Joint media release
Senator for Victoria, Senator the Hon Sarah Henderson
Liberal for Bellarine, Callum Whitehead
In a major victory for the Queenscliff and Bellarine communities, the Albanese Labor government has been forced into a humiliating backflip on its reckless plan to sell off historic Fort Queenscliff.
After nine months of fierce community opposition including a local petition signed by more than 2,000 people, the Prime Minister has overruled Defence Minister Richard Marles, confirming Fort Queenscliff will remain in Commonwealth hands.
Liberal Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson and Liberal candidate for Bellarine Callum Whitehead have welcomed the decision, describing it as a tremendous victory for local residents, veterans and heritage groups who fought to save one of Australia’s most significant historic defence sites.
“This is a tremendous victory for our community and a humiliating defeat for Richard Marles and Libby Coker, who backed Labor’s disgraceful plan to sell off Fort Queenscliff,” Senator Henderson said.
“From the outset, the Coalition made an unequivocal commitment to keep Fort Queenscliff and Swan Island in Commonwealth hands. Not now, not ever would we support their sale.”
“Together with local residents and community groups, we have fought this shocking fire sale every step of the way, organising community meetings, rallies and petitions, and securing a Senate inquiry hearing in Queenscliff so local residents could have their voices heard.”
“While the Coalition stood shoulder to shoulder with our community, Richard Marles and Libby Coker betrayed the people they were elected to represent.”
“Mr Marles treated one of Australia’s most historic coastal artillery forts as surplus real estate, while Ms Coker chose to defend his disgraceful decision rather than stand up for our community.”
“We also expect Labor to honour the Coalition’s commitment to keep Swan Island in Commonwealth hands, along with many other defence assets across the country,” Senator Henderson said.
Mr Whitehead said the decision demonstrated the power of local residents standing together to defend their community.
“The people of Queenscliff and the Bellarine refused to allow Labor to sell off one of our region’s greatest heritage treasures.
“This victory belongs to every local resident, veteran and community group who stood up and refused to be ignored.”
“I was proud to attend the Senate inquiry hearing in Queenscliff and stand shoulder to shoulder with our community to fight this terrible proposal.”
“While we welcome this backflip, the federal Labor government must now guarantee Fort Queenscliff will be properly maintained, its heritage protected and opportunities for community access expanded.”
“The message from our community could not be clearer: our defence heritage is not for sale,” Mr Whitehead said.