All releases

Australia Industry and Workers making the grade with US Virginia Class Submarines Submariness

The Albanese Government is announcing today HIFraser as the first Australian company qualified to supply parts for US Virginia class submarines through the Government-funded Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program (DIVQ) – supporting advanced manufacturing, creating high-value jobs, and…

Radio Interview, ABC Newcastle Drive

SUBJECTS: PFAS contamination at defence bases, Williamtown Working Group JENNY MARCHANT [HOST]: So ten years on from the Williamtown PFAS contamination becoming known, a Williamtown Working Group has been established. This is to provide local insights to the management of the issue there. This…

Press Conference, Raymond Terrace

SUBJECTS: PFAS remediation in Australia, Williamtown Working Group  

First PFAS working group established to progress action

The Albanese Government, in partnership with the NSW Government and Port Stephens Council, has established the Williamtown Working Group (WWG), the first community-based group to be formed under the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) National Coordinating Body. As recommended by the…

Television Interview, ABC Briefing

SUBJECTS: Australia Indonesia Treaty, Coalition Net Zero Debate PATRICIA KARVELAS [HOST]: So, this is quite a significant announcement. Australia has inked this bilateral security treaty. The Prime Minister calling it a watershed moment. Why is it a watershed moment?

Doorstop Interview, Gwandalan, NSW

SUBJECTS: Nauru Journalist: What did you discuss in your meeting with Nauruan President David Adeang? Minister Pat Conroy: I had a very good discussion with President Adeang and it went to our broader bilateral relationship. We signed the Nauru-Australia Treaty last year which was a…

Doorstop Interview, London

SUBJECTS: Remembrance Day; Defence spending and capabilities  

In Solemn Silence, We Remember

At 11 am today, Australia will pause as a nation to honour all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations – and all who have lost their lives, or carried the wounds of service, in defence of our country.  We owe them a debt that can never be repaid.  Remembrance…

One year of progress on guided weapons

The one-year anniversary of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan has been marked by the opening of an office in Newcastle dedicated to the $850 million missile manufacturing partnership with Kongsberg Defence Australia. The new Kongsberg office is an important milestone in the…

Television Interview, ABC

SUBJECTS: Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead; AUKUS.  JANE NORMAN, ABC: Defence Minister Richard Marles, Vice Admiral Mead, welcome. Thanks for your time. You've been in the service for more than 40 years now. Did you ever imagine that at the end of it, Australia would be on the cusp of acquiring…

Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead

Director-General of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead has advised the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence that he will step down from his role in mid-2026.  Vice Admiral Mead has made an enormous contribution to the development of the AUKUS optimal…

World-leading Australian quantum clocks successfully trialled under AUKUS Pillar II

Four Australian‑developed quantum technology clocks have been successfully trialled in the United States, as part of the Albanese Government’s $2.7 million investment towards these AUKUS Pillar Two capabilities. Held over a six-week period in Washington D.C., the trials saw Adelaide‑based QuantX…