Statements

Australia-Germany 2+2 Ministerial Consultations

Joint statement with: Senator the Hon Marise Payne, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas, Minister for Foreign Affairs Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Minister of Defence  

Ninth Japan-Australia 2+2 Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations

Joint media statement with: H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, H.E. Mr. KISHI Nobuo, Minister of Defense of Japan, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs   1. H.E. Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of…

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…

Anzac Day 2021

One hundred and six years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula.The landing was part of the ill-fated Dardanelles Campaign – the Allies’ attempt to break the stalemate on the Western Front by opening a second front that also sought to force…

Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force

I’m very proud to be joining in the celebration of the Royal Australian Air Force. A one century contribution to our nation’s history is incredibly important and the way in which aviation has developed over the course of that 100 years is quite remarkable. The RAAF of course is recognised…

Statement on Cabinet reshuffle

It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as our nation’s Defence Minister since the 2019 election. I came to this portfolio acutely aware of the changing strategic circumstances in which our nation finds itself. I am very proud of what the Government, led by our Prime Minister, has achieved…

Statement on Cabinet Appointment

I am honoured by the Prime Minister’s announcement of my appointment to the Cabinet. The elevation of the Defence Industry portfolio is recognition of the critical role defence industry plays in the Morrison Government’s plans for post-COVID economic recovery and capability delivery for the…

Statement from the Minister for Defence

On Friday 5 March 2021, I publicly apologised to Ms Brittany Higgins about the comment about her to my staff on 15 February 2021. I wish to further address the comment that I made. I did not mean it in the sense it may have been understood. Given that the comment was made public, which I never…

Statement from the Minister for Defence

On the advice of her cardiologist, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will extend her medical leave to April 2. On Tuesday March 2 Senator Reynolds was re-assessed by her cardiologist in relation to a preexisting medical condition, which had earlier required her to take a brief period of leave. The…

Statement from the Minister for Defence

A report in the Australian attributed some remarks to me regarding the very serious allegations made by my former staff member, Ms Brittany Higgins. I have never questioned Ms Higgins' account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency in this matter. In response to…

Statement from the Minister for Defence

A report in The Australian attributed some remarks to me regarding the very serious allegations made by my former staff member, Ms Brittany Higgins.  I have never questioned Ms Higgins' account of her alleged sexual assault and have always sought to respect her agency in this matter.  I…

Australian Defence Force support to vaccine rollout in aged care

Joint Statement:  SENATOR THE HON MARISE PAYNE, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for Women, Acting Minister for Defence THE HON GREG HUNT MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care Over 14,000 Defence personnel, through Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, have already supported the national…