‘Gold standard’: ex-MP’s larrikin soldier son mourned
MPs and army leaders have joined mourners at a heartbreaking funeral for Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon.
defence
Biden bid to cut submarine ‘no fatal blow’ to Australia
Doubts have been cast that the AUKUS pact is in jeopardy as Joe Biden moves to cut submarine production, which could hurt the future sale of one to Australia.
Labor stumps up almost $1b for NT rare earths project
The federal government has continued its big spend-up in the Northern Territory with a funding package of up to $840 million for a rare earths mining project.
Australia faces subs challenge in US, nuclear at home
Australia is contending with a backed up US production line for its nuclear-powered submarine while the government works to put in place safeguards at home.
Veterans on ‘last legs’ as system fails to ensure help
Veterans are frustrated with the time taken to deal with complaints and the lack of mental health services, a senator has told an inquiry into defence suicides.
Ex-defence minister’s son dead after parachute incident
The soldier son of a former Australian defence minister has died after a parachute training incident that has triggered a defence force investigation.
Military chief denies justice system is weaponised
The Australian Defence Force doesn't believe its military justice system is being used as a weapon against individuals, a royal commission has been told.
‘Not ideal’: NZ Defence Force plane lets down PM Luxon
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is scrambling to make his way to Melbourne on commercial flights after a breakdown of his Defence Force plane.
Fear spy crackdown will create uni research brain drain
National security legislation designed to crack down on secrets leaking could lead to the unintended consequence of scaring the world's brightest minds away.
Australia’s secrets ‘aggressively’ sought by countries
Due to unprecedented threats, ASIO says secrecy provisions for intelligence personnel should be tougher to deter unauthorised disclosures to foreign actors.
Navy to be ‘most lethal’ in history after huge overhaul
An overhaul of the navy's combat fleet will make it the most lethal in history, its chief says, but concerns remain about its capability in the short term.
Defence chief unaware of commander’s torture allegation
A Fijian colonel facing torture allegations was appointed to oversee 3000 Australian troops, without the knowledge of the defence force chief.
Trump NATO remark ‘appalling and unhinged’: White House
Donald Trump said he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member country if they don't meet his spending guidelines.
Biden, European leaders criticise Trump’s NATO comments
European leaders have reacted to Donald Trump's comments over a hypothetical Russian invasion of NATO allies not spending enough on defence.
Three Black Hawk army helicopters to arrive early
Black Hawk helicopters from the United States have been expedited after the early grounding of the Taipan fleet left a hole in the army's capability.
China hits out at Australia-NZ ‘seamless’ military goal
China says Australia and New Zealand risk going "further down the wrong and dangerous path" after the trans-Tasman allies agreed on deeper military integration.
NZ eyes place in AUKUS alliance after trans-Tasman trip
Australian foreign and defence ministers, Penny Wong and Richard Marles, have hosted their New Zealand counterparts for trans-Tasman security talks.
NZ firms up AUKUS desire ahead of trans-Tasman talks
Australian and New Zealand foreign and defence ministers will meet together for the first time in Melbourne, with AUKUS high on the agenda.
Gaza ruling sparks calls to reconsider Israel support
A ruling by the top UN court ordering Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza has sparked calls for Australia to reconsider its support for the Israeli government.
Russian Medibank hacker first to be hit with sanctions
The Australian government has imposed cyber sanctions for the first time, naming Russian Aleksandr Ermakov as the man responsible for the Medibank data breach.
Further sanctions against Middle East terror groups
Australia has imposed fresh sanctions against three groups and 12 people with links to proscribed terror groups Hamas, Hizbollah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Australia involved in strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen
Australia has participated in strikes launched by the US and the UK on Houthi rebels in Yemen, after they blocked a key maritime trading route.
Foreign soldiers ‘an option’ to boost defence numbers
Soldiers from overseas could join Australia's defence forces under an option being considered to grow the military amid issues with recruitment and retention.
Australia rejects US appeal for warships in Red Sea
Australia will send more navy personnel to the Middle East but has rebuffed a US request to deploy a warship to the Red Sea to help secure vital shipping lanes.
NZ PM Luxon visits Australia for security talks
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon is set to touch down in Sydney for talks with Anthony Albanese, the Kiwi leader's debut on the international stage.
New Kiwi PM flags potential for AUKUS tech co-operation
The new prime minister of New Zealand says development of military technology under the AUKUS agreement is an area where it could work together with Australia.
‘A real solid’: NZ PM applauds Aust deportees move
Chris Luxon is set to represent New Zealand overseas for the first time, with the prime minister to visit Australia counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney.
US nuclear submarine laws a ‘significant step forward’
The US is closer to selling nuclear-powered submarines to Australia after key legislation cleared a major hurdle, the development labelled a "significant step".
Milestone for transfer of nuclear subs heralded by PM
The US will sell nuclear-powered submarines to Australia after key legislation cleared a final hurdle in Washington.
Defence Dept challenges soldier croc attack claims
The Department of Defence has been charged under workplace safety laws after soldiers suffered significant injuries including crocodile bite and claw wounds.
British wind can unlock Australia’s ‘superpower’ future
Superior climate and energy policies have become a vote winner as well as an economic and security imperative, British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell says.