Sourced positions
A verified position is the member's own stated view or vote, supported by the listed sources. This page records public statements and conduct only — see methodology.
Immigration verified
Marles supports turning back asylum-seeker boats and a Pacific Solution-style offshore resettlement of refugees, and as Shadow Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (2013-2016) backed maintaining offshore processing to deter people smuggling. He also supported the Australian War Memorial commemorating Operation Sovereign Borders navy personnel.
Economic nationalism verified
Outlining ALP defence policy as Shadow Defence Minister, Marles said "The ability to sustain and maintain the equipment the ADF uses is fundamental to our national security and it is essential that we always retain the industrial capability to meet this objective," that "At its best, Australian industry is as capable as any in the world," and advocated that "an Australian shipbuilder be mandated for all future shipbuilding programs."
Foreign policy & aid verified
As Defence Minister, Marles is a strong supporter of AUKUS, saying it "is going to really drive the biggest uplift in the Australian defense industry that we've seen" and that the partnership requires contributing to the US submarine industrial base. On China he describes recent incidents as "unsafe and unprofessional" but seeks stabilisation, saying the nations should "cooperate where we can, disagree where we must" and advocates resuming defence dialogue to reduce miscalculation.
Record last updated 2026-08-13.