The Prime Minister will today announce an $804 million plan to strengthen Australia’s 42 per cent claim over Antarctica. 

The funds will go toward scientific and strategic resources on Antarctica to protect against foreign moves to undermine the Antarctic Treaty.

Both China and Russia reportedly have aggressive expansion plans for Antarctica.

“In 1959, it was Menzies that signed up as a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty system,” Environment Minister Sussan Ley told Neil Breen.

“There’s been times over history that we’ve stepped up.

“Thirty years ago, Australia said we’re not going to mine Antarctica and we came to the forebear as well with the treaty system.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview 

Image: Nine News