Photo: The Bruce Highway is notorious for the bad condition of its road surface. (ABC News: Russel Talbot/Facebook)

The Albanese government has announced a $7.2 billion investment to improve safety and resilience along the Bruce Highway, which connects key regional centres such as Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, and Townsville. This critical route supports around 62 per cent of Queensland’s population and underpins the state’s economic and social connectivity.

The federal government says the funds will ensure priority sections of the highway meet a minimum three-star safety rating under the international road assessment system. Currently, nearly half the highway is rated at just two stars, posing significant safety risks to motorists.

Key sections targeted for upgrades include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville, and Ingham to Innisfail. The funding will focus on installing safety barriers, widening road shoulders, creating additional overtaking lanes, and improving rest areas. Audible tactile line markings and wider centre lines will also be introduced to reduce head-on collisions by providing drivers with immediate feedback if they veer out of their lane.

In response to Queensland’s harsh weather conditions, the project will also prioritise resealing and rehabilitating sections of the highway damaged by floods and storms. These upgrades aim to make the Bruce Highway more resilient to future weather events and reduce costly disruptions.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King highlighted the importance of the project, stating, “This historic investment answers the call of Queenslanders to bring the Bruce Highway up to a three-star safety rating, so Australians stop losing their loved ones on this road.”

Critics have pointed out that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is using taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects to bolster his political campaign in Queensland, where road safety is a key issue. Despite earlier calls from the federal government for a 50:50 funding split, Labor will cover 80 per cent of the costs for these upgrades.

“Queensland deserves a long-term plan, and that is what my government is delivering,” Mr Albanese said, framing the investment as a critical step toward modernising one of the state’s most vital transport routes. While the upgrades are expected to save lives, the political debate over funding arrangements continues.

Aussie taxpayers have shelled out more than $450,000 over the past two years for government departments to host Welcome to Country ceremonies — an expenditure that raises serious questions about priorities. With Aboriginal health outcomes still lagging significantly behind non-Indigenous Australians, it’s time to ask if these funds are being spent wisely.

Freedom of Information requests reveal that the Infrastructure Department spent $35,618 on Welcomes, while the Industry, Science, and Resources Department allocated $30,896. In total, 33 ceremonies from various agencies drained hundreds of thousands of dollars from the public purse. Opposition waste reduction spokesman James Stevens called the amount “staggering.”

It’s essential to respect and acknowledge Indigenous culture, but has Welcome to Country become more about optics than outcomes? Critics, including Shadow Indigenous Australians Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, argue that the ceremonies have evolved into a commercial product rather than a genuine cultural expression. Ms. Price has pointed out that some individuals make their entire livelihood from delivering these ceremonies, turning cultural acknowledgment into a money-making enterprise.

Meanwhile, pressing issues in Indigenous communities remain unaddressed. Poor health outcomes, limited access to education, and inadequate housing continue to plague remote areas. The money spent on Welcome to Country ceremonies could be better directed toward real solutions that improve lives and close the gap.

Even within Indigenous communities, discontent is growing. The Juru people of north Queensland recently banned Welcome to Country ceremonies on their ancestral land, citing overuse and misuse by individuals with little connection to the area. Juru spokesperson Randall Ross labelled the practice an “insult” to traditional owners.

Australians don’t need to be welcomed to their own country. What they need is accountability for how taxpayer money is spent. Let’s prioritise practical, lasting change over symbolic gestures.

Is an invasion of Australia by China possible? Rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, military buildups, and fears over Taiwan have Australians on edge. Experts warn Australia could be dragged into a U.S.-China conflict—or face direct threats from Beijing. This video dives into the risks, military comparisons, and the strategic stakes for both nations. Is Australia ready for such a challenge?

The Straits Times

A local fisherman reportedly discovered a mysterious underwater drone near San Pascual, Masbate, on December 30. The device, marked HY-119, was later identified as a Chinese-made underwater navigation and communication system. Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon confirmed the origin and purpose of the device, noting that it was sent to the Philippine Navy forces stationed on Luzon Island for further examination.

The yellow drone’s presence in Philippine waters raises immediate concerns about potential espionage or surveillance activities, given the ongoing territorial disputes between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The discovery of this drone adds fuel to an already volatile situation. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including areas that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ). These claims have led to numerous conflicts between the two nations.

Since taking office in 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been vocal in resisting Chinese maritime aggression. Clashes over disputed territories, such as the Spratly Islands, have escalated in recent years. Chinese coast guard vessels have used increasingly aggressive tactics to assert their control, including ramming Philippine government ships and deploying water cannons to drive them away from contested waters.

The presence of the drone in Philippine waters raises significant national security concerns. According to a police report, while the drone appears to be unarmed, its capabilities for underwater monitoring and reconnaissance are troubling.

This incident follows the appearance of China’s CCG 5901, the world’s largest coast guard ship, at Scarborough Shoal—another highly contested area in the South China Sea. Scarborough Shoal has long been a flashpoint for tense standoffs between Chinese and Philippine forces.

The discovery of the drone suggests that China is continuing to expand its maritime presence and technological capabilities in the region, further destabilizing the already tense situation.

Given the ongoing territorial disputes, China is unlikely to reduce its heavy maritime presence in the South China Sea. The Philippines, under President Marcos Jr., is expected to maintain its defiant stance against China’s sweeping claims.

However, President Marcos Jr. has expressed a preference for avoiding military escalation. He has stated that he would refrain from deploying naval warships to contested areas to prevent further conflict. Instead, the Philippines may focus on diplomatic pressure and strengthening alliances with other nations, such as the United States, to counter China’s influence in the region.

The discovery of the Chinese underwater drone serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing geopolitical struggle in the South China Sea and the complexities surrounding maritime sovereignty and national security in Southeast Asia.

The Times

Switzerland has taken a decisive step to uphold its cultural values and bolster public safety by officially implementing a ban on burqas, niqabs, and other forms of face coverings in public spaces from January 1. This move, which stems from a 2021 referendum where 51.2% of Swiss voters approved the proposal, reflects a growing trend across Europe to restrict face veils in public settings.

Support for the Ban

1. Enhancing Security

One of the primary arguments in favour of the ban is the enhancement of public security. By prohibiting face coverings, authorities can more easily identify individuals, reducing the risk of criminal activities and promoting a sense of safety in public spaces. Supporters claim that the ban makes it harder for individuals to conceal their identities during protests or while committing crimes.

2. Promoting Integration and Social Cohesion

Proponents believe that banning face coverings fosters greater social interaction and integration. In public spaces, open communication is essential for building trust and understanding within communities. Face coverings, they argue, create barriers to social cohesion and hinder effective communication.

3. Protecting Women’s Rights

Supporters of the ban also emphasize that it protects women’s rights by preventing practices that they see as oppressive. They argue that some women may be forced to wear face coverings by family or community members, and the ban offers them a degree of freedom and empowerment.

4. Preserving Swiss Cultural Values

For many supporters, the ban is about more than just security or women’s rights—it is a reflection of Swiss cultural values and traditions. Switzerland has long prided itself on its open, liberal society, where transparency and direct communication are key. The ban reinforces these cultural norms and sends a message that practices perceived as incompatible with Swiss values will not be tolerated.

A European Context

Switzerland’s ban is not an isolated case. Several European countries have introduced similar laws in recent years, reflecting a broader shift toward restricting face coverings in public spaces.

• France: In 2011, France became the first European country to implement a nationwide ban on full-face veils in public spaces. The law has been upheld by the European Court of Human Rights despite ongoing criticism.
• The Netherlands: The Dutch government implemented a partial ban on face coverings in public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and public transport, in 2019.
• Denmark: Denmark introduced a ban on face veils in 2018, citing similar concerns about security and social integration.
• Austria and Bulgaria: Both countries have also enacted bans on face coverings, citing cultural and security concerns.

These measures across Europe indicate a growing concern over the balance between individual freedoms and societal values. While the bans are often framed as security measures, they also reflect deeper cultural anxieties about identity, integration, and the preservation of national traditions.

Conclusion

The implementation of Switzerland’s anti-burqa law marks a significant moment in the country’s ongoing debate over national identity, security, and cultural values. Supporters argue that the law is a necessary step to ensure public safety, promote social cohesion, protect women’s rights, and uphold Swiss traditions. Opponents, however, warn that the ban risks infringing on individual freedoms and further marginalizing Muslim communities.

As Switzerland joins a growing list of European countries with similar bans, the conversation about the balance between cultural values and personal freedoms continues to evolve. Whatever one’s stance on the issue, the majority vote in favour of the law underscores the importance that many Swiss citizens place on preserving their country’s cultural identity and security.

The Times

President Joe Biden is reportedly considering a high stakes move: a potential U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This consideration comes amid growing concerns over Tehran’s accelerating nuclear program. Although the discussions were meant to remain confidential, the news has leaked, raising questions about the timing, implications, and risks involved.

Secret Meeting at the White House

Sources indicate that Biden and his national security team held a secret meeting about a month ago to discuss potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. The meeting reflects mounting anxiety within the administration over Iran’s nuclear advancements.

Key points from the meeting include:

• No final decision has been made by President Biden.
• The administration is carefully weighing the potential repercussions of such a strike.
• If Biden intends to proceed with military action, he must act swiftly, as time is running out before the next presidential inauguration.

Why This Decision Matters

A U.S. strike on Iran’s nuclear program would be a major gamble for President Biden. The stakes are high, and the consequences could reverberate globally.

Promises and Risks

• Biden’s Promise: Throughout his presidency, Biden has emphasized that he will not allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon.
• Potential Conflict: Launching a strike could embroil the U.S. in a fresh conflict, complicating the transition to the next administration if former President Donald Trump returns to office.

The Case for Striking Now

Some of Biden’s closest advisers argue that now is the ideal time to consider military action. Their reasoning centres on Iran’s current vulnerabilities:

• Iran’s Nuclear Advancements: Tehran has significantly advanced its nuclear program, bringing it closer to weapons-grade enrichment.
• Regional Context: Iran and its proxy forces have been weakened by their ongoing conflict with Israel, making them less capable of retaliating effectively.

As one senior official put it, “A snake’s last wriggle can be the most dangerous.” This metaphor highlights the unpredictability of Iran’s actions in its weakened state.

The State of Iran’s Nuclear Program

Under Biden’s tenure, Iran’s nuclear capabilities have progressed alarmingly:

• Iran has enriched uranium to 60%, just shy of the 90% needed for a nuclear weapon.
• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports that Iran possesses enough 60%-enriched uranium to build four nuclear bombs.

Reality Check

Despite these advancements, intelligence assessments suggest that Iran is not yet ready to deploy a functional nuclear weapon.

• Israeli Intelligence: Experts believe it would take Iran at least a year to develop a nuclear explosive device.
• Recent Setbacks: An Israeli airstrike in October reportedly destroyed critical equipment needed for Iran to design and test a nuclear device.

Final Thoughts

President Biden is facing a pivotal decision with far-reaching consequences. Striking Iran’s nuclear facilities could reaffirm America’s commitment to preventing nuclear proliferation. However, it also risks igniting a broader conflict in the Middle East.

As the clock ticks toward the end of his term, Biden must carefully weigh the benefits of taking decisive action against the potential fallout of engaging in yet another military conflict. For now, the world waits to see whether the U.S. will act to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions or leave the challenge for the next administration.

The 7th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR) was formed on 1 September 1965 as part of Australia’s expansion of forces during the Vietnam War. The battalion deployed to Vietnam twice — from 1967 to 1968 and again from 1970 to 1971 — conducting operations in Phuoc Tuy Province. It played a key role in counter-insurgency missions, including ambushes, patrols, and village pacification.

After Vietnam, 7RAR was amalgamated with 5RAR in 1973, forming 5/7RAR, before being re-raised as a separate unit in 2006. Since then, it has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and East Timor, contributing to peacekeeping and combat operations.

Australian Army 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment with Military Police in support

Defence Media

The delivery of the final nine F-35A Lightning II aircraft completes the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) fleet of 72, underscoring a broader strategy to ensure the Australian Defence Force (ADF) remains equipped to counter evolving threats and safeguard the nation.

Since the arrival of the first two F-35A aircraft on December 10, 2018, Defence has rapidly introduced this cutting-edge capability. The F-35A, along with the EA-18G Growler and F/A-18F Super Hornets, now forms the backbone of Australia’s air defence and strike capacity, as outlined in the 2024 National Defence Strategy. These aircraft provide unparalleled versatility, performing both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions while leveraging stealth technology, electronic warfare capabilities, and advanced countermeasures to ensure both lethality and survivability in contested environments.

Enhancing Warfighting Capabilities

The final nine F-35A aircraft to arrive in Australia represent a significant enhancement in capability. These aircraft are the first in the fleet to feature Technology Refresh 3 (TR3), enabling Block 4 upgrades. These advancements will allow the F-35A fleet to adapt to future operational demands and threats more effectively, ensuring Australia maintains a strategic edge in the Indo-Pacific region.

The upgrades are crucial to maintaining Australia’s strategic advantage in the region by ensuring the ADF has the latest technological advancements to meet future challenges.

A Year of Accelerated Defence Capability Delivery

The delivery of the final F-35A aircraft marks the culmination of a year focused on accelerating ADF capability delivery.

Throughout 2024, significant progress has been made across various defence domains:

• Naval Capabilities: Three new missile types – Tomahawk guided missiles, Standard Missile 6, and Naval Strike Missiles – were successfully fired from Navy ships for the first time. Construction also began on the first Hunter Class Frigate, and two shipbuilders were selected to progress designs for a new general-purpose frigate following the Surface Fleet Review.
• Undersea Warfare: The Navy took delivery of the first prototype of the Ghost Shark, an autonomous robotic undersea vehicle, enhancing Australia’s maritime surveillance and deterrence capabilities.
• Land Capabilities: The Army received 46 new M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks, further strengthening Australia’s ground forces. Additionally, the delivery of seven new UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States increased the Army’s fleet to ten, with more to come in 2025.
• Aerospace Capabilities: A $200 million deep maintenance facility for Boeing 737 variants commenced construction at RAAF Edinburgh. Australia also took possession of its first Triton remotely piloted aircraft system, delivered from the United States, enhancing long-range surveillance capabilities.

Record Defence Investment

The 2024-25 Budget increased Defence funding to $764.6 billion over the decade, reflecting a commitment to a capable and self-reliant ADF. The 2023-24 financial year saw Defence’s largest-ever acquisition result, with $16.6 billion spent on new capabilities and 54% of that funding contributing to Australian industry. Sustainment efforts amounted to $16.4 billion, with 79% of those funds supporting local industries.

Thousands of uniformed ADF members, members of the Australian public service, and workers in the Australian defence industry all play a vital role in delivering these capabilities and ensuring the defence of the nation.

Building a Sovereign Defence Industry

Beyond enhancing the ADF’s operational capabilities, the focus remains on building a sovereign defence industry. By investing in local manufacturing, maintenance, and innovation, the goal is to create long-term jobs and ensure Australia’s defence needs are met domestically.

This approach ensures that Australia’s defence strategy is not only focused on immediate needs but also on securing a self-reliant future. Through this investment, the groundwork is being laid for a resilient defence industry that will support national security and economic growth for decades to come.

In summary, the completion of Australia’s F-35A fleet marks a significant milestone in the nation’s defence strategy. It highlights the ongoing commitment to providing the ADF with cutting-edge capabilities while fostering a sovereign defence industry that will bolster Australia’s security and prosperity well into the future.

The newly released Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030 highlights the pivotal role families play in supporting current serving Australian Defence Force members and veterans.

The Strategy and related First Action Plan provide the guiding principles for how support will be delivered to Defence and veteran families over the next 5 years and include actions that assist in responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The Strategy recognises the impacts of military service and related life events on families during and after service; outlines how families will be supported; and confirms a continued commitment to understanding the needs of Defence and veteran families and improving engagement and ongoing support.

Three priorities will drive progress under the Strategy and First Action Plan:

• Informed and Engaged—Families can find the information they need when they need it, so they can access available supports and make informed decisions. Defence and DVA actively engage with families to ensure their perspectives are considered.
• Supported and Secure—Any impacts of service and related life events are managed, through appropriate and flexible, fit-for-purpose policies, support, and communication.
• Recognised and Understood— The impacts of military life on Defence and veteran families are recognised with a continued commitment to understand the needs of families, improve policies, and ensure approaches are informed by research and evaluation.

The Department of Defence and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs worked closely together to develop the Strategy and First Action Plan.

This coordinated approach ensures that the impacts of service and related life events on families are managed, both during and after service, with appropriate fit-for-purpose policies, programs and support – now and in the future.

The Strategy and First Action Plan are a culmination of the experiences of Defence and veteran families. Defence and DVA gratefully acknowledge the people from the Defence, veteran and family communities and organisations who contributed to the development of the Strategy and First Action Plan, whether that was through participation in surveys, forums or direct feedback on drafts of the Strategy. In particular, the contributions of the Veteran Families’ Policy Forum participants, the Veteran Family Advocate Commissioner and Defence Families of Australia were invaluable in the development of the strategy and should be commended for their tireless dedication to bringing the voices of Defence and veteran families to the discussion.

Download the Defence and Veteran Family Wellbeing Strategy 2025-2030.

The Krakow Post

Since Ukraine launched a surprise breakthrough in Russia’s Kursk border region last summer, the Russian army has suffered devastating losses. Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, recently disclosed that more than 38,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in action since the offensive began. Syrskyi shared these figures shortly after visiting Ukrainian troops who have been stationed within Russian territory for several months.

The breakthrough, which commenced on August 6, marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian forces initially gained substantial ground in the Kursk region, a strategic area near Russia’s western border. However, despite their early success, the Ukrainian military has since lost roughly half of the territory it initially secured. Nevertheless, they have successfully repelled continuous Russian counterattacks, which have been bolstered by foreign support.

One notable development is the involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that thousands of North Korean soldiers were deployed to aid Russian forces in the Kursk region. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a December briefing, stated that over 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since joining the fight. The presence of these foreign troops highlights the international dimensions of the war, as Russia increasingly relies on external allies to reinforce its struggling military campaign.

Additionally, more than 700 Russian soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces during the offensive, according to Syrskyi. The high number of casualties and captives suggests a significant strain on Russian military resources and morale. The ongoing conflict in Kursk continues to challenge Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader strategic goals, as the Ukrainian military demonstrates its resilience and ability to conduct successful cross-border operations.

The Kursk offensive underscores the evolving nature of the war, with both sides suffering heavy losses. However, Ukraine’s ability to maintain pressure on Russian forces, despite fierce resistance, signals a shift in the conflict’s dynamics that could have long-term implications for the region.