RSL Victoria Statement on Defence estate divestment
RSL Australia has today released a statement in response to the Federal Government’s announcement of the proposed Defence estate divestment.
The statement can be read HERE.
RSL Victoria State President Dr Mark Schröffel has added the following statement in relation to the Victorian veteran community:
RSL Victoria will await further detail from the Federal Government about Victorian land nominated for sale as part of the Defence Estate Review.
Victorian veterans and reservists continue to make a large contribution to the ADF, and the opportunity to serve close to family is vital for those currently serving and for future recruitment. This needs to be considered as part of this realignment, as this source cannot be replaced once it’s gone.
That all proceeds from the sale will be retained in the defence portfolio and reinvested into strategic defence priorities is reassuring. Given the ongoing need for veteran support housing and accommodation, we would hope that it is also considered as part of the divestment.
The government has stated that it is committed to preserving and enhancing public access to historically significant sites and collections encompassed in this land. Parts of Victoria Barracks in Melbourne, Fort Queenscliff and RAAF Point Cook are examples of that, representing irreplaceable chapters in Australian military history.
Binding heritage protections are required, and we think the RSL can play a role in guiding Government on what elements are most significant to the Victorian veteran community in the nominated estates, how they can be best preserved, and how they can be made more accessible to veterans and the public as important monuments to our history.
