About-face on Victoria Barracks is a sensible decision

EditorialEditorialNovember 8, 2026 — 3:57pmNovember 8, 2026 — 3:57pmAbout-face or embarrassing backdown? Whatever the political consequences, the Albanese government’s decision not to sell Victoria Barracks ensures this singular and great link with Sydney’s past will remain in public hands long after its near loss is forgotten by future generations.It was to be the most high-profile of 67 Defence sites to be sold after an independent estate audit last February. The aim was to raise $3 billion and avoid $100 million in annual upkeep costs, with savings ploughed into the Defence budget.Anthony Albanese, with Defence Minister Richard Marles, speaks at Victoria Barracks on Sunday.George ChanThe sale of the 186-year-old site spurred a widespread backlash. RSL NSW, heritage groups, former governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove, former prime ministers Paul Keating, John Howard and Tony Abbott, NSW Premier Chris Minns, the Coalition, Greens, teal independents and One Nation all condemned the move. There were also demonstrations and media opposition.Now the site and three others – Victoria Barracks Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and Point Cook (RAAF Williams) in Victoria – will not be sold off but transferred from Defence to the Finance department.The sites will remain publicly owned, with the government opening them to public access after Defence personnel are relocated to Randwick Barracks and Defence Plaza in the CBD. The Australian War Memorial will advise the government on showcasing the site’s history.Part of the space is likely to be commercialised to fund maintenance, and sections without heritage protection may be developed. But as a result of this announcement, the government, rather than a private owner, will remain accountable for decisions about use and preservation of the barracks.The government also changed its mind on selling a portion of HMAS Penguin, announcing the ancient Angophora red gum forest within the Balmoral naval base would go to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, and the rest would be kept by the Australian Defence Force.The decision to keep Victoria Barracks in public hands, made eight months after the site was earmarked for sale, is yet another example of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese taking too long to read the room. The government now looks like one forced into a political backdown rather than one that listens to voter concerns.Defence Minister Richards Marles only worsened matters: his thoughtless comments likening Victoria Barracks to a glorified watering hole for retired officers won few friends and appeared to deride genuine concerns about the future of the site.Albanese said he had never set foot inside Victoria Barracks until he called a press conference on Sunday to explain his change of mind. “This is an asset for Sydney that should be opened up for Sydneysiders,” he said. “Most Sydneysiders have not been to this beautiful site.”The Victoria Barracks in Sydney.Wolter PeetersWhile Victoria Barracks remains an active military establishment, public access remains limited. High sandstone walls and tight security keep the site mostly locked away. Albanese is right in his view that this magnificent piece of Australia’s heritage should be accessible to all.Questions remain about how turning Victoria Barracks over to community will work, how much it will cost to run and who will run it.But these are not insurmountable questions. For the moment, this is a sensible decision to keep this public treasure in public hands and protect it for future generations while allowing greater access for the community.Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.The Herald's View – Since the Herald was first published in 1831, the editorial team has believed it important to express a considered view on the issues of the day for readers, always putting the public interest first.From our partners