Vice President Kamala Harris’ political journey has been marked by mixed results and significant challenges. Despite her impressive resume, Harris has struggled with public perception and complex international issues, raising questions about her potential as a future U.S. leader.

Harris’ simplified explanations of global events, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have sometimes appeared inadequate, undermining her credibility on the world stage. Moreover, her focus on attacking former President Trump’s foreign policy, while distancing herself from the Biden administration, has left her platform lacking in substantive policy.

The Harris campaign’s embrace of “Brat Girl Summer,” a pop culture trend, highlights a concerning shift towards a vague, vibes-based approach to politics. This strategy, while trendy, fails to address the pressing issues of international relations and national security.

As the U.S. faces a divided political landscape, the potential consequences of a Harris administration are uncertain. With the world watching, the direction of U.S. leadership remains in question, leaving both allies and adversaries on edge. The stakes for global stability, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, have never been higher.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and it’s crucial to stay vigilant to protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes. Scams Awareness Week 2024 is here to help you arm yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard your money and personal information.

Understanding Scammers: Who Are They?

Scammers are criminals who use manipulation and deception to trick you into handing over your money or sensitive personal information. They often pose as legitimate organizations or trusted individuals to gain your confidence. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) urges you to stay informed about the latest scams and to take proactive steps to keep your personal details secure.

Three Crucial Steps to Protect Yourself

STOP – Before you provide any money or personal information, take a moment to pause. If you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of a request, don’t hesitate to say no, hang up, or delete the message. Scammers rely on urgency and pressure tactics, so slowing down can prevent you from falling into their traps.

CHECK – Scammers often impersonate organizations you know and trust, such as MyGov, your bank, the police, or government agencies. If you receive an unexpected request for money or personal details, verify its authenticity by contacting the organization directly using their official phone number or website. Never rely on contact information provided in the suspicious message.

REPORT – The more we share information about scams, the less power scammers have. If you encounter a scam, report it to Scamwatch. Reporting scams helps authorities track and shut down these operations, protecting others from falling victim.

What to Do if You’re Scammed

If a scammer has managed to obtain your money or personal information, it’s essential to act quickly:

• Contact Your Bank: Notify your bank immediately to halt any further unauthorized transactions. You can also request new account numbers if you feel it would increase your security.
• Seek Support from IDCARE: IDCARE is a specialized service offering support to those in Australia and New Zealand who are concerned about identity theft or cyber fraud. They can assist you in creating a personalized plan to minimize the impact of the scam and protect your identity moving forward.

Stay Informed and Vigilant

The fight against scams is ongoing, and staying informed is your best defence. The National Anti-Scam Centre, managed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), operates the Scamwatch website, which is a valuable resource for the latest scam alerts and advice. You can subscribe to their newsletter on the Scamwatch subscribe page to receive regular updates directly to your inbox.

By following these steps and staying informed, you can protect yourself and others from the devastating effects of scams. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to stopping scammers in their tracks.

Australia stands at the precipice. The Indo-Pacific is now entering the most dangerous strategic period since the Second World War. The People’s Republic of China has embarked in the greatest peacetime military expansion, especially in the maritime domain, seen anywhere since the 1910s. And just as that militarization generated the geopolitical tensions that led to the Great War, exceptionally dangerous Sino-American competition is the defining feature of both Australia’s region and our time.

The Australian military’s reaction to this dynamic and rapidly deteriorating strategic environment had been highly problematic. Dysfunctional platform acquisition and development has been made worse by a convoluted grand strategy which has been far too focused on the rather mundane problems of the prior strategic epoch, as opposed to the extremely dangerous situation the nation was now facing. The result of this dysfunction is the Defence Strategic Review and the new strategic doctrine of National Defence. This comprehensive reform of the ADF has profound implications for the wider Australian military, including the largest expansion of the Royal Australian Navy since the second world war.

Spring in Australia brings warmer days, blooming flowers, and nesting birds—especially the infamous Australian magpie, known for its aggressive swooping behaviour. These black and white songbirds become highly territorial during nesting season, fiercely protecting their chicks by dive-bombing perceived threats, including humans.

Swooping occurs primarily during the magpie’s breeding season, from August to November, when chicks are most vulnerable. Though only about 10% of magpies actually swoop, those that do often remember and target specific individuals year after year. Fast-moving cyclists are particularly prone to attacks, but the birds may also swoop other animals to defend their nests.

Apart from magpies, magpie-larks, noisy miners, and masked lapwings are also known to swoop. Magpie-larks can be especially dangerous, as they attack from the front and may target the eyes. Noisy miners, small grey and yellow birds, often swoop in packs, while masked lapwing/Plovers, which nest on the ground, swoop if their territory is threatened.

To avoid swooping, consider taking alternative routes during nesting season. Protective gear like sunglasses and hats can minimize the risk of injury, and adding fake eyes to the back of your helmet may deter attacks. If swooped, stay calm and leave the bird’s territory quickly.

While swooping birds can be alarming, they’re an important part of our ecosystem. So, as you enjoy the warmer weather, stay alert for these feisty defenders of their nests.

ADS Review – Neil White

As the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide prepares to deliver its final report on September 9, Commissioner Nick Kaldas has issued a powerful call to action, urging the government and the broader defence community to seize this “once-in-a-generation, possibly once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to make meaningful change.

Kaldas highlighted the alarming fact that, despite nearly 60 inquiries over the past three decades, the suicide rates among Australia’s military personnel have not improved, with up to three veterans tragically losing their lives to suicide every fortnight. The responsibility now lies with the government to take decisive action, even if it means challenging entrenched bureaucratic resistance.

The Royal Commission, which has spent three years investigating the suicides of current and former members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), has uncovered what can only be described as a crisis—a national tragedy. Kaldas emphasized the need for the government to finally confront and overcome bureaucratic inertia, stating, “We call on this government and succeeding governments to take the courageous step of doing what is needed, what is necessary, and what is right.”

Australia owes a profound debt to its service members, Kaldas noted. “Our nation is indebted to them, and that debt must now be repaid,” he said. The Royal Commission’s findings are stark: between 1997 and 2021, at least 1,677 serving or former defence personnel died by suicide—a figure more than 20 times greater than those killed in active duty during the same period.

Commissioner Peggy Brown voiced a harsh truth that has emerged from the inquiry: the Australian Defence Force, the Department of Defence, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs cannot be relied upon to solve this issue on their own, despite any sincere efforts they may have made in the past. “We have seen too often that Defence’s default position is to defend Defence,” Dr. Brown stated, adding that much of the work done by these institutions has amounted to little more than “busy work,” giving the illusion of change without effecting real transformation.

The Commissioners’ message was clear: the government must accept the undeniable evidence presented by the Royal Commission and act decisively. Commissioner James Douglas emphasized that the changes needed would not only benefit the ADF and bolster national security but also provide essential support to the Australian families who have sacrificed so much for their country.

In response, Defence Force Chief Admiral David Johnston acknowledged the shortcomings of the past and committed to doing better. “We have heard where Defence has let people down, and we are committed to doing better,” he said. While progress has been made in some areas, Admiral Johnston conceded that there is still much more to be done.

The government has already taken steps to address the issue, acting on interim recommendations from the Royal Commission, including introducing legislation to streamline compensation claims for veterans and their families. However, the true test will be in the implementation of all the Commission’s recommendations.

Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie, herself a former soldier, echoed the urgency of the situation, calling on government and defence leaders to follow through on every recommendation. “Don’t just honour our veterans on Anzac Day—honour and care for them 365 days a year,” she urged.

The final report of the Royal Commission represents a critical juncture in the nation’s approach to military suicides. The government now faces a moral imperative to act decisively, ensuring that the sacrifices of Australia’s service members are met with the care and respect they deserve.

The Biden-Harris administration faces criticism for its perceived inaction against Iran despite reports of over 200 attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East. These incidents include aggression towards U.S. Navy ships, interference with the Suez Canal, and support for hostile groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in the ongoing conflict with Israel. Additionally, Iran continues to commit daily human rights abuses against its own citizens.

Critics argue that by overlooking sanctions and failing to present a strong deterrent, the administration has effectively allowed Iran to carry out these aggressive actions. Moreover, allegations have surfaced that the U.S. government is not doing enough to combat Iran’s election interference efforts, which reportedly involve cyber operations and disinformation campaigns aimed at sowing discord and undermining trust in the democratic process.

Iran’s influence operations in the U.S. are reportedly on the rise, with some suggesting that the Biden administration’s policies, which include easing sanctions and unfreezing assets, have inadvertently empowered the regime. Despite these concerns, there appears to be a lack of significant response from the administration to hold Iran accountable for its actions.

Critics are particularly concerned about the presence of individuals within the U.S. government who may have ties to Iranian influence operations, raising questions about the administration’s ability to effectively counter Iran’s growing threat. This perceived leniency towards Iran has led to accusations that the administration is prioritizing its own political goals over national security.

The US could probably close down Iran’s election-interference activities, but more to the point, the administration has the same goal as the Iranian regime: it does not want Trump elected, either.

Overall, the administration’s approach to Iran is seen by many as insufficient, with calls for stronger measures to deter and hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing activities.

Defence Information

Australia is set to take command of the Combined Maritime Force’s (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 153 starting in October, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s longstanding commitment to global maritime security. This six-month leadership role underscores Australia’s dedication to upholding international maritime laws and norms.

CTF 153, established in April 2022, plays a crucial role in enhancing maritime security and capacity-building efforts in critical regions, including the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. The task force’s mission is vital in safeguarding these strategically important waterways from threats such as piracy, smuggling, and other illicit activities.

Australia’s involvement in maritime security operations in the Middle East dates back to 1990 under Operation MANITOU. Over the years, Australia has successfully commanded other Combined Task Forces, including CTF 150 and CTF 152. However, this will be the first time Australia assumes command of CTF 153.

Assuming leadership of CTF 153 aligns with Australia’s recent efforts to bolster its contributions to the CMF, particularly in response to escalating threats in the region. In December 2023, Australia increased its commitment to CMF operations following Houthi attacks on maritime vessels in the Red Sea. Despite this increased focus, Australia’s command of CTF 153 will remain distinct from its involvement in Operation Hydranth, which targets and degrades Houthi capabilities in Yemen.

An Australian Defence Force spokesperson highlighted the significance of this new role, stating, “The command of CTF 153 is a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to ensuring maritime safety and security. We are proud to work alongside 44 other member nations in the Combined Maritime Force to support freedom of navigation, fair trade, and the international rules-based order. This leadership position not only reaffirms our dedication to these principles but also complements our separate mission under Operation Hydranth.”