All releases

Delivering a plan for continuous Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment in Australia

The Albanese Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, delivered by an Australian workforce and anchored by sovereign supply chains, through the release of the 2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan. The 2024 Naval …

Chair and Non-Executive Directors appointed to the ANI Board

The Albanese Government is pleased to appoint the following Directors to the Australian Naval Infrastructure Pty Ltd (ANI) Board: Mr Ronald Finlay AM as Chair, for three years, from 11 December 2024 Major General Kathryn Toohey AM CSC (Retd) as Non-Executive Director, for three years,…

More support for Defence and veteran families

Today the Albanese Government is releasing the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 (The Family Strategy). This delivers on Labor’s election commitment to identify ways to better support the families of our Defence personnel and veterans.  The related Action plan will…

Radio Interview, ABC Pacific Beat

SUBJECTS: Vanuatu Earthquake. AGNES TUPOU, HOST: As we continue our coverage of the 7.3 earthquake in Vanuatu, recovery efforts continue also and Australia is sending through urgent aid. Earthquake relief teams have been deployed, including teams of firefighters, paramedics, volunteer engineers,…

Travel to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles, will travel to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 18 - 19 December. Saudi Arabia is Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East and we work closely together in the G20, and through other multilateral…

Update on Australia's response to Vanuatu earthquake

Australia’s initial humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts following yesterday’s devastating Port Vila earthquake will arrive in Vanuatu this afternoon. Assessments following the 7.2-magnitude earthquake are ongoing, but extensive damage has occurred to buildings in and around Port…

Radio Interview, ABC RN Breakfast

SUBJECT/S: Vanuatu earthquake; AUKMIN; Ukraine; Superannuation payments to Open Arms HOST, SALLY SARA: Australia is sending urgent assistance to Vanuatu with at least 14 people reported dead after a powerful magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck near the capital. Search and rescue teams are…

Albanese Government to enhance infrastructure and connectivity in Rockingham

The Albanese and Cook Labor Governments will deliver a series of studies to inform future infrastructure and transport requirements around HMAS Stirling in Rockingham, Western Australia.  Western Australia is at the forefront of Australia’s AUKUS pathway, continuing its proud tradition as the…

Statement on Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN)

On 16 December 2024, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs the Rt Hon David Lammy MP and the Secretary of State for Defence the Rt Hon John Healey MP hosted the Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for…

Press Conference, London

Subjects: Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN); AUKUS; Support for Ukraine; Presentation of Victoria Cross for Private Richard Norden; Allegations of Chinese foreign interference; Syria and Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham. DAVID LAMMY, UK FOREIGN SECRETARY: Well can I say how wonderful…

14th Australia-United Kingdom Ministerial Consultations

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong will today travel to the United Kingdom to attend the Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN). Australia and the United Kingdom’s partnership is underpinned by our shared history,…

Collins class sustainment listed as a Product Of Concern

Following a recommendation from Defence, Collins class submarine sustainment has been listed as a Product of Concern to enable enhanced ministerial oversight of this critical capability. The Collins class sustainment program has experienced challenges in recent years. With the submarines required…