The Albanese government’s proposal to sell off Fort Queenscliff is a disgraceful betrayal of our community which shows contempt for one of Australia’s most significant historic defence sites.
Defence Minister Richard Marles has demonstrated he could not care less about the importance of Fort Queenscliff to our region and our nation.
I also raise serious concerns about the failure of Corangamite MP Libby Coker to stand up for the Bellarine and oppose this sale. Ms Coker continues to take her marching orders from Mr Marles and put politics before people.
For many years, I have fought state and federal Labor’s underhanded attempts to sell off the fort.
Despite years of warnings, advocacy and community opposition, Mr Marles has chosen to resurrect a discredited proposal which treats a nationally significant defence asset as little more than surplus real estate.
Fort Queenscliff, built in 1862 to protect Melbourne from potential Russian attacks, served as a vital coastal defence hub. Under its command, guns at Fort Nepean fired the warning shots that are widely regarded as the first Australian shots of both World War I and World War II.
After operating as a military training hub, Fort Queenscliff remains occupied by the Australian Army in a support and heritage stewardship role, attracting thousands of visitors annually, including school groups, who come to learn about Australia’s colonial and wartime defence history.
Fort Queenscliff plays a key role in supporting the Swan Island defence facility.
It is also a very special place of service, sacrifice and national memory.
The government’s decision has been made without genuine consultation, reflecting an ideological obsession with asset sales and a disturbing disregard for heritage, history and community.
Fort Queenscliff belongs to the Australian people. It should be preserved, protected and properly supported — not flogged off behind closed doors by a government which refuses to listen.
I will continue to fight this proposal as I always have, and vow to stand with the Queenscliff community to stop this reckless and irreversible sell-off.