Speeches

Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference 2024

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet on the banks of the Derbarl Yerrigan, the Whadjuk people of the great Nyoongar nation of South Western Australia, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. I also pay my respects to all our serving personnel,…

Address to the Indian Ocean Defence and Security Conference

INTRODUCTION I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, 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 past…

Address to the Australian Defence Industry Awards

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we’re meeting on, and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. As the Assistant Minister for Defence and the Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I also pay my…

Address to the AIDN National Gala Dinner

I’d like to begin by thanking Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan for her Welcome to Country, and acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.  As the…

Address to the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) Industry Forum

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we’re meeting on, and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. As the Assistant Minister for Defence and the Assistant Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I also pay my…

Address to the Global Information Conference 2024 – Phoenix Challenge

I begin by acknowledging the Kaurna people, traditional custodians of Adelaide, and as the Assistant Minister for Defence, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the past and continue to do so today. Federal and State…

Address to the 2024 ASPI Defence Conference

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I also pay my respects to Aboriginal…

Address to the Shangri-La Dialogue

Thank you to the IISS for convening the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue, the third I have attended as Australia’s Defence Minister.  I would like to acknowledge generational leadership change in our host country. The Indo-Pacific can now continue to benefit from the experience and wisdom of Senior…

Second reading speech, Defence legislation Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2024

I am pleased to present the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2024. The Albanese Government is committed to transparency and accountability. In a Westminster style democracy such as ours, the Parliament plays a crucial role in providing this by scrutinising and…

Defending Australia Summit

Well, thank you Michelle, for that introduction. And can I thank The Australian newspaper for hosting tonight's event.  Can I also acknowledge Matt Anderson and Kim Beazley and thank them for hosting us here at this, Australia's most sacred public site, the Australian War Memorial, and in…

Address to the Defence Connect Budget Summit 2024

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I also pay my respects to Aboriginal…

Address to the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Larrakia people. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. As the Assistant Minister for Defence, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have…