Media releases

Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2)

Today we will host New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters MP and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC MP for our annual Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) in Canberra. These dialogues are an opportunity to shape our cooperation to respond to the…

Albanese Government invests $176 million in new fleet of Australian-made uncrewed vessels

The Albanese Government will strengthen Australia’s maritime security with a $176 million investment to deliver 40 new Australian-designed and built Bluebottle uncrewed surface vessels (USV) – one of the world’s largest sovereign USV fleets. Announced today, the contract with Ocius Technology…

Travel to Indonesia

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia this week for a Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Indonesian Minister of Defence, His Excellency Gen (ret) Dr Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin. Indonesia is one of Australia’s closest and most important partners. Our…

Australia to provide defensive military assistance to Gulf

Iran’s reprisal attacks continue to escalate, already at a scale and depth we have not seen before; 12 countries in the region are continuing to be targeted.  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) alone has been forced to shoot down over 1,500 rockets and drones. This growing wave of dangerous…

Design contract signals decisive step in Henderson Defence Precinct consolidation

The Albanese Government has taken the next step in establishing a consolidated defence precinct at Henderson to support sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia. Bechtel Infrastructure Australia (Bechtel) has been appointed as the design services consultancy to undertake master…

Parliament passes legislation to establish Defence committee

The Albanese Government has passed legislation in the Parliament which will establish the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence (PJCD). The establishment of the PJCD implements a recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade’s Inquiry into international…

Product of Concern Summit for Collins class sustainment

The Albanese Government held its fourth Product of Concern Summit in Canberra today to support the sustainment of Australia’s Collins class submarines. Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, convened the summit alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, and senior…

Australia’s steadfast support for Ukraine four years on

Today marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in blatant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter.  Four years of unprovoked Russian aggression against a sovereign, democratic neighbour.  Australia is steadfast in our commitment to…

Albanese Government announces acquisition of long-lead items for AUKUS nuclear propulsion systems

The Albanese Government has announced a $310 million payment for the acquisition of long‑lead items from the United Kingdom to support Australia’s future sovereign conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarine capability. Today’s announcement will directly support the manufacture of critical…

$250 million upgrade secures Navy's future in North Queensland

The Albanese Government is strengthening Defence capability in northern Australia, with major milestones reached on delivering the $250 million HMAS Cairns wharf upgrade and the completion of a new shared-user training facility for Australian Navy Cadets. The HMAS Cairns wharf upgrade is part of…

AUKUS enters new era with the arrival of UK submarine into Western Australia

HMS Anson has arrived at Western Australia’s HMAS Stirling for the first‑ever maintenance activity on a United Kingdom nuclear‑powered submarine in Australia, marking a historic step in our nation’s readiness to operate and maintain conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines. Over the coming…

Travel to the United Kingdom

Minister for Defence Industry and Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy MP, will travel to the United Kingdom this week.  The United Kingdom is one of our closest friends and oldest defence partner. Minister Conroy will attend the Australia-United Kingdom Defence Industry Dialogue (…