Australia Keeps Historic Defence Sites in Public Hands

Australia has scrapped plans to sell historic defence properties like Sydney's Victoria Barracks after severe public backlash.

The Australian government reversed plans to sell off four historic defence properties, including Sydney's Victoria Barracks, following widespread opposition. Officials had previously considered offloading sixty-seven underutilised sites nationwide to raise three billion dollars. Veterans and former leaders strongly criticised the proposed selloff of the protected national landmarks.

• The backgroundAn independent audit previously recommended offloading sixty-seven underutilised defence properties to recoup three billion dollars for the federal budget.
• The oppositionVeterans and former prime ministers strongly condemned the planned sale of the protected properties before the government backtracked.

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