Defence Properties

Senator Ciccone argued that it was premature to pause the process before the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee could table its report. Ciccone stated that regular reviews of the Defence estate were necessary to ensure the force remained modern and capable, noting that previous governments had also undertaken such reviews. Ciccone urged senators to wait for the committee's findings, which would allow for proper scrutiny of the evidence regarding the audit and the strategic needs of the Australian Defence Force.

Senator Walker defended the divestment process, citing an independent audit that identified over 50 underutilised sites costing more than $2 billion to maintain without contributing to capability. Walker explained that proper consultation was underway with communities and stakeholders, and that heritage protections would remain in place. Walker noted that governments of all persuasions had previously divested surplus land and argued that the Defence estate must evolve to meet changing strategic and technological requirements.

Senator Shoebridge criticised the government for making decisions before consulting communities or the military services, describing the process as a privatisation of public lands. Shoebridge argued that the audit was flawed and that Defence officials were providing evasive answers to parliamentary inquiries regarding costings and site selection. Shoebridge highlighted community desires for public use of sites, such as a veterans arts museum, and stated that the lack of engagement with the Army, Navy, and Air Force demonstrated poor leadership.

Senator Roberts supported the motion, linking the asset sales to the government's fiscal management and rising national debt. Roberts argued that the Treasurer was selling public assets to fund spending rather than reducing expenditure, which he claimed would worsen the deficit and increase borrowing costs. Roberts stated that One Nation opposed selling Defence sites, arguing they were essential for training and support, and suggested that the government should live within its means instead of divesting strategic infrastructure.

Senator Pocock expressed worries regarding the sale of the Fairbairn golf course in the ACT, pointing to inadequate consultation and outstanding PFAS contamination matters. He observed that residents had signed a petition to protect the site and maintained that post-decision consultation was inadequate. Pocock backed a halt to the sale to guarantee that any residential development contained at least 30 per cent affordable housing, consistent with legislation he had tabled in the Senate.