All releases

Television Interview, Sky News

SUBJECTS: Poppy Project; Brendan O’Connor; Linda Burney; US President Biden; ANZUS; AUKUS support. KIERAN GILBERT, HOST: We’re going to talk a bit more about the US now with the Assistant Defence Minister, Matt Thistlethwaite, live in the studio. Before we do, you've got this Poppy Project. Can you…

Doorstop Interview, HMAS Coonawarra, Darwin

SUBJECTS: Kuru Wharf at HMAS Coonawarra; Defence Investment in Northern Australia; Training Exercises in the NT; NATO; Healthcare Capacity in Darwin.

Radio interview, mix 104.9

SUBJECTS: Kuru Wharf at HMAS Coonawarra; Defence Investment in the Northern Territory; Exercise Pitch Black. KATIE WOOLF, host: The Australian Government, well, they've enhanced their maritime capability, or we, you know for us here in the Northern Territory and right across Australia,…

Television Interview, Sky News

SUBJECTS: Ghost Bat Aircraft; Exercise Pitch Black; Training Accidents; Energy Prices; Cost of Living Relief. PETER STEFANOVIC, HOST Joining us live now, the Assistance Defence Minister. The Assistant Defence Minister, I should say. Matt Thistlethwaite. Good to see you, Matt. So, Ghost…

Television Interview, ABC News Breakfast

SUBJECTS: Exercise Pitch Black; US Presidential Election; AUKUS; Ministry; Cost of Living; Birth Rate; Republic. JAMES GLENDAY, HOST: Let's go up to Darwin now, where a massive international air combat training exercise, Exercise Pitch Black, is taking place. About 4000 defence…

Major milestone reached in northern bases

The Australian Government has enhanced its maritime capability with the official opening of the new Kuru Wharf at HMAS Coonawarra in the Northern Territory.  The $210 million Kuru Wharf was delivered under the broader $600 million Larrakeyah Defence Precinct Redevelopment Program, and provides…

Television Interview, ABC Afternoon Briefing

SUBJECTS: Exercise Pitch Black; US Presidential Election; Vice President Kamala Harris; AUKUS; Australian War Graves in Gaza; Special Adviser Mark Binskin Investigation. GREG JENNETT, HOST: All right, we're gonna turn to Darwin now. There air power exercises, called Pitch Black are…

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…

Television Interview, ABC Afternoon Briefing

SUBJECTS: Foreign Interference; ADF Recruitment; NATO Summit; Support for Ukraine; United States Presidential Election.  

Radio Interview, ABC Breakfast

SUBJECTS: NATO Summit; Support for Ukraine; President Biden; AUKUS; Foreign Interference; Cyber Security. STEVE CANNANE, HOST: Well, leaders of the powerful NATO alliance have arrived in Washington, DC and are about to start talks amid Russia's ongoing attacks on Ukraine and lingering questions…

Visit to United States for the Australian American Leadership Dialogue

Today I am travelling to the United States for the Australian American Leadership Dialogue from 8 – 12 July. The Australian American Leadership Dialogue is an annual event that contributes to the enduring relationship between the United States and Australia. At the Dialogue, I will be engaging with…

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…