The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans' Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel
As we approach Remembrance Day, this week I will travel overseas to meet with some of our deployed troops to thank them for what they do.
In Malaysia, I will visit Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Base Butterworth to mark the 56th anniversary of the first rotation of Rifle Company Butterworth.
Around 9,000 Australian Army soldiers were deployed to Butterworth between 1970 and 1989 to defend Royal Australian Air Force personnel and assets located there.
Australia's enduring presence at RMAF Butterworth is a demonstration of our commitment to our shared security and the security of our region (including under the Five Powers Defence Arrangements). We are grateful to Malaysia for hosting Australian personnel as part of this longstanding cooperation.
I will then travel to the United Kingdom to represent Australia at Remembrance Day commemorations in London.
We share an enduring partnership with the United Kingdom founded on our shared history, values and deep people-to-people links.
Throughout the week I will also meet with ministerial counterparts and representatives of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and travel to Scotland to visit the home of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet – His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde.
I will then travel to Poland to visit Australian Defence Force personnel deployed under Operation Kudu as part of the Norwegian led mission to train Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel.
I am proud of our ADF personnel, who continue to provide high-quality training as part of Australia’s ongoing support against Russia’s invasion.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Stephanie Mathews (Minister Keogh’s Office) - 0407 034 485
keogh.media@defence.gov.au
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608