Australia has downplayed the impact of the snap resignation of Britain's defence secretary on plans to acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.
Accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence, John Healey quit from the UK ministry in protest overnight, resulting in the last-minute cancellation of a press conference planned with Defence Minister Richard Marles at a naval base in Portsmouth.
The key media event was going to outline both nations' aspirations for the AUKUS partnership.
Cabinet Minister Tim Ayres said Mr Healey's departure will have "no effect" on the crucial security pact.
"This is a partnership that has deep support across all three countries, political systems within the public service, and the defence agencies in all three countries," he told ABC radio on Friday.
