Speeches

Opening of the redeveloped Cook Barracks

*** Acknowledgements omitted ***

Opening of Hanwha Defence Australia’s Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence

This is a wonderful moment. When we look back at this moment, it will be seen as one of the most significant days in Geelong’s economic history. We have been known as a builder of motor vehicles. Ford came here in 1928. And when Ford in 2013 announced that it would no longer be manufacturing motor…

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…

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…

Anzac Day Dawn Service, Commemorative Address, Gallipoli, Türkiye

109 years ago; on this day, at this time, at this place, the spirit of Anzac was born.  Millions of Australians and New Zealanders have already risen this morning to attended services across our nations – to pay their respects, to express their gratitude and to identify with an intangible that…

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…