All releases

Press Conference, Canberra

SUBJECTS: Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels; conflict in the Middle East; Australia providing defensive military assistance; Board of Peace

Albanese Government invests $176 million in new fleet of Australian-made uncrewed vessels

The Albanese Government will strengthen Australia’s maritime security with a $176 million investment to deliver 40 new Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) – one of the world’s largest sovereign USV fleets. Announced today, the contract with Ocius Technology…

Radio Interview, ABC Newcastle

SUBJECTS: Middle East conflict; Australia providing defensive military assistance to Gulf; Visa changes PAUL CULLIVER, HOST: Good morning. PAT CONROY, MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTY: Morning Paul, how are you? CULLIVER: I'm very well. Is Australia at war? CONROY: No, we're not.…

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…

Radio Interview, ABC Radio National

SUBJECTS: AUKUS submarine program; support for Ukraine’s defence; reports of US Military preparing to strike Iran. SALLY SARA: Well as you're hearing this morning, the British Government is considering removing Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor from the royal line of succession, and the Australian…

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…

Australia-UK Defence Industry Dialogue – Joint Statement

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…

AUKUS enters new era with the arrival of UK submarine into Western Australia

HMS Anson has arrived at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling for the first‑ever maintenance activity on a United Kingdom nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia, marking a historic step in our nation’s readiness to operate and maintain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines. Over the coming…

Travel to the United Kingdom

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy MP, will travel to the United Kingdom this week.  The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and oldest defence partner. Minister Conroy will attend the Australia-United Kingdom Defence Industry Dialogue (…

Television Interview, ABC Afternoon Briefing

SUBJECTS: Landing craft contract announcement, Osborne announcement, board of peace PATRICIA KARVELAS: Over in the west, the Federal Government has announced the signing of contracts for the building of army vessels which they say will produce hundreds of jobs. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy…