Albanese once fought to save prime Defence real estate. That's changed
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's stance on selling Defence-owned land in Sydney Harbour has shifted, as his government plans to divest from several military sites. Previously, Albanese warned against such sales, calling the land a national treasure and expressing concerns over privatization. Critics, including Independent MP Zali Steggall, argue that this move contradicts his earlier statements and threatens public access to valuable heritage sites.
- ▪Anthony Albanese once opposed selling Defence-owned land on Sydney Harbour, describing it as a national treasure.
- ▪The government plans to sell about 11 hectares of the HMAS Penguin site as part of a broader divestment strategy.
- ▪Local communities and organizations are rallying to protect HMAS Penguin from development, fearing loss of public access.
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Anthony Albanese once fought to protect Sydney Harbour land government plans to sellABy Annika BurgessTopic:Defence IndustryWed 3 Jun 2026 at 2:39pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 2:39pmWed 3 Jun 2026 at 2:39pmHMAS Penguin, on Sydney Harbour's lower north shore, was once described by Mr Albanese as "a jewel for the entire country". (Australian Defence Force)In short:Parliamentary speeches from 2021 reveal Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was opposed to selling Defence-owned land on Sydney Harbour.Some of the land at HMAS Penguin will go on the market as part of the Defence Department's plans to sell dozens of military assets across the country.What's next?Mr Albanese has been accused of contradicting his own warnings as calls grow for the site to remain in public hands.
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