Australia is stepping up its support for Ukraine in a major way! After some controversy involving scrapped helicopters, Canberra is donating 49 M1A1 Abrams tanks to bolster Ukraine’s fight against Russia. With Russia pulling obsolete tanks into the battlefield and suffering massive losses, these Western-built tanks could shift the balance. What’s the strategic impact of this move? Could it spark more aid from the U.S.?

China’s President Xi Jinping has commended the progress in diplomatic ties with Australia, highlighting the importance of ongoing collaboration between the two nations. Speaking at the G20 summit in Brazil, where he met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, President Xi emphasized the need for “stability and certainty” in an unpredictable global landscape.

“Our discussions were very productive over the past year and more,” President Xi said. “We have maintained close communications at all levels, actively promoting the implementation of our common understandings, and made positive progress.” However, he cautioned that these improved ties must be “maintained with great care.”

Prime Minister Albanese echoed these sentiments, noting that the past year had brought “further encouraging progress in the stabilisation of our relationship.”

“We’ve resumed a range of dialogues,” he said. “Trade is flowing more freely to the benefit of both countries and to people and businesses on both sides. We continue to explore opportunities for practical co-operation in areas of shared interest, including on our energy transition and climate change.”

Australia and China have endured years of diplomatic strain, with tensions peaking over trade restrictions, national security concerns, and human rights issues. However, recent developments indicate a thaw, with the resumption of key trade agreements and bilateral dialogues.

While President Xi and Prime Minister Albanese championed their respective visions for a strengthened partnership, global observers remain cautious about the durability of this détente. Some analysts warn that navigating the complexities of this relationship will require sustained commitment and mutual respect amid broader geopolitical rivalries.

As the leaders exchanged views and pledged further cooperation, the world watches closely to see if this “turnaround” will withstand the pressures of the international stage.

Sky News Australia will premiere an exclusive new documentary ‘The Real Cost of Net Zero’ on Tuesday 19 November at 8.00pm AEDT, presented by award-winning journalist Chris Uhlmann.

Sky News political contributor Chris Uhlmann says wind and solar “leave massive supply gaps” in Australia’s energy grid.

“Wind and solar, when they are put into a grid at scale, leave massive supply gaps,” Mr Uhlmann told Sky News Australia.

“Those supply gaps get filled by something. At the moment, the dominant source of generation is, of course, brown and black coal.”

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has made global headlines, with millions affected and international dynamics drastically altered. But beyond the news cycle lies a layer to the story that is often overlooked in mainstream news. North Korea is now involved in the war, with Pyongyang deploying 8,000 of its 11,000 troops in the Kursk Region and 1,500 special operations soldiers on Ukraine’s northeastern front and even in eastern regions such as Donetsk. On the other hand, the Ukrainian army is in pursuit of North Korean troops. The Kiev army is pursuing, chasing and hunting Pyongyang troops almost everywhere on the battle fronts, including Kursk. So how can Ukrainians fight so many North Korean troops and at the same time resist the Russian invasion?

Australia needs nuclear power to ensure reliable, low-emission energy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and meet growing energy demands sustainably.

In recent years, renewable energy has been touted as the solution to the climate crisis and a beacon of sustainability. But behind the glossy marketing lies a stark reality: the so-called “clean, green revolution” is proving to be less about saving the planet and more about enriching corporations, often foreign-owned, at the expense of Australian land, farmers, and families.

What we’re witnessing isn’t just an energy transition; it’s a massive global money grab. Foreign and Australian billionaires are using green energy projects to line their pockets, exploiting Australia’s resources and land under the guise of sustainability. Farmers, the backbone of this country, are being pressured to surrender their lands for solar farms, wind turbines, and other infrastructure. These projects often lead to reduced agricultural productivity and significant changes to the rural landscape.

It’s not just farmers who are losing out. Entire regional communities are seeing their way of life upended, with little in return. Promised economic benefits are often outweighed by the profits funnelled to multinational corporations.

The proponents of green energy claim it’s the way forward. But can wind and solar deliver the reliable power Australia needs? Critics argue that these technologies, while improving, still fall short of ensuring consistent energy supply. Renewable energy systems rely heavily on weather conditions and often require backup solutions like batteries or gas to fill the gaps, a dependency that undermines claims of true sustainability.

For a country like Australia, which relies on affordable and reliable energy for its industries and households, this experiment in green energy is fraught with risks. Power outages and energy shortages loom as potential consequences, affecting every Australian.

The most troubling part? Our politicians are letting it happen. Labor, the Greens, and the Teals have been accused of siding with big corporations instead of standing with Australian farmers and families. These political forces promote renewable energy policies while failing to address the exploitation and economic inequalities they create.

Their complicity isn’t just inaction; it’s active participation. By enabling foreign interests and corporate greed to dictate our energy policies, they’re jeopardizing Australia’s sovereignty and economic future.

No group feels the brunt of this shift more than Australian farmers. Renewable energy projects often encroach on prime agricultural land, forcing farmers into difficult decisions. Wind turbines and solar farms may generate energy, but they also disrupt farming operations, change the landscape, and spark environmental concerns.

For many farmers, this isn’t just about economics; it’s about preserving their way of life and protecting the land they’ve nurtured for generations.

Australia deserves an energy policy that balances sustainability with sovereignty, reliability, and fairness. We cannot let foreign corporations and political complacency dictate the future of our land and resources. Farmers, families, and communities must have a seat at the table, ensuring the transition to renewable energy is one that benefits everyone, not just the billionaires.

Green energy is a way for global elites to profit, under the guise of sustainability, without delivering promised benefits.

MEDIA RELEASE

Planning Underway for Japan-US-Australia Joint Military Exercises

Darwin, Australia — November 17, 2024

Defence Minister Richard Marles will host senior defence officials from the United States and Japan in Darwin on Sunday to strengthen security ties and plan for joint military operations in northern Australia.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has arrived in Australia for his final visit as a senior official of the Biden administration, amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the impending leadership transition in Washington. Secretary Austin will join Minister Marles and Japan’s Defence Minister Nakatani Gen in trilateral discussions focused on enhancing regional stability and collective deterrence, as concerns grow over Beijing’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and the potential for conflict over Taiwan.

Central to the talks is the integration of Japan’s Rapid Deployment Brigade into joint military training exercises with the US Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D). Diplomatic sources confirm that Japan’s deployment will begin with the next rotation of US Marines in 2025, marking a historic step in defence collaboration.

Minister Marles highlighted the significance of the meeting:
“The trilateral partnership between Australia, Japan, and the United States is built upon shared values, deep trust, and an unbreakable commitment to Indo-Pacific stability and security. By working together, we bolster our collective deterrence capabilities and send a strong signal in support of peace and sovereignty in our region.”

The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, established in 2011 under a 25-year agreement, deploys approximately 2,000 US personnel annually from April to October. Japan’s inclusion represents a significant enhancement to the exercises, reflecting deepening ties and shared strategic objectives among the three nations.

Shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie underscored the importance of closer cooperation:
“The Japanese face challenges similar to ours, particularly with increasing incursions by Chinese forces into their territorial waters. Integrating Japan into exercises with the US Marine Expeditionary Force in Darwin opens new opportunities for regional stability and enhanced security partnerships.”

This meeting follows a symbolic visit by then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Darwin in 2018, commemorating 75 years since the city was bombed by Imperial Japanese forces during World War II. The inclusion of Japan in defence initiatives underscores the evolution of regional partnerships in the face of contemporary challenges.

The talks also come as the US continues a major infrastructure investment across northern Australia under its Force Posture initiatives. In addition, the AUKUS partnership remains a cornerstone of Australia’s defence strategy, with US nuclear-powered submarines scheduled to rotate through HMAS Stirling in Western Australia from 2027, ahead of Australia’s acquisition of its own Virginia-class submarines in the 2030s.

After the trilateral meeting, Secretary Austin will travel to the Philippines, attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting in Laos, and make a historic stopover in Fiji, further demonstrating the United States’ enduring commitment to regional alliances.

Photo: The first group of Australian Army nurses of 8th Field Ambulance to arrive in Vietnam in May 1967. From left to right; Lieutenant Colleen Mealy, Lieutenant Margaret Ahern, Captain Amy Pittendreigh, Lieutenant Terrie Roche. AWM P00582.045.

Australia sent over 50,000 defence personnel to serve in South Vietnam and its surrounding waters between 1962 and 1973. It was a controversial politico-military commitment which led to 519 Australian deaths and over 3,000 men were evacuated home with wounds, injuries or illnesses.

A largely forgotten part of those personnel were the female nurses who served during the conflict; some went overseas to treat casualties on the frontline, whilst many dealt with the wounded who were later sent back home.

CLICK LINK

Home and Away; Australian Nurses during the Vietnam War | Anzac Memorial, Hyde Park, Sydney

The 2nd Commando Regiment, part of the Australian Army’s Special Operations Command, conducts strategic strike, domestic counter-terrorism, and overseas special recovery operations. Originally formed to complement the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), it is a self-contained, flexible force. The regiment provides the Tactical Assault Group (East) for high-risk incidents on the eastern coast of Australia.