THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

STATEMENT
TEST OF LEADERSHIP FOR RICHARD MARLES

Tuesday 16 April 2024

The Defence Minister’s National Press Club address tomorrow is a test of leadership for Richard Marles.

The Albanese Government talked a big game when it released the Defence Strategic Review. Yet nearly one year later, we continue to await Labor’s first National Defence Strategy and a fully funded Defence Integrated Investment Program.

To pass this test of leadership, there must be more than just vague language, vague promises and vague timeframes. There must be real money, real commitment and real leadership.

There is weakness and dysfunction at the heart of the Albanese Government. At a time where we need clarity, honesty and decisiveness, the Defence Minister refuses to take accountability – instead blaming his inaction on the former government, and failing the task he's been elected to do.

The truth is that despite repeatedly warning of the most dangerous strategic environment since the Second World War, Richard Marles has done nothing but oversee extended reviews, drive uncertainty and delays, cut Defence spending, and degrade capability.

Morale in the Australian Defence Force is at an all-time low as recruitment and retention numbers fall dangerously behind target.

Australia's hard working defence industry is being crippled by the Minister's indecision and lack of investment, as he continues to lose out to his colleagues at the Expenditure Review Committee table.

His vague language, and inability to explain terms like 'impactful projection' is leaving Australians confused and disengaged. There is a clear failure in articulating the threats we face amidst escalating global disorder.

Richard Marles must be honest with the Australian people about the threats and challenges we face. This must be matched with a meaningful increase in Defence spending and a clear strategy – real money, and a real direction. These are the metrics that count.

We can’t afford to see spending kicked into Labor’s forward estimates. Anything that far out isn't real. We need investment in capability now – not in ten years’ time.

If there are further cuts to Defence, as the Minister hinted at recently, Mr Marles must be clear about what the cost will be to other capabilities, programs and local jobs. And he must be clear about how cutting defence spending will support the strategy, which we are yet to see.

In October 2022, Mr Marles stood up and accepted responsibility for the Department of Defence – “no ifs, no buts”. The buck stops with him.

The Coalition calls on the Defence Minister to show the responsibility he claimed by releasing both the National Defence Strategy and Defence Integrated Investment Program tomorrow, explaining in clear language the threats we face, and how Australia will meet the challenges ahead.

ENDS