Jackson Boyd first sounded the bugle at the Australian War Memorial’s Last Post Ceremony as a teenager.

Five years on, the youngest bugler to perform at the ceremony has sounded The Last Post almost 300 times.

‘I started performing at the Memorial when I was 15 and it has become a big part of my life,’ he said.

‘The first time I was so nervous. It is a solo performance and you can’t hide behind anyone. Every note can be heard, good or bad.’

Each ceremony shares the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour. To date, the Memorial has delivered more than 3,600 ceremonies featuring individual stories of service from colonial to recent conflicts.

Memorial Director Matt Anderson said: ‘The Last Post Ceremony is our commitment to remembering and honouring the legacy of Australian service.

‘Through our daily Last Post Ceremony, we not only acknowledge where and how these men and women died, but we also tell the stories of who they were, when they lived and of the families who loved and, in so many cases, still mourn for them.’

Dan Hiscock, who sounded the bugle at the first Last Post Ceremony ten years ago, is now the Memorial’s Assistant Manager of Visitor Services. He regularly performs.

‘The Last Post is now associated with remembrance, but it was originally a bugle call to sound the end of the day’s activities in the military,’ he said.

‘It is a fitting way to end each day at the Memorial.

‘It is a privilege to be able to commemorate our fallen and, as the Memorial’s founder Charles Bean so eloquently put it, to guard the record which they themselves made. The music is such an evocative element of this ceremony, people have an emotional response to the sound of the Last Post.’

The first official ceremony, held 10 years ago on 17 April 2013, commemorated the service and sacrifice of Private Robert Poate, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2012.

The final Last Post Ceremony of the year featured the Memorial’s youngest bugler, Jackson Boyd.

‘It feels very important to play,’ he said. ‘Every ceremony is moving, especially the First and Second World War ones, but one of the most moving for me was when the Memorial honoured an Afghanistan veteran and his whole family was gathered there.’

The final Last Post Ceremony of the year was held on Sunday 31 December and told the story of Raymond Ernest Dallwitz.

From 1 January 2024, the Last Post Ceremony will have a will new start time of 4:30 pm.

Book your free ticket on the Upcoming Last Post Ceremonies page of the Memorial’s website.

 

Australia’s Hobart-class destroyer. Photo: Australian Department of Defence

In response to growing challenges and increased capabilities of adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region, the Albanese government’s Defence Strategic Update (DSR) has undertaken a comprehensive review of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The goal is to transform the RAN into a versatile and future-ready force, capable of addressing both tactical and strategic operational demands set by national policymakers. The review emphasizes the necessity for an upgraded surface combatant fleet that enhances lethality and complements a conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine fleet, adapting to the evolving strategic landscape.

The government’s focus lies in establishing a dispersed fleet consisting of “Tier 1” and “Tier 2” vessels, with a specific emphasis on bolstering the Navy’s capabilities in long-range strike (maritime and land), air defence, and anti-submarine warfare. Amidst these discussions, the Spanish government and Navantia Australia have proposed an expanded acquisition of the existing Hobart Class destroyer fleet. This proposal could potentially provide the Navy with an additional 114 missile cells at sea.

Simultaneously, BAE Systems Australia has presented a warship proposal to safeguard the $45 billion Hunter Class frigate program from significant cuts. Their plan involves restructuring the Hunter Class program to concurrently deliver a fleet of heavily armed guided missile destroyers alongside the Hunter Class frigates. BAE Systems’ proposal suggests the initial delivery of three Hunter Class vessels, followed by the construction of a new air warfare destroyer, alternating every two years between a frigate and a destroyer until a total of nine ships are built – comprising six frigates and three destroyers.

In a separate development, BAE UK has been actively working on a robust surface combatant, positioned as the successor to the Royal Navy’s Type 45 Daring Class guided missile destroyers. Leveraging the Type 26 Global Combat Ship hull form as a foundation, the Type 83 destroyer concept is anticipated to be a larger vessel, with an indicative delivery schedule commencing in the mid-2030s. The concept envisions a warship close to 12,000 tonnes, featuring a substantial weapons payload, including a standard five-inch main gun, two Phalanx Close-in Weapons Systems, two 30 or 40mm guns, and two unidentified close-in weapons systems. Notably, the most significant enhancement is the missile payload, divided into two banks of what appears to be Mk 41 vertical launch system cells, totalling an estimated 128 missile cells per ship.

 

 

Space’s historical impact on defence, encompassing satellite communication and electronic warfare, prompts Australia to swiftly recalibrate its strategies amid evolving global security and rapid technological changes. The Defence Strategic Review emphasizes the need for enhanced capabilities in contested environments.

Since the late 1970s, the US GPS and GNSS networks have transformed societies and military capabilities globally, with APNT data playing a crucial role in modern life. Disruptions to these signals in 2023 highlight the urgency for Australia to develop a sovereign APNT capability, addressing vulnerabilities to jamming and spoofing.

Australia’s imperative is to quickly develop a sovereign APNT capability to fortify national resilience, leveraging US expertise and its own defence industry. The AUKUS partnership and collaboration with companies like KBR, QinetiQ, DEWC Services, DMTC, and LinQuest Corporation aim to achieve this. Australia’s advanced industry and global collaborations enhance collective defence capabilities.

Amid the evolving global security landscape, Australia faces a strategic imperative to secure space and enhance navigational warfare capabilities. Acting now and embracing international cooperation will ensure resilience and security in the dynamic theatre of space and navigation warfare.

 

This list is not politically centric; rather, it outlines what I would like to see from present and future Australian Governments.

1. Declare that Australia no longer supports the Net Zero 2050 narrative.
2. Announce the intention to repeal the ban on nuclear energy for power generation.
3. Pledge to implement further migration controls and policies incentivizing domestic births. Prioritise countries of origin for immigrants to enhance assimilation.
4. Avow to discontinue the practice of welcoming Australians to their own country.
5. Commence an audit of the Aboriginal Industry to ensure funds are directed where they can do the best for the most vulnerable.
6. Abolish the Assistant Minister for the Republic portfolio.
7. Launch a Royal Commission into ideological abuses prevalent in tertiary and general education.
8. Revoke the Misinformation and Disinformation Bill. The Government should not be exempt, as dissent with policy should not be automatically labelled as misinformation or disinformation.
9. Initiate a probe into Services Australia, especially Centrelink, to address the growing welfare state. Propose tripling unemployment benefits for the first three months, halving them thereafter, and discontinuing benefits after six months. For those who are infirm and unable to work, transition them to disability pension. Eliminate lifetime unemployment benefits.
10. Agree to better measure foreign aid funding against our domestic economic circumstances.
11. Begin aggressive efforts to revitalize Australia’s sovereign capabilities, including the production of long-range missile deterrents and prioritizing naval shipbuilding, which has been problematic for the past two decades.
12. Affirm that a woman, and nothing else, is a biological female.
13. Withdraw from the United Nations and all associated treaties—a bureaucratic and financial sink that is as useless as those things on bulls.

 

In response to a recent attack on a merchant ship, India has announced plans to deploy three guided-missile destroyer ships in the Arabian Sea. The United States has accused Iran of carrying out the attack, a claim that Tehran has denied.

The targeted vessel, the Liberian-flagged and Japanese-owned MV Chem Pluto, which suffered an attack off the Indian coast, docked in Mumbai on Monday. Initial reports suggested a drone attack, prompting the Indian Navy to initiate an investigation. The crew, consisting of 21 Indians and one Vietnamese citizen, is safe.

As part of efforts to enhance security and deter further incidents, India has deployed the guided-missile destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata in various areas of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, New Delhi is reinforcing its anti-piracy measures in the Gulf of Aden, responding to the recent hijacking of the MV Ruen by Somali pirates.

The navy emphasized the need for further forensic and technical analysis to determine the specifics of the attack, including the type and amount of explosive used. A joint investigation involving various departments is set to take place.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring maritime trade security in the region, asserting India’s role as a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region.

While the U.S. has attributed the attack on MV Chem Pluto to Iran, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the accusation as baseless. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, responding to Israeli actions against Hamas militants.

Soldiers from 13th Engineer Regiment trial new technology Ground Uncrewed System (GUS) during Exercise Talisman Sabre at RAAF Base Curtin, Western Australia. Photo: CPL Janet Pan.

The Australian Defence Force has further tested new ground uncrewed systems (GUS) as advancements in international unmanned technology show promising results. Soldiers from the 13th Engineer Regiment of the Australian Army evaluated these unmanned systems at RAAF Base Curtin near Derby, Western Australia.

In the realm of unmanned land-based robotics, the Australian Army had previously showcased fire and manoeuvre demonstrations featuring two autonomous Australian Army M113 AS4 armoured vehicles at Majura Training Area in late 2019, in front of senior leadership from the Department of Defence. It’s known that in-service R400 EOS remote weapon stations have been integrated onto M113 armoured personnel carriers to function as optionally crewed combat vehicles. The Army plans to conduct weapon system test firing in early 2024.

On the global stage, fully electric autonomous unmanned ground vehicles recently underwent trials, organized by the Estonian Military Academy and the Estonian Defence Forces in Estonia. These trials included obstacle avoidance, speed, and maneuverability challenges, with eleven companies participating over two days. The trials showcased the advancements in autonomous technology, impressing participants from over 20 countries.

Reflecting this progress, a participant in the trials stated, “These trials have shown just how far autonomous technology has come in recent years. We were proud to put our system to the test alongside some of the world’s most skilled developers. We are really pleased with our performance and look forward to seeing how our technology will evolve over the coming years.”

In the United States, recent contracts announced on July 31 focus on the design and prototyping of the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, intended to replace the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The XM30 is the US Army’s inaugural ground combat vehicle crafted using modern digital engineering tools and techniques. Ed Zoiss, President of L3Harris Space and Airborne Systems, expressed enthusiasm about working with partners to produce advanced and secure vehicles, incorporating innovative technologies for superior protection, firepower, and mobility. The vehicle features L3Harris third-generation sights to enhance threat identification capabilities.

 

Photo: L3Harris Product Gallery.

The VAMPIRE multipurpose weapon system, developed by American defence technology contractor L3Harris, is already proving to be highly effective in Ukraine. This Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment is empowering Ukrainian ground forces by enabling them to pinpoint and eliminate enemy drones while safeguarding against ground threats from adversaries.

According to a public statement released by L3Harris on December 11, the VAMPIRE system boasts advanced reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities, crucial for protecting Ukrainian civilian infrastructure from potential enemy attacks. The system seamlessly integrates a WESCAM MX-10 RSTA targeting sensor with the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System rocket munitions, ensuring rapid and accurate engagement of targets. Additionally, it incorporates a proximity fuse to enhance lethality against aerial threats.

Earlier this year, L3Harris secured a $40 million agreement with the US Department of Defence for 14 tailored VAMPIRE multipurpose weapon systems. This strategic collaboration aims to assist the Ukrainian military in targeting and neutralizing Russian drones, along with defending against ground threats. The contract allows the prime contractor to install VAMPIRE kits on US-provided vehicles, transforming them into portable missile launchers for battlefield combat support and critical infrastructure defence.

EOS Defence Systems USA, a subsidiary of Australian defence technology firm Electro Optic Systems, played a vital role in the process. Engaged under the US Department of Defence contract, EOS supplied positioning components for the VAMPIRE through an EOS AS-65 gimbal. This technology ensures precise aiming and firing of rockets, missiles, and other payloads, supporting ground-to-ground and ground-to-air delivery when integrated into the VAMPIRE system. The AS-65 is capable of tracking targets and firing a 70-millimeter guided rocket from a four-pack launcher.

 

Richardson Post

Harry Richardson

“ASIO director-General Mike Burgess advised Labor MP Michelle Ananda Rajah that Australia’s pro-Palestine rallies served as an important “pressure release” given a “real risk of a terror attack”, a letter from the back bencher to a local voter has revealed”.

The MP, Michelle Ananda Rajah, further pointed out that social cohesion was “our most valuable national asset” whilst maintaining a completely straight face.

Given the spirit of Christmas and the season of giving, I’m going to donate a little of my time to Mike “ASIO” Burgess and write a more complete briefing for him to share with all Australian MPs in both the Federal and State Parliaments. If you are reading this Mike, feel free to cut and paste without attribution.

Dear Australian MPs,

As you are probably aware, the pro-Palestinian rallies which are currently going ahead around the country are terrifying the Jewish community and alarming traditional Australians.

British descended Aussies still seem to naively believe that migrants will leave behind grievances from the old country which have been festering for millennia.

If we disallowed the rallies, these Palestinian supporters might have more time on their hands as well as more bottled-up anger and hatred.

In my opinion, I think this would be likely to result in terror attacks in Australia.

Almost all of these people were brought into this country by you, our political class, often with enthusiastic support from the organised Jewish community.

I think now might be a good time to ask yourselves, “what the hell were we thinking.”

It’s not as if you weren’t warned. The terror attack at the Munich Olympics happened shortly before you began welcoming in huge numbers of Muslims against the advice of your departments.

But you still just had to go ahead anyway, didn’t you? Even though you knew the voters were dead set against it.

So much for democracy heh? Just spit all over those who voted for you as if you know better. Clearly, you didn’t.

One of, if not the most important function of Government, is to protect your citizens from foreign threats.

The migrants you choose are given Australian citizenship and passports which are extremely difficult to revoke.

Citizenship is then conferred to their descendants and allows full rights of passage in and out of the country (when you aren’t locking us down like prison inmates) and gives political power to each and every newly minted citizen in the form of a vote.

They also give access to our incredibly generous welfare system which is paid for by current taxpayers.

In view of these facts, it is hard to think of a more solemn decision than whether to award citizenship to a foreigner or not.

Get it wrong, and the citizens who vote for you and pay your generous salaries and superannuation are lumbered with the consequences pretty much forever.

I’ve tried to rack my brains to think of the most undesirable migrant it would be possible to find, but try as I might, I can’t think of anyone who could be less desirable that someone who turns out, not only to be a terrorist, but manages to raise children who also want to commit terror attacks on this country.

I’d like to be kind to you people, I really would. But I just can’t find it in myself to believe that any of you could be that fricking stupid.

For example, how low would your IQ have to be to bring in someone from a different religion and culture, without bothering to check out the beliefs involved in that religion and culture?

Didn’t it occur to you to open up the Koran and have a read?

With the resources of one of the most prosperous nations in the world at your disposal, you couldn’t find anyone to look into the background of Islamic culture before handing out passports to these people like smarties?

Would it have made any difference if you had researched the Islamic religion, I ask myself?

All the information has been out there for a while now. Your departments have been telling you forever what a bad idea it is and yet you still you have your heads shoved where the sun doesn’t shine.

The Islamic religion tells its followers that they can’t go to heaven until the whole world is conquered by Islam.

Until then, they remain buried alive, so to speak, until the day of judgement when the Muslims will kill the last of the Jews and the trees and rocks will grow mouths and call out to the Muslims “Come over here and kill this Jew who is hiding behind me”.

Does that sound like a group of compatible migrants to you? Isn’t it obvious that they will be at least somewhat motivated to engage in violent Jihad when that is the only short cut to the highest level of heaven (the one with all the virgins and young boys “handsome as pearls”).

Even after all of this, you are now importing Palestinians from Gaza without proper vetting. When Denmark let a bunch of Palestinians into their country, almost two thirds of them wound up with a criminal record for God’s sake.

Again, I ask, what the hell are you thinking?

After all, these people have been insisting for the last 70 odd years that they can’t possibly live anywhere else except the parts of Israel that they aren’t in now.

They can’t wander over the border into Egypt which they were part of prior to the 1967 war and they can’t travel the short distance to Jordan which is also an Arab country that is almost indistinguishable in language, religion and culture (and note that both of those countries have refused point blank to take them).

Yet all of a sudden, they can up and fly halfway around the globe to a nation which has a different language, customs, religion and laws and accept citizenship here. They have already told us that we should change because our customs and religion offend them.

Clearly, the whole thing was a sham to justify the war against Israel and the killing and rape of Jews. Obviously, these people have been lying all along to justify genocidal violence encapsulated in the chant “From the River to the Sea”.

I think it is time for you to come clean to the Australian people and own up to why you have committed this crime against your nation.

What was your motivation?

Were you offered incentives like Hawke who got rich after leaving office, quite likely by working for China. Could his lucrative contracts have been a payoff for letting in bulk Chinese nationals?

Or was it juicy blackmail that motivated you? Are there photos of you in compromising positions.

In today’s permissive society, those would have to be pretty bad.

Don’t tell me you were good friends with Jeffrey Epstein?

Whatever the reason, you need to stop importing people who hate our nation enough to commit terror attacks which they have been doing for over 100 years.

Bear in mind that if you don’t stop, then eventually Muslims will be a majority and will be voting you out of office all over the country and not just in Western Sydney and parts of Melbourne.

If that happens, then I’ll be out of a job too and my replacement will not just be on board with the rallies, he’ll be cheering on the terror attacks too.

Yours in sincerely stunned amazement

Mike Burgess

ASIO Director-General