The estate divestment program is delivering the future Defence estate, ensuring the ability to meet the capability priorities and workforce needs of the Australian Defence Force.

Defence personnel and veterans

Consultation is taking place with Australian Defence Force personnel, Reservists, Cadets and Australian Public Service employees who will be moving to new locations.

There will be no Defence job losses as part of the divestment program.

No Reserve units will be disbanded. They will relocate to other Defence facilities, shared Multi-User Depots, or leased premises.

Cadet units will remain in the region and may collocate with another unit or relocate to a community venue. Defence will work with Cadet units to identify new locations near existing facilities to ensure minimal disruption and continuity for Cadets and their families.

Defence will also work with veteran groups to identify alternative spaces and ensure continuity of community engagement.

Support is available to all impacted personnel and their families. Defence helplines can be accessed 24/7, and dedicated support options are available via the Defence intranet.

Timeframes

Timeframes will vary site-by-site due to complexity and operational considerations of each site. Defence will ensure that operational capability is maintained.

Timeframes may also be influenced by heritage, environmental and commercial considerations which will be appropriately addressed before divestment.

Consultation

Consultation with the community and business is planned in each region and includes community walk-in sessions.

To engage privately with Defence, email estate.engagement@defence.gov.au. 

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Future use – heritage and community

The intended future use of the divestment sites will be a decision making factor in the sale process.

Defence is committed to conserving significant historical places and collections. Defence will work with organisations such as national, state and territory heritage bodies to seek opportunities to enhance public access.

Heritage places will continue to be managed in line with legislative requirements, including the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Defence will consult with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water to protect heritage values through the sale process.

Defence will seek to retain museums at their current locations where feasible. Where this is not possible, Defence will work with organisations to relocate collections or identify ways to allow greater public access.

Defence will work with RSLs and local councils to see Dawn Services and other community activities continue as they have, or where required, identify alternative venues for commemorative events at affected sites.

Defence will also consult with key First Nations communities and organisations on the divestment of sites in their local area.

Divestment process and proceeds

The Department of Finance is leading the divestment of Defence sites. Expressions of interest can be submitted via www.finance.gov.au/defence-estate-audit. 

The divestment program includes 12 leased sites, where Defence is working closely with the Department of Finance to end the lease arrangements before divestement.

Defence will work closely with security agencies throughout the divestment process to assess security risks and requirements. Where necessary, security conditions may be imposed on the sale process. Any divestment will also comply with Australia’s Foreign Investment Policy.

As part of the divestment process, Defence and the Department of Finance will engage with local planning authorities and state governments to support decisions on zoning, infrastructure, development, and heritage considerations as appropriate.

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

Resources

Delivering the future estate frequently asked questions (PDF, 314.5 KB)