DCD Comment

The newly enacted Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) will significantly increase the cost of SUVs, utes, and four-wheel drives, imposing an undue financial burden on Australian families. This legislation, which aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from new vehicles, is effectively a punitive tax on popular family cars.

Despite claims that the NVES will promote low and zero-emissions vehicles, the law will penalize automotive dealers selling higher-emission vehicles while rewarding those who sell cleaner alternatives. The Federal government has allocated $85.5 million (US$56.4 million) to establish a regulatory body to monitor vehicle emissions data as part of the 2024-2025 budget.

Nationals Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie, criticized the legislation, highlighting that it passed the Senate without any meaningful debate. According to Senator McKenzie, the refusal of the Labor party to allow second reading speeches and their blocking of attempts to refer the legislation to a Senate inquiry reflects a lack of transparency and democratic process.

Senator McKenzie voiced concerns that the NVES would add thousands of dollars to the cost of many popular SUVs, utes, and four-wheel drives. At a time when families are already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, this legislation will exacerbate their financial strain. She argued that this policy would also discourage families from upgrading to newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles, thereby hindering efforts to reduce transport emissions.

Furthermore, the Coalition cannot support a policy that unfairly targets the vehicles Australians prefer to drive. A more effective approach would be a technology-neutral strategy that promotes innovation and flexibility in achieving net zero emissions, rather than imposing restrictive and costly measures on consumers.

After a tragic crash in Japan last year that killed eight airmen, the Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy V-22 Ospreys resumed flights in early March. Despite the green light, significant restrictions remain in place, limiting the aircraft to flying within 30 minutes of a suitable airfield. This restriction, mandated by the V-22 Joint Program Office, has forced services like the Navy to rely on older aircraft for some missions.

Naval Air Forces spokesperson Cmdr. Beth Teach confirmed the restriction, which has led the Navy to continue using the aging C-2A Greyhound fleet. The Marine Corps is working to return its 17 MV-22 squadrons to full capability through a phased approach focused on regaining basic flight proficiency and training.

The Joint Program Office is investigating the mechanical failure that caused the deadly crash and is working on long-term solutions, including addressing a recurring clutch issue known as “hard clutch engagement.” This problem has contributed to several incidents over the years. The office is testing a new prototype component to fix this issue.

Meanwhile, V-22 Ospreys continue to operate globally, albeit with restrictions, as efforts are made to extend the aircraft’s operational lifespan until at least 2055.

When it comes to the next generation of military vehicles, the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) stands out as the epitome of versatility, mobility, and resilience. This cutting-edge development is designed to replace the venerable M113, a longstanding workhorse on the battlefield, and to serve in combat for decades to come. The AMPV has been meticulously engineered to meet the demands of modern warfare, offering unparalleled strength and survivability. Let’s delve into the key features and innovations that make the AMPV a cornerstone of future military operations.

First and foremost, the AMPV is built with a modular design that allows it to be configured for a variety of roles on the battlefield. This includes versions equipped for mission command, medical evacuation, general purpose, mortar carrier, and combat engineer missions. This flexibility ensures that the AMPV can support a wide range of operational needs, making it an invaluable asset in diverse combat scenarios.

The vehicle’s mobility is another standout feature. Equipped with advanced suspension systems and powerful engines, the AMPV is capable of navigating challenging terrains with ease. This mobility ensures that troops can be transported quickly and efficiently, whether they are moving through urban environments, rugged landscapes, or over long distances.

Strength and survivability are at the core of the AMPV’s design. The vehicle is constructed with state-of-the-art armour materials that provide superior protection against a variety of threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs), small arms fire, and artillery shrapnel. Additionally, the AMPV incorporates advanced defensive systems and technologies designed to detect and neutralize threats before they can impact the vehicle.

In terms of operational readiness, the AMPV is equipped with the latest communication and situational awareness systems. These systems enable seamless coordination with other units and enhance the decision-making capabilities of commanders in the field. The integration of modern electronics and networked systems ensures that the AMPV remains at the forefront of technological advancements, capable of adapting to new threats and challenges as they emerge.

Moreover, the AMPV is designed with sustainability in mind. Its components are built to be easily maintainable and replaceable, ensuring that the vehicle remains operational with minimal downtime. This focus on maintenance efficiency is critical for ensuring the long-term durability and effectiveness of the AMPV in prolonged combat situations.

In conclusion, the Armoured Multi-Purpose Vehicle represents a significant leap forward in military vehicle technology. Its blend of versatility, mobility, and strength ensures that it will be a reliable and indispensable asset on the battlefield for years to come. As the dynamics of warfare continue to evolve, the AMPV is well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future, providing unmatched support and protection to the troops it serves.

Russia’s protracted conflict in Ukraine is evolving into a broader, globally impactful struggle, with implications for the international order. Historically, dominant powers have shaped geopolitics, and the current multipolar world reflects this legacy despite the post-WWII dominance of the United States. Today, rising powers challenge this US-led order through “grey zone” warfare and alternative economic and strategic alliances.

China and Russia, leading this pushback, aim to alter the global status quo. China, driven by historical grievances, and Russia, entangled in Ukraine and supported by BRICS nations, seek to undermine US hegemony. The US, meanwhile, faces declining influence and internal challenges.

Hal Brands from Johns Hopkins University highlights this new “world war,” where alliances, including China, Iran, and North Korea, support Russia against Ukraine, framing it as a global conflict. Russia benefits from this network, receiving vital military and economic support. Conversely, the West’s unity in aiding Ukraine has galvanized opposing alliances, further intensifying global tensions.

This evolving landscape suggests a strategic shift, with nations like Australia needing to adapt. Australia must recognize the Indo-Pacific’s growing importance and build domestic resilience through “homeland economics” to navigate this multipolar world.

Australia faces a choice: remain a secondary power or embrace a more prominent, independent role amid great power competition. Policymakers must urgently address these challenges and opportunities to secure Australia’s future in this new global order.

Lee Kwan Yew the Singapore PM of the last half of the 20^th C stated that Australia would become The White Trash of Asia and as I look at the past his prediction is becoming a fact.

The present PM warns about “Wokeness” as a virus, watch this YouTube presentation.

As identified in this link WOKENESS is a Western Democracy virus that I have criticised for a few years as being a WEF movement accepted by the EU bureaucrats and now infecting Western Democracies.

I have had the tag “Wokeism is a tool of Marxism Socialism” attached to my emails for about a year, some have criticised me for inventing a word, but we all understand what the phrase means, and I have yet to have the statement debunked.

Bob Buick MM JP

Wokeism is a tool of Marxism Socialism

Between 1964 and 1972 most 20-year-old men had to register for National Service. Potential conscripts, better known as ‘Nashos’, were selected by a birthday lottery, where wooden marbles drawn from a barrel matched a secretly maintained birthday list. The prize? Two years of full-time service in the Australian Army.