eWise Blog

Earlier this month, the Australian government made its first payment of $500 million toward acquiring U.S. nuclear-powered submarines under the 2021 AUKUS agreement. Given the immense budgetary, organisational, and personnel hurdles involved, that payment should be Australia’s last. Instead, Canberra should adopt an AUKUS Plan B that prioritises emerging defence technologies, such as uncrewed systems and hypersonic weapons, to enhance security faster and at a lower cost.

Funding the nuclear submarine program poses a significant challenge. Australia’s defence budget is currently $35 billion USD and is projected to reach $63 billion by the end of the decade. With each Virginia-class submarine costing over $3 billion, their acquisition would consume a substantial portion of the budget, potentially at the expense of other vital defence priorities. A former senior officer has already warned that the program could “cannibalise” investments in surface warships and ground forces.

Beyond cost, Australia lacks the infrastructure and workforce to sustain a nuclear submarine program. The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program employs over 8,000 personnel, whereas the Australian Submarine Agency has only 680. Establishing a sovereign nuclear capability would require thousands of additional highly skilled workers. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) also faces recruitment and retention issues, making it difficult to crew a nuclear submarine fleet with the necessary 1,000-plus personnel.

Despite these obstacles, the AUKUS agreement can still succeed with a revised approach. Plan B would cancel Australia’s nuclear submarine purchases while strengthening deterrence through increased cooperation with U.S. and U.K. submarines operating from Australian ports. This initiative is already underway, with allied submarines regularly visiting HMAS Stirling near Perth and the establishment of a Submarine Rotational Force-West.

Instead of spending over $13 billion on Virginia-class submarines, Australia could extend the lifespan of its Collins-class fleet while accelerating investments in next-generation defence technologies under AUKUS Pillar Two. AI-driven uncrewed systems, autonomous undersea vehicles, and hypersonic weapons could offer effective alternatives to nuclear submarines at a fraction of the cost. These advancements would not only strengthen Australia’s defence but also support a growing domestic defence industry with export potential.

While nuclear submarines may remain an option in the long term, Australia must prioritise cost-effective and immediate solutions. Pursuing Plan B would ensure Australia maintains a strong deterrent, enhances alliance interoperability, and maximises its defence budget. This pragmatic shift should be central to future discussions with the U.S. and U.K.

More proof why Solar & wind are CON JOB.

Dr. Patrick Moore co-founded Greenpeace in the early 1970s. He was only 24 years old at the time. He was the driving force behind many of the environmental activist group’s influential campaigns, such as to stop nuclear testing, protect endangered whales, and prevent toxic dumping. Moore left Greenpeace in 1986 after the group became more interested in “politics” than science.

A new Veterans’ and Families’ Hub will be established within the Playford Health and Wellbeing Precinct in Elizabeth Vale, enhancing access to support services for more than 11,000 South Australian veterans and families.

This Hub’s location will enable seamless integration with existing health services and facilitate comprehensive support for veterans, closer to home.

The new Northern Adelaide Hub will also be conveniently near the Edinburgh Defence Precinct, a ‘super base’ with more than 3,500 Royal Australian Air Force and Australian Army personnel.

Hubs provide a welcoming space where veterans and families can receive integrated, holistic, wrap-around support – this can include mental and physical health services, wellbeing support, advocacy, employment and housing advice, and social connection.

All current and former serving ADF members, including reservists, and families can access support at any Veterans’ and Families’ Hub.

In January 2024, the Australian Government awarded a $5 million grant for Lives Well Lived to lead the development of a new Hub in Northern Adelaide.

Lives Well Lived is working closely with the veteran community, ex-service organisations and veteran service providers to design a Hub and service model that meets the needs of the local community.

Eight Hubs are already operating across the country in Adelaide, Burnie, Caboolture, Darwin, Nowra, Perth, Townsville and Wodonga.

The Northern Adelaide Hub is part of the Australian Government’s $46.7 million commitment to establish eight new Veterans’ and Families’ Hubs across the country, to ensure even more veterans and families can access supports closer to home.

Hubs are also being established in Tasmania, Queanbeyan and the Hawkesbury, Hunter and Tweed/North Coast regions (NSW), Ipswich (QLD), Surf Coast/Geelong (VIC), and Southwest Perth (WA).

All new Hubs are expected to be operational by mid-2026, with services to veterans and families likely to start before then.

Learn more at the Veterans’ and Families’ Hub page.

On 7 February, alongside RSL New South Wales Deputy President David McCann, I presented to the Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee regarding the Defence Honours and Awards System. Our submission seeks to enhance the Defence Honours and Awards System to better recognise the service of our Defence personnel who have served and continue to serve our nation with distinction. Among a range of recommendations, the RSL proposed that no medal or citation be pre-emptively stripped from a veteran until all allegations of misconduct are lawfully investigated, substantiated, and the matter concludes.

We also supported the independence of the Defence Honours and Appeals tribunal, proposed wider communication of eligibility criteria for honours and awards through the veteran network, the recognition of physical and mental injury as a result of service, effective consultation when recommendations for awards and commendation are downgraded or overturned, and the automatic awarding of milestone awards to Defence personnel.

ED: Copied from the RSL President’s Newsletter

ED: This from my inbox – Thanks to Luke Washman

I understand why some argue for the United States to withdraw from NATO, but I believe it would be a serious mistake. The lack of strong defence capabilities in the European Union is no accident. After World War II, the United States emerged as the dominant global power, and it was in its best interest to maintain that influence. With Europe devastated and focused on reconstruction, the US stepped in to fill the security gap. Over time, this has led to the EU becoming overly dependent on American military power, a situation that may not actually be to Europe’s long-term benefit.

One of the greatest challenges to US dominance in the region is the potential for the EU to become both militarily and economically independent. Whether this outcome was intentional from the beginning is uncertain, but it has certainly evolved into a strategic advantage for the United States. The US has a vested interest in keeping the EU reliant on its military protection and weapons sales, ensuring continued influence.

A good example of this dynamic is South Korea. From 1979 until 2020-2021, the US imposed strict limits on South Korea’s missile capabilities, capping their payload and range. The range restrictions were gradually relaxed, increasing from 300 kilometres in 2001 to 800 kilometres in later years. While one justification for these limits was preventing regional tensions from escalating, another factor was the United States’ control over military capabilities in the region. If the US didn’t want South Korea to have certain weapons, why sell them in the first place? This mirrors the situation in Europe, where the US ensures that its allies remain dependent on American military support.

If the US were to withdraw from NATO and allow the EU to become more militarily and economically independent, American influence in the region would almost certainly decline over the next decade or two. The longstanding security “subsidy” that the US has provided to Europe may not be an act of generosity, but rather a strategic move to maintain its global dominance. Walking away from NATO could mean sacrificing that leverage, which would have profound consequences for America’s role in the world.

(By Ken Lockyer, an Australian serving in the USAAF 322 Carrier Wing in 1945 in PNG).

It’s not often that the troops want to thank the airmen who are dropping bombs on them, but this certainly happened in New Guinea during World War II. It helped that the ‘bombs’ were parcels of newspapers and ice cream destined to cheer up the men fighting in the steaming jungles below. But what a morale booster it was to have this aerial bombardment arrive just when you were cursing the elements and the war in general.

Captain Ken Lockyer, Wireless Operator Gunner (WAG) Jimmy Packer, and Flying Officer Ted Staal were regulars on the ‘courier run’ from Australia to New Guinea and the Pacific islands, officially carrying General MacArthur’s commands to the Allied forces. They flew come rain, come shine, and never missed a flight regardless of the conditions or weather, according to Mrs Anne Lockyer.

In spite of opposition from the Americans, it was their idea to deliver to the men in the field ice cream, cake, and newspapers, she added. “My husband went to Mr Christopherson, of Peter’s Ice Cream in Brisbane, who was happy to give him as much ice cream as the aircraft could carry to deliver to ‘the boys’ on a regular basis,” Mrs Lockyer said.

Their efforts were well and truly welcomed by the troops, several of whom wrote to the RAAF trio to thank them for the drops. Sapper Ken Izzard was typical of the writers.

“Dear Ken, Fred & Jim,

Just a few lines to let you know that the bombing you had done on the morning of 28-2-45 using ice cream as bombs was very accurate indeed,” he wrote.

“Two of the boys and myself were doing a bit of a hike in the mud and heat, cursing the world in general and the bloody Nips in particular for making us come up to this steaming hell. After the cursing, we tried to cool things down by telling one another how a nice long draught of frosty beer or something cold would go.

I think you must have heard us, for about five minutes after, we heard the familiar roar of engines and made a concerted dash for a clearing, hoping to be on the receiving end of a good old Aussie paper. Just as we made the clearing, we looked up in time to see a parcel leave the door, and it landed about 15 feet [4.5 metres] in front of us. Needless to say, it was a matter of seconds before the paper was torn off, and there, looking us dead in the eye, were six great blocks of ice cream.

For a minute, we just stood and gaped, but I must admit it was a short minute. We then promptly called smoko, and with the aid of some Infantry boys, soon made a mess of the ice cream—and believe me, it was very nice and in good shape on landing.

I’d like you to thank Mr Christopherson for his kindness in passing bricks along for you to drop onto the boys. Believe me when I say that the boys appreciate greatly the job you do between you, and again when I say that your plane is the most popular on the island and is waited on by all the boys in hopes that they may get a paper.

You say that you’re sorry that you can’t get enough papers to go round. Well, I can honestly say that the boys understand that your supply is limited and appreciate your kind deeds to the full extent. You tell us to give the Japs hell. Well, the boys are doing just that, and with no beg pardons. The Japs are doing a bit of running but get caught up with fairly often. The RAAF have been having some good shooting, and they work in well with the boys and give them great support.

We may go crook at them later if we have to fill in any of the craters they made. Maybe I’ll run into you when you have a new strip. I certainly would like to meet up with the three of you and thank you personally for the grand job you are doing for and with the boys.

Well, I guess I’ve bored your ears quite enough, so I’ll finish this dribble, sending my regards and good flying to you all, and thanks once again.

Yours faithfully,
Ken Izzard.”

Ken Lockyer and Jimmy Packer died within days of each other in February 2000. Ted Staal was chairman of Emerald Shire Council for many years until he retired.

Ted Staal recalled his days flying in New Guinea with some nostalgia. “My flying time with these two quite outstanding men is still very vivid in my memory,” he said. “I clocked up nearly 1,000 hours in my time flying together with them. The conditions were sometimes appalling, both in climate and a geographical sense, cyclones being reasonably common, both to fly into—and hopefully out!”

In a recent letter to Mrs Lockyer, Ted Staal wrote: “Ken was our captain and a top man indeed. In essence, actually, rank was of no consequence. We were just a team of brothers.”

ED: This story was copied from the Tweed Heads-Coolangatta RSL Sub Branch Newsletter

Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, AO, RAN, proudly invites all Australians to take part in Navy Week 2025, running from 3 to 9 March. This annual celebration provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with the men and women of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and gain insight into the Navy’s vital role in safeguarding Australia’s security and economic prosperity.

Vice Admiral Hammond said: “It’s an honour to open Navy Week and see our people who serve, their families, and the broader Australian community come together to celebrate and recognise the crucial role Navy plays in protecting our nation’s economic prosperity and the Australian way of life. Navy Week 2025 recognises the significant investment in the size and lethality of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet. Last year, Navy achieved three successful test firings of new missile capabilities in one year—the Naval Strike Missile, the Standard Missile-6, and the Tomahawk cruise missile.

“Our people are our greatest asset. Dedicated, trained, extraordinary Australians committed to Navy’s role are our competitive edge. Without our people and the support of their families, none of our work would be possible.”

Celebrating the Future of the Navy

This year’s Navy Week theme, Future of the Navy, highlights the investment in a larger and more powerful surface combatant fleet, complemented by a future fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. As the Navy continues to evolve, these advancements ensure Australia’s maritime forces remain ready to meet future challenges.

Navy Week will feature a variety of events, including ceremonial sunsets, base open days, and community engagement activities across major cities and regional areas. These events offer Australians a chance to connect with Navy personnel, witness naval traditions, and better understand how the RAN operates on, under, and above the sea.

Get Involved

Navy Week is an opportunity to celebrate the dedication of Navy personnel and their families while showcasing the cutting-edge capabilities that will shape the future of the RAN. The Royal Australian Navy invites all Australians to take part in the festivities and experience Navy Week 2025 firsthand.

For a full list of Navy Week events and activities, visit navy.gov.au.