The Latest Breaking News from Richard Marles

Air Force flags need for low-cost drones to prepare Australia for future conflicts

The head of the Royal Australian Air Force hints at a looming push to acquire large numbers of low-cost lethal drones to give the defence force greater "mass" to take on well-armed adversaries.

ABC News · Feb 27, 2023

Australia’s defence force faces once in a generation shake-up – but to what purpose?

Key strategists say military needs to focus on maritime and long-range strike capabilities to defend Australia’s interests across a wider region

The Guardian - AU · Feb 25, 2023

Australia to reassure Thailand over nuclear subs

Australia’s defence minister aims to reassure Thailand that plans to acquire a new fleet of nuclear submarines would enhance “collective security” in the region after neighbouring countries voiced concerns.

Bangkok Post · Feb 24, 2023

PM flags India trade trip to boost Australian business

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is due to travel to India with a large business delegation as his government seeks to boost economic ties in the region.

AAP · Feb 22, 2023

Australia, Philippines discuss joint South China Sea patrols

The Philippines and Australia on Wednesday discussed pursuing joint patrols in the South China Sea, days after the Southeast Asian country held similar talks with the United States on the need to counter China's assertiveness in the strategic waterway.

Reuters · Feb 22, 2023

Michael Pascoe: Australian sovereignty at risk? Don’t be silly, Mr Dutton, we gave it away years ago

The open letter is a rare expression of dissent from a highly-qualified cross section of people with experience in the diplomacy involved.

The New Daily · Feb 19, 2023

Labor overruled Defence advice not to publicise problems with Pacific patrol boats, documents show

Exclusive: Government was warned that publicising issues could harm regional relationships or be exploited by criminals or bad actors

The Guardian - AU · Feb 19, 2023

Australia, PNG on track to ink security deal

Australian and Papua New Guinea ministers are meeting to discuss security, increasing access to labour schemes and the NRL's expansion into the Pacific.

AAP · Feb 16, 2023

Kevin Rudd: Australia’s incoming ambassador to US says balloon saga threatens push to ease tensions with China

Former Labor prime minister says incident has created ‘diplomatic clouds’ that may overshadow efforts to stabilise relationship

The Guardian - AU · Feb 15, 2023

Air force chief confident spy balloon could be detected

Air Marshal Robert Chipman says Australia is capable of detecting and tracking high-altitude surveillance craft after concerns about spy balloons over the US.

AAP · Feb 15, 2023