of 1.8 billion Australian dollars. The government cites the need to reduce the deficit and alleviate pressure on interest rates, noting that Sydney has one of the most expensive housing markets in the world. The rally took place in Sydney with temperatures reaching 28 degrees Celsius, which was 4.3 degrees above the historical late-October average.
Opposition to the plan spans multiple political factions, including the Liberal-National Coalition, One Nation, the Greens, and NSW Labor MPs. This coalition forms in the context of a broader political shift where mainstream parties have recently adopted "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard) stances to address housing shortages, making the defense land selloff a notable exception to this trend.
The Bottom Line
The convergence of left, right, and nationalist groups against the defense land selloff indicates significant political headwinds for the Albanese government's fiscal strategy. Independent MP Allegra Spender has organized a convoy to Canberra for November 23 to further protest the sale. The government faces the challenge of balancing fiscal consolidation and housing supply needs with deep-seated public attachment to military heritage sites.