"He said the government's policy is constantly to be working through effective statecraft and diplomacy, but also preparedness — he made explicit reference to the investment that the government's made in our defence capability.
Mr Pezzullo described his speech as a "personal lament" for peace, on a day when the sacrifice of Australians who have served in the nation's Defence Force was being commemorated. "It's terribly important that when secretaries speak, or heads of agencies, we speak about matters of strategy and implementation and administration, but not of policy — which always is a matter for an elected minister," Mr Pezzullo said.Mr Pezzullo's remarks came after Australia's top diplomat said China wanted Australia to "compromise on key national interests" before it would resume cooperation with the federal government.
In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wengbin said the change needed to come on the Australian side of the relationship.
No way . He said by politicising the army build up is strengthening peace . I hope he doesn’t think he’s scaring China
Morrison government denies climate change 2
This is just a rehash of what he announced 2 years ago.
China also denied island bases are aimed at Australia.
like they would care even if we do have major investments in military bases
I don't say this often, but I believe the PM. It's far more likely this is all about giving Minister Potatohead a chubby.
I denounce the federal government they do not represent me or the betterment of our country that we are now entrusted to look after. I stand with first and second nation's
Report the facts. PM has a brain and knows his history. Just common sense. Perhaps you should research better before you comment and look foolish
China see through this fool, they know that like so many other anouncments it ain’t gunna happen. But you have to hand it to him just the sort of thing to announce when you should be trying to lower the temperature in a trade war
Phew Phew!!!!! 🔫🔫 And then we run out of bullets 7 days later! They will be shaking in their boots!
They should take it and message. Why else would it only be in the north?
He could just use his hands. 🙄
Due you think China would worry about $150Million a year for 5 years..What can you get got that these days
Meanwhile, in every defence publication everywhere: 'Australia sends message to China with major investment in military bases'.
Australia MUST declare neutrality & disband its military. In the meantime the citizens of Australia MUST have the opportunity to participate in a referendum to decide whether or not to send our youth to war. We have had referenda to vote on the flag & gay marriage but not WAR.
Because admitting it would be a diplomatic disaster. We all know it is but it would always be wrong to say anything.
Holy moly the headline could use the word 'that' after denies, quite odd to parse properly otherwise
Hope Dutton is audited.
Darn`tcha whish ya girlfriend was Hat licce me Darn`tcha whish ya girlfriend was a Greek like me Darn`tcha
...where are the daily US covid updates? Why did they stop when Biden was elected?
We need to stop China from becoming another imperialist state. The US is slowly moderating itself, but you can't trust the CCP - it's effectively just an Asian Nazi party and unlike the US with its supremists - there's no way to vote it out.
Yeah, right!
Of course he would