Federal election 2025: Labor and Coalition national security policies

Australia’s position in the world is growing darker and now Labor and the Coalition will battle for votes on who can be trusted on national security. Here are the key policies.

Australia is navigating a world of sharply rising geopolitical uncertainty.

In February, China sent naval boats to circle the Australian coastline, while conducting live fire exercises.

In April, a suspected Chinese “spy ship”, the research vessel Tan Suo Yi Hai, appeared to be circumnavigating Australia, travelling close to the nation’s subsea cables.

The wars in Israel and Gaza and Ukraine continue.

US President Donald Trump wants Australia to increase defence spending and some national security experts warn the Australian-American alliance could be fracturing.

Global terrorism remains an ever-present threat.

There is currently bipartisan support for the AUKUS deal, which involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered submarines from the US and the UK.

But there are clear differences between Labor and the Coalition on a range of vital national security matters and how to handle them.

Here’s how Labor and the Coalition are tackling the foundational issue of keeping Australia safe, free and sovereign.

Labor

Port of Darwin: Labor is “talking with superannuation funds” about getting the Port of Darwin back into Australian hands. Anthony Albanese is yet to give full details, but said “taxpayer involvement” could be needed to end Chinese-owned Landbridge Holdings 99-year lease granted by the then NT government in 2015.

Consider a peacekeeping role for Australian soldiers in Ukraine: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed openness to Australia’s involvement in a peacekeeping coalition to support Ukraine’s security.

Ban on DeepSeek AI Platform: In February 2025, the government prohibited the use of DeepSeek – a Chinese artificial intelligence model – across all government systems and devices. This decision aligns with actions taken by other nations and is based on assessments from security and intelligence agencies regarding potential risks associated with the platform.

Investment in Defence Technologies: The government has allocated funds to expedite the development of technologies aimed at countering integrated air and missile defence systems of potential adversaries.

Development of a National Food Security Strategy: Recognising the importance of safeguarding food supply chains, the government announced a $3.5m investment to create the “Feeding Australia” plan. This strategy aims to enhance the security and resilience of Australia’s agriculture and food production systems, ensuring stability in the face of potential disruptions.

Investment in Advanced Defence Technologies: The government is accelerating the development of technologies to counter integrated air and missile defence systems of potential adversaries. Through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, two Australian companies have been contracted to develop these capabilities, aligning with the ADF’s strategic priorities.

Support for AUKUS Submarine Supply Chains: An additional $262m has been allocated to bolster local defence industries and develop Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine supply chain under the AUKUS partnership. This investment underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence industrial base and contributing to collective security efforts with allies.

Development of Electronic Warfare Capabilities: The government is funding Canberra-based companies to advance electronic warfare technologies. This initiative is part of the AUKUS Innovation Challenge and aims to produce critical capabilities for the defence forces of Australia, the UK, and the US, in a bid to deepen collaborative defence innovation.

Coalition

Port of Darwin: The Coalition would begin a six-month process after the election to find a new approved leaseholder, with the lease of the Port of Darwin to be acquired by the Commonwealth if that failed.

Oppose a peacekeeping role for Australian soldiers in Ukraine: Peter Dutton opposes deploying Australian troops to Ukraine in a peacekeeping capacity.

Deportation of dual citizens who commit serious crimes: Mr Dutton has suggested a referendum to alter the Constitution to allow the government to deport dual citizens who commit serious crimes.

Crack down on visa laws to prevent anti-Semitism: Mr Dutton says he will deport people found spreading anti-Semitic hate.

Increase defence spending: Following a call from top US Defence Department bureaucrat Elbridge Colby for Australia to increase its defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP, the Coalition has said it would increase the government’s share of funding if elected.

Call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: Mr Dutton says he will call Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu within the “first days” of a new Coalition government to restore the relationship between Australia and Israel.

Home Affairs Reform: The Coalition will transfer responsibility for ASIO, the Australian Federal Police, AUSTRAC and the Criminal Intelligence Agency back under the Home Affairs portfolio after they were given over to the Attorney-General under Labor.

28 F-35 Jets: The Coalition has pledged $3bn to buy 28 F-35 joint strike fighter jets, increasing Australia’s fleet to 100. Labor scrapped the plans after it reviewed and re-prioritised defence spending.

Originally published as Federal election 2025: Labor and Coalition national security policies