PRESS RELEASE - Defence Estate Audit Visit to ANVAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 December 2023
Defence Estate Audit Released Post Audit Visit to ANVAM
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Hon Richard Marles MP, and Assistant Minister for Defence, Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, announced on 28 December 2023 the audit report of the Independent Defence Estate Audit (Audit) has been submitted to Government following the visit to ANVAM by the Audit on 14 December 2023.
ANVAM’s interest in meeting the Audit was to, again, state the case for retaining the former Repatriation Commission Outpatient Clinic at 310 St Kilda Rd. The case for retention is in support of the objectives of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) and other government service delivery outcomes across multiple departments.
In the 20 minute meeting ANVAM highlighted in its presentation and brief a selection of the service delivery outcomes that would be achieved, including for Defence’s people capability, veterans wellbeing, arts and cultural services, health outcomes and cultural diplomacy. These service delivery outcomes, and ANVAM’s approach, are consistent with the new approach to ‘community led place-based service delivery’ highlighted by Prof Glyn Davis AC, Secretary of PM&C, on 5 December 2023.
ANVAM submitted that the case for a veteran’s arts and cultural institution was stronger than ever following the DSR plus the revelations of the challenges Defence faces recruiting and retaining members to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
This case is further strengthened by government’s $5million investment in 310 St Kilda Rd in 2022. That investment is already half of what the Australian Labor Party committed to the remediation of 310 St Kilda Rd in the 2016 federal election campaign following lobbying from ANVAM with its promise to establish a national veterans arts centre.
The requirements for the Commonwealth retaining property are contained in the Commonwealth Property Disposal Policy (CPDP). These include that a site 1) demonstrably contributes to government service delivery outcomes, and it 2) represents value for money.
ANVAM maintains its contention that the property meets both requirements, particularly where funding to finalise the remediation will be sourced through non-government sources. ANVAM commissioned DGB Global to undertake a capital fundraising feasibility study in 2021, and update the study following the visit of the Audit, to confirm the fundraising expectations are well within reach. DGB Global’s study has been provided to the Minister for consideration on the future of the site.
ANVAM Chairman & Director, Mark Johnston, said “The former Repatriation Clinic is a unique heritage site that is incredibly important to the veteran community. ANVAM’s case to government to repurpose the clinic as an arts and cultural institution is now stronger than ever and we look forward to supporting the Government implement this critical initiative widely supported across the veterans community, and that it so enthusiastically supported in Opposition”.
ANVAM’s request of government is to be appointed Trustee of the site in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act s122, which will retain the site in Commonwealth ownership but outside the Department of Defence.
For enquiries please email info@anvam.org.au
For more details on the initiative see: https://www.anvam.org.au/310-st-kilda-road