Ray Payne – Letter to the editor

Every day, it feels like we are losing more of the country we love. Australians are doing it tough, and the challenges we face as a nation seem to be mounting.

The cost of living crisis continues to hit families hard, with rising grocery prices, soaring rents, and an increasing number of Australians forced to live in tents or cars. Homeownership is becoming an unattainable dream for many, and energy prices have skyrocketed. Reliability issues linked to the rush toward renewable energy sources have only added to the pressure on households and businesses alike.

Public safety is also a growing concern. The recent surge in antisemitic attacks, violent protests disrupting our streets, and geopolitical tensions—including the presence of Chinese warships near our coastline—have left many Australians feeling more vulnerable than ever.

The question is: where is the leadership we need to tackle these pressing issues? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to provide the strong, decisive action required to navigate these challenges. Instead, his government appears more focused on ideological pursuits rather than delivering practical solutions to the problems affecting everyday Australians.

With an election looming, the prospect of a Labor-Greens minority government raises serious concerns. The Greens’ radical agenda could exert undue influence over policy decisions, pushing Australia further down a path of economic and social uncertainty.

This election is critical. Australians must carefully consider the direction we want for our country. Do we continue down a path of rising costs, unreliable energy, and weakened national security, or do we demand stronger leadership that prioritises stability, affordability, and safety?

The time to act is now. The voices of mainstream Australians must be heard before it’s too late.

The Krakow Post

The recent Oval Office meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ignited a firestorm of diplomatic anxiety across Europe. Hastily arranged and lacking a structured agenda, the meeting’s chaotic nature fuelled speculation that the U.S. was shifting its alliances, prompting alarmist reactions from European leaders and media alike. However, a closer look suggests that much of the commotion was unwarranted and that the U.S.-Europe relationship remains intact despite the blunder.

Missed Opportunities in a Hastily Arranged Meeting

Had the meeting been more professionally organized, both the U.S. and Ukraine could have secured tangible benefits. Trump suggested that an increased presence of American businesses and citizens in Ukraine might serve as an implicit security guarantee, deterring Russian aggression. Such an arrangement could have also allowed the U.S. to recover some of the $54-$60 billion already funnelled into Ukraine’s war effort—a stark contrast to the $350 billion Trump claimed had been granted under President Joe Biden.

Beyond financial considerations, Trump stood to gain politically by positioning himself as a peacemaker. His administration could have brokered a European conflict resolution without deploying American troops—something no president has managed since Bill Clinton’s intervention in the Balkans. Instead, the meeting devolved into a poorly choreographed media spectacle, with Vice President J.D. Vance and other officials overshadowing Zelensky, who appeared unprepared for the unscripted confrontation.

Europe’s Overreaction and Strategic Miscalculations

Rather than stepping back to assess the situation calmly, European leaders rushed to frame the U.S. as a potential adversary. French Prime Minister François Bayrou led a six-hour parliamentary debate filled with rhetoric but little substance, while two emergency EU summits convened with Britain as an ad hoc member. The Washington Post fuelled panic with claims that the U.S. had “switched sides” in global security under Trump.

The European reaction was characterized by unrealistic proposals, such as doubling defence budgets overnight, forming a pan-European army (potentially including Turkey), and replacing NATO’s capabilities in record time. However, the idea that Europe can swiftly replicate the military and economic support that the U.S. has provided for eight decades is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Moscow Watches and Waits

Meanwhile, Moscow revelled in the chaos. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov envisioned a return to Cold War-era bipolarity, where the U.S. and Russia dictate global affairs while sidelining Europe. He even implied Russian support for Trump in containing Tehran’s ambitions, further complicating diplomatic narratives.

Calm Heads Must Prevail

Despite the debacle, U.S.-European relations are far from shattered. Military aid to Ukraine has been suspended, not terminated, and the country has enough resources to sustain its defence through 2025. There remains ample time to mend diplomatic rifts and strike pragmatic agreements. Europe’s knee-jerk reaction mirrors the approach of Barack Obama—grandiose speeches followed by an escape into political fantasy.

History proves that diplomacy should be guided by prudence, not panic. The current rift is not irreversible; it is a reminder that in geopolitics, patience and preparation are the cornerstones of enduring alliances.

12 March 2025

Thirty-six organisations across Australia will share in more than $575,000 under Batch 2 of the 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, announced on 12 March 2025 by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Matt Keogh MP.

The funding includes 30 community projects and 6 major projects, all aimed at commemorating the service and sacrifice of veterans and families and promoting and preserving Australia’s wartime heritage.

From erecting flagpoles to establishing memorial gardens and installing creative murals, the projects all share a common goal: to share, understand and appreciate veterans’ experiences.

Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects across the nation, empowering communities to honour their veterans in innovative and lasting ways that resonate with local communities.

Three funding batches totalling $3.5 million are being offered during the 2024-25 year through Community Grants (up to $10,000) and Major Grants (between $10,001 and $150,000). Learn more about the projects funded under Batch 1 of the 2024-25 program.

Batch 3 applications closed on 5 February 2025, with the outcomes to be announced later this year.

Congratulations to all successful recipients.    

The Krakow Post

After an eight-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States. This temporary truce aims to halt the ongoing conflict with Russia and now places the responsibility on Moscow to make peace a reality.

The ceasefire agreement covers the entire front line, including land, air, and sea operations. It is set to take effect as soon as Russia agrees to the terms. In an effort to build trust, Ukraine has also proposed the release of prisoners and the return of children who were taken to Russia during the war.

This announcement comes amid a shift in US policy. Previously, Washington faced criticism for cutting off intelligence sharing with Ukraine. However, the Trump administration has reversed course, resuming both intelligence support and security aid to Kyiv. This renewed commitment signals a clear message of US support for Ukraine’s defence and sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that peace can only progress if Russia reciprocates. Additionally, discussions between the US and Ukraine have expanded to economic cooperation, including a potential rare minerals deal aimed at boosting Ukraine’s economy and strengthening its security.

Despite the optimism surrounding the ceasefire agreement, significant challenges remain. Russia’s response is uncertain, and key security guarantees for Ukraine continue to be a major concern. Zelenskyy has stressed the need for Western-backed security assurances to prevent future aggression. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, urging solid and sustained support for Ukraine.

As the world watches, the next move lies with Russia. Whether this ceasefire will pave the way for lasting peace remains to be seen.

The Australian Department of Defence has accepted the future HMAS Arafura, the first of six Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), for testing ahead of its Royal Australian Navy (RAN) service.

Built by Luerssen Australia at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia under Project SEA 1180, Arafura is the first of two OPVs constructed there. The remaining four are being built at Henderson, Western Australia.

Designed for maritime security and regional engagement in the Southwest Pacific and Southeast Asia, Arafura can also support hydrographic surveys. At 80 metres long and 1,640 tonnes, it accommodates 40 crew plus 60 additional personnel. Powered by two 4,250kW diesel engines, it achieves 20 knots and a 4,000-nautical-mile range.

Arafura’s modular design allows for future upgrades, including unmanned aerial systems and mine countermeasures. Its weapons suite includes a 25mm Northrop Grumman M242 Bushmaster naval gun on a Rafael Typhoon stabilised mount and two 12.7mm heavy machine guns, suited for border protection, anti-piracy, and counter-terrorism missions.

For surveillance and targeting, the OPV uses a Terma Scanter 6002 radar, Saab situational awareness system, and Safran Vigy Engage multi-sensor system. It also carries three rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for at-sea boardings.

Replacing the Armidale-class patrol boats, Huon-class minehunters, and hydrographic survey vessels, Arafura will modernise the RAN’s minor war vessel fleet, enhancing Australia’s maritime security capabilities.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has commenced Australian assembly of the first Multi Ammunition Soft Kill (MASS) shipsets destined for installation onto Royal Australian Navy vessels. 

Rheinmetall press release

The MASS system is an ‘off-board’ countermeasure system to defeat incoming missile and asymmetric threats with a tailored soft kill and screening effect for naval vessels. MASS, will initially be used to equip six platforms and could potentially be fitted to Navy’s future fleet.

The countermeasures initiated by the system generate a decoy target, which the incoming missile then interprets to be a higher-value asset, ultimately causing the threat to veer off course.  MASS sends these countermeasures autonomously, taking into account wind and the ship’s navigation data as well as information concerning the nature of the threat.

Nathan Poyner, Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, said that following extensive trials, MASS was selected on its unique capabilities.

“This is the Group’s single-biggest order ever for ship protection technology and could potentially grow to equip Australia’s entire fleet.  

“Rheinmetall Defence Australia assembles the systems in Australia, before installing and commissioning them on-board the Navy’s seagoing surface combatants.

“The Australian MASS contract has secured more than 30 new jobs at MILVEHCOE for the shipsets.  

“While the contract end date is 2027, Rheinmetall Defence Australia is responsible for the sustainment of these countermeasure units beyond that time,” Mr Poyner said.

“The MASS systems ordered by the Royal Australian Navy are assembled and tested at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s centre of excellence for military vehicles. 

“This will result in new possibilities for expanding the Group’s Australian supply chain. MASS offers potential partners in the Australian defence sector the chance to cooperate with Rheinmetall and the Royal Australian Navy in realising this important defensive capability. 

“Rheinmetall is committed to building Australian Industry Capability and creating advanced manufacturing Australian jobs in trades including Mechanical, Electrical, Ammunition and Software.

“Our partnership with the Royal Australian Navy is a key element of our long-term investment in Australia’s Defence capability, and we are proud to be part of the Australian Government’s work to develop a robust, sustainable, and globally competitive defence industry,” Nathan Poyner said.

The Australian government has committed $569 million to ensuring the future of the Royal Australian Air Force’s E-7A Wedgetail surveillance aircraft. This contract, awarded to Boeing Defence Australia, will enhance both the aircraft and ground systems, securing this critical capability for at least the next decade.

The investment provides job security for hundreds of skilled workers across the country, including in Brisbane, Adelaide, and the NSW Hunter Region, where it will support 170 jobs. These roles add to the existing workforce of approximately 360 Defence and industry personnel who maintain the Wedgetail fleet at RAAF Base Williamtown.

The E-7A Wedgetail is a key component of Australia’s integrated air and missile defence strategy, offering advanced situational awareness and airborne command and control. The fleet, consisting of six aircraft, is operated by No. 2 Squadron based at RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle.

For more than 18 years, Boeing Defence Australia has provided sustainment and upgrades to the Wedgetail fleet, keeping it at the forefront of global Airborne Early Warning and Control capabilities. This funding extension ensures the aircraft remain mission-ready and capable of adapting to an evolving security environment.

Beyond strengthening national defence, the investment reinforces Australia’s commitment to its defence industry workforce. With thousands of Australians employed in this sector, ongoing government support ensures both security and economic stability.

WASHINGTON — The Australian government has released a new strategy calling for $30 billion AUD ($19 billion USD) to develop its domestic industrial base to support future nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.

Building and sustaining conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is one of Australia’s most significant industrial undertakings. The strategy aims to rapidly enhance military and industrial capabilities within an ambitious timeframe set in March 2023.

The government has identified four key challenges: demand uncertainty, investment attraction, regulatory complexity, and workforce shortages. To address these, it plans to create 20,000 jobs over 30 years as part of a nationwide effort. Collaboration with trusted U.K. and U.S. partners will be essential throughout the program.

A pilot initiative led by American submarine builder HII will integrate Australian companies into the U.S. Virginia-class submarine supply chain. HII Australia has been awarded an initial $9.6 million contract for the two-year program, with potential extensions. The project is a joint effort with H&B Defence, a partnership between HII and U.K. firm Babcock.

HII President and CEO Chris Kastner emphasized the importance of building a resilient, globally integrated supply chain. “We welcome Australian partners to help develop this critical capability and ensure AUKUS’s long-term success,” he said.

Beyond developing the new SSN-AUKUS submarine, Australia is also set to acquire and operate three to five Virginia-class submarines as part of the agreement.