All releases

Review of Unit Recognition for Somalia Service

The independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will re-examine the issue of unit recognition for the service of our Australian Defence Force (ADF) in Somalia. Minister for Veterans Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester announced today that he had requested the…

Navy Indigenous Graduates Congratulated

Seventeen men and women graduated from the Royal Australian Navy Indigenous Development Program (NIDP) today, celebrating with family and friends at Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said this was the culmination of five months of hard work for the…

Defence Peace Operations Training Partnership

AN initiative to support the training and engagement for Australian and regional peacekeepers was launched this month through the Department of Defence, benefiting Australia and United Nations partners.  Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Peace Operations Training…

Defence's Commitment to Closing the Gap

DEFENCE has reached a key milestone in its commitment to reconciliation, achieving the Australian Government’s Indigenous participation target of three per cent across the Australian Defence Force and Australian Public Service. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said Defence was…

Inaugural 'Women in Defence expo' in the NT

WOMEN in the Northern Territory will have the opportunity this weekend to engage with Australian Defence Force (ADF) members about the career opportunities available to them at the inaugural ‘Women in Defence Expo’. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the role of women in the…

Preparations for Royal Commission move to next phase

Preparation for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has moved into the next phase. Over the past month I have had discussions with hundreds of veterans, serving members and families across the nation. The feedback has been extremely positive and constructive and while opinions…

Recruiting Services Contract 2022

The short-listed respondents of the Defence Force Recruiting (DFR) – Recruiting Services Contract 2022 (RS2022) Request for Proposal (RFP) have been released with four successful respondents: Accenture Australia Pty Ltd (Accenture);  Adecco Australia Pty Ltd (Adecco); Manpower Services (…

Your life, plus Army Reserve

Defence has launched a new media campaign aimed at educating the Australian community about serving in the Army Reserve. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the Army Reserve was integral to the bushfire and coronavirus responses in Australia and the ‘Your life, plus Army Reserve’…

Future submariners experience Navy life

The winners of the third National Submarine Competition and Tour have enjoyed a rare opportunity to experience life as a Royal Australian Navy submariner during a tour of HMAS Stirling.   The 12 lucky winners from across Australia went behind the scenes at Australia’s largest naval…

Deputy Chief of Army appointment

MAJOR General Natasha Fox, AM, CSC will be appointed as the Deputy Chief of Army inJanuary 2022. After an outstanding career in a variety of key strategic roles, Major GeneralFox is set to become Australia’s first female Deputy Chief of Army. Major General Fox joined the ADF in 1988, graduating…

Informing the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission

Over the past fortnight consultation has started on the themes for the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission is a chance to unite the veteran community and everyone has a chance to have their say as we consult widely on the Terms of…

Grants help Defence families to thrive

AUSTRALIAN Defence Force (ADF) families will benefit from more than $1.4 million in grants provided to organisations across the nation as part of the Family Support Funding Program. Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said the program provided vital funding that allowed community…