Former prime minister John Howard has lashed the federal government over what he described as its “indifference” to Australia’s proud military history, opposing any move to sell Sydney’s historic Victoria Barracks.
Mr Howard said the government had proposed selling sites of significant military heritage and confirmed he would speak at a rally to voice public opposition.
“I have … accepted an invitation to attend and speak at a rally to demonstrate the depth of community resentment,” he said.
A rally opposed to the sale will be held opposite Victoria Barracks at Moore Park Road Entrance, Kippax Lake at 12.45pm on Sunday.
The government plans to sell off 67 defence sites across the nation, including defence barracks in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, worth about $3bn.
The plan is part of a cost-cutting exercise that will result in defence infrastructure pivoted to Australia’s north.
The proposal has drawn fierce opposition from veterans and politicians across the political divide.
Hundreds of veterans and community members are expected to attend the rally organised by Liberal Senator Jess Collins and Labor MP for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill on Sunday.
Last month, a dispute erupted between Defence Minister Richard Marles and NSW Premier Chris Minns over the barracks’ future, as veterans urged the federal government to abandon its plans.
Mr Minns described the barracks as “the spiritual home of the Australian Army” and threw his “weight behind the Diggers”.
But, the Defence Minister pushed back on the Premier telling News24 Victoria Barracks “should be returned to Sydneysiders and Australians”.
Mr Marles said Defence was the wrong organisation to manage the site from a heritage point of view and that most Australian Army members had never been to Victoria Barracks.
“Most members of the Australian Army have never been to Victoria Barracks, so to put this in the hands of the Diggers is actually quite wrong,” he said.
“Victoria Barracks Sydney should be liberated for the people of Sydney and for the people of Australia.
“And, in terms of heritage, it would enable us to celebrate the history of the Australian Army. So, much better if Australians had full access to it.”