‘Not giving anyone any confidence’: Albanese government scrambles to clarify ADF policy

Deputy Opposition Leader Sussan Ley has criticised the Albanese government’s “bungled” announcement to allow some foreign nationals to apply for the Australian Defence Force. It comes as Defence Minister Richard Marles was forced to step in and clarify comments by Defence Personnel Matt Keogh on Tuesday over the government’s new defence recruitment plan. Mr Marles clarified that foreign recruitment for the ADF will only apply to Five Eyes partners. “To bungle an announcement like this is not giving anyone any confidence at this point in time,” Ms Ley said.