Photo: Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare, or AM) Eurofighter Typhoons taxi at RAAF Base Darwin, followed by an AM KC-767A tanker transport, on arrival for Exercise Pitch Black 24. Photo by Flight Lieutenant Claire Campbell.

Australia’s largest international air combat training exercise, Exercise Pitch Black, will run from 12 July to 2 August. This year marks the largest iteration in the exercise’s 43-year history, featuring over 140 aircraft from around the world and approximately 4,435 personnel from 20 participating nations.

The exercise will also host a concurrent International Observer Group program, allowing foreign forces to observe and appreciate Australia’s preparation and execution of major activities.

For the first time, aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea, as well as embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei, will participate. Additionally, aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, and United States, along with embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand, will also join the exercise.

Aircraft will operate from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft stationed at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.

Exercise Pitch Black is the Royal Australian Air Force’s most significant flying activity, aimed at strengthening international engagement and enhancing its ability to collaborate with overseas partners. Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force air-power-employment missions involving numerous international aircraft, boosting the RAAF’s responsiveness to air-combat requirements.

For international participants, Exercise Pitch Black offers invaluable experience in deploying air-combat assets and support personnel over long distances. Upon arrival, participants integrate their forces with those of other nations, working directly with peer or near-peer air forces.

The exercise provides a training and integration environment that supports international participants’ training needs and their ability to support operations in the Indo-Pacific. On an individual level, it builds strong relationships between Australian aviators and personnel from across the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

Exercise Pitch Black underscores Australia’s strong international relationships and the importance placed on regional security and closer ties throughout the Indo-Pacific and globally. The 2024 iteration showcases some of the world’s most advanced air-combat capabilities, operated and supported by a highly skilled workforce in a challenging training environment.

Dive deep into the future of naval defence with Ghost Shark – Australia’s vanguard in underwater warfare, where innovation meets invincibility beneath the waves.

In a world where threats lurk beneath the Pacific, where naval supremacy is a silent, decisive force… One nation rises to the challenge!

Introducing Ghost Shark

Australia’s cutting-edge Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) designed to safeguard the underwater realm! Dive into the capabilities of this technological marvel, a game-changer in maritime defence.

Key Features and Capabilities

1. Stealth and Surveillance
   • Advanced Camouflage Technology: Ghost Shark is equipped with state-of-the-art stealth capabilities, making it virtually invisible to enemy detection systems.
   • High-Fidelity Sonar Systems: These allow for unparalleled underwater surveillance, ensuring early detection of potential threats and providing crucial intelligence for maritime operations.
2. Autonomous Navigation
   • AI-Powered Guidance: Utilizing cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Ghost Shark can navigate the most complex underwater terrains autonomously, adapting to dynamic environments in real-time.
   • Long-Endurance Missions: With a robust power management system, it can undertake extended missions without the need for frequent resurfacing or human intervention.
3. Versatility in Operations
   • Multi-Mission Payloads: Ghost Shark is designed to carry a variety of payloads, from sensor arrays for intelligence gathering to countermeasure systems for defensive operations.
   • Modular Design: Its modular architecture allows for quick reconfiguration, enabling it to switch between roles such as reconnaissance, mine detection, and anti-submarine warfare with ease.
4. Communication and Control
   • Secure Data Links: Ensuring real-time, secure communication with command centres, Ghost Shark can relay critical information while maintaining stealth.
   • Remote Operability: Operators can control and monitor the UUV from a safe distance, leveraging high-speed data transmission for seamless mission execution.
5. Environmental Adaptability
   • All-Weather Performance: Designed to operate in diverse underwater conditions, from the icy depths of the Southern Ocean to the warm, shallow waters of the Pacific.
   • Resilient Build: Constructed with high-durability materials to withstand harsh marine environments and ensure operational integrity over prolonged periods.

Strategic Impact

Enhancing Australia’s Maritime Security

Ghost Shark represents a significant leap forward in maritime defence capabilities for Australia. By integrating this advanced UUV into its naval fleet, Australia ensures a strategic advantage in maintaining control over its vast maritime territories. This technological innovation bolsters the nation’s ability to detect and neutralize underwater threats, safeguarding its economic interests and national security.

Strengthening Alliances

The development and deployment of Ghost Shark also demonstrate Australia’s commitment to contributing to regional security. By sharing intelligence and cooperating with allied nations, Australia can play a pivotal role in ensuring stability and peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Future of Maritime Defence

Ghost Shark is not just a technological achievement; it’s a symbol of Australia’s dedication to innovation and excellence in defence. As underwater threats evolve, so too will the capabilities of Ghost Shark, ensuring it remains at the forefront of maritime security.

Date: 13 July 2024

Location: Canberra, ACT

Queensland Senator Malcolm Roberts of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party is pleased to announce the Senate’s approval of a motion to launch an in-depth investigation into the Defence honours and awards system. This inquiry will specifically scrutinize the awarding process of medals, including the Distinguished Service Cross recently granted to the outgoing Chief of Defence Force, Angus Campbell.

The motion, introduced by Senator Roberts on 3 July 2024, narrowly passed with a vote of 32 to 31, despite opposition from Labor and the Greens.

In a recent Facebook statement, Senator Roberts highlighted his concerns about the misuse of the Defence honours and awards system by senior officers. “Senior brass often nominate each other for medals like it comes in their salary package,” Senator Roberts remarked. “Meanwhile, enlisted personnel have to fight for recognition and higher-ups arbitrarily downgrade their medals. I suspect Angus Campbell’s Distinguished Service Cross is just the tip of the iceberg, and this inquiry will delve deeply into these issues. The system needs a serious inquiry, and I’m thankful to the Senate for establishing one.”

The motion mandates the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee to investigate and report on the following by 28 November 2024:

1. The experiences of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel progressing through the honours and awards system;
2. The effect of awards and honours on maintaining morale within the ADF;
3. Assurance of the integrity of awards to senior officers for conduct in the Afghanistan conflict;
4. The effect of changes in criteria for some honours and awards from ‘in action’ to ‘in warlike operations’;
5. The operation of the Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal, including any potential improvements;
6. Any potential improvements to the Defence honours and awards system; and
7. Any related matters.

The committee is now accepting public submissions, and Senator Roberts emphasized the protections in place for witnesses providing evidence, addressing concerns about potential reprisals. “Anyone coercing, interfering with, or punishing a person for giving evidence to the committee could be held in contempt of the Senate,” Senator Roberts stated. Submissions can be made confidentially to protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.

For details on making a submission, please click here.

Senator Malcolm Roberts
Queensland Senator for Pauline Hanson’s One Nation

Michael Offerdahl, a business owner in Toobeah, fears that 95 percent of the land in his hometown could be transferred to an Aboriginal corporation. Offerdahl discovered these plans through minutes from a Goondiwindi Regional Council meeting in January, where the Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) disclosed its master plan on its website. BNTAC intends to use 210 hectares of the 220-hectare Toobeah Reserve for land management, eco-tourism, and land regeneration.

Offerdahl claims no members of the Bigambul people currently reside in Toobeah and questions the allocation of “inalienable freehold” land to them. He argues that the Bigambul people have only been in the region since the 1920s, long after other Indigenous tribes and the establishment of the town. He also states that the name “Toobeah” comes from the native Gamilaroi word “dhuba-y,” meaning “to point,” highlighting the limited historical connection the Bigambul people have to the area. Offerdahl is concerned that the land transfer could significantly impact the township’s future and commercial prospects, urging for more clarity to prevent widespread ramifications across Queensland.

15 Towns Under Aboriginal Land Act Applications

One Nation’s Mirani MP Steven Andrew raised the issue in state parliament on May 1, questioning the proposed land transfer under Queensland’s Aboriginal Land Act (ALA). He inquired about the inclusion of the Toobeah community in the decision-making process, the impact on property rights, and access to treated water and sewerage systems. He also sought information on other towns under pending ALA applications. The Department of Resources replied that broad community consultation is not required under the ALA but mentioned a community forum held in Toobeah on March 4. The department assured that town water and bore facilities would remain accessible, and the land adjacent to Toobeah would be used for community purposes, including open space, town expansion, and stock routes.

The council revealed that two lots of land, including rodeo facilities, would remain available for recreational use. However, Andrew’s question about which townships had expressions of interest went unanswered, with confirmation that 15 sites are under consideration. Eurong and Happy Valley on Fraser Island are among the other areas of interest for Indigenous groups seeking inalienable freehold handover under the ALA. So far, more than 6 million hectares of state land have been granted to Indigenous Australians in various forms.

How the Aboriginal Land Acts Differ From Native Title

The ALA and Native Title both represent Indigenous claims to land but differ in law and function. Native Title recognizes Indigenous rights and interests in land and waters according to traditional laws and customs. This includes rights to look after sacred sites, camp, hunt, fish, and hold ceremonies. These rights vary depending on the specific case and were established by the High Court of Australia in the 1992 Mabo case, which overturned the “terra nullius” doctrine.

In contrast, the ALA is an actual grant of land, originating from 1976 Commonwealth legislation in the Northern Territory and legislated as the Aboriginal Land Act in Queensland in 1991. The ALA recognizes the concept of inalienable freehold title, granting land to Indigenous people indefinitely, with rights including ownership, control, land management, development, lease negotiation, and economic activities.

Indigenous Group’s Plans for Eco-Tourism

BNTAC refuted claims of the state giving away 95 percent of Toobeah’s land, stating the claim involves just 0.18 percent of the land mass and that locals would still have access to amenities like water and recreational reserves. BNTAC plans to use the land for cultural, ecological, and economic development through regional eco-cultural tourism opportunities. Bigambul Executive Director Justin Saunders stated that the community had been consulted multiple times. BNTAC asserted that parts of the land need rejuvenation to restore traditional bush medicine and food plants and that the Bigambul people have long-standing connections to the Toobeah region, with camps and reserves existing there as recently as the 1950s and 1960s. The Bigambul people are Native Title holders of the land.

Council Denies Social Housing Claim

Goondiwindi Regional Council, led by former Queensland Nationals leader Lawrence Springborg, directed the public to its online Q&A on Toobeah. The Council clarified that the Toobeah Reserve’s future is a state issue and not under their control. While the Reserve is currently slated for camping or stock watering, BNTAC is open to collaboration on shared use guidelines. The Council deemed social housing unlikely due to infrastructure limitations.

Need For Transparency: Researcher

Gary Johns, Chairman of Close the Gap Research, emphasized the need for transparency in land transfers under the ALA. He criticized the Queensland government’s approach of not consulting all stakeholders and the public, urging for full disclosure on possible land uses. Johns argued that assurances from Indigenous groups are insufficient, highlighting the need for broader consultation to ensure all Queenslanders are informed and considered.

Three Royal Australian Navy officers have become the first in their service’s history to qualify as nuclear engineers in the UK, after completing nine months of intensive training delivered by the Royal Navy. The training, conducted under the AUKUS agreement—a pact between the UK, US, and Australia to develop a new generation of nuclear-powered submarines—took place at HMS Sultan in Gosport. The Australian officers trained alongside their Royal Navy counterparts.

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy and a submariner, commented on the achievement: “The graduation marks another significant step forward for the Royal Australian Navy’s ability to operate, maintain, and support Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability.”

The three officers, identified as Lieutenant Commander James, Lieutenant Isabella, and Lieutenant Steve, will now serve on Astute-class submarines with the Royal Navy to gain practical experience. Lt Cdr James will be assigned to the Royal Navy’s newest hunter-killer submarine, HMS Agamemnon, which is nearing completion in Barrow. “The experience of bringing her out of construction, going through trials, and training will be hugely important for our program,” he noted.

The training involved six months of intensive academic studies in subjects such as nuclear physics, thermodynamics, and nuclear safety management, followed by three months of practical training. During this period, they learned the inner workings of nuclear systems and completed control room simulations to prepare for potential incidents and emergencies.

Lieutenant Joe Roberts described the course as one of the most challenging in the Royal Navy, with many students dropping out. “It’s a course which demands the best and the brightest—and the Australians have sent three outstanding students who will go far,” he said. “It’s been an honor because these are the AUKUS pioneers. They will lead their country’s future nuclear submarine program.”

Their success represents a significant milestone in developing the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability under the AUKUS tri-lateral security partnership. This topic was high on the agenda during the Prime Minister’s first conversation with his counterpart, Anthony Albanese, during his inaugural weekend in office. The leaders also discussed regional challenges, including strategic competition and agreed to strengthen the AUKUS partnership.

Following China’s military joint training with Belarus, speculation arises about North Korea’s potential involvement, indicating a significant military buildup among four nations near EU borders.

North Korea’s military education delegation, led by Kim Kum-chol, has travelled to Russia. This visit marks the first announced military exchange since Putin’s visit to Pyongyang last month. The delegation hails from Kim Il-sung Military University, a prominent training institute for military officers.

During Putin’s recent visit to Pyongyang, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed with Kim Jong-un. This agreement includes a mutual defence pact, committing both nations to assist each other if attacked. This development has raised concerns in South Korea and the US about potential military repercussions. A minor border incident could quickly escalate into a broader military confrontation.

Any military exchange with North Korea violates UN sanctions, which prohibit member nations from providing military support to Pyongyang. Despite these sanctions, both North Korea and Russia have denied accusations of military cooperation in the Ukraine war.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has urged Russia to avoid military assistance to North Korea, describing it as a “distinct threat and grave challenge” to security.