Thank you to @SecRubio for welcoming me so warmly to Washington DC ahead of AUSMIN. For 40 years, AUSMIN has enabled foreign and defence consultations during periods of great strategic change and challenge. Together, we’re working to shape the Indo-Pacific for the better.

Our thoughts continue to be with those suffering under the Taliban’s oppression, as well as the Afghan community in Australia. Since the fall of Kabul, the Australian Government has provided over $260m in humanitarian assistance, with a strong focus on women and girls.

We have imposed financial sanctions and travel bans on three so-called Taliban ‘ministers’ and the so-called Taliban ‘Chief Justice’ for their involvement in the oppression of women and girls and in undermining good governance or the rule of law.

The Australian Government has established a world-first autonomous sanctions framework for Afghanistan, as part of our ongoing efforts to hold the Taliban to account. In effect from today, we have also announced the first listings under the new framework.

On Thai National Day, we celebrate the Thai people and the deep linkages between our nations. As Strategic Partners, Australia and Thailand are taking our relationship to new heights, working together for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Australia, and our partners, are demanding the immediate, safe and unconditional return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia. We strongly condemn Russia’s deplorable acts. Today, and every day, we stand with Ukraine.

An independent inquiry has found President Putin responsible for the death of UK national Dawn Sturgess by Novichok poisoning.  Ms Sturgess was an innocent victim of Russia’s egregious foreign interference. Australia joins the UK to condemn Russia’s aggressive actions.

This brings Australia’s overall support for Ukraine to over $1.7b since the start of the conflict. Australia remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine, as we continue the coordinated effort to starve Russia’s war economy of revenue. Read more here:

The Albanese Government will provide a $95 million package of military assistance and has imposed targeted sanctions on an additional 45 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet as part of our continued support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s illegal & immoral invasion.

Today we held an historic meeting between Australia, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia 🇦🇺🇵🇬🇮🇩 This is the first time Defence Ministers from our three countries have met formally to discuss cooperation between our Defence Forces, and share perspectives on the security of our shared

On behalf of all Australians, I send my deepest condolences to our friends and close partners - Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Sri Lanka - following intense storms. The loss and hardship caused by the extreme weather is devastating and our hearts are with all those affected.

Today marks 50 years since Timor-Leste’s Proclamation of Independence. We honour the decades of resilience, unity and hope that secured freedom – and celebrate the bright future ahead.

We're protecting the environment while speeding up approvals for housing and renewables.

BREAKING: Labor’s stronger environmental laws and an independent EPA are set to pass the parliament.

No Canberra weather could dim the passion I felt from this group of emerging Pacific and First Nations Australian leaders, whom I had the privilege of meeting this morning. Thank you for sharing your drive and ideas for a strong Blue Pacific, which creates opportunities for all.

I send my deepest condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of CFS firefighter Peter Curtis. I know all South Australians will be thinking of his family and friends, and all those who risk their lives to keep us safe.

Read the joint statement here:

Australia and Chile share important common values and beliefs. As we celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations, we reaffirm our joint commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Pacific region, and an open, stable, and rules-based international system.

It was a pleasure to meet Sheetal Devi and so many inspiring Indian athletes to announce a range of new sports partnerships between India and Australia. This includes India’s first delegation of athletes and coaches to the Australian Institute of Sport.

We covered strategic tech, defence, trade, people-to-people ties, and our shared vision for a peaceful stable, stable and prosperous region. I visited Australia’s hardworking embassy and met with experts and industry leading the way in cyber and tech.