Melissa Price Questions Defence Asset Sales and Strategic Delays
As the Albanese Government announces another multi-billion dollar initiative, Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel Melissa Price warns that the devil resides firmly in the detail. The proposed sale of over sixty defence assets has sparked immediate concern, particularly regarding the potential erosion of Defence presence in urban centres across Australia.
Urban Barracks Face Uncertain Future
In Western Australia, the Irwin and Leeuwin Barracks support approximately 1,150-1,200 and 350-400 personnel respectively according to government reports. Price argues that selling assets crucial for recruitment, training and retention represents a dangerous precedent. "How do you recruit and retain a workforce that is unable to serve in populated areas?" asks retired Brigadier Ian Langford, echoing the Opposition's concerns.
The Shadow Minister confirms the Opposition will use Senate Estimates next week to demand clear answers about these proposed divestments. "We are open to sensible reforms, but ultimately, the test is simple – do they trade away defence capability, now or in the future?" Price states, emphasising that Australia faces its most dangerous strategic environment since World War II.
Northern Base Upgrades Lagging Behind
While Defence Minister Richard Marles has highlighted progress at Northern Territory sites, Western Australia's northern base upgrades face significant delays. Of the $237 million allocated for RAAF Base Curtin and RAAF Base Learmonth upgrades, only $8.16 million had been spent by October, with completion not expected until 2028.
These upgrades form a critical component of Australia's denial strategy outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. The Learmonth improvements would enable extended aircraft range operations, allowing the ADF to operate further north and maintain greater distance from potential adversaries. Despite repeated questioning, Defence Department responses regarding these delays remain overdue.
AUKUS Implementation Faces Hurdles
The success of the AUKUS agreement and Australia's nuclear-powered submarine ambitions depend heavily on progress in and around Perth. During a recent visit to HMAS Stirling, Price observed preparations for the Submarine Rotational Force-West commencing in 2027, including new training facilities and accommodation. However, significant challenges persist regarding surrounding infrastructure and housing.
"Given it is now nearly five years since the Morrison Government secured AUKUS, it is difficult to understand why the Cook Labor Government has only just launched an 'AUKUS Community Taskforce'," Price remarks, suggesting these issues should have been addressed years earlier.
Henderson Precinct Development Stalls
Progress at the Henderson defence precinct appears equally sluggish. Since the Albanese Government announced $12 billion for development last September, basic decisions about the precinct's definition and boundaries remain unresolved. Local industry representatives express frustration with limited engagement and unclear direction from both state and federal Labor governments.
"Companies already operating at Henderson, who will be critical to delivering future Defence projects, have been left frustrated by a lack of action," Price notes, suggesting bureaucracy has overridden ground-level expertise in decision-making processes.
A Call for Action Over Rhetoric
Australia navigates a decisive period for national security with deteriorating strategic conditions and real threats emerging. Price concludes that this moment demands concrete delivery rather than press releases, financial reshuffling or vague assurances. "If we are serious about strengthening deterrence, supporting our uniformed personnel, and enhancing Defence capability, then we must move beyond rhetoric and get on with the job," she asserts.
The Hon Melissa Price MP serves as Shadow Minister for Defence Industry and Defence Personnel and Federal Member for Durack, bringing these critical defence matters to national attention.
