As Australians come together this ANZAC Week to honour all who have served—including First Nations servicemen and women whose contributions are too often overlooked—Independent candidate for Gilmore Kate Dezarnaulds is calling for a national conversation about the future of Australia’s Foreign Affairs and defence strategy.
“This week is about remembrance, but it’s also about responsibility,” Kate said. “If we are serious about honouring those who wore the uniform, we must also be serious about the decisions we make now that shape the conditions for those who serve in the future.”
Gilmore’s Defence Legacy Deserves Investment That Stays Local
Kate is urging a more strategic approach to defence spending, warning that setting a GDP target—like the Opposition’s proposed 3%—without a clear plan risks sending billions offshore.
“Spending targets aren’t strategy,” Kate said. “We need to define the capabilities we actually need and invest in building them here in Australia—through sovereign, transparent procurement. Without that, all we’re really doing is writing a bigger cheque to America, instead of creating opportunities for Australian industry and jobs.”
She also questioned the cost: “If we’re finding extra billions for defence, they have to come from somewhere—which part of the budget is being cut to make it happen?”
Kate pointed to the $368 billion AUKUS submarine deal as a case in point: “We’ve made a long-term financial commitment to submarines we may never see—unless the US doesn’t need them. That’s not a sovereign plan—it’s a gamble made without a backup.”
Kate said Australia’s increasing reliance on US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreements bypasses local businesses and undermines sovereign capability.
“We have some incredible Gilmore-based companies like Alkath Group and Global Defence Solutions. I want to see more opportunities for businesses like them, but too often investment in local defence industry capabilities is sidelined in favour of foreign expenditure commitments designed to support foreign needs.”
With HMAS Albatross, Creswell and a strong local defence industry, Kate says Gilmore should be seeing more of the benefit.
“Our region plays a vital role in national defence, but too much investment still flows past local workers and businesses. We need smarter procurement policies that grow jobs and capability here—not just hand profits to foreign multinationals.”
Kate’s Commitments to Gilmore and National Security
- Support a parliamentary inquiry into AUKUS and development of a sovereign Plan B for submarine capability.
- Champion local industry diversification so that defence jobs and innovation benefit Gilmore businesses and workers, not just foreign contractors.
- Accelerate veteran support reform, including timely mental health services in regional communities.
- Expand the definition of national defence to include cyber security, disaster resilience, and a greater focus on Indo-Pacific and SE Asian diplomacy.
- Promote smart, sovereign investment that strengthens Australian capability while ensuring our security decisions serve our national interest and local economy.
“As your independent voice, I’ll fight for a defence policy that is transparent, future-focused, and centred on Australia’s national interest—because that’s the legacy we owe those who served,” Kate said.
Kate will attend the Dawn Service at HMAS Creswell and the ANZAC Day Parade in Nowra, joining the Gilmore community to reflect on sacrifice, service, and the region’s long-standing defence contribution.
-- ENDS --
Note for media:
- Pronunciation: Kate’s surname, Dezarnaulds, is pronounced ‘Dez-ar-know’.
Media Assets
-
Photos of Kate and the campaign available here. More available on request.
-
Campaign video: https://youtu.be/3pt46SbCB4I
MEDIA CONTACT:
About Kate Dezarnaulds and Her Campaign for Gilmore
Kate Dezarnaulds is an independent candidate for Gilmore, committed to delivering practical, community-driven solutions for the South Coast. A local business leader and advocate for regional investment, Kate is focused on fixing real issues, including improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring government funding reaches the people who need it. Kate’s campaign is built on listening to the community, advocating for transparency, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. She believes that Gilmore deserves a strong, independent voice in Canberra—one that puts people before politics.
For more information, visit kate4gilmore.com.au or follow Kate on @kate4gilmore
Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, Independent for South Coast Pty Ltd, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535