The Latest Breaking News from Richard Marles

This week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles announced he had directed the Department of Defence to investigate reports “that ex-Australian Defence Force personnel may have been approached to provide military related training to China”.

Australian parliament told that it costs more than 15 million Australian dollars ($9.75m) to train a jet fighter pilot.

Australia will launch a review into the obligations former Defence Force personnel have to protect state secrets, following reports Australians were among Western military pilots who had been approached to help train the Chinese military.

Defence Minister Richard Marles orders his department to investigate reports former members of the ADF have been approached to provide military training to China.

Australia is warned the AUKUS submarine deal will be a huge undertaking that will involve "one of the biggest training and workforce development challenges Australia has faced".

US embassy in Canberra says treaty ‘would not allow for US extended deterrence relationships’

Australia is transitioning to an "impact projection" mindset that will enable it to strike enemies long before they reach the shores, the defence minister says.

The Australian government will focus on building a strong relationship with the Solomon Islands, rather than being distracted by China's interactions.

Review by Sir Angus Houston and Stephen Smith will respond to increasing challenges in the Pacific and make recommendations ‘for the next decade and beyond’