Zali Steggall MP says public land on Sydney Harbour must not be quietly sold off

4 February 2026 – Zali Steggall:

I am deeply concerned by reports the Albanese government is considering the partial sale of HMAS Penguin as part of a broader Defence estate divestment program.

HMAS Penguin, located in my Warringah electorate, is a significant Defence facility with deep historical, operational and community importance. Any proposal to dispose of part of the site raises serious questions about national security, heritage protection, environmental impacts and how public land on Sydney Harbour will be used in future.

I visited HMAS Penguin - along with HMAS Waterhen – in October last year. It was an incredible honour to see firsthand how, from these sites, the Royal Australian Navy makes a vital contribution to our national defence capability and to the science and technology that underpin it.

I have formally requested a detailed briefing from the Defence Minister to determine what is being proposed for this site, which part of the site will be affected and how the interests of my community and the broader public will be protected.

Public defence assets should not be quietly sold off without scrutiny. If changes to HMAS Penguin are being contemplated, they must be justified, transparent and subject to genuine community consultation.

I will continue to seek answers and will keep the community updated as further information comes to hand.

—Zali Steggall MP