Media releases

Albanese Government continues record investment in Defence with selection of Landing Craft Heavy Design

The Albanese Government has selected a design by Damen Shipyards Group as the preferred option for the Australian Defence Force’s Landing Craft Heavy under a program that will bolster national defence by establishing a new littoral fleet. This announcement is a significant step in the establishment…

Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Scheme advocate appointment

The Albanese Government has appointed the Hon Justice Ruth McColl AO as the Afghanistan Inquiry Compensation Advocate. The Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry report contained 15 recommendations to pay compensation to victims, and their families, where there was…

Defence Partnership for the Future – Strengthening our relationship with ASEAN

The Albanese Government is strengthening defence ties with Southeast Asian nations underscored by a new partnership statement released today, following the 2024 ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Laos.  The Defence Partnership for the Future statement is a practical…

Visit to Laos for ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus

Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP, will represent Australia at the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Laos this week. Minister Conroy will participate in the ADMM-Plus plenary and meet with…

Annual Cyber Threat Report highlights evolving threat

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…

Albanese Government invests in Australian innovation to give Defence a technological edge

The Albanese Government is backing local innovation in quantum and counter disinformation technologies that are key to giving Defence an edge and which will also be critical to a future made in Australia. The Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator’s (ASCA) Emerging and Disruptive…

Australia to host Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting with Japan and the United States

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will host Japanese Minister of Defense, H.E. Nakatani Gen, and United States Secretary of Defense, the Hon Lloyd J. Austin III, for the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 17 November 2024 in Darwin, Northern…

Delivering skilled defence industry jobs in South Australia

Almost 300 more young South Australians will have access to new training and employment pathways, to equip them with the skills needed for a career in the state’s vibrant defence industry. The Albanese Government in partnership with the Malinauskas Government will establish the Defence Industry…

Preparing for the build of Australia's nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia

The Albanese Government has taken the next significant step towards building the nation’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia, through a tripartite agreement between the Australian Submarine Agency, ASC and BAE Systems to commence preparatory work for the build of…

Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers' Meeting

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, will host the Philippine Secretary of National Defense, Hon Gilberto C Teodoro Jr, for the inaugural Australia-Philippines Defence Ministers’ Meeting in Canberra on 12 November.  The Australia-Philippines…

Victoria Cross for Australia for Private Richard Norden

As Australians gather today to honour our veterans for Remembrance Day, the late Private Richard Norden will be awarded a Victoria Cross for Australia for his gallantry during the Battle of Fire Support Base Coral in Vietnam in 1968. The Governor‑General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam…

Submissions now open for 2025 Australian Defence Export Catalogue

The Albanese Government is seeking submissions for the 2025 Australian Defence Export Catalogue as part of an ongoing commitment to growing export opportunities for this vital sector. The catalogue – now in its eighth year – is Australia’s flagship publication for promoting the defence…