The Albanese Government has received the findings and recommendations of the independent audit of the Defence estate.
An enterprise-wide audit of the Defence estate and infrastructure was initiated in response to the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review, to assess whether the estate meets Defence's contemporary operational and capability requirements.
Ms Jan Mason, former Managing Director of Defence Housing Australia, and Mr Jim Miller, Chair of the Infrastructure Victoria Board, were appointed as independent co-leads to undertake the audit, and report to Government by the end of 2023.
The independent co-leads visited more than 70 Defence sites across Australia and conducted a series of stakeholder engagements. These visits included a mix of operational airfields, maintenance facilities, research laboratories, warehouses, training establishments, reserve and cadet depots, and working accommodation.
Key areas of focus for the audit included strengthening the resilience of the Defence estate, mechanisms to accelerate delivery of major infrastructure, climate change risks and options for consolidation of underutilised facilities.
The Albanese Government will take the necessary time to review and consider the findings of the independent audit.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:
"In the current strategic circumstances, it is more important than ever to ensure the Defence estate remains aligned with our operational and capability priorities, now and in the future.
"I welcome delivery of the audit report and thank the independent co-leads for their considerable effort in completing this important task.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP:
"Delivery of the independent audit of the Defence estate was no small undertaking.
"Defence is the Commonwealth's largest landholder and this report and its recommendations will be critical to ensuring the optimisation of the estate to support Defence's future growth and posture."
