Creating a simpler, easier to use system for the veteran community. The Government is committed to ensuring that Defence personnel, veterans and their families are well looked after. Highlighted by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in its Interim Report, and fully supported by the Government , we are simplifying and harmonising veterans’ legislation that governs compensation and rehabilitation, so veterans and their families can more easily get the support they are entitled to. We want your feedback on the draft Veterans’ Entitlements, Treatment and Support (Simplification and Harmonisation) Bill 2024. Here you can review the proposed changes, understand what’s different and why, learn how changes may impact you, and of course, get involved and provide feedback. An information booklet is also available. Submissions can be provided until 28 April 2024. Visit dva.gov.au to find out more.

Go along with Scripps News for an inside look into the Ukrainian FPV (first person view) Kamikaze drone unit. As artillery shells and rockets run short, Ukraine’s military increasingly turns to FPV drones — marking a new leap in the evolution of Ukraine’s war with Russia. We spend a day in the life of Darwin, a 21-year-old ace FPV drone pilot with Ukraine’s “Achilles” battalion of the 92nd brigade. Darwin hunts targets including Russian tanks, armored personnel carriers and individual soldiers.” Our international correspondent, Jason Bellini, got rare access, over 20 hours, to Darwin and his team. An upcoming episode of Scripps News’ documentary series, “In Real Life,” will focus on the first-person experiences of Darwin, our “kamikaze kid.” This short video is a preview of what’s to come: an all-access view of how Darwin and his team manage to take out, in a single day, nearly a dozen Russian targets.

Oceania Precision, a leading Australian firearms innovator, is unveiling its latest breakthrough in firearm technology. The company’s new “Inclined Radial Locking” bolt system marks a significant step towards domestic defence production. Designed and manufactured in Tamworth, New South Wales, this innovative system reduces friction loading between bolt mating surfaces, particularly in AR/M4 firearms.

Scheduled for extensive testing on the M4 gas-operated rifle platform, commonly used by the US Army and Marine Corps, Oceania Precision’s enhanced bolt system promises enhanced performance and longevity. Already implemented in bolt action rifles, the company plans to offer a complete Australian-made barrel and bolt carrier group package for the US commercial and defence markets.

Jeffrey Bacon, Managing Director of Oceania Precision, expressed confidence in the system’s performance, citing reduced gas requirements and exceptional results, even when suppressed. He emphasized its resilience in adverse conditions, underscoring its role in strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capabilities.

The new system addresses shortcomings in traditional designs and aligns with the Australian government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy. Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy recently launched this strategy, which includes increased funding and support for defence industry initiatives, signalling a commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the sector. Oceania Precision plans to market its platform later this year, leveraging Australia’s reputation for quality and precision in manufacturing.

Overall, Oceania Precision’s latest innovation represents a significant advancement in firearm technology, poised to enhance both domestic defence capabilities and Australia’s standing in the global arms market.

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.