On Wednesday 3 August 2022, the Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, announced an independently-led review that will consider Defence’s force posture and force structure.

The Defence Strategic Review will help Defence to better understand where it should prioritise investment. This will ensure the Australian Defence Force is well positioned to meet the nation’s security challenges through to 2033 and beyond.

Two Independent Leads, former Minister for Defence, Professor the Hon Stephen Smith and former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret’d), have been appointed to lead the Review.

Submissions to the Defence Strategic Review are welcome until Wednesday 30 November 2022. The deadline for submissions was extended from 30 October to 30 November, due to stakeholder requests.

Professor Smith and Sir Angus will deliver the Review and its recommendations to Government in early 2023.