Jacqui Lambie Calls for Defence Asset Sales to Be Paused

Senator Jacqui Lambie calls on the Australian Government to pause the proposed sale of Defence estate sites while a Senate inquiry continues to examine serious concerns about the process. In this speech, Senator Lambie raises concerns about incomplete and flawed information behind the divestment program, including unanswered questions around costs, replacement facilities, personnel and the strategic consequences of selling Defence assets before suitable alternatives are secured. She also raises serious concerns about Tasmania’s Army Cadets. Of the nine cadet sites being divested nationally, eight are in Tasmania. Senator Lambie says the sell-off is a slap in the face to young Tasmanians involved in the cadet program and risks stripping the state of facilities without any clear plan for what comes next. The speech also examines Australia’s southern strategic position. China continues to expand its presence in Antarctica, while Defence’s strategic planning has failed to properly consider Australia’s southern approaches, including Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Senator Lambie argues the sales should be paused until Defence has done the necessary financial and strategic work and properly consulted the communities affected.