Australian Defence Force

A $50 billion budget increase will still leave the country vulnerable if there’s hostilities in the Indo-Pacific, the Australian Strategic Policy Instute warns.

Both the Australian and New Zealand Defence Force are on their way to New Caledonia to rescue people trapped there by days of bloody violence.

‘The Air Force have been on stand-by for the last 48 hours ... but the airport is closed,’ the Anthony Albanese said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong says the defence force is ’ready to fly' once local authorities advise it is safe to use the airport.

The government also plans to spend billions on ‘autonomous and uncrewed maritime vehicles’ as part of AUKUS Pillar II.

Defence Minister Richard Marles says recruiting New Zealand migrants on the cards to bolster dwindling personnel numbers.

Vice-Admiral David Johnston will take on the top job subject to approval from the governor general.

The soldier, part of a multinational peacekeeping mission, was undertaking a routine patrol to monitor activity near the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Defence Amendment (Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets) Bill tightens the rules on former defence staffers working for foreign governments.

Other countries are trying to discover everything from Australia’s defence capabilities to medical advances, and more needs to be done to stop them, ASIO says.

‘We are actively strengthening our commitment to security cooperation.’

The ill-fated Taipans will be buried instead.

‘And that includes looking at how we might be able to grow it from friendly forces from other countries,’ Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said.

Australian Defence Force troops have been deployed to help with recovery efforts.

New Zealand PM concedes his country’s military is not fit for purpose.

‘This is incredibly risky, inappropriate behaviour, and frankly, not the act of a friend,’ said Shadow Home Affairs Minister.