This week in Australian foreign affairs: Australia commemorates 20th anniversary of 2005 Bali bombings with memorial services and plans for permanent monument; Deputy Prime Minister strengthens Trans-Tasman defence alliance with New Zealand counterpart; historic visit to Fiji marks opening of Australian-funded maritime facility; first Apache attack helicopters arrive in Townsville advancing Army modernisation, and more.
On 1 October, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles welcomed New Zealand Minister of Defence the Hon Judith Collins KC to Australia for a bilateral Defence Ministers’ Meeting. The meeting in Sydney focused on modernising and strengthening the bilateral defence alliance between the two countries, building on their shared history through the ANZACs and ANZUS. Deputy Prime Minister Marles emphasised that the Trans-Tasman Alliance is enabling both nations to train, integrate and operate more closely together, advancing their collective interests and contributing to peace, stability and security across the shared region. The partnership reflects the countries’ alignment in strategic, foreign and trade interests, alongside deep people-to-people links.
On 1 October, Australia marked the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Bali bombings. Two official memorial services took place to commemorate the anniversary, with Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs the Hon Tim Watts MP joining survivors, their families and first responders in Newcastle, while Australia’s Consul-General Jo Stevens hosted a commemorative service at the Australian Consulate-General in Bali. The Australian Government announced funding for a new permanent memorial in Australia to commemorate the 2005 Bali Bombings, with plans to be developed in close consultation with survivors and families of the victims. The anniversary highlighted the strengthened bonds between Australia and Indonesia, with both governments sharing a deep commitment to countering violent extremism and working closely together to further their common interest in the peace and security of the region.
From 2 to 4 October, Deputy Prime Minister Marles travelled to the Republic of Fiji to meet with Fiji’s Minister for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Pio Tikoduadua MP. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister attended the opening of the Australian-funded Vuvale Maritime Essential Services Centre, a multi-agency facility housing the Republic of Fiji Navy Headquarters, Hydrographic Office, Rescue Coordination Centre and Suva Radio Coastal Radio Station. This facility will support the Government of Fiji in protecting local fishing industries, responding to natural disasters, facilitating search and rescue operations, and responding to transnational crime. The visit highlighted the growing defence relationship between Australia and Fiji, underpinned by the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, with discussions focused on future rotations following a landmark year that saw 130 Republic of Fiji Military Forces personnel embed with the Australian Army for five months of joint training.
On 2 October, the first two AH-64E Apache attack helicopters arrived at RAAF Base Townsville, marking a new era in Australian Army aviation capabilities. Acquired through foreign military sales with the United States, the Apache provides critical aviation effects including reconnaissance, communications and networking, firepower and offensive support, and represents a key element of Army’s transformation into a force optimised for littoral manoeuvre and long-range strike. Boeing Defence Australia will provide maintenance, engineering, training and logistics services under a seven-year contract worth $306 million, expected to provide more than 240 industry jobs across Queensland, including 170 jobs in Townsville. The Albanese Government committed $700 million for essential infrastructure upgrades and facilities works at RAAF Base Townsville, with the construction phase expected to create 275 jobs in the region. Additional training and employment opportunities will be created through the establishment of the Townsville Aviation Training Academy, which will deliver technical courses for maintenance personnel for the AH-64E Apache and CH-47F Chinook helicopter fleets. All 29 Apache aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2029.
Emily Mosley is the Projects and Publications Manager for the AIIA National Office.
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