Media releases

Joint Media Release - New Zealand Minister of Defence and Minister for Defence - Ministers re-affirm Defence relations

Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee and his Australian counterpart the Hon Kevin Andrews met in Auckland today for the annual Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting. “It has been my great pleasure to host Kevin Andrews today,” Mr Brownlee says. “In this centenary of the Australian and New…

Minister for Defence - Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers Meeting

This afternoon I will depart for New Zealand to meet with my counterpart, the Hon Gerry Brownlee, Minister of Defence. Tomorrow, in Auckland, we will participate in the annual Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting. This will be my fourth meeting with Minister Brownlee, reflecting a…

Minister for Defence - Government invests $14 million in Defence technology

Seven Australian organisations will receive Australian Government funding of $14.2 million to develop and demonstrate innovative technologies that can enhance defence capability. The funding is made available under the Capability and Demonstrator Program managed by the Defence Science and…

Minister for Defence - Construction begins on $157m project at HMAS Albatross

Construction began today on a $157 million project to provide support facilities for the new Helicopter Aircrew Training System at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, NSW. Federal Member for Gilmore, Mrs Ann Sudmalis, represented the Minister for Defence, Kevin Andrews, at a sod turning ceremony today to…

Prime Minister and Minister for Defence - Australia to extend air operations against Daesh into Syria

The Government has decided to extend Australia’s air strikes against Daesh into Syria. This marks the next phase of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition effort to disrupt, degrade and ultimately defeat the Daesh death cult. The decision to expand air operations into Syria has…

Joint Media Release - Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence - Australia-Republic of Korea 2+2 Foreign And Defence Ministerial Meeting

Australia will host the second Australia-Republic of Korea (ROK) Foreign and Defence Ministerial (2+2) Consultations on 11 September. We look forward to welcoming our counterparts, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Mr Yun Byung-se and the Minister of National Defense, Han…

Minister for Defence - Two years of achievements in Defence

Since the Abbott Government was elected two years ago today, there have been significant achievements in Defence. In this time, the Abbott Government has a demonstrated a steadfast commitment to investing in defending and protecting Australia and its national interest. Certainty has been restored…

Minister for Defence - RAAF Base East Sale to deliver ADF Basic Flying Training

Lockheed Martin Australia has been selected as the preferred tenderer for the new Australian Defence Force Pilot Training System. The contract will see the Australian Defence Force’s Basic Flying Training delivered from RAAF Base East Sale, Victoria.  The Pilot Training System will deliver 49…

Minister for Defence - Defence to upgrade battlefield communications network

Defence has signed a significant contract for an upgrade to the next generation of military communications for the Australian Defence Force. This contract with Boeing Defence Australia is a critical milestone in achieving a modern and networked Army, and is expected to create around 250 new jobs…

Minister for Defence - Arrival of fire bomber ‘Thor’ at Richmond Air Base

The Royal Australian Air Force will be assisting the NSW Rural Fire Service this bushfire season, by accommodating two large water bombing aircraft at RAAF Base Richmond in Sydney. The first of the contracted aircraft, a C-130 Hercules Large Air Tanker nicknamed ‘Thor’, arrived at Richmond earlier…

Minister for Defence - Visit to India concludes

Over the past three days I have held very positive and productive talks with my Indian counterpart, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, as part of the second Australia-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi. This engagement signifies an historical step forward in our defence and security…

Minister for Defence - Shipyard visit by Tonga's Chief of Defence Staff

Today Head Maritime Systems Rear Admiral Mark Purcell hosted Chief of Defence Staff, His Majesty’s Armed Forces, Tonga Brigadier Lord Fielakepa, at the Forgacs Shipyards in Newcastle, to view a just completed landing craft that will join the Tongan Naval Component next month. The Australian…