Albanese abandons sale of Sydney’s Victoria Barracks

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has abandoned plans to sell Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, saying the historic site will remain in public hands, open to visitors and no longer operate as an active Defence facility. The government is considering commercial uses and possible development on parts of the Paddington precinct, but has not announced a final plan for its future.

The 186-year-old sandstone complex was among 67 Defence properties earmarked for sale in a federal plan intended to raise funds for the military estate. The decision to retain Victoria Barracks follows opposition from veterans, former prime ministers, politicians and local campaigners. The government has also said three other sites in Victoria will remain publicly owned: Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Williams at Point Cook.

The government says public access and commercial use could help preserve the historic buildings. It estimated that maintaining Victoria Barracks as a Defence facility would cost $200 million over the next decade. The Australian War Memorial is to be involved in interpreting and communicating the history of the sites.

The announcement does not settle how the Sydney grounds...