Overview
- At Senate estimates, Defence said it intends to release all sites to market within two years, noting some sales will be straightforward while others will be complex.
- Three disposals have already completed: the Haberfield training depot for $44.54 million, a RAAF Garbutt parcel for $2.1 million and an Amaroo apartment on Magnetic Island for $859,000.
- Activity is underway on six additional properties, including a Londonderry transmitting site expected to be sold this year and a Perth multi‑use depot being prepared for market.
- Defence reiterated the divestment program’s financial case, targeting about $1.8 billion after costs and projecting at least $100 million a year in avoided estate expenses.
- Senators pressed security and heritage concerns involving high‑profile sites such as Swan Island and Victoria Barracks, while officials said sale contracts can include protections and estimated about $1.2 billion in relocation and replication costs affecting thousands of ADF personnel, public servants, reservists and cadets.