Today, the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister received the final Defence Strategic Review (DSR) report.

Authored by former Minister for Defence, His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, the Defence Strategic Review is an independently led examination of Australia’s defence force posture, force structure and capabilities.

Conducted over six months, the DSR was informed by engagements with more than 150 individuals and experts including Defence officials, Australian Defence Force personnel, defence industry, national security think tanks and academics, representatives from the states and territories and interest groups.

In addition, the Leads of the Review received over 360 submissions from the general public, interested parties, organisations and state and territory governments.

The Albanese Government will now take the necessary time to consider the Review and its recommendations.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP:

"The Defence Strategic Review will help prepare Australia to effectively respond to the changing regional and global strategic environment and ensure Defence's capability and structure is fit for purpose and delivers the greatest return on investment."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP:

“The Defence Strategic Review is an ambitious and extensive examination of our strategic circumstances and will underpin our Defence policy for decades to come.”

“Australia must be resolute in its responsibility to safeguard our region and keep adversaries further from our shores.”

“I thank His Excellency Professor the Hon. Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Sir Angus Houston, for their dedication and commitment to the task, and producing a body of work which will inform key decision making for government.”