Deputy Prime Minister to attend Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference 2026 in Perth

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25 May 2026

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Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles will attend the upcoming Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference & Exhibition held in Perth this week.

The Deputy Prime Minister joins an international line-up of senior defence leaders, including incoming Chief of the Defence Force Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, United States Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Stephen Koehler and Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, attending the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre event from 26 to 28 May.

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More than 250 companies from 12 nations will participate alongside more than 100 international and domestic delegations who are expected to attend the event.

“Across three days, the program will address the critical issues shaping defence; from AUKUS and Indo-Pacific security to sovereign capability and secure supply chains,” according to a statement from event organisers.

“For Western Australia, the event highlights the state’s growing role in defence industry development and creates opportunities for local businesses to engage directly with international primes and senior decision makers.

“Building the future defence workforce is central to IODS 2026, with dedicated programs connecting students, educators and veterans with industry pathways.

“With its largest program to date, featuring 78 conference and presentation sessions, IODS 2026 reflects both the scale of opportunity and the urgency of the conversations shaping Australia’s defence landscape.

“As global attention turns to Perth next week, the event is set to reinforce Western Australia’s position at the forefront of Australia’s defence strategy and its growing influence across the Indo-Pacific.”

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Programs supporting veteran transition and educator engagement will be held on Wednesday, 27 May, while more than 1,100 students are expected to participate in Careers Day on Thursday, 28 May.

The Indian Ocean Defence & Security Conference & Exhibition will be held from Tuesday, 26 May to Thursday, 28 May at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event is presented by Defence West and the Western Australian government, with the Perth USAsia Centre serving as conference program partner.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at

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