04 Nov 2025

Indeed, welcome to Disneyland, everybody. It is great to be here in Sydney and if I could just echo some of Rebecca's comments. Sydney has actually been home to a permanent naval presence since 1821. 204 years. In 1901, the States of Australia decided to form the Commonwealth of Australia and the Commonwealth Naval Force, the Commonwealth Military Force established in March 1901. But Sydney was home to shipbuilding before that. The first warship built in Australia was the Spitfire, built here in Darling Harbour for the Queensland Government. The title Royal Australian Navy was conferred on a naval force in 1911, and the First Fleet unit entered Sydney Harbour in October 1913, led by the battle cruise HMAS Australia I. It was at that point that the Royal Australian Navy took responsibility for defence of the Commonwealth of Australia. And we have been headquartered here ever since. And yes, Angus Topshee, this is the most beautiful and best harbour in the world.

So, welcome one and all. This is going to be an extraordinary opportunity to explore the convergence of diplomacy, deterrence and defence. The three pillars through which the Royal Australian Navy executes the Government strategy - of denial. You've heard the DPM talk about significant investment in the Royal Australian Navy, both recently and in the years to come. It is indeed an exciting time to be a mariner in Australia. It is indeed an important time and a very rewarding time. I'd just like to acknowledge the leadership of the Royal Australian Navy that is in the room now, scattered around throughout the room, and you will see a lot of them over the coming days. They have been working extremely hard to ensure that every second, every cent and every person is optimally employed to maximise the lethality, availability and capability of the Royal Australian Navy at speed.

You heard the Deputy Prime Minister talk about the challenging strategic environment within which we sail. And in that context, I would also like to acknowledge my peers, indeed my friends from around the world, for being here. The Royal Australian Navy is a small navy, but when we sail in your company, we are indeed the largest maritime capability in the region. So, thank you for your friendship, thank you for your partnership. I encourage all of you to visit the Navy Life Expo whilst we are here. The Navy Life Expo is an opportunity to showcase our Navy to our nation, particularly to the youth of our nation. We have more than 800 young Australians registered to come and have a look at the Navy Life Expo. They'll also be exposed to the industry floor throughout the week. Through the plenary of - I should say, the multitude of panels and guest speakers that we have at the Sea Power conference, we will explore that connection between diplomacy and deterrence.

It is my view that Australia is at its strongest when it stands and sails alongside our friends. And that every one of our warships is actually a floating embassy. High commissions of high seas that enjoy sovereign immunity in the ports of the world and that stand for the rules based order. Our sailors are saltwater diplomats. And when we enter the ports of the world, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our ambassadors and high commissioners and execute the national interest. And I know that our national interest converges with our international guests in the room. So, please engage in all of the opportunities that Indo-Pac and the Seapower Conference represent.

And finally, to our industry colleagues in the room, we would not be here if it were not for you. The Australian Defence Force stands on the shoulders of the Australian defence industry. We are at our best when we leverage everything you have to offer. And it is so fantastic to see so many exhibitors here representing every single state of the Commonwealth and so many international communities. So, thank you, welcome, one and all. And I encourage you, if you do have any spare time, get out there on the most beautiful and best harbour in the world. Thank you.