All releases

Travel to Japan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Japan from 6 – 7 December to meet with his counterpart, Minister of Defense, Koizumi Shinjiro. Australia and Japan share a rich history, shaped by decades of peaceful engagement and cooperation. Our relationship is…

Australia starts missile production

Australia will start manufacturing Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missiles this month after the opening of a new factory in Port Wakefield, South Australia. As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry and a future made in Australia…

Television Interview, Sunrise

SUBJECTS: Senior commanders in the military; Defence delivery reform; Housing crisis.   NATALIE BARR, HOST: ADF Chief David Johnston has issued a warning to politicians in Canberra saying the force is now one of the most top‑heavy militaries in the world with too many senior commanders.…

Television interview, ABC News Breakfast

SUBJECTS: Support to Ukraine; Defence Delivery Reform, Social media minimum age BRIDGET BRENNAN: Time to talk Federal politics now with the Acting Prime Minister Richard Marles. Good morning to you, Richard Marles.  ACTING PRIME MINISTER RICHARD MARLES:  Good morning, Bridget, how are you…

Television interview, Sky News

SUBJECTS: Support for Ukraine; Gas Review; Ministerial Travel; ISIS brides PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST: Today, Ukraine is getting another funding boost from Australia, totalling $95 million. Plus, our Government will impose extra sanctions on Russian ships. Joining us live now is the Defence…

Television interview, Today Show

SUBJECTS: Support for Ukraine; Defence Delivery Reform; Prime Minister’s Wedding  SARAH ABO, HOST: Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister, who joins us live now from Geelong. Good morning to you, Acting PM. Good to see you. So, firstly, this $95 million — it’s our first package of…

Australia stands with NATO partners in support of Ukraine

The Albanese Government will provide a $95 million package of military assistance and has imposed further targeted sanctions related to Russia’s shadow fleet as part of our continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion.  Australia will make a $50…

Joint Statement, Australia-PNG-Indonesia Trilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting

The Hon Dr Billy Joseph, MP Papua New Guinea Minister for Defence The Hon Richard Marles MP, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence General (Ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Indonesian Minister of Defence Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Defence, the Hon.  Dr Billy Joseph MP,…

Opening Remarks, Port Moresby

SUBJECTS: Inaugural Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting

ABC News interview, Port Moresby

SUBJECTS: Australia-PNG-Indonesia Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting; Pukpuk Treaty; PLA-N task group; Support for PNG twins. MARIAN FAA, JOURNALIST: So Minister, how did this trilateral meeting come about between Australia, PNG and Indonesia? Is it, in part, to allay Indonesian concerns around…

Press conference, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

SUBJECTS: Australia-PNG Defence relationship; Pukpuk Treaty

The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide: 12 Months On Since the Government Response

Today marks one year since the Albanese Government responded to the Final Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.  The Royal Commission was the most significant and comprehensive inquiry conducted into suicide and suicidality in Defence and veteran communities. …