This week in Australian foreign affairs, the Government advanced a series of strategic and values-driven priorities across defence capability, regional security cooperation, humanitarian engagement, and public diplomacy. Developments included progress on Australia’s sovereign guided-weapons program, renewed participation in international efforts to address the crisis in Sudan, national commemorations honouring military service, the conclusion of a new bilateral security treaty with Indonesia, and high-level commentary on Australia’s strategic posture in the Indo-Pacific. Collectively, these events reflect Australia’s ongoing work to strengthen defence resilience, deepen regional partnerships, and uphold international legal and humanitarian norms.
On 7 November, the Department of Defence marked the one-year anniversary of the Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) Plan. The Department announced new facilities in Newcastle and continued progress toward establishing Australia’s sovereign guided-weapons manufacturing and sustainment capacity. The GWEO Plan was introduced in October 2024 and aims to strengthen Australia’s ability to procure, maintain, and produce guided weapons domestically, thereby reducing reliance on vulnerable global supply chains. Over the past year, the program has established the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) line, invested $850 million with Kongsberg Defence Australia to initiate local missile production, and committed $11 million to expand infrastructure at Defence Establishment Orchard Hills. While GWEO is not part of the AUKUS framework, it forms a key element of Australia’s independent defence-modernisation agenda, and reflects broader efforts to enhance national resilience amidst a contested strategic environment.
On 10 November, Australia joined an international joint statement condemning atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan. The statement led by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, addressed escalating violence, including serious violations committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in North Darfur and the Kordofan region. It called for accountability, the protection of civilians, and renewed international focus on the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. Australia’s participation underscores its commitment to upholding humanitarian law and supporting international efforts to respond to conflict-driven crises. Moving forward, sustained diplomatic engagement and appropriate funding mechanisms will be crucial to supporting relief efforts and protecting affected populations.
On 11 November, Australia observed the national “Solemn Silence – We Remember” ceremony, honouring service and sacrifice across the Australian Defence Force. The commemoration underscores the centrality of defence culture to national identity and contributes to Australia’s broader narrative of service, responsibility, and soft-power projection.
On 12 November, Australia and Indonesia concluded the Australia-Indonesia Treaty on Common Security, marking an important development in the evolution of their bilateral security relationship. The Treaty is modelled in part on the 1995 Agreement on Maintaining Security and provides an updated framework for cooperation across jointly agreed areas of security policy. According to the Foreign Minister, the Treaty commits both countries to promoting “mutually beneficial cooperative activities in the security field, in areas to be identified by the two Parties,” while respecting the national policies and priorities of each government. The agreement represents a significant elevation of Australia’s regional posture and reinforces the centrality of ASEAN in Australia’s broader strategic outlook at a time of increasing geopolitical complexity.
On 13 November, Foreign Minister Penny Wong appeared on ABC News Breakfast with James Glenday to discuss the new Australia–Indonesia Treaty on Common Security and broader regional developments. Wong emphasised that the Treaty reflects a shared understanding of regional challenges and a commitment by both countries to consult and cooperate on matters affecting mutual security. She noted that Australia’s security is anchored in its immediate region and highlighted the significance of closer ties with Indonesia, particularly at a time of increased geopolitical contest and shifting great-power behaviour. Wong also addressed questions regarding Russia’s activities in the region, Australia’s bid to co-host COP31 in partnership with Pacific nations, and domestic debates surrounding energy policy and net zero commitments. Her remarks reinforced the Government’s focus on strengthening regional partnerships, supporting Pacific climate leadership, and maintaining diplomatic channels even with states where Australia has substantial differences.
Daweena Tia Motwany is a Councillor with the AIIA ACT Branch and a Fellow of the Indo-Pacific Cooperation Network. She is a policy practitioner with experience across international affairs, public policy, and strategic research.
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