Speeches

Launch of the National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. As the Minister for Defence, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the…

The Sydney Institute

Let me begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the…

Address to the Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference

Can I start by acknowledging the Gadigal people, that traditional owners of the land on which we meet today and pay my respects to their elders past and present. Can I acknowledge Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, the Chief of Royal Australian Navy. Can I acknowledge Vice Admiral Rtd. Tim Barrett who is…

Address to the Opening of the Seoul Defence Dialogue 2023

I’d like to thank Minister Shin for hosting me in Seoul and allowing me the honour of addressing the 2023 Seoul Defense Dialogue in such esteemed company as Ban Ki-Moon. Arriving this morning into Seoul, it’s hard not to see this glittering city as an embodiment of Korea’s national story: a…

Condolence Motion - Deaths of Danniel Lyon, Maxwell Nugent, Joseph Phillip Laycock & Alexander Naggs

Sudden tragedy is arresting. It is literally unbelievable. There is an almost tangible feeling that the person who walked through the door yesterday will walk through the door again tomorrow. And this is all the more so when that tragedy is playing out in public. When unexpected and unfamiliar…

Motion on Hamas attacks on Israel and ongoing conflict

The last nine days have borne witness to the most desperately sad tragedy. A tragedy for Jews, a tragedy for Muslims, a tragedy for Israel and a tragedy for Palestinians. And the unfolding disaster has been a matter of precise calculation by Hamas. And Hamas stands in absolute condemnation. The…

Remarks at the 'United with Israel' Community Gathering, Caulfield Shule, VIC

(Acknowledgements omitted) Tonight, Australia's heart breaks for Israel. In the face of this evil, tonight Australia embraces Israel and all her people. The very nature of terrorism is shocking. It invades normality, such as attending a knock on the front door, or going to a music festival as…

Second reading speech, Defence Legislation Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill

***CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY*** I am pleased to present the Defence Legislation Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill 2023. Late last year, the Albanese Government directed Defence to examine the adequacy of the policies and procedures for preventing former Defence personnel from…

Address at handover of FSS Bethwel Henry to the Federated States of Micronesia

This vessel, this boat, is the fifth boat that has been provided by the Australian Government to the Federated States of Micronesia going right back to when the FSM joined the Pacific Patrol Boat Program in 1990. It comes after the FSS Micronesia, the FSS Independence, the FSS Palikir, which has…

Address to commemorate Vietnam Veterans' Day

It is an enormous honour to be able to join you here at this beautiful memorial, at the Geebung RSL. 57 years ago today, the Battle of Long Tan was fought. It was fought by Delta Company of 6RAR of the 1st Field Regiment. Outmatched and outgunned, this small group of Australians, with valour,…

Remarks to Australian American Leadership Dialogue dinner

Acknowledgements omitted

National Science Week launch

Acknowledgements omitted Our great national challenge is to make our economy more complex. At the heart of that is infusing our economy with science and technology, and we can't do any of that unless we encourage people to pursue science – and particularly kids. Wonder, inquiry, seeking answers to…