Image: Will Thorpe
Opponents of the planned Victoria Barracks divestment, including members of parliament and party leaders from across the political aisle and levels of government — from former Liberal prime ministers John Howard and Tony Abbott to Greens leader David Shoebridge — rallied in Moore Park on Sunday.
The rally, which drew upwards of 5,000 attendees, was orchestrated by Labor MLA for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill and Liberal Senator Jess Collins. The two have presented a united front in opposition to plans by the Albanese Government to divest the historic barracks, which has been widely branded as the “spiritual home” of the Australian Army.
Joining them on an overwhelming speaking list were federal opposition leader Angus Taylor, Vaucluse MLA and state opposition leader Kellie Sloane, state veterans minister David Harris, Community Strong MP for Wentworth Allegra Spender, independent Sydney MLA Alex Greenwich, Woollahra mayor Sarah Dixson, RSL Australia president Peter Tinley, former army chief Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, and others.
“This is Australia” — O’Neill hails diverse crowd
“Look at this crowd that we’ve pulled today,” O’Neill urged the assembly. “I don’t think I have ever seen such an eclectic, diverse group of people united under one cause.”
“This is Australia. We’ve got people from all political stripes, from different parts of communities, from all across New South Wales.”
“We’ve got people that have flown from out of state to be here with one united voice, with one united message, which is to save Victoria Barracks.”
The cohort was indeed colourful. One Nation members, dressed in orange, stood not far from a cluster of Greens placards. Service medals and RSL polo shirts were in abundance. Such variety is rarely seen at protests and was noted by many on the speaking list, including Howard, who called for “a united, cohesive voice” appealing to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He also paid tribute to the history of the barracks.
“Victoria Barracks was the site of the departure of the first independent Australian military condition to the Sudan War. It marched from there and was farewelled by a mass crowd.”
“And of course, that was repeated in the Boer War and World War One… that’s part of the history of the place. You don’t give that up for a few bob.”
In that regard, all the speakers sang from the same hymn sheet.
No flogging off public land, says Shoebridge
An acknowledgement of country delivered by O’Neill was met with jeers from a substantial portion of the crowd, causing her and Collins — sharing the stage at the time — to be visibly taken aback. Shoebridge pointedly addressed the behaviour in his remarks.
“Let’s hear it loud and clear: public land stays in public hands. We’re not going to flog it off to someone’s developer mate. It’s a pretty simple message, and I know we’ve all come here today and we’ve spoken about the military history and acknowledged the military history. That’s right to do, but I’m also going to acknowledge the deep history of this place and the Gadigal history of this place, because that’s important too.”
Commenting to this masthead, Spender said that Victoria Barracks “has enduring strategic and historical value to both the Australian Army and the Australian people.”
“I’ve surveyed my community, and 83 per cent reject handing the site over to private ownership.”
Defence “moving quickly” to vacate barracks
City of Sydney councillor Zann Maxwell, a major proponent of repurposing the barracks, attended throughout.
“What the rally-goers value about this place will only be enhanced by opening the gates. Victoria Barracks’ significance doesn’t just reside in its ongoing operational use, just as Hyde Park Barracks’ wasn’t diminished when the army moved out, because now people actually get to access and appreciate that history.”
A Defence spokesperson said that the department “is moving quickly to transition from all divestment sites before the end of 2027, including Victoria Barracks Sydney.”
“Personnel at Victoria Barracks Sydney were given an update on the divestment of Victoria Barracks Sydney and provided detail on the proposed transition and future workplace locations this week.”
“The transition and divestment of Victoria Barracks Sydney will be managed carefully and sensitively, supporting our people, families and the broader Defence community while preserving its heritage, history and legacy.”
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Shocked and horrified how could a government be so low I lived 2 streets up played around there as a kid always admired the place 65 years ago must be hard on the veteran’s and sell it off to WHO??????
I think it is an absolute disgrace that the Albanese government is even considering
selling Off a piece of Australian History
maybe we should just sell Off the Albanese government instead, he is history anyway.My father spent 13 years in the army 9 of them as SGT cook at Vic
Barracks,after spending 19 and a half years
in the RAN ,I have many fond memories of visiting him up there every 2nd weekend
and have attended many formal dinners in the Officers Mess.