US warns Australia against joining treaty banning nuclear weapons US embassy in Canberra says treaty ‘would not allow for US extended deterrence relationships’ The Guardian - AU · Nov 8, 2022
Long strikes underpin new defence mindset 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. AAP · Nov 7, 2022
Australia focuses on Solomons relationship The Australian government will focus on building a strong relationship with the Solomon Islands, rather than being distracted by China's interactions. AAP · Nov 4, 2022
Two former defence leaders paid almost $800,000 to review Australia’s military capabilities 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’ The Guardian - AU · Nov 3, 2022
Australia plays down US B-52 bomber plan that angers China Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles has played down the significance of a major upgrade of U.S. B-52 bomber facilities planned for northern Australia that has raised China’s ire The Independent UK · Nov 2, 2022
Calls for calm over US bomber postings Richard Marles has called for calm over the housing of US bombers in the Northern Territory as the defence department reviews its ability to defend the nation. AAP · Nov 1, 2022
Australia to train Ukrainian troops, ship more armoured vehicles Australia said on Thursday it will deploy 70 soldiers to Britain to help train Ukrainian troops there and ship 30 more armoured vehicles to bolster Kyiv's war against Russia's invasion. Reuters · Oct 26, 2022
Ukraine welcomes Australian military aid Another 30 Australian Bushmaster vehicles will head to Ukraine's front line, while defence personnel will help train troops as part of the latest aid package. AAP · Oct 26, 2022
Australian troops to help train Ukrainian forces in fight against Russia, as more Bushmaster vehicles sent to war Australian troops will deploy to the UK to train Ukrainian forces, helping bolster the eastern European nation's defences against Vladimir Putin's brutal invasion. ABC News · Oct 26, 2022
Australian defence force troops to train Ukrainian soldiers in the UK Government emphasised ADF members will not be entering Ukraine, as total Australian aid to Kyiv reaches $655m The Guardian - AU · Oct 26, 2022
Marles says Pacific 'catch up' needed The deputy prime minister says a lot of catch up work is required to strengthen ties further with Pacific island nations. AAP · Oct 20, 2022
Australia and Fiji sign a status of forces agreement to more effectively respond to common security challenges While neither country's defence minsters mention China in their announcement, the deal comes as nations scramble to respond to the increasing influence Beijing has in the Pacific. ABC News · Oct 20, 2022
Australia, Fiji militaries to work alongside each other Australia and Fiji have signed an agreement to allow the operation of each nation's militaries in the other country, with ministers describing it as a significant step for security cooperation. Reuters · Oct 20, 2022
Australia investigates if its former pilots are being recruited by China after UK’s own warning Canberra investigates Beijing’s alleged attempts to hire ex-airforce pilots The Independent UK · Oct 19, 2022
AAP · Oct 19, 2022 Defence probe into China hiring pilots Australia is investigating whether RAAF pilots have been contracted to help train the Chinese military, amid calls for tough new laws.
Reuters · Oct 19, 2022 Australia to investigate reports pilots trained Chinese military - minister Australia's defence minister said its military was investigating reports former pilots were accepting training roles in China, as Britain said it could take legal action on national security grounds to stop its pilots being similarly recruited.
ABC News · Oct 19, 2022 Defence investigates 'alarming reports' RAAF pilots could be lured to work for Chinese military Australia is following the United Kingdom in investigating whether retired defence pilots have been lured with lucrative contracts to help train the Chinese military in air warfare.
Reuters · Oct 17, 2022 Pacific Islands defence ministers meet in Tonga to boost 'interoperability' South Pacific defence ministers will meet in Tonga on Tuesday, with Australia seeking a closer military relationship with the three island nations that have defence forces to counter China's security push in the region.
AAP · Oct 17, 2022 Australia joins Pacific security talks Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles is travelling to Tonga and Fiji to meet Pacific defence ministers for discussions spanning security and disaster relief.
ABC News · Oct 16, 2022 Bougainville president accuses Richard Marles of making 'veiled threats' against independence aspirations President Ishmael Toroama says Richard Marles's remarks after a visit to Papua New Guinea represent a change to Australia's neutral position.
The Guardian - AU · Oct 15, 2022 Australian deputy prime minister Richard Marles accused of ‘veiled threats’ by Bougainville president Autonomous Bougainville government president accuses Australia of destabilising its right to self-determination
The New Daily · Oct 14, 2022 Michael Pascoe: Worried about Australia’s sovereignty? Don’t bother, it’s gone Australia could do its own foreign policy, its own security pacts, but it's too late. Our strategic sovereignty is outsourced to the US
The Guardian - AU · Oct 13, 2022 ‘Now is the time’: Richard Marles has met NRL to push for Papua New Guinea team On visit to Port Moresby, defence minister says ‘it would be so meaningful’ for PNG to become National Rugby League’s 18th team
ABC News · Oct 13, 2022 Australia, PNG inch closer to inking security treaty as defence minister tours the Pacific island nation Richard Marles says he wants to significantly expand defence cooperation across the Pacific, starting with an "ambitious" bid to expand military ties and sign a security treaty with Papua New Guinea.
Reuters · Oct 13, 2022 Australia, PNG defence to work together under proposed security pact Australia wants to strike an "ambitious" security treaty with neighbour Papua New Guinea that will see navy, airforce and army personnel from each nation working alongside each other more often, Defence Minister Richard Marles said in Port Moresby on Thursday.