The Latest Breaking News from Matt Keogh

After years of backsliding, the ADF is growing again. What’s behind the recruitment uptick?

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has been facing a recruitment crisis for years. A lack of young people wanting to join has prompted a variety of responses from the force, including opening eligibility to some foreigners.

The Conversation · Aug 5, 2025

Australian defence force ads on TikTok and in video games drive 15-year high recruitment numbers

ADF enlisted 7,059 full-time personnel last financial year from 75,000 applications, but the target was 8,105.

The Guardian - AU · Aug 3, 2025

Memorial research centre unlocks precious war records

Access to military records, diaries and precious documents will be made easier for people wanting to learn about the service and sacrifice of their loved ones.

AAP · Jun 5, 2025

Coalition cuts to public service jobs could push out social service payment wait times by months, Labor says

Exclusive: Katy Gallagher says ‘if Peter Dutton cuts, you will pay’ as Albanese government analysis shows opposition pledge would mean worsened services

The Guardian - AU · Mar 27, 2025

War veteran paints his way out of a dark place

A war veteran who turned to art to manage his trauma now hopes to make a career out of his passion, and will paint a mural for a veterans support group.

AAP · Jan 14, 2025

Australian Defence Force to recruit Five Eyes personnel

More overseas citizens will soon be able to enlist in Australia's Defence Force as the government relaxes eligibility requirements to boost numbers.

AAP · Dec 30, 2024

National body to head clean-up of 'forever chemicals'

Eighteen recommendations from a review of contamination from "forever chemicals" near three defence bases have been agreed to by the federal government.

AAP · Dec 5, 2024

'We're not happy': shocking defence data released

As Defence struggles with recruitment and retention issues, a workplace survey shows worrying statistics with a number of military personnel looking to quit.

AAP · Sep 20, 2024

Veteran claims to be made easier with law changes

Veterans are hopeful planned changes to the nation's military compensation framework will mean no more delays for life-saving support.

AAP · Jul 2, 2024

The week in parliament: ‘ambassador’ Bill sets tongues wagging and a ministerial audition goes horribly wrong

Shorten reportedly approached to become French envoy, tensions on Gaza spill over, and Matt Keogh creates a government-size headache over military recruitment

The Guardian - AU · Jun 8, 2024