Soldiers from the 5th/7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5/7 RAR), are playing a pivotal role in Exercise Balikatan 25 in Palawan, Philippines. This annual bilateral exercise, now in its 40th year, brings together the armed forces of the Philippines, the United States and Australia to bolster regional security and interoperability.

Following Marine Exercise 2025 in Mindanao, the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) repositioned its ground combat element (GCE) to Palawan. Alongside U.S. Marines and the Philippine Marine Corps’ 3rd Marine Brigade, Australian troops from 5/7 RAR are deeply involved in high-intensity, integrated training operations.

This year’s Balikatan exercise includes complex, real-world scenarios, such as counter-landing live-fire drills in Rizal. In these, 5/7 RAR contributes with its anti-tank capabilities and infantry fire support, working alongside Philippine artillery units and the U.S. Marine Corps. These operations are supported by close air support from the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Army rocket systems.

Lieutenant Colonel Adrian Walker, Commander of the Australian Contingent, said, “Our contribution is focused heavily on the combat capabilities of 5/7 RAR, complemented by medics, engineers, air support and command elements. These exercises strengthen our operational cohesion and build lasting trust among partners.”

Additionally, in Southern Palawan, 5/7 RAR is participating in Maritime Key Terrain Security Operations. These involve aerial and amphibious manoeuvres to secure vital coastal areas, with trilateral support from U.S. MV-22 Ospreys and Philippine landing forces.

Balikatan 25 reaffirms the commitment of Australia’s Defence Force to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific, showcasing the professionalism and readiness of 5/7 RAR as a key regional partner.

The Times

Germany’s decision to deport four foreign nationals involved in a disruptive protest at Berlin’s Free University is not only lawful but entirely justified. The individuals—two Irish citizens, one Pole, and an American—are guests in Germany. When they cross the line from peaceful protest into illegal activity, such as masked property damage, they violate not only laws but the public trust afforded to them as non-citizens.

The ongoing criminal proceedings—though still unresolved—do not negate the Immigration Office’s right to act in the nation’s interest. Deportation is not a criminal penalty; it is an administrative tool to protect public order and uphold sovereignty. Every nation has the right to determine who may stay within its borders, particularly when foreign residents engage in politically volatile acts that risk inflaming public sentiment.

The invocation of Staatsräson, Germany’s state doctrine of solidarity with Israel, is not merely symbolic. It reflects a deeply rooted commitment forged in the aftermath of history’s darkest chapter. Foreigners who wilfully challenge this tenet on German soil cannot expect leniency.

These deportations do not threaten free speech—they reinforce accountability. Germany, like any sovereign state, is under no obligation to tolerate activism that undermines its societal cohesion or foreign policy principles. The rule of law must prevail over imported ideological zeal.

For the sake of public order, and in defence of its national values, Germany’s Immigration Office has acted appropriately. The message is clear: respect the host country—or prepare to leave.

ED: The following is my letter to the editor in response to the video “Should ANZAC Day be Cancelled”

Every year on 25 April, Australians pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and mateship of our soldiers – the ANZACs – who forged our national character on the battlefields of Gallipoli and beyond. ANZAC Day is more than a commemoration of war; it is a defining symbol of Australian identity and resilience. It binds generations through shared remembrance and respect for those who gave their lives for our freedom.

Yet, disturbingly, there are voices – often from recent immigrant communities or fringe activist groups – calling for ANZAC Day to be abolished or rebranded. This idea is not only untenable, but a direct affront to the values that built this nation. ANZAC Day is not about glorifying conflict. It is about honour, sacrifice, and unity – values that should be embraced, not erased.

Australia’s immigration program has brought great contributions over the decades. But it must be said: the success of our multicultural society depends on cultural cohesion. We cannot continue welcoming large numbers of immigrants who hold values fundamentally opposed to our own – particularly if they show little interest in integration, or worse, seek to alter our institutions, laws, and traditions.

We’ve seen the consequences overseas – in parts of Europe and the UK – where rapid, unfiltered immigration has led to cultural fragmentation, rising tensions, and the erosion of national identity. We must learn from this and act decisively.

Our political leaders, especially in the major parties, continue to push mass immigration to boost GDP statistics and swing votes in marginal seats. But the long-term cost is our way of life. Australians must use their vote to back candidates who support cultural compatibility, lower immigration, and strong national values.

ANZAC Day is a line in the sand. If we allow it to be diluted or cancelled, we signal that nothing is sacred. It’s time to stand up for Australia – its history, its values, and its future.

Fifty years after the conflict in Vietnam, the Australian soldiers who fought still bear the scars – as do their children and grandchildren.

By Alasdair McGregor – 22 April 2025

As the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment began its year-long deployment to South Vietnam in 1965, young Norman John Rowe thought he had the world at his feet. Blessed with a strong tenor voice, ‘Normie’, as the 18-year-old from Melbourne was known, had quit his trainee telephone technician’s job with the Postmaster-General’s Department (PMG) and set out to conquer the entertainment world as a rock-and-roll musician. Stardom came quickly; he enjoyed his first number-one hit in April that year. Normie Rowe had arrived on the music scene, but the lottery of life would soon disrupt the trajectory of his promising career.

CLICK LINK to read this full story

https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/history-culture/2025/04/vietnam-wars-lingering-shadow/

HMAS Hobart, one of the Royal Australian Navy’s advanced guided missile destroyers, has returned to its home port at Fleet Base East in Sydney following a demanding and productive three-month deployment across the Indo-Pacific region.

The warship covered an impressive 21,780 nautical miles during its deployment, which served both strategic and diplomatic purposes. With a crew of over 200 officers and sailors embarked, the mission was focused on bolstering regional security, enhancing international cooperation, and honing essential warfighting skills through a series of multinational exercises and high-level engagements.

Family members and friends assembled at the wharf to welcome their loved ones home. Their anticipation and pride underscored the emotional and personal sacrifices made by the families of service members, who are vital to the operational effectiveness of the Navy.

The deployment featured a range of significant international port visits, including stops in Bali, Singapore, and Subic Bay. These visits were instrumental in reinforcing Australia’s longstanding commitment to maintaining strong defence ties and mutual cooperation throughout the Indo-Pacific. These strategic engagements helped to further solidify Australia’s role as a reliable security partner in the region.

In addition to international ports, the Hobart also made calls at Fleet Base West and the port of Bunbury in Western Australia. While on the western seaboard, the ship participated in complex anti-submarine warfare training activities involving other Royal Australian Navy vessels, as well as aerial assets from the Australian and New Zealander Air Forces. These exercises provided an excellent opportunity to integrate capabilities across services and improve interoperability with allied forces.

Two of the key activities during the deployment were the multinational Exercise Komodo and Exercise La Perouse. Both exercises brought together regional and international maritime forces to collaborate on shared security objectives and maritime coordination. These joint operations are crucial to maintaining a collective commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The crew of Hobart also undertook rigorous training across a range of naval disciplines. These included bridge and engineering watch-keeping, damage control drills, sea-boat handling, aviation operations, and helicopter search and rescue missions. Each training evolution contributed to the professional development of the sailors and reinforced the vital teamwork that underpins naval effectiveness at sea.

While the operational tempo was high, the deployment’s success was also a reflection of the steadfast support from families and friends back home. Their encouragement and resilience are seen as indispensable elements of the Navy’s ability to maintain a capable and ready force.

With the deployment now complete, Hobart will transition into a scheduled maintenance phase. This will provide the crew with a much-needed period of respite, allowing them to recuperate and reconnect with their loved ones. The rest period marks the conclusion of a mission that not only strengthened Australia’s regional defence partnerships but also demonstrated the professionalism and resolve of its naval forces.

Australia must take greater responsibility for its own defence and look to regional partnerships beyond the United States, according to a new report by Strategic Analysis Australia.

The report highlights growing concerns over America’s shifting foreign policy, describing the US as “a less reliable and more demanding” partner. Rather than fostering long-term alliances, Washington increasingly appears to act on immediate self-interest — with recent decisions like halting arms and intelligence support for Ukraine raising doubts about its global commitments.

While US officials continue to promote a “free and open Indo-Pacific,” the report suggests their support for allies in achieving that goal is limited. In response, the report calls for deeper engagement with non-US partners like Japan, South Korea, and India, and a stronger focus on self-reliant defence capabilities.

It also criticises the ballooning cost of the AUKUS submarine program, warning that it risks becoming a de facto fourth branch of the Australian Defence Force. The funding for the program dwarfs that of other services, with the Air Force’s budget reportedly halving in the next two years — despite its transformation into a fifth-generation force.

Strategic Analysis Australia argues that to support broader defence goals — and deflect criticism from future US administrations — Australia must raise its defence spending to at least 3% of GDP within three years.

“We’re planning to add costly nuclear-powered submarines without adequately funding our conventional forces,” said co-founder Michael Shoebridge. “This sends a clear message to Washington: we’re still expecting US taxpayers to underwrite our security.”