What international engagements, if any, were scheduled for the Defence portfolio between 12 August 2026 and the general election at the time the Minister assumed the portfolio, including any trilateral defence ministers' meeting with Australia and Japan; and which of those engagements, if any, have since been cancelled, postponed, or downgraded to officials-level?

Answer

International engagements on 13 August with the United Kingdom and with Viet Nam were facilitated by senior Defence officials. Taking advantage of the Japanese Minister of Defence visiting Canberra, a trilateral Defence ministers’ meeting had been planned for 18 August. This has been deferred until the next appropriate opportunity for the Ministers to meet. An industry showcase in Australia on 19 August was cancelled. Consideration is being given to reschedule this event. I will be attending the South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting in Fiji over 21–24 September. I am currently considering attendance at the ASEAN Defence Ministers Plus Meeting scheduled in Manilla from 27–30 October.