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The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to double funding for the aerial surveillance component of the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP). The PMSP aerial surveillance program supports maritime security for our Pacific partners through the provision of fixed-wing aerial surveillance capabilities and uncrewed aerial vehicles. Defence has recently closed a Request for Tender process to procure the Enhanced Aerial Surveillance Program’s civilian-based fixed-wing aerial surveillance contracted services. 

The Albanese Government is investing in the development of precision loitering munitions capabilities for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the launch of Mission Talon Strike.  As an Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA) mission, Talon Strike will support the development of medium-range precision loitering munition systems that carry a kinetic payload and have the precision strike capabilities of a guided missile.

The Albanese Government is accelerating production of the Ghost Shark program as part of a commitment to provide the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with the cutting-edge capabilities it needs to safeguard Australians and their interests. Defence and Anduril Australia have entered into a co-funded early works contract for the Ghost Shark program which will provide Navy with a long-range autonomous vehicle that will deliver a cost-effective, persistent intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and strike undersea capability.

The Albanese Government will establish a national coordinating body to respond to the specific needs of communities impacted by per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Defence bases.  In 2023, the Government commissioned an independent review into PFAS contamination around three Defence bases: RAAF Base Williamtown in New South Wales, the Army Aviation Centre Oakey in Queensland, and RAAF Base Tindal in the Northern Territory. 

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will deliver a series of studies to inform future infrastructure and transport requirements around HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia. 

The Albanese Government is committing $4.1 billion to acquire more long-range strike systems and manufacture longer-range munitions here in Australia, delivering on the priorities of the Defence Strategic Review. A key recommendation of the Review is the need to accelerate and expand weapons systems, including land-based maritime strike and long-range missile launchers. Complemented by investments to replenish our guided weapons and explosive ordnance (GWEO) stocks and to establish sovereign missile and munition manufacturing facilities in Australia. 

The Australian Government has entered into an agreement to acquire an ownership interest in Australian defence radar systems manufacturer, CEA Technologies Pty Limited. The deal to secure the leading-edge capability will ultimately create a new Government Business Enterprise (GBE). For the past 40 years, CEA has developed world-leading radar systems that enable a range of critical Defence Force capabilities both in Australia and overseas.

 Minister for Defence Senator David Johnston will meet with his New Zealand, Japanese and French counterparts and colleagues over the period 31 October to 2 November in Perth. These counterparts are in Australia to attend the Albany Convoy Commemorative Event and symbolic convoy departure on 1 November and are also taking the opportunity to meet with Senator Johnston to discuss bilateral defence relationship issues.

The Albanese Government is continuing to support smaller businesses and jobs in the local defence industry with the awarding of a $33 million contract to Albury company Australian Target Systems (ATS).

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This morning I spoke with my colleague and friend, US Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper.We reaffirmed our Alliance is based on shared values and close friendship. As we have done for over 100 years, we band together in times of crisis, just as we are now in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.I conveyed to Secretary Esper that Australia stands in solidarity with our American friends as they confront difficult circumstances at home, and passed on my condolences for the lives lost to the virus in the United States.

A new strategic alliance between Rheinmetall and Defence Science and Technology (DST) will advance the development of innovative technologies for land capability. The alliance cements a long-standing research relationship that will deliver greater land power for Defence. Some of the cutting-edge technologies developed under the strategic alliance will support the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle fleet which Army is acquiring from Rheinmetall.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced another Australian defence industry collaboration success with Melbourne firm AMOG Technologies contracting with Thales on new research into stealth technology for submarine periscopes and optronic masts. Minister Pyne congratulated AMOG Technologies, an offshore and maritime engineering company who will be working in collaboration with global Prime, Thales, on the first phase of a technology evaluation study.

The Albanese Government has delivered a key milestone in Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program with the establishment of the Australian Naval Nuclear Power Safety Regulator. The new statutory Agency is responsible for the effective regulatory oversight of Australia’s naval nuclear propulsion capabilities, providing independent assurance that the highest standards of nuclear safety and radiological protection are upheld.

A previously unknown Australian First World War soldier buried in an unnamed grave in France has been identified. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee said the soldier was identified as 10778 Albert Nicholson, a Driver in the 14th Field Artillery Brigade of the Australian Imperial Force. “After years of investigative research, I can announce we now know the final resting place of Driver Albert Nicholson of the Australian Imperial Force, who died in France in the First World War,” Minister Gee said.

The body of a Victorian soldier, killed in action during the First World War, has been identified in an unnamed grave in France, more than a century after his death. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Andrew Gee today confirmed the identification of Lieutenant James Mark Kennedy, 26th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force born 16 April 1879. “Thanks to painstaking research over a number of years, Lieutenant Kennedy’s family now know his final resting place and he can be given the memorial he deserves,” Minister Gee said.

JOURNALIST: More now on the billion-dollar Defence purchase. The Defence Industry Minister says that the decision to purchase the HIMARS weapons system and naval strike missiles has been endorsed by the officials overseeing a large-scale review of our military preparedness. Precise details of the cost have been kept secret, but the government says both products are crucial for the country’s defence in an uncertain strategic environment.

Good morning everyone, It’s a real pleasure to be here today to officially open this impressive new facility — a place that represents not just the future of Australian defence capability, but the future of Australian industry. It’s a shining example of what we can achieve when we get the decision-making process and procurement process right. 

Today we recognise those who served in the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), the first Australians to respond to a request for assistance from the former Republic of Vietnam. 61 years ago, 30 AATTV advisers arrived in Saigon to provide training support to the former Republic of Vietnam.

One year on from the fall of Kabul our thoughts are with the people of Afghanistan, as well as the Afghan community in Australia and around the world. We acknowledge the brave contribution and sacrifices made by more than 39,000 ADF and civilian personnel who conducted or supported operations in Afghanistan over 20 years. 

JOSH WILSON: Okay. [Indistinct]. Good morning. It’s great to be here in the federal electorate of Fremantle in the City of Cockburn in Henderson at the Australian Marine Complex at Austal. It’s brilliant to have with me my friend and colleague Pat Conroy, the Minister for Defence Industry, and Paul Papalia, the Western Australian Minister for Defence Industries.

It is an honour to announce the Australian team for the 2017 Invictus Games. The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for current and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service. Forty-three current and former military personnel have been selected to represent Australia at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada from 23-30 September.

It is an honour to announce the Australian team for the 2017 Invictus Games. The Invictus Games is an international, adaptive multi-sports competition for current and former military personnel who have been wounded, injured or become ill in service. Forty-three current and former military personnel have been selected to represent Australia at the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada from 23-30 September.

Thank you for that. The CDF (*), High Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, it is good to be here with you. Now, Alex said that the film you saw earlier, they couldn't have made a few years ago. And that is true. In fact, a few years ago, recommendation 2.16 of the First Principles Review almost scotched the Minister's Prize for Defence Science because it basically put out a show cause to DSTO as to why you should still exist and what was your value proposition.

The Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Annual Cyber Threat Report for 2023-24 highlights Australia’s rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape. This threat landscape aligns with the challenging strategic environment outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy and the 2023 Cyber Security Strategy, with strategic competition being accompanied by technological developments including in cyber capabilities. 

The Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Annual Cyber Threat Report for 2024-25 highlights the persistent threat of malicious cyber activity to the nation, underscoring the urgency of action by all Australians and Australian businesses to raise the nation’s cyber defences. This year’s report illustrates how cyber criminals continue to impact many Australians, leveraging new technologies and techniques to expand their destructive attacks and cause widespread financial harm.  

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP today announced another significant milestone in the future submarine programme, creating more Australian jobs and investment. A $700 million contract has been signed with Lockheed Martin Australia for the Future Submarine Combat System Design, Build and Integration, creating 200 new jobs, majority of which will be based in South Australia.

Check against delivery… Introduction Thank you Margaret and good morning ladies and gentlemen. Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respect to their elders past and present.

***Check against delivery*** REBECCA MADDERN: A soldier’s first duty is to serve, whether that is overseas in a war zone or at home during a pandemic, and we have seen that first hand right now during COVID-19. RICHARD WILKINS: Defence Minister the honourable Linda Reynolds joins us now from Perth. Good Morning Minister. Thank you for joining us. You were supposed to be representing Australia in France today. Goodness me, did you ever imagine in your wildest dreams we could be experiencing an Anzac Day like this?

***Check against delivery***ALLISON LANGDON:                  Tomorrow is Anzac Day, one of Australia’s most solemn and important national events and this year, with dawn services and marches cancelled due to coronavirus, Aussies are preparing to commemorate from their homes.KARL STEFANOVIC: