This morning we came together at dawn at @AWMemorial to commemorate the service and sacrifice of all Australians who have dedicated their lives to defending our nation, and the families who support them.
Congratulations to my colleagues who have been recommended by Government for command appointments. Your appointments reflect you professionalism and leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with you.
My heartfelt congratulations to the #YourADF that were recommended for command appointments this morning:
✅ VADM Mark Hammond AO RAN as Chief of the Defence Force
✅ RADM Matt Buckley AM CSC RAN as Chief of Navy
✅ LTGENl Susan Coyle AM CSC DSM as Chief of Army.
The final VCDF Capability Award went to WO Loch Robertson💥WO Robertson spearheaded the first Australian-based Tomahawk Weapon System Material Certification process - meeting strict overseas standards and strengthening our position as a capable & reliable partner.
Congratulations to ASCA's Sovereign UAS Challenge team - our third VCDF Capability Award recipient 👏
Their dedication & close collaboration with 🇦🇺 UAS vendors delivered highly innovative UAS into the hands of our warfighters as well as advanced 🇦🇺 sovereign UAS industry.
The 2nd VCDF Capability Award went to PTE Blaithe Gill-O'Connor⭐️PTE Gill-O'Connor designed the Troop Carrier Cover, enhancing crew protection against aerial threats such as drones & fragmentation attacks. He's created a significant long term & sustainable enhancement for Defence
Last week we recognised exceptional capability contributions to Defence’s mission with 4 VCDF Capability Awards 👊The Triton AIR7001 Project Office were celebrated for superior achievements delivering 🇦🇺’s MQ 4C Triton capability into service. Keep an eye out for other winners.
The 2026 Defence Capability Symposium is on next week ⏰ The Symposium brings together Defence, central agencies and industry to discuss Defence capability and analyse evolving capability matters. It's not too late to register at 2026capsym-registration.enco…
Logistics, united. 🤝🌐
General Randall Reed, Commander for @US_TRANSCOM, met with Acting Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Robert Chipman AO CSC and Chief Joint Logistics Command, Major General Carla Watts during his inaugural visit to 📍 Australia.
The visit reinforces cooperation on military logistics and transport.
#YourADF#AusAirForce@VCDF_Australia@CJLOG_ADF
Great meeting with military & government leaders from across Asia-Pacific, Europe & North America at the Shangri-La Sherpa Dialogue in 🇸🇬 to discuss defence diplomacy. It was my privilege to also participate in a panel on cooperative solutions for hybrid threats in Asia.
Congratulations to trainee officers on their graduation from ADFA. Today marks not only the formal completion of their academic studies and initial military training but the beginning of their careers in #youradf as future leaders 👏🎓I wish you the best for your service ahead.
Last week I attended the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ meeting with 🇨🇱🇫🇯🇫🇷🇯🇵🇳🇿🇵🇬🇹🇴🇬🇧🇺🇸, an annual forum that deepens military ties in the Pacific. As a defence community we're investing in Pacific-led responses to Pacific security challenges - for today & into the future.
We’re seeking proposals to develop a prototype navigation system for AUVs that can operate without Global Navigation Satellite Systems or acoustic transmissions.
Applications are open for @ASCA_Aus Undersea Navigation Challenge & I encourage 🇦🇺 industry to submit their proposals.
Undersea Navigation Challenge launched! Australian industry are encouraged to respond to #ASCA_Aus latest challenge, seeking a prototype navigation system for Autonomous Undersea Vehicles.
Information below: asca.gov.au/opportunities/un…
Asking R U OK? can positively impact someone more than you may realise. Checking in on one another, sharing stories and listening could change a life.
This #RUOKday, and every day, let’s start conversations to meaningfully connect and support one another.
R U OK? A simple question that could change a life.
You don’t need to be an expert to reach out, just be willing to listen and provide support.
On any day, ask the people you care about, R U OK?
When we genuinely ask "R U OK?" and are prepared to listen we can help them feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please know that support is available ➡️ spr.ly/6018AyS2Q#YourADF#RUOK#RUOKDay#OurAPS#DefenceFamilies
For over 100 years @LegacyAust have supported the families of ADF members after injury or death. Thank you Legacy for looking after the people who look after us.
This #LegacyWeek I encourage everyone to buy a badge or make a donation so they can continue this important work 🧸
Great to spend time with Indonesian Defence Minister @sjafriesjams during his visit for the 🇦🇺 🇮🇩 2 2. We share a maritime border & strong defence relationship with Indonesia, as well as a commitment to a prosperous Indo-Pacific, and it was great to strengthen our relationship.
Congratulations 🇹🇱 on the 50th anniversary of the National Liberation Armed Forces of Timor-Leste. It was a privilege to join you on this special day of celebration.
🇦🇺 and 🇹🇱 military cooperation dates back to WWII and I’m honoured to have celebrated FANTIL Day with them.
Today is 80 years since Victory in the Pacific, marking the end of WWII for Australians. I’m privileged to have attended the Last Post Ceremony at @AWMemorial alongside WWII veterans to honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in the armed forces during the war.
A great opportunity to present at the D I Conference in Canberra.
We discussed Defence’s focus on delivering capability to our sailors, soldiers and aviators as soon as possible.
Defence industry are our partners, and we must work together to deliver capability.
As friends and allies, 🇦🇺 and 🇳🇿 share a commitment to working together & advancing our security interests in the Indo-Pacific.
Today the 2025 Australia-New Zealand G4 met, discussing our common strategic objectives and continuing to foster our bilateral Defence relationship 🤝