14 February 2025

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) continues to process outstanding claims as quickly as possible, to deliver much needed help to veterans and families sooner.

As part of our commitment to routinely, publicly, and meaningfully reporting on claims processing progress, each month DVA releases updated data via the claims processing page.

A snapshot of January 2025:

• DVA received 7,187claims in January bringing the total for the financial year to date (FYTD) to 56,462 claims – 19.8 per cent higher than the same period last year.
• DVA made 7,468determinations and has finalised 55,983 claims in the FYTD, 0.7 per cent more than the equivalent period last year.
• 75,600claims were with an officer for processing and 6,056 claims were yet to be allocated for processing.
• The average time taken to process a MRCA IL claim was 296 days in the 2024-25 FYTD (1 July 2024 to 31 January 2025), compared to 391 days in the corresponding 2023-24 FYTD.

Please contact us or an advocate if you have any questions about submitting a claim. More information about making a claim for a service-related condition and eligibility for benefits and payments is available on the DVA website.

From 1945 website

The Northrop McDonnell-Douglas YF-23, a stealthy and advanced prototype, competed against the Lockheed-Boeing-General Dynamics YF-22 in the 1991 Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) fly-off. While the YF-22 won, evolving into the F-22 Raptor, the YF-23 quietly faded into history, until now.

With renewed interest in next-generation fighters, many are revisiting the YF-23’s design. It was faster, had superior stealth, a higher ceiling, and better range. However, the YF-22 was more agile and demonstrated aggressive manoeuvrings and missile launches, impressing the Air Force. Ultimately, the YF-22’s performance and “fighter pilot’s appeal” won the contract.

Test pilot Paul Metz, one of the few to fly both aircraft, noted that Northrop’s engineers focused on technical excellence, while Lockheed excelled in marketing and showmanship. The YF-22’s flashier demonstrations may have tipped the scales in its favour.

The ATF program sought a stealthy, survivable fighter, yet the decision reflected a bias toward dogfighting instincts. Some argue that the YF-23’s innovations deserve another look, especially as modern air combat evolves. Though overshadowed, its legacy may still influence future designs.

Would the YF-23 have been the better choice? That debate continues today.

China’s aggressive military actions continue to challenge Australia’s national security, with the latest incidents putting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s approach to relations with Beijing under intense scrutiny. A powerful Chinese naval flotilla operating close to Australia underscores the growing threat posed by China’s military expansion.

On 11 February, a Chinese J-16 fighter released flares just 30 metres in front of an Australian P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft in what the Department of Defence has described as an ‘unsafe and unprofessional’ act. This marks the fifth known incident of dangerous Chinese military behaviour towards Australian forces since 2022, highlighting a pattern of escalating provocation.

The same day, the Department of Defence confirmed the presence of a Chinese naval task group operating in Australia’s northeastern maritime approaches. The flotilla included a Jiangkai-class frigate, a Fuchi-class replenishment vessel, and, most concerning, a Type 055 Renhai-class cruiser. The Renhai-class warship, one of the most formidable in China’s arsenal, is armed with 112 vertical-launch missile cells capable of carrying anti-ship, surface-to-air, and anti-submarine weapons. This marks the first known instance of a vessel of its class operating so close to Australia.

While these ships are legally in international waters, their presence sends a clear message: China is projecting its military power into Australia’s backyard. The Chinese navy has increasingly extended its operations beyond the First Island Chain, with warships appearing off the West Australian coast, transiting through the Torres Strait, and monitoring Australian military exercises. These moves suggest Beijing is intent on demonstrating its ability to challenge Australia’s security.

Moreover, China’s military is extending its unsafe and coercive tactics beyond the South China Sea. The RAAF must now anticipate further aggressive encounters with Chinese aircraft while patrolling international airspace. Given Beijing’s track record, Australia’s Defence Force must prepare for potential scenarios in which an aircraft is forced down or worse.

Despite these provocations, the Australian government’s response remains cautious. Defence Minister Richard Marles has reaffirmed that Australia respects freedom of navigation and expects other nations to do the same. However, this diplomatic stance appears ineffective in deterring Chinese aggression.

The question remains: What is the Albanese government doing to address this growing threat? While the government has committed to AUKUS and increasing defence spending, Australia must take a firmer stand. Strategic deterrence, stronger alliances, and a clear response to repeated military intimidation are necessary.

China’s actions make it clear that polite diplomatic statements are not enough. If Beijing is willing to apply pressure on smaller nations while cautiously engaging the United States, Canberra must rethink its strategy. Otherwise, Australia risks becoming an easy target in China’s broader geopolitical ambitions.

eWise Blog

The recent controversy surrounding a group of Sydney-based nurses accused of making anti-Israeli threats has sparked widespread debate over the application of hate speech laws and the effectiveness of law enforcement in handling such cases. The case has led to growing concerns that there may be a double standard in how these laws are enforced, depending on the individuals involved.

In a widely circulated video, several nurses, allegedly of Middle Eastern background—were caught on camera making threats against Israeli citizens and reportedly boasting about past violent actions. Despite clear footage and public outrage, NSW Police have stated that they require further evidence before pursuing charges.

This hesitancy contrasts sharply with other high-profile incidents where individuals have faced immediate legal consequences for hate speech. Many point to cases where racially charged comments made against Indigenous Australians, such as AFL star Adam Goodes, resulted in swift legal repercussions, even when the perpetrator was a minor. Critics argue that the disparity in police responses fosters a perception of a two-tiered justice system, where certain groups appear to receive preferential treatment.

The slow police response has fuelled frustration among Australians who see this as another example of failed multicultural integration. There is increasing sentiment that selective enforcement of hate speech laws undermines social cohesion and erodes public trust in the legal system. Many Australians feel that if similar threats had been made by white nurses against ethnic groups, authorities would have acted with far greater urgency.

Additionally, concerns have emerged over the male nurse in question allegedly misrepresenting himself as a doctor, raising potential issues of professional misconduct and fraud. If proven, this deception could have serious legal consequences beyond the hate speech allegations.

Critics of the handling of this case are calling for a thorough investigation into the professional conduct of the accused nurses, particularly regarding any patient care outcomes during their tenure. If proven guilty, many believe that if citizenship has been previously granted their Australian citizenship should be revoked and they should be deported to their country of origin, arguing that individuals who engage in hate speech and incitement to violence have no place in the nation’s healthcare system.

Furthermore, there is growing demand for the Immigration Minister to intervene in cases where individuals granted Australian citizenship demonstrate behaviour that threatens social harmony and public safety. Such actions would send a strong message that Australia takes its values of equality and respect seriously, regardless of cultural or religious background.

This case has reignited debate over whether multicultural policies have effectively integrated all communities into Australian society. While diversity has enriched the nation in many ways, instances like this raise concerns about whether certain groups remain disconnected from broader Australian values.

NSW Police now face a critical decision. If they fail to act decisively, public perception of bias and leniency in law enforcement could deepen, leading to further social divisions. Australians deserve equal application of the law, and this case will be a litmus test for whether justice is truly blind or selectively enforced.

(417) Valentine's Day Is The Day For Lovers | JEFF DUNHAM – YouTube

Australian manufacturing is facing a terminal decline, driven primarily by soaring energy costs that have escalated dramatically over the past three years. Key industries, including fertilisers, plastics, mining explosives, and glass manufacturing, have either shut down or are on the verge of collapse. The impact is severe, with the nation becoming increasingly reliant on imports for essential materials.

In 2023, a major fertiliser company closed its Australian operations due to prohibitively high energy costs. This was followed by the shutdown of the country’s last major plastics producer in 2024, leaving Australia completely dependent on imported polymers. Most recently, the nation’s only architectural glass manufacturer ceased operations after 169 years, citing excessive energy prices and the dumping of cheaper imports from overseas markets.

The latest insolvency data from ASIC reveals that almost 1,390 manufacturers have become insolvent since 2022-23. Despite government pledges to rebuild the manufacturing sector, the trend continues downward. The federal government has announced multi-billion-dollar programs to support local manufacturing, including subsidies for green iron and steel production. However, these initiatives face significant challenges as energy costs remain a major barrier to industrial viability.

Recent analysis warns that Australia’s green energy transition could further drive-up real wholesale power prices by 5%-15% by 2035, while retail energy bills could surge by 20%-35%. Since renewable energy sources are intermittent, significantly more capacity must be installed to match the output of traditional dispatchable fossil fuel generation. Gas-fired power is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the gap, yet gas prices continue to rise.

With nearly three-quarters of East Coast gas exported, primarily to China, domestic shortages are driving prices higher. The opening of LNG import terminals in multiple states will further exacerbate costs, both for gas and electricity. Rather than directing billions towards selective subsidies, the federal government should reconsider the aggressive renewables rollout and implement a firm gas reservation policy with cost-plus pricing regulations.

Australia has ample energy resources, yet its power costs remain among the highest in the world. Policy failures and an unwavering commitment to net-zero emissions are undermining the nation’s industrial base. Without urgent intervention, Australia risks becoming a country where manufacturing is only viable through government subsidies, while energy affordability declines for households and businesses alike.

Australia’s F-35A Lightning II fleet has reached full strength, with all 72 jets delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). But is the fleet truly combat-ready? In this video, we take a deep dive into the state of Australia’s F-35A program in 2025—examining the successes, challenges, and future upgrades that will define its role in the Indo-Pacific. From delays in the crucial Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software to the latest advancements in weaponry and training, we break down how the RAAF is adapting to modern warfare. With regional tensions rising and new threats emerging, how does Australia’s F-35A fleet compare to its rivals, and what comes next for the Air Force?

(413) RAAF’s F-35A in 2025: Power, Delays & What’s Next – YouTube

Australia’s acquisition of the UH-60M Black Hawk marks a major shift in the nation’s military aviation strategy. After years of operational challenges with the MRH-90 Taipan, the Australian Army is returning to a combat-proven, highly reliable platform. In this video, we take an in-depth look at the history, capabilities, and future of the UH-60M Black Hawk in Australia.

(413) Inside Australia’s UH-60M Black Hawk Fleet: Upgrades, Strategy & Future – YouTube

Veterans will be able to access compensation for their military service through a simpler process after the biggest overhaul of the system in a century.

Three complex laws governing Australia’s veteran support system have been rolled into one through legislation that passed the parliament on Thursday.

Urgently simplifying the compensation and rehabilitation scheme was a recommendation made by the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in its interim report.

The changes will kick in a year later than what was recommended by the inquiry, coming into effect in July 2026.

Under the new law, more veterans will be eligible for a Gold Card, which provides treatment for all medical conditions in Australia.

No veteran will experience a cut to their current payments.

Former ADF personnel currently under one of the old pieces of legislation will be transferred to the new scheme and will be able to appeal Department of Veterans’ Affairs decisions to the Veteran Review Board for the first time from April this year.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said the changes marked the most significant legislative reform to the support system in a century.

“This all means veterans and families will be able to access the benefits and supports that they need and deserve faster,” he said.

“Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this historic reform, which will benefit veterans and families for generations to come.”

Projections in the 2024 federal budget show payments for rehabilitation and compensation claims are expected to grow by $6.5 billion over the next five years.

A One-Man Tour De Force — Ray "Simmo" Simpson VC DCM

As the first video of our real-life heroes mini-series we explore the incredible inspirational life and military career of Rayene Stewart Simpson, one of Australia’s finest soldiers. Simpson served in WW2, Korea, Malaya and in Vietnam and was awarded a Victoria Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star and Distinguished Conduct Medal.