This is the most informative interview I have heard on the ABC radio.

To the best of my knowledge it has never again seen the light on any ABC or SBS TV which is interesting

“You are being conned” nuclear DOES lower power bills, Dr Adi Paterson

CLICK LINK to read this article from The Strategist by Malcolm Roberts

For a waterbombing reserve, adapt ADF aircraft | The Strategist

ED: This is a well-reasoned and practical proposal that makes excellent use of existing Defence assets without compromising their primary role. The ability to quickly convert Chinooks, Hercules, and Black Hawks into waterbombers when civilian resources are stretched is a smart, cost-effective contingency plan. Investing in proven solutions like MAFFS and Helitak tanks ensures that Australia is better prepared for our fire seasons while maintaining flexibility in Defence operations. A proactive approach like this would give Australians confidence that the government is planning ahead, rather than scrambling to react when disaster strikes.

CLICK LINK to read this article

Government and prospective ADF recruits ‘feeling the frustration’, says Deputy PM – Defence Connect

ED: A 300-day waiting period for ADF recruitment is utterly unacceptable, especially given the ongoing personnel shortfall and the critical need for a strong defence force. The government’s acknowledgment of the issue, coupled with vague reassurances and bureaucratic excuses, does little to inspire confidence. If the Defence Strategic Review already identified the urgency of streamlining recruitment over a year ago, why has there been no meaningful progress? The time for investigations and talk is over—immediate, decisive action is required to cut through red tape and ensure recruitment happens in days, not nearly a year.

ED: This arrived in my inbox this morning from Bob Buick – So now it’s todays smile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unexpected appearance in Kursk, dressed in military fatigues, in a move aimed at bolstering troop morale and celebrating recent victories over Ukrainian forces. The visit, which was not publicly announced in advance, showcased Putin’s direct involvement in the ongoing conflict and reinforced his commitment to the Russian military.

Putin’s trip to Kursk was a calculated move to boost morale and assert dominance. Addressing Russian troops, he commended their efforts in reclaiming territory from Ukraine in the border region. The visit came on the heels of a US-backed 30-day cease-fire proposal, which Putin dismissed as a strategic disadvantage, signalling his intention to maintain offensive operations.

During his speech, Putin did not hold back in his rhetoric against Ukrainian forces. Over 400 Ukrainian soldiers were reportedly captured during the recent offensive. Under Russian law, Putin labelled them as “terrorists,” a classification that excludes foreign fighters from the protections of the Geneva Convention. This controversial stance has drawn criticism from international observers and human rights organizations.

The conflict continues to escalate, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces digging in for prolonged engagements. While Russia pushes forward in certain areas, Ukrainian forces are reportedly repositioning to what their top commander describes as “more advantageous positions.” This repositioning suggests that Ukraine is preparing for counteroffensive manoeuvres, keeping the battlefield dynamics fluid and unpredictable.

As the war grinds on, Putin’s visit to Kursk serves as a stark reminder of Russia’s unwavering stance in the conflict, despite increasing global pressure for de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.

Ray Payne – Letter to the editor

Every day, it feels like we are losing more of the country we love. Australians are doing it tough, and the challenges we face as a nation seem to be mounting.

The cost of living crisis continues to hit families hard, with rising grocery prices, soaring rents, and an increasing number of Australians forced to live in tents or cars. Homeownership is becoming an unattainable dream for many, and energy prices have skyrocketed. Reliability issues linked to the rush toward renewable energy sources have only added to the pressure on households and businesses alike.

Public safety is also a growing concern. The recent surge in antisemitic attacks, violent protests disrupting our streets, and geopolitical tensions—including the presence of Chinese warships near our coastline—have left many Australians feeling more vulnerable than ever.

The question is: where is the leadership we need to tackle these pressing issues? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has yet to provide the strong, decisive action required to navigate these challenges. Instead, his government appears more focused on ideological pursuits rather than delivering practical solutions to the problems affecting everyday Australians.

With an election looming, the prospect of a Labor-Greens minority government raises serious concerns. The Greens’ radical agenda could exert undue influence over policy decisions, pushing Australia further down a path of economic and social uncertainty.

This election is critical. Australians must carefully consider the direction we want for our country. Do we continue down a path of rising costs, unreliable energy, and weakened national security, or do we demand stronger leadership that prioritises stability, affordability, and safety?

The time to act is now. The voices of mainstream Australians must be heard before it’s too late.

The Krakow Post

The recent Oval Office meeting between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ignited a firestorm of diplomatic anxiety across Europe. Hastily arranged and lacking a structured agenda, the meeting’s chaotic nature fuelled speculation that the U.S. was shifting its alliances, prompting alarmist reactions from European leaders and media alike. However, a closer look suggests that much of the commotion was unwarranted and that the U.S.-Europe relationship remains intact despite the blunder.

Missed Opportunities in a Hastily Arranged Meeting

Had the meeting been more professionally organized, both the U.S. and Ukraine could have secured tangible benefits. Trump suggested that an increased presence of American businesses and citizens in Ukraine might serve as an implicit security guarantee, deterring Russian aggression. Such an arrangement could have also allowed the U.S. to recover some of the $54-$60 billion already funnelled into Ukraine’s war effort—a stark contrast to the $350 billion Trump claimed had been granted under President Joe Biden.

Beyond financial considerations, Trump stood to gain politically by positioning himself as a peacemaker. His administration could have brokered a European conflict resolution without deploying American troops—something no president has managed since Bill Clinton’s intervention in the Balkans. Instead, the meeting devolved into a poorly choreographed media spectacle, with Vice President J.D. Vance and other officials overshadowing Zelensky, who appeared unprepared for the unscripted confrontation.

Europe’s Overreaction and Strategic Miscalculations

Rather than stepping back to assess the situation calmly, European leaders rushed to frame the U.S. as a potential adversary. French Prime Minister François Bayrou led a six-hour parliamentary debate filled with rhetoric but little substance, while two emergency EU summits convened with Britain as an ad hoc member. The Washington Post fuelled panic with claims that the U.S. had “switched sides” in global security under Trump.

The European reaction was characterized by unrealistic proposals, such as doubling defence budgets overnight, forming a pan-European army (potentially including Turkey), and replacing NATO’s capabilities in record time. However, the idea that Europe can swiftly replicate the military and economic support that the U.S. has provided for eight decades is nothing more than wishful thinking.

Moscow Watches and Waits

Meanwhile, Moscow revelled in the chaos. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov envisioned a return to Cold War-era bipolarity, where the U.S. and Russia dictate global affairs while sidelining Europe. He even implied Russian support for Trump in containing Tehran’s ambitions, further complicating diplomatic narratives.

Calm Heads Must Prevail

Despite the debacle, U.S.-European relations are far from shattered. Military aid to Ukraine has been suspended, not terminated, and the country has enough resources to sustain its defence through 2025. There remains ample time to mend diplomatic rifts and strike pragmatic agreements. Europe’s knee-jerk reaction mirrors the approach of Barack Obama—grandiose speeches followed by an escape into political fantasy.

History proves that diplomacy should be guided by prudence, not panic. The current rift is not irreversible; it is a reminder that in geopolitics, patience and preparation are the cornerstones of enduring alliances.

12 March 2025

Thirty-six organisations across Australia will share in more than $575,000 under Batch 2 of the 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, announced on 12 March 2025 by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon. Matt Keogh MP.

The funding includes 30 community projects and 6 major projects, all aimed at commemorating the service and sacrifice of veterans and families and promoting and preserving Australia’s wartime heritage.

From erecting flagpoles to establishing memorial gardens and installing creative murals, the projects all share a common goal: to share, understand and appreciate veterans’ experiences.

Since its inception, the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has funded thousands of projects across the nation, empowering communities to honour their veterans in innovative and lasting ways that resonate with local communities.

Three funding batches totalling $3.5 million are being offered during the 2024-25 year through Community Grants (up to $10,000) and Major Grants (between $10,001 and $150,000). Learn more about the projects funded under Batch 1 of the 2024-25 program.

Batch 3 applications closed on 5 February 2025, with the outcomes to be announced later this year.

Congratulations to all successful recipients.