Media releases

New Guided Weapons a significant boost for national security

The Albanese Government is boosting Australia’s ability to deter potential threats to national security by substantially increasing the Australian Defence Force’s guided weapons and explosive ordnance stocks. Defence has signed a contract with Kongsberg to deliver the Naval Strike Missile (NSM),…

More affordable healthcare for Defence families

Healthcare is set to become more affordable for Defence families, with the expansion of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program from today. Families can now claim more services than ever before, including ambulance cover, help to quit smoking and pharmaceuticals. Minister for…

Royal Military College graduation

The next generation of Defence leaders have been celebrated today at the Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC-D) graduation and commissioning ceremony. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP, was there to congratulate the 183 Army and Air Force officers on…

Vanuatu and Australia sign Bilateral Security Agreement

Today in Vanuatu, Australia and Vanuatu signed a Bilateral Security Agreement. Australia and Vanuatu’s security is intertwined and we are committed to enhancing the peace, prosperity, resilience and safety of our region for future generations. The Agreement recognises that our security cooperation…

ADFA farewells class of 2022 at historic graduation parade

296 midshipmen and officer cadets have graduated as junior officers in the Australian Defence Force today, taking part in an historic Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Graduation Parade. It was the first time that six squadrons had participated in a graduation parade, making it one of the…

Visit to the United States and Japan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, will travel to the United States and Japan. Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) will take place on 6 December, and the Australia-Japan…

Projects of concern summit held in Canberra

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, Thales Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Jeff Connolly, and senior Defence, Infrastructure and Airservices Australia officials met today at a Projects of Concern Summit in Canberra. The Projects of Concern Summit is a forum for senior…

USS Mississippi visits Western Australia

Australia welcomes the USS Mississippi and its crew to Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling. The Virginia Class submarine is in Australia for a routine visit to provide respite for the crew. The visit reflects the ongoing strength of Australia’s alliance with the United States and builds on previous…

Land 400 Phase 3 consideration

The Australian Government will consider the findings of the Defence Strategic Review before deciding on the tender for the LAND 400 Phase 3 Infantry Fighting Vehicle project. The Review will make recommendations on priorities for investing in Australia’s defence capability and posture, to meet the…

Boosting home ownership for our ADF members and veterans

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering cost of living relief for more Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans with key changes passed today in the Federal Parliament to help them buy their own home. The $46.2 million expansion of the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme will…

Deputy Prime Minister to visit Cambodia and Vietnam

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will travel to Cambodia and Vietnam from 22-25 November 2022. On the back of successful Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits attended by Prime Minister Albanese two weeks ago, the Deputy Prime Minister…

Sydney II sailor remembered along with 644 shipmates

A commemorative ceremony was held today for Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark, the only member of the HMAS Sydney (II) crew to be found after it was sunk in 1941. The ceremony honoured all 645 men who lost their lives after the Australian ship was sunk during World War II. Months after the sinking…