Australia news live: US marines plan permanent weapons stockpile in Victoria; Pauline Hanson to address National Press Club

The United States military is planning to establish a permanent, war-ready weapons stockpile for its Marine Corps in Victoria, Australia. Tender documents reveal the facility will be located beyond the range of most Chinese missiles, highlighting its strategic importance in countering Beijing's rapid military build-up in the Indo-Pacific.

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One Nation is at a transition point from being a minor anti-establishment party to potentially being on the cusp of a major political breakthrough.

This development marks the first such stockpile for the Marine Corps in Australia. The US aims to leverage the continent's strategic location to bolster its presence in the South Pacific. The stockpile is expected to reach full capacity by 2028, initially based in Melbourne before moving to US-built warehouses at an Australian military base in Bandiana, rural Victoria.

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There’s a lot riding on this speech. It’s going to be closely watched by media, but a lot of other Australians as well as the political parties.

A US Marine Corps spokesperson stated that these activities support integrated global sustainment by maintaining ready-for-issue equipment and supplies for operations and exercises across the Indo-Pacific. The spokesperson emphasized that the equipment is kept at "high readiness" and that contracting and operational details will be coordinated with Australia's Department of Defence.

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Hanson has to perform well to convince those on the fence, that her party and leadership is something to get behind.

Meanwhile, Pauline Hanson, leader of the One Nation party, is scheduled to address the National Press Club in Canberra. Political analysts suggest this speech is crucial for Hanson to outline her party's transition from an anti-establishment movement to a potentially major political force. Recent polls indicate One Nation is Australia's most popular political party, with Senator Hanson also emerging as a preferred prime minister, underscoring the significance of her address.

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Marine Corps activities in Australia support integrated global sustainment by maintaining ready-for-issue equipment and supplies for operations and exercises across the Indo-Pacific.