Richard Marles

Richard Marles is the Australian Defence Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. He has been involved in several high-profile defence deals, including a $7 billion warships deal with Japan and a boost to defence spending by $53 billion over the next decade. Recently, he has faced criticism from Donald Trump regarding Australia's support for the US in the Strait of Hormuz and has dodged questions about the specifics of their relationship. Marles has also announced plans to increase defence capability quickly and has expressed hope that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen after a US naval blockade of Iranian ports began. Additionally, he has been involved in efforts to shed light on Australian arms export permits to Israel and has announced plans to boost spending on military drones. Recently, Australia has made history by appointing its first female head of the Defence Force, General Susan Coyle.