Save Victoria Barracks

 Victoria Barracks, Sydney is not surplus land or a disposable asset. Established in the 1840s, it is one of Australia’s most significant military and heritage sites, built by convict labour from local sandstone and continuously used for nearly two centuries as a centre of military leadership, administration, and national service.

I therefore call on the Federal Government to halt the proposed sale and commit to keeping Victoria Barracks, Sydney in public ownership, and for the Government to work with local communities, veterans’ organisations, historians, and heritage experts to develop a long-term stewardship model that protects the site and enhances its public value.

 
As of September 2026, the Heritage Council of NSW has requested Heritage NSW investigate the potential significance of Defence sites being divested in NSW to inform their possible inclusion on the State Heritage Register. Heritage NSW is undertaking this investigation.

Once the investigation is complete, the Heritage Council will resolve whether to progress nominations of these sites to full assessment towards State Heritage Register listing. The Heritage Council may recommend State Heritage Register listing of an item to the Minister for Heritage. The Minister then makes the final listing decision. The Heritage Council is independent of Government.