Independent review into the Woomera Prohibited Area

The Albanese Government is undertaking an independent review into the settings of the Woomera Prohibited Area in South Australia, to ensure it remains fit for purpose and meets Australia’s national security requirements.

The Woomera Prohibited Area, north-west of Adelaide, is a critical Defence site used for the testing of advanced and emerging Defence capabilities. It is also a place of national significance for Aboriginal cultural heritage, and home to pastoral and mining operations, while also hosting significant scientific and environmental research, prospecting and tourism. 

The Woomera Prohibited Area Rule 2014 (the Rule) underpins the coexistence arrangements that seek to balance the interests of all users in the Woomera Prohibited Area. In accordance with the Legislation Act 2003, this Rule will sunset in October 2026.

The Government has appointed Ms Rebecca Skinner to lead a review into the Woomera Prohibited Area Rule, to ensure the coexistence arrangements meet the contemporary needs of the Australian Defence Force into the future, and serve the requirements of all stakeholders.

Ms Skinner, formerly the Chief Executive Officer of Services Australia and senior executive in the Defence Department, will provide unique strategic insights and expert advice to Government. 

The review will involve comprehensive consultation with stakeholders with interests in the Woomera Prohibited Area, as well as close engagement with the Government of South Australia. This will include written submissions. 

It is anticipated the review will be handed to Government by mid-2025.

Further details are available here: https://www.defence.gov.au/about/reviews-inquiries/review-woomera-prohibited-area-coexistence-framework.

 Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The National Defence Strategy made clear that in response to our strategic circumstances, we must accelerate capability development and acquisition, including long range strike, and investment in emerging technologies for the ADF. 

“In the 10 years since the Woomera Prohibited Area Rule and coexistence framework were first introduced, our strategic environment has shifted dramatically and we must ensure that we can develop, test and evaluate these capabilities in a fit for purpose environment.

“The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring these arrangements are in the interests of all users, including local indigenous communities and the economic and cultural opportunities in the region.”