Aust'n defence minister heads to the U.S. for counter-Islamic State meetings

Australia's Defence Minister Marise Payne on Tuesday left Canberra bound for Washington D.C., where she will meet with counterparts at a counter-Islamic State (IS) meeting later this week.

Payne said the meeting would focus on "accelerating efforts" to defeat IS in the Middle East -- a conflict in which Australia has already played a "significant role."

"I will represent Australia at the Counter-Daesh Defence Ministers' meeting in Washington on July 20," a statement released by the defence minister read.

"The discussion will focus on accelerating efforts to defeat (IS) in Iraq and Syria and to stop the expansion of Daesh's global networks.

"Australia is committed to playing a significant role in making the world a safer place, reflecting our values and our role as a responsible, active, global citizen."

Payne said the meeting would provide a platform for the world's defence ministers to come up with a plan for the "next phase" of the war on terror.

"This is an important opportunity to review the progress that has been made in the military campaign against Daesh and to plan for the next phase of the campaign," she said.

"Australia was one of the first to make a substantial military contribution to the U.S.-led coalition, and we remain one of the largest overall contributors to the military campaign."

In addition to the Defence Ministers Meeting, Payne said she would be arranging a number of talks with defence counterparts from a "range of coalition partner countries." Endit