The Australian government’s plan to sell Victoria Barracks in Sydney as part of a broader $1.8 billion divestment of defence assets has drawn significant criticism from former senior military figures and veterans, who warn the move could undermine national security and counter-terrorism capabilities.

Victoria Barracks, located in Paddington, is a historic military site that has served as a critical operational base for the Australian Army, particularly in emergency and security situations. Former chief of army and ex-vice-chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, has been vocal in opposing the plan, describing the proposed sale as strategically “shortsighted.” Gillespie, who served over 40 years in the ADF before retiring in 2011, emphasized the barracks’ ongoing importance as a hub for rapid deployment of Special Forces, especially in events that require immediate response within Sydney’s central business district. He warned that losing the facility would leave emergency operations reliant on Holsworthy Barracks in southwest Sydney, which could increase reaction times considerably.

The barracks played a vital role during the 2007 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, when multiple world leaders gathered in Sydney, underscoring its strategic value in coordinating security operations. Gillespie noted that divesting from Victoria Barracks ignores persistent security risks and the potential for future incidents necessitating a prepared military presence close to the city and harbour areas.

Other former military figures have expressed similar concerns. Vincent Williams, a retired army brigadier and current president of the New South Wales Returned and Services League (RSL), called the government's proposal a “tabletop exercise by two public servants,” advocating for a Senate inquiry currently underway. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott also supported retaining the barracks, highlighting the site’s military heritage and its role in maintaining morale among the armed forces.

The barracks also hold significance for civilians tied to military history. Patricia Amphlett, better known as the singer Little Pattie, recalled her experiences at Victoria Barracks receiving inoculations before deploying to entertain troops during the Vietnam War, underscoring the site’s cultural as well as operational importance.

The government’s broader strategy includes the partial sale of Randwick Barracks, though unlike Victoria Barracks—where a complete sale and military withdrawal are planned—Randwick is only partially affected, with personnel expected to remain.

Those defending the sale argue it is part of necessary economic rationalization to generate funds, but critics urge a more strategic approach. Gillespie proposed relocating defence workers currently housed in Sydney’s CBD Defence Plaza to Victoria Barracks as a means of better utilizing the existing facility rather than selling it.

The debate comes amid increased global tensions and recent security threats, such as last year’s attack at Bondi Beach, which some say underscore the need for robust, proximate military readiness. Critics of the sale contend that sacrificing key defence assets in Sydney at this time could weaken Australia’s preparedness for emerging security challenges.

The Senate inquiry into the proposed defence asset sales is expected to conclude by early June, while public and political debate over the future of Victoria Barracks continues.