Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Again, I thank Senator Molan for the question. Happily, yes, I can. Whilst in Japan, I was delighted to receive the invitation for Australia to participate in Exercise Malabar. This is a significant opportunity for Australia to enhance its maritime capabilities and further enhance interoperability with other major democracies.

On 3 November, HMAS Ballarat joined the United States Navy, the Indian Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels. Australia's participation in Exercise Malabar is a clear demonstration of the Morrison government's commitment to the 2020 Defence Strategic Update. Exercise Malabar itself builds on the strong momentum of our new comprehensive strategic partnership with India, and advances our collective interests in a free, open and prosperous Indo-Pacific.