Speeches

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…

Address to the Global Information Conference 2024 – Phoenix Challenge

I begin by acknowledging the Kaurna people, traditional custodians of Adelaide, and as the Assistant Minister for Defence, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served our nation in the past and continue to do so today. Federal and State…

Address to the 2024 ASPI Defence Conference

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I also pay my respects to Aboriginal…

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…

Second reading speech, Defence legislation Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2024

I am pleased to present the Defence Amendment (Parliamentary Joint Committee on Defence) Bill 2024. The Albanese Government is committed to transparency and accountability. In a Westminster style democracy such as ours, the Parliament plays a crucial role in providing this by scrutinising and…

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…

Address to the Defence Connect Budget Summit 2024

I begin by acknowledging the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the land we are meeting on and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. I pay my respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I also pay my respects to Aboriginal…

Address to the ADM Northern Australia Defence Summit

I begin by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which we meet today, the Larrakia people. I pay my respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. As the Assistant Minister for Defence, I also pay my respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have…

Malaysia-Australia Defence Alumni Association ANZAC Day Dinner

General Tan Sri Dato' Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Chief of Defence Force, Malaysian Armed Forces, Her Excellency Danielle Heinecke, High Commissioner of Australia, Veterans, distinguished guests, past and serving members of the Malaysian Armed Forces and Australian Defence Force, ladies and…

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…

Anzac Day Dawn Service, Sandakan Memorial Park

As the sun pierces the horizon a new day dawns. But for Australians April 25 is no ordinary day. Across Australia and the world, Australians gather at dawn in solemnity to pay our respects to and to thank those who have served our nation, particularly those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. …

Anzac Day commemorative service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

Anzac Day is of the deepest significance for our nation.  It is the day when we pause to remember the more than 2 million Australians who have served our nation at home and abroad, during times of war and peace.  An estimated 625 of those Australians were killed and some 1,600 were…