The Albanese government says housing could be built on surplus defence land, but insists it is not the driving reason behind the $3bn sell-off.
Defence minister Richard Marles said housing would be “part of the opportunity” created by the divestment of defence-owned property, but stressed the audit’s priority was Defence capability, not solving the housing crisis.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament House, Marles said the reform was aimed at ensuring the defence estate was properly aligned with the operational needs of the Australian Defence Force.
Finance minister Katy Gallagher, whose department will oversee the sale process, said no decisions had yet been made about future land use.
Gallagher said each site would be assessed individually once transferred to the finance department, with outcomes varying depending on location and constraints.
She said some sites may be suitable for housing, while others could face barriers including contamination, heritage protections and planning restrictions.
The government has flagged significant public and commercial interest in the sites, but stressed any redevelopment decisions remain some way off.
