Friday 12 January 2024

The Prime Minister continues to diminish our alliance with the US and the UK by failing to provide a maritime contribution in the Red Sea.

While our AUKUS partners defend vital trade routes against Houthi rebels, Australia is sitting on the sidelines, letting our allies do the heavy lifting.

The Coalition recognises the important role of our Australian Defence Force personnel serving in the operational headquarters. However, it is troubling that the Albanese Government refuses to match the support that our closest allies are providing in the region.

This is a significant moment in global security and Australia has a role to play, as we have done so in the past.

Once again, the Prime Minister’s weak leadership and inaction increasingly puts us at risk of being known as a fair-weather friend by both our allies and adversaries.