Defence
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Political lobbying
Lobbyland: Pyne, Feeney open doors in defence
A weapons supplier with more than $200 million in federal deals has emerged as one of the best-connected companies in federal politics.
- by David Crowe
Latest
Australia buys ‘devastating’ kamikaze drones
The government has acquired Switchblade 300 drones, to be deployed from late 2024, for an undisclosed amount.
- by Dominic Giannini and Tess Ikonomou
Exclusive
Roberts-Smith case
WA governor hosts Ben Roberts-Smith as he receives medal from the King
The disgraced war criminal has been welcomed to Government House in Perth to receive the honour bestowed by King Charles III.
- by Nick McKenzie, Jesinta Burton and Holly Thompson
Defence official sought champagne from contractor: auditor-general
A scathing auditor-general’s report into a $1.2 billion defence contract reveals an official sought a bottle of champagne from the company.
- by Shane Wright
Deal or no deal: What Trump 2.0 could mean for our nuclear submarines
Donald Trump is known for scrapping international partnerships as president. Experts say the AUKUS defence pact appeals to the volatile dealmaker, but he may try to squeeze more cash out of Australia.
- by Matthew Knott
Defence attempts to restrict independent inquiry into helicopter crash deaths
The Australian military has made a submission seeking to severely curtail an independent inquiry’s ability to investigate a fatal Taipan helicopter crash last year.
- by Andrew Probyn
Going deep: Who has the right stuff for life on a submarine?
Australia needs at least 3000 submariners by the 2050s for its new nuclear submarine program, but only a rare few have what it takes to deal with the pressures.
- by Matthew Knott
Marles enforces his veto on all potential defence shipments to Israel
All approvals have been escalated to the defence minister, and the government says no components have been shipped to Israel since October 7.
- by David Crowe
Hurley asks King about his health in emotional final overseas trip on duty
Governor-General David Hurley’s job is almost done. But his final trip overseas, his 19th in the job, was as moving as any that had come before.
- by Rob Harris
Exclusive
China relations
Too anti-China? Hawkish think tank fears budget cuts
Prominent American politicians and military leaders have rallied behind an influential Australian think tank known for its hawkish views on China.
- by Matthew Knott
Through the lens: A very weird week in politics
Immigration clashes, legal threats, interest rate warnings, wage rises, $620,000 speechwriters and cash-waving MPs: Alex Ellinghausen was there to capture it all.
- by Alex Ellinghausen and Staff reporters