All releases

The 18th International Conference on Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces Sydney

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us today. I also pay my respects to all those who have served our…

25 years since Australians answered the call in Afghanistan

Today marks 25 years since the commencement of Operation Slipper, Australia’s first military contribution to the war in Afghanistan and the beginning of a significant chapter in our nation’s military history.  In the wake of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States,…

Greater recognition for Rifle Company Butterworth veterans

The Australian Government will reclassify service at Butterworth in Malaysia between 1970 and 1989 as ‘non-warlike service’, replacing the previous ‘peacetime service’ classification. This decision acknowledges the unique environment in which Australian Defence Force personnel served while…

Radio Interview, ABC Drive Melbourne

SUBJECTS:  Death of a soldier in a training exercise; Young veterans; Fraud Fusion Task Force. CHARLIE PICKERING, HOST: Now I want to talk about an issue close to our hearts here at Drive, and that is veterans who have been very important to us. We've talked about a number of issues. It all…

Press Conference, Sydney

SUBJECTS: Expungement of Defence convictions; Four Corners expose on veteran support providers; The recent fatality of a soldier during training; safety in training exercises. MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL, MATT KEOGH: Well, good morning, everyone. It’s a wonderful morning to be here in…

Radio Interview, ABC Radio National

SUBJECTS: FOUR CORNERS INVESTIGATION INTO VETERANS’ CARE; HISTORIC HOMOSEXUAL CONVICTIONS.

Removing historical homosexual defence service convictions

Current or former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel can now apply to have historical homosexual convictions extinguished from their service records. Up until 1992, consensual homosexual activities could be prosecuted as service offences under Australian military discipline law. While it has…

Press Conference, Perth

SUBJECTS: Perth RAAF Air Show 2027, veteran supports, Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE PERSONNEL MATT KEOGH: Well, it's a glorious day to be here at the Perth Royal Show, especially on Defence and Veteran’s Day, and I am really…

RAAF Air Show heads west in 2027

For the first time in 15 years, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Show will return to the skies above Perth in 2027. The free air show, on Sunday, 12 September, 2027 will be a spectacular aviation experience showcasing Australian Defence Force aircraft, military capabilities and Defence…

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…