In the Media: The Australian 24th August 2026 ”Labor faces revolt over Defence sell-off plan”
Lachlan Leeming spoke to the HPG Team about the next steps in the campaign to stop the sale of HMAS Penguin. The Albanese government is facing a well-organised campaign against its plans to sell off historic defence land, with a new bill before the NSW Parliament and a growing community campaign both pushing back on the proposed divestment of HMAS Penguin, the navy base at historic Middle Head on Sydney's north shore.
The Headland Preservation Group is planning direct action, including a mass rally, to oppose the sell-off. Opposition has drawn support from across the political spectrum, including former prime minister Tony Abbott and Warringah MP Zali Steggall. A bill introduced by NSW Liberal MP Anthony Roberts would require any planning proposal for a divested defence site to be approved by both houses of the NSW Parliament. Roberts said support for the bill was growing through conversations with Labor and cross-bench MPs, describing the issue as "bipartisan," about heritage and community safety rather than party politics.
NSW Premier Chris Minns has also criticised the Commonwealth's sell-off plans, calling HMAS Penguin "a piece of national heritage" that should stay in public hands. NSW Liberal senator Dr Jess Collins, chairing a parliamentary inquiry into the management of defence assets, said public hearings held so far have surfaced "a lot of outrage" from affected communities, with further hearings this week and a final report due mid-September.
The Headland Preservation Group is planning a mass rally on 11 October to keep pressure on the Commonwealth's decision.
Or read a transcript here →