Concerning implications over planned Defence facility sell-off

The Tasmanian Government is calling for consultation over the Federal Labor Government’s planned sell-off of Defence facilities across the state.

The proposed plan to sell-off eight properties and end leases at seven cadet training facilities raises genuine concerns over Tasmania’s ability to continue recruiting, training, and retaining cadets and reservists.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and former Australian Army recruit instructor, Gavin Pearce, said Tasmania has always punched well above its weight when answering the call to serve.

“Tasmania has seen more soldiers per capita fight in World Wars than any other state or territory,” Minister Pearce said.

“Even today, we continue to see our island state produce some of the strongest recruitment outcomes in the nation.

“We are an important contributor to our nation’s defence, and I can tell you firsthand, the standard of recruit we see come out of Tasmania is second to none.

“Our Government is yet to be properly consulted on the plan proposed by the Federal Labor Government, and we need to be assured our local defence force personnel and future capacity are not put at risk.”

Deputy Premier, Guy Barnett, said the decision to walk away from deeply meaningful sites, such as the Australian Navy Cadets’ Training Ship Sheean facility, will be upsetting to many.

“We have a history rooted in respect, honour and admiration of those who served our nation,” the Deputy Premier said.

“It is through the sacrifice and bravery of our servicemen and women, like Teddy, that we enjoy a free and just society today.

“We must not sit idly by and allow this decision to erode these values our diggers fought so hard for.

“Many of the proposed sites play an important role in our communities, reminding us of the great sacrifice made by service men and women past.

“Although we recognise that there may be some sites that are genuinely surplus to needs, the Federal Government has failed to consult with communities and has sent a poor message about Tasmania’s role in defence with the scale of its proposed sell-off in our state.”