An audit of Defence’s entire footprint of more than 2.8 million hectares will assess the estate’s ability to meet operational and capability requirements.
Former managing director of Defence Housing Australia Jan Mason and Chair of the Infrastructure Victoria Board Jim Miller have been appointed as independent leads to undertake the Defence Estate Audit.
The enterprise-wide audit of Defence estate and infrastructure, a critical component of capability, is part of the Government’s response to the Defence Strategic Review.
Chief among the audit’s range of considerations will be whether the estate reflects contemporary needs in light of the decision to prioritise investment in Australia’s northern network of bases, ports and barracks.
The leads will present their findings and recommendations by the end of 2023.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the task and timelines were ambitious but he was confident the leads could deliver.
Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite said the Defence estate was the Commonwealth’s largest land holding, and “maintaining such a large and diverse estate requires investment decisions based on where they will make the greatest contribution to Defence capabilities”.
“The audit will assist in accelerating the planning and delivery of infrastructure, including greater use of innovative methods for investment,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
