Australia's Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek has announced a significant increase in the country's defense budget, pledging an additional $10 billion over the next four years and approximately $60 billion over the next decade.

Plibersek emphasized that these defense spending decisions are driven by the necessity to protect the nation rather than arbitrary financial figures.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce warned that the AUKUS security pact is at risk, underscoring the urgent need for higher defense spending.

Joyce also pointed out that the ongoing U.S. review of the AUKUS agreement should have raised significant concerns within Australia.

However, neither Plibersek nor Joyce addressed the potential ramifications if former President Trump were to withdraw the U.S. from the AUKUS agreement.

The discussions surrounding Australia's defense strategy are further intensified as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to meet with President Trump this week.

In light of U.S. calls for a substantial budget boost, Plibersek has defended Australia's planned increase in defense spending.