TRANSCRIPT
In a significant move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia is open to the idea of sending troops into Ukraine to support a possible peacekeeping mission.
"There is discussion at the moment about potential peacekeeping and from my government's perspective, we're open to consideration of any proposals going forward. Australia has historically played an important role in areas, including in Africa, in Cyprus, in a range of peacekeeping areas. We want to see peace in Ukraine. But we want to make sure that the illegal, immoral actions of Russia are not rewarded."
It comes as White House officials reveal the United States will pause US military aid to Ukraine amidst a rapid deterioration in the relationship between the two nations.
A split has emerged in Australia too, with Opposition leader Peter Dutton arguing against the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops.
"In terms of whether we should have boots on the ground in Ukraine, I don't support that. I think the Europeans have that task and what President Trump has pointed out is that the Europeans have to do more in the defence of Europe.”
This is despite Mr Dutton's strong stance in support of President Zelenskyy and his leadership of Ukraine.
"What is obvious is that the world needs to unite behind President Zelenskyy to stand up against a murderous dictator in Vladimir Putin, and Vladimir Putin has no regard for human life, he's demonstrated that."
Leaders in the United Kingdom, France and elsewhere have increasingly signalled they could put boots on the ground, and planes in the air, to deter a possible re-invasion by Russia.
The global shifts in geopolitics have also prompted a debate on defence closer to home, particularly as China conducts live fire drills in the Tasman Sea.
Initial payments were made last month as part of the $368 billion AUKUS deal - although questions were raised after these comments from President Trump.
TRUMP: "What does that mean?
REPORTER: "AUKUS, the Australia US defence alliance with the UK."
TRUMP: "Oh, well we'll be discussing that."
Despite concern in some quarters, Prime Minister Albanese says he has no doubts about the strength of the Australia US alliance.
The AUKUS spending comes as part of Labor's promise to lift defence spending to 2.3 per cent as a share of GDP by 2033.
And this week, the Coalition unveiled its new policy pledged to buy 28 new F-35 jets at a procurement cost of $3 billion.
But the Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy, says those costings are ridiculous.
"The last acquisition of Joint Strike Fighters, 32 in this case, by Romania late last year, cost $11.5 billion, not $3 billion, as Peter Dutton says is all he needs. So my message to people is: if you can't get simple facts right on defence, you can't be trusted with defence of the nation."
It seems likely we'll hear more about Australia's defence posture, procurement and spending in coming weeks.
