All releases

Albanese Government delivering for Defence and our veterans

The 2026-27 Budget delivers on the Albanese Labor Government’s recently released 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program outlining an additional $14 billion over the next four years and $53 billion over the decade that the government has invested in Defence in recognition…

Television Interview, ABC Insiders

SUBJECTS: Middle East Conflict, 2026 National Defence Strategy; 2026 Integrated Investment Program; Defence Spending; Australia-US relationship; DAVID SPEERS, HOST: Richard Marles, welcome to the program. RICHARD MARLES, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Morning, David. How are you? SPEERS: Before we get…

2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program

Today, the Albanese Government has released the 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program. Together, these documents set out the Government’s plan to respond to our strategic circumstances and keep Australians safe. In delivering the 2026 National Defence Strategy…

Joint Press Conference, Parliament House

SUBJECTS: ADF Leadership Positions; Middle East Conflict; Fuel Supply; 'Every Little Bit Helps' Information Campaign; Visit to Singapore; Visit to Brunei and Malaysia

Supporting Australian industry to join UK submarine supply chains

The Albanese Government continues to expand opportunities for Australian businesses in support of AUKUS – helping to secure high-value manufacturing contracts that support Australian jobs, and develop robust and resilient supply chains.  Today, the Government is announcing the development…

STEM scholarships to propel nuclear submarine program

The Albanese Government has today launched the Propel: Australian Submarine Scholarship program, a $15.8 million initiative to support the development of Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine workforce. Propel will offer up to 3,000 scholarships to students studying in priority STEM fields…

Press Conference, Sydney

SUBJECTS: Exercise Kakadu; Fleet Review; Middle East Conflict; Fuel Supply; AUKUS; Defence Spending. 

Design contract signals decisive step in Henderson Defence Precinct consolidation

The Albanese Government has taken the next step in establishing a consolidated defence precinct at Henderson to support sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia. Bechtel Infrastructure Australia (Bechtel) has been appointed as the design services consultancy to undertake master…

Product of Concern Summit for Collins class sustainment

The Albanese Government held its fourth Product of Concern Summit in Canberra today to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines. Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, convened the summit alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, and senior…

Albanese Government announces acquisition of long-lead items for AUKUS nuclear propulsion systems

The Albanese Government has announced a $310 million payment for the acquisition of long‑lead items from the United Kingdom to support Australia’s future sovereign conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarine capability. Today’s announcement will directly support the manufacture of critical…

Joint Statement, Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue

On 23 February 2026, the UK Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP hosted the Minister for Defence Industry of Australia, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, for the Australia–UK Defence Industry Dialogue (AUKDID). This meeting marked the revival of the Dialogue following the 2025…

Doorstop, London

Monday, 23 February 2026 (Tuesday, 24 February AEDT) SUBJECTS: Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue (AUKDID) outcomes, advanced radar cooperation, collaborative combat aircraft integration, MQ-28A Ghost Bat weapons, SSN-AUKUS reactor investment. MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY PAT CONROY: Thank you…