Senate inquiry interim report — management of Defence estate assets
The Senate inquiry into the management of Defence estate assets interim report, tabled on 16 September 2026, is critical of the Government’s decision to sell part of HMAS Penguin, describing the decision as “contested and unsupported” and supports HPG’s position that HMAS Penguin should not be sold.
The report also raised concerns about how the decision to sell HMAS Penguin was made, including the lack of proper community consultation and appropriate due diligence.
HPG was represented at the inquiry by President Jill L’Estrange, who spoke about the site’s important heritage, environmental and public values, and the benefits it provides to the wider community. Once a harbourside site such as HMAS Penguin is redeveloped, it cannot be recovered.
The Senate Committee is due to report finally in February 2027.