Reported at www.abc.net.au: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that Australia will determine its own military spending levels in response to concerns raised by Elbridge Colby, Trump’s nominee for under secretary of US Defense policy, regarding Australia’s defence expenditures.

Albanese detailed plans for defence spending to increase to 2.3% of GDP by 2033-34 as the country receives new submarines while asserting that the security relationship with the United States remains secure.

Defence Minister Richard Marles reiterated the government’s commitment to defence, citing an additional $50 billion allocated since coming to power.