Media releases

Ceremony marks start of new construction works at Campbell Barracks

The turning of sod today at Campbell Barracks marks another major milestone in the delivery of the Australian Defence Force’s Land 121 Vehicle Acquisition Program - this programme is vital in modernising the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force vehicle fleet. Through the Land 121 Stage 5B…

Cyber Security Awareness Month 2021

Australians are urged to take simple steps to better protect themselves from common online threats and cybercrime during Cyber Security Awareness Month this month. The 2021 theme is: “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the Australian Cyber…

ACSC annual cyber threat report released

Today the Assistant Minister for Defence released the second ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report: July 2020 to June 2021 in Perth. The ACSC Annual Cyber Threat Report details the key cyber threats Australians face, and provides critical advice on how to protect yourself online, jointly compiled by the…

Enrolments Open for the 2022 ADF Cyber Gap Program

Enrolments are now open for the 2022 Australian Defence Force (ADF) Cyber Gap Program, which will support students studying a cyber-qualification. Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the ADF Cyber Gap Program, run in partnership with the Digital Transformation Agency,…

SAS leadership reforms will help us meet challenges ahead - The Herald Sun

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE: The men and women who serve in Australian Special Operations are quiet professionals. They prefer serving their country in the shadows. As we saw last week, they were ready to assist in the evacuation of Australians and Afghans from Kabul. …

Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) Command & Control Reform

The command and control arrangements for the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) are being strengthened. The command of SASR will be elevated to a Colonel (O6) position from a Lieutenant Colonel (O5) position to ensure sufficient capacity and appropriate oversight for the complex missions SASR is…

ANZUS the trellis that supports fruitful relations - The Australian

THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP, ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR DEFENCE: Our friendships are often tested in times of trial. We remember friends who stick close during adversity.  My grandfather, Flight Lieutenant Norman Hastie DFC, knew adversity aboard a RAAF Catalina on 31 March 1945 during a dangerous air-sea…

HMAS Ballarat returns from regional deployment

The crew of Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has been welcomed back to Garden Island, Western Australia after four months deployed. HMAS Ballarat assisted with the search for the Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala 402, conducted Operation ARGOS, and participated in a range of bilateral…

Boost your cyber defences with backups

Backing up your data is one of the best defences against ransomware attacks conducted by the opportunistic cyber criminals who continue to threaten Australian businesses, organisations, and families. Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the Australian Cyber Security Centre…

Act now to defend against vicious cybercriminals

Cybercriminals are targeting Australians at an unprecedented level to steal sensitive information and money, including through business email compromise and ransomware attacks. Launching the next stage of the ‘Act Now Stay Secure’ cyber security campaign, Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon…

Australia is fighting back against ransomware

Australians continue to be targeted by cybercriminals through ransomware campaigns impacting multiple sectors across our economy. Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the Government is tackling cybercriminals head-on to support Australian organisations and individuals from…

Update to protect yourself from cybercrime

Updating the software on electronic devices is one of the easiest and most important ways Australians can protect themselves from cybercriminals and defend against online threats.  Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said just as we shouldn’t leave our doors and windows open…