Victoria Barracks in Sydney and Melbourne to remain in public hands after partial backtrack on defence property selloff

<p>Four heritage-listed defence properties to be preserved for community use after backlash from veterans and former PMs</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily political email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Richard Marles has denied claims Australia’s defence will be undermined by its decision to repurpose a historical military base near Sydney’s CBD for public use.</p><p>The Albanese government announced on Sunday four heritage-listed defence sites, including Sydney’s Victoria Barracks, will remain in public hands after the plan generated considerable public backlash against their sale.</p><p><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/28/politics-really-newsletter-guardian-australia-free-best-daily-auspol-email-subscribe?CMP=copyembed">Sign up for Guardian Australia’s Politics, really newsletter here</a></strong></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/nov/08/victoria-barracks-sydney-and-melbourne-remain-in-public-hands-backtrack-defence-property-sale-albanese-marles">Continue reading...</a>