Australia has downplayed the impact of the snap resignation of Britain's defence secretary on plans to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence, John Healey quit from the UK ministry in protest overnight, resulting in the last-minute cancellation of a press conference planned with Defence Minister Richard Marles at a naval base in Portsmouth.
The key media event was going to outline both nations' aspirations for the AUKUS partnership.