By Ray Payne – researched by my granddaughter

If Australians use our coal or gas to provide cheap, reliable power for our own families and businesses, it will bring about the end of the planet. But if other countries use the same coal and gas to provide cheap, reliable power for themselves, there’s not a problem.

Aussies are being conned and lied to by BS artists of the first order!

The Australian economy continues to rely on coal as a source of affordable, reliable electricity. In 2022-23, coal supplied 62.6% of electricity to the National Electricity Market, with gas providing 4.5%, hydro 8.3%, and other renewable energy sources—wind, grid solar, and batteries—contributing 24.1%.

Beyond electricity generation, Australian coal is in high demand for process heat, which is essential in the production of alumina, chemicals, paper, machinery, and food manufacturing. It is also a key ingredient in cement and steelmaking. Australia’s high-energy, low-ash coal is perfectly suited for modern, high-efficiency coal-fired power plants being built throughout Asia. Additionally, our high-grade metallurgical coal is among the best in the world for modern steelmaking.

Supplier reliability, proximity to key markets, and solid infrastructure place Australia in a prime position to meet growing demand from nations such as Japan, China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe, along with emerging buyers in Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

Despite this, Australians are being told that coal has no future in our domestic energy supply. We are expected to shut down coal-fired power stations and replace them with unreliable and expensive renewable alternatives, all while exporting millions of tonnes of coal to other countries who will continue to use it for their own industrial and energy needs. If coal is truly so harmful, why are we selling it to others? And if it is a critical resource for our trading partners, why are we being forced to abandon it at home?

In the financial year 2024, Australia’s coal exports were valued at approximately 91 billion Australian dollars. Coking coal exports saw a 3% year-over-year increase in the first half of 2024, reaching 75.5 million tonnes compared to 73.3 million tonnes in the same period last year. This growth was further emphasised by a significant 11% month-over-month surge in June 2024, with exports jumping from 12.97 million tonnes in May to 14.43 million tonnes.

The reality is, coal remains a vital component of both the Australian and global economies. It is undeniable that many of our key allies and trading partners will continue to rely on coal for decades to come. Yet, instead of acknowledging this, Australian policymakers push an unrealistic renewable energy agenda that leaves our citizens with higher power bills and an unstable grid.

The hypocrisy is glaring. We are told that using coal in Australia is unacceptable, yet exporting it to other nations is perfectly fine. If coal is good enough for Japan, India, China, and South Korea, why isn’t it good enough for us? Australians are being taken for fools by those who pretend to care about the environment while happily profiting from coal exports.

It’s time to cut through the nonsense. We must prioritise Australian energy security and affordability over political games. If the rest of the world values our coal, we should too.

ED: From my inbox – Martin Reid 

With growing uncertainty about the reliability of key allies, Australia must prepare to defend itself—potentially alone. This requires a national effort to enhance defence capabilities, as outlined in the Defence Strategic Review (DSR). A key priority is the restructuring of the reserves to create a larger, better-trained, and rapidly deployable force.

The current reserve system is outdated, designed decades ago for supporting distant conflicts rather than responding to regional threats. The 2023 DSR highlighted the need for a more robust force structure, greater endurance, and stronger national resilience. However, the recent Review of the ADF Reserves fails to address these urgent needs. Instead, it offers administrative adjustments rather than a strategic plan for expansion and rapid mobilisation.

As of early 2024, around 41,000 personnel were registered as ADF reserves, but 10,000 had never served. The remaining 31,000 primarily filled specialist roles or gaps in permanent units. The review proposes only minor process reforms, including three categories of reserve service, accelerated entry pathways, and an additional 1,000 personnel by 2030—far from the transformation needed.

Given recruitment limitations for permanent personnel, expanding the reserves must be a priority. Many advanced democracies use different reserve models. Australia follows an expeditionary model, suitable for nations engaging in distant wars but not facing imminent threats. Countries with direct threats, such as Finland, Israel, and Singapore, rely on large, well-trained reserves that can mobilise within days. The United States employs a hybrid model with a sizable reserve force supporting its permanent military.

Australia must transition from its outdated expeditionary model to a homeland defence or hybrid system. The current framework lacks the resilience to expand in time for a major conflict, which could arise within years. A new reserve force must be significantly larger, better equipped, and capable of rapid deployment. Recruitment and training processes must be streamlined, and greater access to national skillsets, particularly in intelligence, cyber, medical, and logistics, should be facilitated.

Achieving this transformation requires leadership, cultural change, and public engagement. The government must articulate the security risks facing Australia, justify the need for these changes, and encourage enlistment in a strengthened reserve force.

A credible action plan is needed now. The time to build a modern, capable reserve force was yesterday. We cannot afford further delays.

From Wings magazine (Autumn 2025), this video explores Australia’s Project LAND156 – Counter Small UAS (C-S-UAS), aimed at neutralizing small drones (up to 25kg) on the battlefield. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) targets cost-effective solutions like DroneShield’s RfPatrol Mk 2 (4km detection) and DroneGun Mk4 (1km jamming, swarm-capable), alongside “hard kill” options like lasers and the M230 Bushmaster. Rival Anduril trials its Lattice OS system at RAAF Base Darwin. Learn how the ADF plans a baseline capability by 2025 and full rollout by 2030.

ED: This ruling sets a dangerous precedent where mythological beliefs are being enforced through legal mechanisms. While respecting cultural heritage is important, prosecuting a local council for emergency repairs based on the alleged disturbance of a mythical creature is beyond rational governance. This is a slippery slope—what’s next, fines for angering the Dreamtime spirits? Western Australia appears to be prioritising superstition over practical governance, and ratepayers are footing the bill.

eWise Blog – contributor

The recent circumnavigation of the Australian continent by foreign warships raises concerns about the nation’s ability to maintain effective surveillance. While their locations were tracked, the precise nature of their activities remained uncertain. This situation calls for a reassessment of intelligence and surveillance capabilities to ensure comprehensive monitoring and response readiness.

Second, changing geopolitical dynamics necessitate a greater degree of defence self-sufficiency. While alliances remain critical, Australia must enhance its capability to manage military contingencies independently. This requires investment in longer-range weapons and advanced intelligence, surveillance, and tracking systems.

Australia must acknowledge that its longstanding assumptions about military threats no longer hold. The belief that conflicts will remain distant has led to incremental rather than transformative increases in defence spending. Given the evolving strategic landscape, a fundamental shift in defence investment is necessary to ensure that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can meet new, short-notice contingencies and sustain operations if circumstances deteriorate further.

The changing global landscape necessitates an urgent review of Australia’s defence planning. Traditional assumptions about extended deterrence and allied commitments are being tested. While strategic partnerships remain essential, Australia must ensure its security by developing robust self-reliance capabilities.

The ADF must reassess its priorities, particularly in relation to anti-ship missiles, drones, sea mines, uncrewed submarines, air-to-air missiles, and strike capabilities. These technologies are critical for ensuring that Australia can deter and, if necessary, respond effectively to emerging threats. Defence spending should focus on capabilities that enhance strategic deterrence rather than relying solely on large, expensive platforms.

Defence spending as a percentage of GDP has been a contentious issue. Some experts suggest increasing it from the current level of approximately 2% to 3–4%. This would require an additional $28–55 billion annually. However, rather than arbitrarily setting a target, Australia must adopt a detailed, needs-based approach, ensuring that spending directly enhances defence capabilities.

A more cost-effective approach would involve prioritising investments in advanced surveillance, targeting, and uncrewed systems. These measures would enhance defence capabilities more rapidly and affordably than purchasing additional major platforms.

The current ADF structure has limited capacity for sustained operations beyond low-intensity conflicts. Previous assumptions about force expansion no longer align with contemporary threats. A key initiative in addressing this challenge is the 2024 Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) plan, which aims to establish domestic production of advanced munitions. This initiative will enhance Australia’s ability to sustain high-technology operations and build a credible deterrent force.

Geography remains a crucial factor in Australia’s defence strategy. With vast maritime borders and critical northern approaches, the nation must be prepared to defend against potential adversaries projecting power close to its territory. The current investment in long-range strike capabilities is a step in the right direction, but more is needed to ensure comprehensive defence preparedness.

Australia must also consider alternative workforce solutions to address recruitment and retention challenges within the ADF. Options such as increased reliance on the Reserves or even some form of national service may need to be explored.

Increased defence funding must be justified through strategic assessments rather than arbitrary GDP-based targets. A well-defined conceptual framework for defence spending, aligned with national security objectives, would be more effective in securing public and governmental support for necessary investments.

Ultimately, Australia’s defence decision-making processes must be improved to ensure effectiveness in both peacetime governance and crisis scenarios. Strengthening these processes will be essential in addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving strategic environment. The time to act is now, before circumstances demand a response for which the nation is unprepared.

ED: Arrian’s book Stay Loose is due for release on 2nd April 2025 – Order your copy now.

‘Adrian candidly presents the ‘equation of service’: the challenges overcome that create feelings of personal achievement, the mateships that hold people together, and the lows that can shake your belief in self.’ – General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd)

“Your past doesn’t define you—it teaches you. Every experience is a lesson, not a life sentence.”
In Stay Loose, Adrian Hodges delivers a candid reflection on three decades of service in the Australian Army, from navigating the dangers of war to the challenges beyond the battlefield.
Adrian chronicles both the highs and lows. From his battalion’s deployment to Somalia’s famine-stricken chaos—Australia’s first major overseas operation since the Vietnam War—to participating in the nation’s first lethal firefight in decades, he offers harrowing frontline insights. His memoir covers a military exchange in Malaysia, as well as service in Afghanistan and Iraq, providing an intimate view of the physical and psychological tolls faced by soldiers.
But this memoir isn’t just about combat. Adrian reflects on his struggles after leaving the Army, battling uncertainty and searching for direction. His post-military career led him to work as a court recorder on several high-profile legal cases, including the investigation into the Black Hawk helicopter crash that claimed 18 military lives. He also recounts backpacking through North Africa and the Middle East, contrasting his military service with personal discovery.
Eventually re-enlisting, Adrian’s return to operations and military exchanges weaves themes of brotherhood, resilience, and the strength found in family. Now a private military contractor in the UAE, he explores how his past shaped his future.
Stay Loose is a deeply personal journey of finding humour and catharsis in extraordinary circumstances, proving that past experiences offer lessons, not life sentences.

‘The motto of The Royal Australian Regiment is “Duty First” Adrian’s story puts life and understanding into that motto.’- General David Hurley AC CVO DSC (Retd)

In this clip from our interview, Geoff talks about the ingenuity of the Australian forces in Vietnam.