Australia’s Snowy 2.0 was sold as a nation-building megaproject for a low-carbon future – and was meant to be feeding power into the grid by the end of 2024. Instead, the pumped hydro project, which was once estimated to cost $2 billion, is four years behind schedule and now forecast to hit $12 billion. In this documentary, Four Corners reveals the inside story of Snowy 2.0 and how it all went so horribly wrong. Reporter Angus Grigg challenges its founding champion, former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, who says as much as $2 billion of the cost blow out can be traced back to a massive tunnel boring machine called Florence. Florence is currently stuck.

The recent announcement by Women’s Minister Katy Gallagher regarding the government’s intention to leverage its purchasing power to compel businesses to advance women’s outcomes has sparked considerable concern. Senator Gallagher emphasized the government’s plan to utilize its annual $70 billion expenditure on goods and services to ensure a fairer distribution of resources towards women. This initiative entails mandating businesses with 500 or more employees to commit to specific targets aimed at enhancing gender equality within their workplaces in order to be eligible for government contracts.

Under this proposal, businesses would be required to address various aspects such as the gender composition of their boards and workforce, ensuring equal pay, implementing flexible working arrangements, fostering workplace consultation on gender equality, and actively preventing and addressing sexual harassment. The Workplace Gender Equality Agency would collaborate with businesses to establish these targets, effectively placing a new layer of regulatory oversight on private enterprises.

Moreover, this move follows the implementation of “positive duty” laws, which obligate companies to take proactive measures to prevent assault and harassment rather than merely reacting to incidents after they occur. Senator Gallagher stressed that businesses would not only need to set targets for gender equality but also demonstrate tangible progress towards achieving them.

Additionally, the government intends to introduce more stringent targets for female representation on government boards and advisory bodies as part of its broader national strategy dubbed “working for women.” While framed as a commitment to advancing the rights and opportunities for women and girls in Australia, concerns linger regarding the practical implications and potential unintended consequences of such sweeping mandates.

The strategy identifies five priority areas for attention, including ending gender-based violence, enhancing economic equality and security, improving health outcomes, and increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision-making roles. However, questions remain regarding the feasibility and effectiveness of these initiatives in addressing deeply entrenched societal inequalities.

Moreover, while the opposition party has proposed measures to address the gender disparity in superannuation through the expansion of the government-funded Paid Parental Leave scheme, the underlying systemic issues contributing to the super gap between men and women remain largely unaddressed.

In summary, while the government’s initiative to leverage its purchasing power to promote gender equality may be well-intentioned, there are legitimate concerns regarding its efficacy, potential burdens on businesses, and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic inequalities faced by women in Australia.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced a reorganization within the Coalition’s defence industry shadow portfolio, resulting in Luke Howarth, Member for Petrie, being relieved of his duties in that realm.

This restructuring paves the way for Andrew Hastie to assume expanded responsibilities, taking on the role of shadow minister for defence industry and defence personnel, in addition to his existing position as shadow minister for defence. Phillip Thompson OAM will support Hastie, with an augmented portfolio encompassing the roles of shadow assistant minister for defence industry and defence personnel, alongside his current position as assistant minister for defence.

Dutton clarified that these appointments were necessitated by perceived conflicts between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles and the Department of Defence. He expressed satisfaction in having Andrew and Phil at the helm of the crucial defence portfolios, aiming to hold the government accountable and enhance outcomes for the Australian Defence Force.

Former shadow defence industry minister Luke Howarth will transition to the role of shadow assistant treasurer and shadow minister for financial services within the Coalition’s shadow ministry.

Additionally, Senator James Paterson, serving as shadow home affairs and cyber security minister, will also undertake the responsibility of shadow cabinet secretary.

Dutton emphasized the significance of these appointments in addressing Australia’s priorities, portraying them as valuable additions to the Coalition’s unified team. He assured Australians that under his leadership, the Coalition would maintain focus on pertinent policy matters, delivering constructive plans and policies as the country approaches the forthcoming election.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged Ukraine’s allies in Prague to step up, emphasizing the need for bravery in confronting the escalating crisis in Europe. Despite facing criticism for suggesting the deployment of Western troops in Ukraine, Macron reiterated his stance during his visit to Prague, emphasizing the necessity for a strategic shift.

Highlighting the gravity of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Macron emphasized the imminent threat to European soil and the obligation to face it with historical courage. His earlier comments, made after a meeting of Western leaders, reflected his reputation as a diplomatic provocateur challenging conventional norms.

Regarding the shortage of ammunition in Ukraine, Macron expressed support for the Czech Republic’s initiative, backed by other nations, to rapidly procure ammunition from third countries for Ukraine’s defense. While France’s contribution remained unspecified, Macron indicated openness to utilizing European funds for the initiative, despite previous reservations about using EU funds for non-European defense purchases.

Acknowledging the financial challenges, Macron affirmed France’s readiness to support the Czech plan through bilateral cooperation or European funding mechanisms such as the European Peace Facility. The Netherlands had previously pledged 100 million euros to the Czech initiative.

China is increasing its defence spending by 7.2% this year, with the budget more than doubling under President Xi Jinping. Premier Li Qiang omitted “peaceful reunification” in the government’s report on Taiwan at the National People’s Congress. This reflects a more assertive stance on Taiwan. The defence budget increase, despite economic struggles, signals China’s priority on military growth, particularly concerning Taiwan. The defence budget’s consistent rise outpaces economic growth targets. China’s neighbours and the US express concerns over Beijing’s military intentions. China’s defence spending has remained around 1.3% of GDP, posing no immediate strain on its finances. The purchase of new equipment is prioritized to modernize the military by 2035. Tighter management in military procurement follows high-profile personnel purges. China’s emphasis on “reunification” with Taiwan without mentioning “peaceful” indicates a firmer stance. Taiwan urges China to recognize their equal status and enhance cross-strait exchanges. The language on Taiwan has moderately hardened, balancing toughness with stabilizing relations with Taiwan’s international allies. China vows to combat any moves toward Taiwan independence.

Just giving advanced notice that on Monday night (11/3) Julie and I are heading for Sydney … driving. The aim is to catch up with some friends prior boarding the Royal Princess ship on Friday (15/3) for a cruise of the south pacific including Fiji. We will be home again after Easter and back at my desk on Tuesday (2/4). I will not be posting to Frontline until my return, in total I will be away for 21 days. I will not be able to check emails during all that time.

Cheers

Ray

On May 21, 1968, nurse Jan McCarthy arrived in South Vietnam to take up a post at the 1st Australian Field Hospital at Vũng Tàu.

It was her 28th birthday, and McCarthy would spend the next 12 months in the region, working around the clock treating patients injured on the frontline of the Vietnam War.

McCarthy oversaw the theatre technicians and later worked in the ICU, dealing with a raft of traumatic injuries, including amputations and other wounds caused by gunshots, shrapnel and bomb blasts.

“If the battalions were out in the jungles, we were constantly on the go because you never quite knew what was going to happen,” she says.

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Bestselling US author Kristin Hannah honours Vietnam War nurses in new novel, The Women – ABC News