Local residents will be given a vital opportunity to appear at a Senate inquiry into the Albanese government’s shock defence estate fire sale, with a hearing to be held in Queenscliff on 24 August 2026.
“The Senate inquiry into Labor’s proposed sell off of Fort Queenscliff and other historic defence sites offers our community a crucial voice,” Senator Henderson said.
“Defence Minister Richard Marles, working hand in glove with Corangamite MP Libby Coker, has shown a callous disregard for our community, our heritage and our precious defence assets.”
“While the Coalition has vowed to keep Fort Queenscliff and Swan Island in Commonwealth hands, Mr Marles’ desperate plan threatens one of the country’s most historic coastal artillery forts.”
“With the Fort comprising prime clifftop land and multi-million-dollar ocean views, Labor’s plan to sell the estate to the highest bidder will be a magnet for developers and high-flyers.”
“Labor cannot be trusted on anything, including protecting our defence history. The heritage listing of structures like the black lighthouse and Keep won’t stop Fort Queenscliff from being carved up and lost to the community forever.”
“In contrast to my fight to stop the sale of Fort Queenscliff when I was the local MP, Libby Coker’s failure to stand up for our community is untenable and shows she is not fit to do the job,” Senator Henderson said.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Details about the Senate inquiry by the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee into the management of Defence estate assets can be found at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Foreign_Affairs_Defence_and_Trade/DefenceEstates