Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, will today travel to the United States for a series of meetings and engagements on Defence and Climate Change.

Australia and the United States have built a strong defence partnership through close cooperation on areas of mutual interest.

Mr Combet has a series of engagements with defence officials from the Obama Administration to discuss areas of mutual concern.

A key focus of the Minister’s visit will be to meet and discuss with US Government officials and US industry cooperation on major defence programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter and the Future Submarine.

Mr Combet will also hold discussions with key US defence officials in regards to progressing the Australian – United States Defence Trade Cooperation Treaty.

Australia and the United States also have a common interest in combating climate change.

Mr Combet will also hold a roundtable and meetings with US officials and industry on Australia’s response to climate change.

The Minister will be in the United States from 28 September to the 6 October.

Media contact:  Rod Hilton 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:  02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664