By David Jones | Public Affairs Manager, Business Sydney | Mob: 0448 285 996

The campaign to stop Victoria Barracks Sydney from being sold off by the Federal Government has today received strong cross-political support with the establishment of a coalition opposing the sale.

State Labor Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill, State Member for Manly James Griffin and Independent Member for the federal seat of Wentworth Allegra Spender have each spoken out against the sale.

All three have added their support to a coalition, which also includes former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, established to oppose the Victoria Barracks disposal as part of a major Commonwealth program of defence asset sell offs.

Business Sydney Executive Director Paul Nicolaou has applauded the Victoria Barracks coalition for presenting a powerful and united front against the sale.

“The strong stand being taken by this group confirms that concern about the planned sale of Victoria Barracks crosses party political lines,” Mr Nicolaou said.

“There is every reason to believe that their view that Victoria Barracks should remain a defence and national security asset is shared by the broader community.

“Business Sydney joins them in calling on the Commonwealth to abandon any plan to sell off such an important asset.”

Prominent leaders and stakeholders supporting retention of Victoria Barracks include:

  • Allegra Spender MP, Federal Member for Wentworth (Independent)
  • Dr Marjorie O’Neill MP, State Member for Coogee (Labor)
  • James Griffin MP, State Member for Manly (Liberal)
  • Greg Warren MP, State Member for Campbelltown (Labor)
  • David Elliott, Former NSW Minister and retired Australian Army officer
  • Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister
  • Brigadier Vincent William CSC, retired Australian Army officer and President of the NSW RSL
  • Cathy Griffin (formerly Major Cathy Horne), Greens Councillor and former Australian Army officer
  • Michael McLaren, 2GB

In outlining her objections to the sale, Marjorie O’Neill said:

“Victoria Barracks is far more than a parcel of land. It is a cornerstone of Australia’s military history, a significant heritage asset, and a precinct that continues to serve an important public purpose.

“We must carefully consider the long-term interests of future generations and ensure that short-term financial pressures do not outweigh the enduring national value of this site.

“Just as importantly, Victoria Barracks plays a strategic role in our national security framework. Its location, infrastructure, and operational readiness make it a critical asset for defence coordination, emergency response, and counterterrorism efforts—capabilities that cannot be easily or quickly replaced.

“I am proud to stand alongside people from across the political spectrum in calling for Victoria Barracks to remain in public hands and protected for the future.”

Allegra Spender MP said:

“Victoria Barracks is an iconic part of our local community and an important part of Australia’s national story.

“Our community values its heritage, its history, and its contribution to the character of Sydney. Any proposal affecting the future of this site should be subject to the highest level of public scrutiny and transparency.

“I welcome the broad community support that has emerged around protecting Victoria Barracks and ensuring its future serves the public interest.”

James Griffin said:

“Any sale of Victoria Barracks is the equivalent of selling off the Defence ‘Crown Jewels. Victoria Barracks is not only the history of Australia, it is still an operational Defence facility.

“My other thought is more personal because my mother, Major Cathy Griffin, now retired, was the first female commandant at Victoria Barracks.

“Beyond Victoria Barracks’ historical value, there is still a lot of sensitive work that goes on there that is vital to Defence and the national interest. It doesn’t make any sense to sell that site.”

The establishment of the coalition demonstrates strong and united opposition across political parties, defence veterans, community leaders and the broader public against the disposal of one of Australia’s most significant military, counter terrorism and heritage assets.

The key reasons for retaining Victoria Barracks as a Defence establishment include:

  • It is a nationally significant military, counter terrorism and heritage precinct that should remain in public ownership.
  • The site forms an important part of Australia’s military history and identity.
  • Short-term financial gains should not come at the expense of long-term national and community interests.
  • The site presents opportunities for enhanced defence, counter terrorism, heritage, educational and community uses that preserve its historic significance.
  • The campaign is bipartisan and community-driven, bringing together voices from across the political spectrum.

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David Jones --- Public Affairs Manager | 0448 285 996

David is a Walkley Award-winning journalist with a distinguished career spanning more than half a century in print, television and radio journalism, political and corporate affairs and high-level media relations including incident and issues management. Media Enquiries - David Jones M: 0448 285 996