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“I don’t think that there is a systemic issue within Defence in relation to the way in which defence contracts are managed.”

Defence Minister Richard Marles, June 30, 2024

Defence Minister Richard Marles defended the defence procurement function after the Auditor General criticized probity issues in a long-term explosives and munitions contract. An official solicited champagne and later worked for the contractor, Thales, under a $1.2 billion contract. Marles, interviewed on ABC’s Insiders, was questioned about the unethical behaviour.

The $1.3 billion munitions factory contract scandal with Thales deepened as police raided Thales offices in France, the Netherlands, and Spain, investigating bribery linked to submarines and a naval base in Brazil. There is no suggestion of bribery in Australia. Thales has over 3,000 defence contracts worth over $3.3 billion since 2020, including $920 million in 2023-24.

Marles emphasized Thales’ importance to the Australian Defence Force and denied systemic issues in contract handling, despite numerous Australian National Audit Office reports criticizing defence contracts, including:

1. Health Services: Shortcomings in contract management affecting ADF personnel welfare.
2. Hunter-class Frigate Procurement: Lack of value for money focus and ineffective expenditure.
3. Defence Industry Security Program: Ineffective administration and monitoring compliance.
4. LAND 200 Combat Management: Inconsistent documentation and questionable capability fulfillment.
5. ANZAC Class Frigates: Inefficiency and lack of competitive processes.
6. Base Services Management: Higher-than-estimated expenditures and unmet savings goals.
7. Fuels and Lubricants Contracts: Effective tender process but lacking value-maximizing negotiation strategy.
8. Private Contractors Management: Policies in place but effectiveness unproven.
9. Inventories Management: Inefficiency in general stores inventory management.

Even positive audits, like the Cape-class patrol boats contract, noted delayed probity risk assessments. Marles’ reassurance contrasts with these critical reports, raising questions about his awareness and action on defence contract management issues.

From a member in the US

President Joe Biden’s recent debate performance has ignited a firestorm of internal criticism and concern within his campaign team and family.

Family Concerns: Biden’s lacklustre showing on the debate stage has drawn almost universal criticism. However, his family is particularly discontented with his campaign advisers, whom they blame for his poor performance.

• They argue that Biden was ill-prepared for the attacks he faced and spent too much time defending his record rather than going on the offensive.
• Despite these issues, two family members remain staunchly supportive of Biden continuing his campaign: his son, Hunter, and the First Lady, Jill.
• The motivations behind their encouragement are not entirely clear, but online speculation suggests it may be connected to Hunter’s recent legal troubles.

Campaign Tensions: The internal dynamics of Biden’s campaign have also been strained, with staff members pointing fingers at various aspects of the debate preparation and execution.

• Some within the team blame the debate moderators for what they perceive as unfair treatment.
• Others criticize the campaign’s preparation process, arguing it failed to equip Biden with the necessary strategies and responses.
• Frustration also extends to CNN’s handling of the debate, with campaign staff expressing dissatisfaction with the network’s approach.

As the campaign grapples with these internal conflicts, the pressure mounts to recalibrate their strategy and address the concerns raised by both family members and campaign staff.

We’ve heard about making New Year’s resolutions at the start of the calendar year. What if we made financial resolutions at the start of each new financial year – what would they look like? 

DVA’s new financial year resolution for keeping veterans safe from scammers would go something like this: “We want to make it harder for scammers to target veterans and families by raising awareness to help them identify, evade and report financial scams”.

According to Scamwatch, Australians lose more money to investment scams than any other type of scam. These types of scams offer big rewards, with little or no risk. 

Investment scams can be hard to spot. Scammers use convincing tactics including new technologies and pressure tactics to lure potential victims to act fast or risk missing out. Scammers want you to act quickly to better their chances of stealing your money. 

If someone in Australia is trying to sell you a financial or investment product, or is giving you professional financial advice, they must have an Australian financial services license. You should check that the person trying to sell you the product has an AFS license.

Scammers are known to try to ‘sell’ shares at prices well below market value – offers like this are probably a scam. If you are told the reason for the discount is that shares are being released before initial public offering, be even more cautious: this is almost definitely a scam.

You can protect yourself and your money by taking time to stop, think, and check before you act, especially if you notice any of these: 

• Fake news stories or ads online claiming a celebrity recommends a scheme to make big money.
• An online contact (a friend or romantic interest) whom you’ve never met in person starts talking to you about investing.
• Emails, websites or ads with testimonials and over-the-top promises of big returns but little or no risk.
• High pressure tactics designed to rush you to act so you don’t ‘miss out’.
• The ‘adviser’ who is helping you doesn’t have, and claims they don’t need, an Australian financial services license.
• You are asked to promote the scheme to friends and family to earn commissions.

Don’t be rushed into making a bad investment decision. If you are not sure, seek independent legal advice or financial advice from a financial advisor who is registered with ASIC (charges may apply). 

For more information about investment scams visit the Government’s Moneysmart website. 

If you have been scammed, we encourage you to report the scam to the National Anti-Scam Centre.

If you or a family member are the victims of a scam you might feel distressed. Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling offers support services for veterans and families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you need support, contact Open Arms by visiting their website or by phoning 1800 011 046.

Explore Australia’s cutting-edge military advancement with the Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicle (CRV)! This video dives into the pivotal role of the Boxer CRV in modernizing Australia’s Armoured Fighting Vehicle capability under LAND 400 Phase 2. Designed to enhance the safety, security, and protection of Australian troops, the Boxer CRV replaces the long-serving Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV), providing heightened levels of protection, firepower, and mobility.

Versatile Deployment: From littoral environments to complex urban settings, the Boxer CRV ensures operational versatility, supporting missions ranging from peacekeeping to close combat.

Strategic Contract: Rheinmetall Defence Australia is tasked with delivering and supporting 211 Boxer 8×8 CRVs for the Australian Army, split into Block I and Block II phases.

Current Status: Block I have already delivered 25 CRVs, including reconnaissance and multi-purpose variants, demonstrating exceptional performance and availability in Army operations.

Future Build: Block II, comprising 186 CRVs, is currently undergoing design and testing phases. Production is centred at Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence in Redbank, Queensland. The majority of Block II CRVs will be assembled at this state-of-the-art facility, boosting local defence manufacturing capabilities.

The world’s largest maritime exercise, RIMPAC 2024, will take place from June 27 to August 1, 2024, hosted by the Commander of the US Pacific Fleet. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will participate with the HMAS Sydney, a Hobart Class guided missile destroyer, and a P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

This exercise will include 40 surface ships, three submarines, 150 aircraft, and approximately 25,000 personnel from 29 nations. Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, emphasized Australia’s commitment to regional partnerships and alliances.

RIMPAC 2024 will cover scenarios such as disaster response, humanitarian assistance, maritime security operations, and warfighting. Air Commodore Louise Desjardins noted this as HMAS Sydney’s first RIMPAC, highlighting the evaluation of training and live-fire capabilities.

The start of RIMPAC 2024 follows recent announcements of enhanced defence cooperation between Australia, the US, and Japan, including a planned missile defence live-fire exercise in 2027 and collaborative projects in advanced military technology.

ED: The video below should be an item for my “Smile it’s Friday” 

CLICK LINK to watch the video

#batshitbonkersbritain #katiehopkins #greenparty #election | katie hopkins | TikTok

The Australian federal government has commissioned two Guardian Class patrol boats from Austal Australia, valued at $39 million. These 39.5-metre steel-hull vessels, to be built in Henderson, Western Australia, are scheduled for delivery in 2026. This order supplements the 22 Guardian Class patrol boats previously ordered under the Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project (SEA3036-1) since 2016, with 19 already delivered to 12 Pacific Island nations.

Austal CEO Paddy Gregg highlighted that these additional boats extend the production of the proven vessel platform, designed and constructed by Austal in Henderson and serviced in Cairns, Queensland. Gregg expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Australian government and the role these vessels play in enhancing the maritime capabilities of Pacific Island nations.

The Guardian Class patrol boats, faster and with better amenities than previous models, are equipped for various missions, including border patrol, regional policing, and search and rescue operations. The Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project now includes 24 vessels with a total contract value of approximately AU$400 million.

Austal’s service centre in Cairns continues to provide in-service support, employing over 100 people in engineering and sustainment roles. The Guardian Class design builds on Austal’s proven platforms, including the Bay, Armidale, and Evolved Cape Class patrol boats.

By Richard Barry OAM

Since 1996 I have been lobbying successive governments to have a large cohort of Vietnam veterans fully recognised for their valiant and lawful service. Over the years I succeeded in securing support letters from several ex-Prime Ministers, ex-Deputy Prime Ministers, former Governor-General, retired senior Vietnam veterans (all have the RVCM some with two tours), several ex-servicemen’s associations including branches of the RSL plus the Vietnam Veterans Federation of Australia and the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, Vietnamese Community and Vietnamese veterans (ARVN & Rangers) plus politicians from all sides of parliament – the full list fills twelve A4 typed pages. Yes, there have been a few naysayers but to be fair they have not read my appeal submission containing undisputed facts. They are in the minority, and I’ll never be able to convince them otherwise.

My campaign was on the way for approval when the then Coalition Minister for Veterans’ Affairs gave it a green tick for the then Minister for Defence to take it to Cabinet. Many senior Labor shadow ministers wrote letters to the government saying, “get it done”. Unfortunately, the May 2022 election intervened and I had to start all over again. In October 2023 the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs decided NOT to make a decision because he felt it was unlawful for him to do so.

The campaign continues. In the meantime, I happened across a recommendation made by Honours and Awards in 2022 regarding a fresh interpretation of the eligibility criteria for the RVCM. The Tribunal submitted the recommendation to the Minister who in turn refused to approve it but was subsequently overruled by the Australian Government Solicitor.  To my mind this was an opportunity too good to ignore.

I am writing a tome about this saga which is now in excess of 1,200 pages and almost ready to self-publish. Over the years at my request, I have received in excess of 200 testimonials from Vietnam veterans and their families – some are horrendous to say the least. So, because I had their email addresses I alerted them to the Tribunal decision. These men had served more than 60 but less than 181 days in South Vietnam. Through no fault of their own many were sent home having completed their national service obligations or were sent home suffering from accidents and/or terrible diseases. None had been ‘thanked’ by the former Vietnamese government by way of the RVCM.

Since November 2023 I have assisted 65 Vietnam veterans lodge their applications for the RVCM and so far, 18 have received the medal in the mail. I am helping 15 widows and children as well because many veterans have since passed away. The children and/or grandchildren want to march on Anzac Day proudly wearing the full complement of their hero’s medals. Who could blame them? The most encouraging aspect of my campaign is the huge number of veterans, who have the RVCM, being so supportive. That gives me heart to push forward.

Many of these men have been called “short-timers” or “second-class veterans” by their comrades and because of this irresponsible name calling have refused to march on Anzac Day. This should not be happening in 2024. There are no ‘diplomatic sensitivities’ because the Vietnamese government ceased to exist in 1975 and our government has since approved the issue and wearing of foreign (Vietnamese) awards like the recent Republic of Vietnam Unit Citation. There is minimal cost involved and no avenues for compensation will arise.

So, if you or the families of the deceased would like to pursue this matter, I invite you to contact me anytime (richyvon47@hotmail.com) and I will assist you with the very easy application process. All this work is done on a voluntary basis and I have been awarded the RVCM.

There is much more I can add to this campaign, but I realise space is limited. I am more than happy to answer questions especially those who, for one reason or another, don’t want these men (and their families) fully recognised for their contribution to the war especially those who were compulsorily conscripted under the threat of two-years jail if they failed to register. The mandatory time in country is of no consequence because I have a list of those who perished in the first few weeks of stepping on foreign soil. I sincerely thank those veterans who endured twelve months and without equivocation have fully supported my campaign.

9news

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed disappointment over the recent decision to honour  war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, highlighting a significant failure to recognize the complexities surrounding the case. Albanese notably refrained from offering congratulations to Roberts-Smith, underscoring his distance from King Charles’ decision.

Roberts-Smith, Australia’s most decorated soldier, appeared at Western Australia’s Government House this week to receive a coronation medal from King Charles III. This special honour, bestowed on all Victoria Cross recipients, was awarded despite the contentious circumstances surrounding Roberts-Smith. Although he retains his Victoria Cross due to the absence of criminal charges, a defamation trial concluded he had committed war crimes in Afghanistan. This verdict, however, is currently being appealed by Roberts-Smith’s lawyers.

In a statement today, Albanese made it unequivocally clear that the decision to recognize Roberts-Smith was entirely the prerogative of the King and not influenced by the Australian government. “This was the decision of the Palace to give all Victoria Cross recipients a further award,” he stated in an interview. Albanese continued, “It certainly wasn’t a government decision.”

The first 2024 Presidential debate has come to a close. For many, it served as a moment of clarity, while for others, it brought about a wave of confusion.

My Impressions

The new microphone system didn’t pose significant issues. While it reduced the likelihood of heated exchanges, it maintained order during the debate. Contrary to some online concerns, CNN did not “abuse” this system. However, CNN did attempt to assist Biden at times by cutting him off when he appeared to be mumbling. This intervention sparked mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to protect the President, while others saw it as a necessary measure to keep the debate on track.

Despite this, it appears that people across the political spectrum agree that Biden should step down due to his apparent difficulty in remembering things and forming coherent sentences and thoughts. Even left-wing media outlets went into panic mode. CNN reported that Democrats found Biden’s performance “dismal.”

Overall, the first 2024 Presidential debate has set the stage for a contentious and closely watched election season. As candidates continue to campaign and prepare for future debates, the issues raised, and impressions formed during this initial encounter will undoubtedly influence the strategies and narratives moving forward.