All releases

Largest ADF in 25 years

More Australians are choosing to join and stay in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as the Albanese Government continues its record investments to put Defence recruitment and retention back on track.  In the 2025-26 financial year, the ADF grew to its largest size in a quarter of a century,…

Radio Interview, ABC Perth

SUBJECTS: AUKUS Deal; Naval capability; Defence infrastructure.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide Response Expanded

Today marks two years since the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide handed down its final report. In that time, the Albanese Government has been resolutely focused on implementing its recommendations, and delivering real, meaningful and enduring reform to improve the lives of veterans…

Stott Despoja to lead Military Sexual Violence Inquiry

I am pleased to announce Natasha Stott Despoja AC has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the independent Defence and Veteran Service Commission (DVSC) to lead the inquiry into Military Sexual Violence as recommended by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. As a former Royal…

Two missing Australian soldiers identified

On the anniversary of their deaths, the Australian Army has formally identified two Australian soldiers who were both killed on 8 August in different wars and on opposite sides of the world. Private Archibald ‘Blue’ Hanley, 30th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and Lieutenant Hercules William…

Advancing blast exposure research in partnership with Monash University

The health, safety and wellbeing of Australia’s current and former serving Defence Force personnel is my highest priority. Today I’m pleased to announce a new partnership between the Australian Army and Monash University to improve our understanding of how repeated low-level blast exposure may…

Television Interview, News24 AM Agenda

SUBJECTS: Low-level blast exposure research LAURA JAYES, HOST: A new partnership has been announced between the ADF and Monash University to better understand how repeated low-level blast exposure may affect the brain. The government is investing into this research to decrease the risk where…

Radio Interview, AM with Rachel Mealey

SUBJECTS: Low-level blast exposure research; Luke Gosling RACHEL MEALEY, PRESENTER: The Federal Government has announced a new partnership between the Australian Army and Monash University to learn more about repeated low-level blast exposure on the brain. The Royal Commission into Defence and…

Radio Interview Excerpt, Drive with Oliver Peterson

Subject: AUKUS dry dock at Henderson BEGIN EXCERPT OLIVER PETERSON: 1300-22-1025 this is behind party lines. Matt Keogh and Dean Smith with us this Wednesday afternoon. Coming up after 4:00 today, do you worry that your car is spying on you, that your manufacturer is collecting your data? We're…

Honouring those who served in Afghanistan 25 years on

A national commemoration service will be held in Canberra on Sunday, 11 October 2026 to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan, 25 years to the day from when the first Australian boots landed on Afghan soil. The national service will be held at the Australian War…

Speech to the McKell Institute, Sydney

I want to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to Elders past and present. I also acknowledge all those who have served, or continue to serve our nation in uniform, and the families who support them.IntroductionIt is a pleasure to…

Navy recognises Indigenous Development Program graduates

The Royal Australian Navy today celebrated the achievements of its newest graduates from the Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP), marking the end of a powerful journey of growth, challenge and self‑discovery. At HMAS Cairns, graduates took part in a formal parade and ceremonial march past…