The Coalition welcomes today’s AUKMIN announcements and the renewed commitment to AUKUS from Australia and the United Kingdom. This is a positive and necessary step in strengthening Australia’s security and strategic resilience through the AUKUS partnership.

Australia, and all its security partners, recognise that we live in the most challenging strategic environment since World War II. Deepening our security ties with key allies is essential to protect our national interest, maintain regional stability, and deter those who would seek to threaten the rules-based international order.

The signing of a 50-year joint UK-Australia AUKUS treaty is a welcome development, and the Coalition supports the broad direction agreed to by the Ministers.

The economic and employment opportunities arising from AUKUS are significant.
We welcome the long-term economic opportunities, including advanced manufacturing jobs, regional growth and sovereign industrial growth, this partnership will deliver.

The Coalition is proud to have initiated and secured the AUKUS partnership during our time in government. It is critical that the Albanese Government delivers on the commitments made and ensures they translate into real capability and opportunity for Australians.

There should be clear and unequivocal support for the AUKUS partnership.

We note that while the UK and Australia continue to progress significant work together, the Albanese Government must urgently demonstrate the same clarity and commitment with the United States. particularly in light of the Pentagon review, to reassure our partners that Australia can deliver on its contributions and, in turn, secure continued US backing for the agreement.

Australia must do what we can to ensure AUKUS’ longevity and success. The Coalition remains committed to AUKUS as a vital strategic partnership and has reaffirmed its support for increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP to meet the demands of the Defence Strategic Review.

At a time of rising global instability, sustained underfunding risks weakening Australia’s deterrence and damaging trust in our alliances. The Government must match its rhetoric with investment, and we stand ready to support a bipartisan pathway to deliver the capabilities our nation needs.