All releases

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…

$2.3 million to support ADF family resilience

Serving your country in uniform is a rewarding career but relocations, deployments and time away from loved ones can take a toll on family life and leave Defence families feeling disconnected from their communities. That’s why the Albanese Government is investing more than $2.3 million in 25…

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…

Radio Interview, ABC Perth 'Spotlight Forum'

SUBJECTS: Australia' sovereign capabilities and national resilience; energy security; artificial intelligence

Anzac Day Dawn Service, Isurava, Papua New Guinea

Good morning. Today, in cities and towns back home and around the world, Australians are remembering the service and sacrifice of all those who have, and continue to serve our country in wars, conflicts, and peace operations. Places where Australians have served that have become ingrained in…

Honouring generations of service and sacrifice on Anzac Day

On 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers huddled together silently in their row boats as they approached the beaches and hills of Gallipoli. Although they were young and afraid, they prepared to battle with an unseen enemy to protect the rest of us. Their courage and sacrifice will…

Podcast Interview, The Guardian Australian Politics

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day, veteran employment and wellbeing, Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Defence recruitment, National Defence Strategy, Defence Estate Review, Federal Budget TOM MCILROY, HOST: Hi, I'm Tom McIlroy, the political editor at Guardian Australia. On the lands of the…

Invictus Australia reception

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the lands on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to their elders past and present. I also extend a special welcome to the many serving and ex-serving veterans and their families who have joined us tonight in these hallowed…

Defence and Veterans' Service Commissioner Bill passes Parliament

Today marks an important milestone in the Albanese Government’s implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.  The Parliament has passed the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner Bill 2025 and the Defence and Veterans’ Service Commissioner…

Radio Interview, ABC Sydney

SUBJECTS: Bradleys Head declared military memorial of national significance, Middle East Conflict, Price of fuel impact on inflation. HOST, HAMISH MACDONALD: Now I suspect you'll know where I'm talking about if I mention Bradleys Head on Sydney Harbour, if you don't it's a short walk along the…

Doorstop, Irwin Barracks

SUBJECTS: Army Open Day; Australian Army 125th anniversary; Defence Estate Audit; Defence recruitment; Fuel; Middle East Conflict