All releases

Appointment of inaugural Chief of Personnel

Today the Albanese Government takes another step forward in implementing the recommendations of the Defence Strategic Review (DSR) with the appointment of Major General Natasha Fox, AM, CSC, as the inaugural Chief of Personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). As recommended by the DSR, ADF…

Defence and veteran families celebrated this National Families Week

The unique challenges Australian Defence Force (ADF) families experience are being recognised this week at events across Australia, as part of National Families Week. To mark the beginning of National Families Week, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP,…

Further investments to support veterans and families

The Albanese Government is investing an additional $328.1 million in the 2023-24 Budget to support the more than 340,000 veterans and dependants accessing services through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA). This builds on the $537.5 million invested in the October 2022 Budget as part of the…

Investing in Australia's national defence

Australia is facing the most difficult strategic circumstances since the Second World War. To meet these challenges we must invest in Defence, including through the acceleration of important capabilities and activities, and the reprioritisation of those which are no longer fit for purpose. Building…

Press Conference, Canberra ACT

Subjects: Albanese Government’s support for our ADF personnel, The Defence Strategic Review, Working with Defence Forces in the Pacific, Cost of living.

Albanese Government invests in our future Defence Force

Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel could be eligible for a $50,000 bonus payment for ongoing service, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to investing in the growth and retention of a highly-skilled Defence workforce. One of the six immediate priority areas identified in…

Radio Interview, RN Breakfast

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day 2023; Veteran support; Defence Strategic Review. PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: Across the country this morning, thousands of servicemen and women, veterans and their loved ones are commemorating the Anzacs. And as we reflect on the sacrifices of those who have fought to protect our…

Five World War I soldiers identified

Five Australian soldiers who fought and died in the attack at Fromelles in France more than 106 years ago have been formally identified. Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, announced the names of the soldiers, who were originally recovered from unmarked mass graves in…

Paying tribute to our troops on Anzac Day

  Tomorrow at dawn, Australians and New Zealanders the world over will gather to honour those who have served our nations in times of war, conflict, peace and humanitarian operations. This is our national day of commemoration, Anzac Day holds a special place in the hearts of Australians. This year…

Sir John Monash Centre continues the story of Australian diggers on the Western Front

The memories of Australian diggers on the Western Front will be preserved, with a $8.3 million technology upgrade at the Sir John Monash Centre in France. Set on the grounds of the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery and adjacent to the Australian National Memorial, the Sir John Monash Centre…

Doorstop Interview, Gallipoli

SUBJECTS: Anzac Day 2023 MATT KEOGH, MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS: It’s an honour to be in Gallipoli in the lead up to the Anzac Day commemorations that will be occurring on the 25th of April here. Right here I've met with my New Zealand counterpart. We have a number of engagements today,…

Meritorious recognition for veterans who served in Somalia

Australian Defence Force personnel who served in Somalia in the 1990s performed extraordinary work in very challenging conditions. They should be recognised for that. The Australian Government has accepted the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal recommendations for unit…