Russian Antarctic Missile Alert Spurs Concerns Over Australia’s Shrinking Defence Footprint

Tasmania had 20 defence sites, and former officers warn Labor's sell-off could leave it with just one.

Russian Antarctic Missile Alert Spurs Concerns Over Australia’s Shrinking Defence Footprint

TL;DR

  • Retired Colonel Ross Byrne claims Defence and the government have abandoned Tasmania.
  • The criticism is in response to Labor's plan to sell 67 historic Defence land assets and facilities.
  • The proposed sell-off aims to generate around $2 billion to address high government debt.
  • Three retired senior officers testified against the proposal, calling it ill-conceived.
  • Colonel Byrne warned that selling depots leads to the permanent loss of soldiers.