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Australian news outlet ABC reported concerns over a potential Russian request to base aircraft at an Indonesian air force base, sparking diplomatic activity. Canberra sought clarification from Jakarta, with the Australian Defence Minister receiving assurances from his Indonesian counterpart that such reports were untrue and no request had been received at the ministerial level. Despite this denial, earlier reports suggested a formal Russian request and a history of Russian military activity involving the base. Australian officials expressed alarm about the implications for regional security if Russia gained a military foothold so close to their territory. Indonesia's long-standing foreign policy and potential pressure from other nations were cited as factors that might lead them to reject any Russian request. The Australian opposition criticised the government for potentially lacking prior knowledge of the situation and firmly stated Russia was unwelcome in the region.

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Australian Shadow Finance Minister Jane Hume contends that government decisions under Albanese have led to a decline in the nation's strength regarding its security. She asserts that current defence spending is insufficient for the prevailing global environment. Hume states that the Coalition aims to rectify this perceived weakness and enhance Australia's defence capabilities, although specific policies have not yet been detailed. She suggests that a future Coalition government would prioritise restoring what they consider an inadequate defence posture.

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