All releases

Delivering the Future Defence Estate

The Albanese Government is undertaking the most significant reform to the Defence estate ever to ensure it is fit‑for‑purpose – providing the ADF with the facilities and capabilities it needs to keep Australians safe. Today, the Albanese Government has released a public version of the Defence…

Press Conference, RAAF Base Tindal

SUBJECTS: New MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal, Port of Darwin MARION SCRYMGOUR [FEDERAL MP FOR LINGIARI]: Well, we're here today on Wardaman Dagoman country, we've been part of a fantastic opening, it has been good to be in here. We've seen Defence, Indigenous people and landowners, but…

Government boosts response to drone threats

The Albanese Government is accelerating efforts to develop cutting-edge counter-drone technology, teaming with industry to drive innovation, while also updating Defence regulations to keep Australians safe. A new industry panel has been established to advise Defence and other Australian Government…

A new age of airspace authority begins at Tindal

Assistant Minister for Defence, Peter Khalil, will today officially open the new MQ-4C Triton facilities at RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory, marking a major milestone for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and delivering a significant boost to Australia’s air and maritime surveillance…

Merry Christmas to our Defence personnel

As 2025 comes to a close, on behalf of all our Parliamentary colleagues and the people of Australia, we extend our deep gratitude and warm wishes to the serving members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families for another year of exemplary service.  This Christmas we thank all…

Radio Interview, ABC Melbourne

SUBJECTS: Bondi Terror Attack; Gun Reform   WALEED ALY [HOST]: So already the two main issues to start emerging, gun control in Australia and the social phenomenon and then the Government's response to that phenomenon of antisemitism is of course in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack…

Television Interview, Sky

SUBJECTS: Bondi terrorist attack, social cohesion, immigration  HOLLY STEARNES [HOST]: Well, joining me live now in the studio is Assistant Defence Minister and former Special Envoy for Social Cohesion, Peter Khalil. Thank you for your time. PETER KHALIL [ASSISTANT MINISTER]: Thanks,…

Television interview, Sky Afternoon Agenda

SUBJECTS: Defence capability and delivery, AUKUS TOM CONNELL [HOST]: There’s been a major announcement in Defence, it's been the biggest overhaul in terms of capability in 50 years. Joining me is Assistant Defence Minister, Peter Khalil. Thank you for your time. So we're told not cutting, it's not…

Australian Industry Group

Thank you Innes for your kind invitation, and to Greg Barsby and Paul Chase, Co-Chairs of the Defence Council at AIG.  And thank you for organising this event tonight and hosting an important conversation. Let me start with the global context… There is a strategic contest that is underway.…

Television Interview, ABC Briefing

SUBJECTS: CPI figures, public service funding, Australian Election Study   PATRICIA KARVELAS [HOST]: Let's bring in my political panel for today. Jane Hume is a Liberal Senator for Victoria. Peter Khalil is the Assistant Defence Minister. Welcome to both of you. Just starting where…

Radio Interview, ABC Newcastle Drive

SUBJECTS: PFAS contamination at defence bases, Williamtown Working Group JENNY MARCHANT [HOST]: So ten years on from the Williamtown PFAS contamination becoming known, a Williamtown Working Group has been established. This is to provide local insights to the management of the issue there. This…

Press Conference, Raymond Terrace

SUBJECTS: PFAS remediation in Australia, Williamtown Working Group