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On his 80th birthday, former Prime Minister and Treasurer Paul Keating has used the occasion to call for a bold departure from what he perceives as Australia’s pervasive timidity across various domains. Keating’s remarks, made in an interview with The Australian Financial Review, underscore his belief that Australia must redefine itself intellectually, economically, constitutionally, and in its international relations.

Keating expresses disappointment in what he sees as a lack of self-assurance and innovation in Australia’s national psyche. He contends that the country’s reluctance to assert its own capabilities and chart its own course forward is hindering its progress. He laments the nation’s attachment to outdated structures, such as its constitutional ties with Britain and its dependence on the United States for security.

In the interview, Keating touches on a range of topics, including the evolution of Australia’s superannuation system and the need for greater representation of union-backed industry super funds on corporate boards. He criticizes high marginal tax rates as confiscatory and advocates for tax scale indexation. Keating also shares his perspective on international affairs, opining on the leadership of Joe Biden and the future relationship between Australia and Indonesia under Prabowo Subianto.

Furthermore, Keating discusses Indigenous issues, revealing his opposition to the proposed constitutional “Voice” to the Australian parliament. He suggests alternative approaches, such as a legislated representative Indigenous body, emphasizing the importance of empowering Indigenous communities to manage their own affairs.

Throughout the interview, Keating emphasizes the need for Australia to shed its timidity and embrace a more confident and proactive stance on both domestic and international fronts. He reflects on his extensive experience in public life to underscore his critique of the status quo and his vision for a more assertive and self-assured Keating Australia.

Welcome back to the Fluctus Channel. In this captivating episode, we embarked on an informative journey through the world of modern air defense technologies. We began by discussing the evolution of counter-drone strategies and delved into the sophisticated systems developed by companies like Rheinmetall, including the Skynex and Oerlikon Skyranger.

ED: I wholeheartedly support the notion of compulsory national service, having witnessed its benefits during and after the Vietnam era. Ensuring the security of our nation is paramount, yet we currently lack the necessary manpower for successful defense.

To address this gap, I propose implementing a comprehensive training system that encompasses all young 18-year-old Australians. While some may not meet the criteria for military service, they could still contribute meaningfully by engaging in voluntary roles within other essential services.

Your thoughts on this matter are valuable, and I welcome feedback via email at [email protected] Your insights could greatly assist in refining my submission.

Thank you for considering this important issue.

Ray Payne

Reinforcing Australia’s National Security: A Case for Universal National Service

By Ray Payne

In the face of escalating global uncertainties and threats to stability, the imperative to fortify Australia’s national security apparatus becomes increasingly urgent. Embracing a comprehensive approach, it is time to resurrect the concept of national service, enrolling all 18-year-old Australian citizens without exception. While this proposition may unsettle some politicians, its implementation is paramount for securing our nation’s future.

National service, however, need not be confined solely to military obligations. Recognizing diverse capabilities and inclinations, alternative avenues should be available for those who may not meet the physical criteria for military service. Among these alternatives are roles within the Bush Fire Brigade, State Emergency Service, St. John Ambulance, and Coast Guard, each serving critical functions in safeguarding communities.

Upon reaching the age of 18, following the completion of their final year of high school, all Australian citizens would be mandated to register for national service. Subsequently, they would undergo medical and fitness assessments to determine their suitability for various service branches. Those deemed fit for military duty would be integrated into Army Reserve units, committing to four years of part-time service with obligations akin to current reserve requirements, accompanied by appropriate remuneration.

Conversely, individuals ineligible for military service would be directed towards voluntary services, engaging in roles such as those aforementioned. Serving on a voluntary basis for a duration of four years, these individuals would contribute to essential emergency response and community support efforts.

Compliance with national service obligations is imperative, necessitating penalties for non-compliance. Australians who are abroad upon reaching the age of 18 would be mandated to fulfill their national service duties upon return, provided they are under 30 years of age. Those who willfully evade or fail to complete their obligations would incur a lifetime additional tax of 2% on all future tax commitments—a measure designed to uphold the integrity and fairness of the system.

The benefits of such a comprehensive national service program are manifold. For the Australian Defence Force (ADF), grappling with recruitment and retention challenges, the proliferation of reserve units would offer a surge of manpower and talent. Enhanced geographical proximity to training and deployment sites would foster stronger ties to local communities, bolstering retention rates across all ranks.

Simultaneously, volunteer services would benefit from an influx of dedicated individuals, augmenting their capacity to respond to crises and emergencies. By structuring training programs akin to reserve units, the government would ensure the competence and readiness of volunteers, facilitated by the employment of permanent training staff.

In conclusion, the reintroduction of universal national service stands as a pragmatic and indispensable measure to fortify Australia’s national security. By harnessing the collective capabilities and commitment of its citizenry, Australia can navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape with confidence, safeguarding its interests and ensuring the resilience of its communities.

The cautionary assessment from the senior analyst underscores significant vulnerabilities within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) that could potentially jeopardize Australia’s ability to defend itself in the event of a major conflict. This warning highlights several critical aspects:

1. Capability Gap: The analyst’s warning suggests a significant capability gap within the ADF. This could pertain to inadequacies in military equipment, technology, training, or overall readiness. Without the necessary resources and preparedness, the ADF may struggle to effectively respond to a large-scale military threat.
2. Strategic Vulnerabilities: The mention of the mainland being threatened indicates that the concerns extend beyond regional conflicts and encompass the possibility of a direct threat to Australia’s territorial integrity. This implies vulnerabilities in Australia’s strategic defence posture, potentially leaving key areas exposed to hostile actions.
3. Resource Allocation: The warning may also point to issues related to resource allocation and prioritization within the defence budget. If critical areas such as modernization, force readiness, or personnel training are not adequately funded or prioritized, it could undermine the ADF’s ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.
4. Alliance Dependencies: Another aspect to consider is Australia’s reliance on international alliances, particularly with the United States, for defence support. If these alliances were strained or if allies were preoccupied with their own conflicts, Australia’s ability to rely on external assistance in a time of crisis could be compromised.
5. Adversarial Advances: The warning may reflect concerns about the evolving capabilities of potential adversaries. Advancements in military technology, cyber warfare, and other domains could pose significant challenges to Australia’s traditional defence strategies, necessitating a reassessment of the country’s defence posture.
6. Strategic Planning: Finally, the warning underscores the importance of strategic planning and risk assessment within Australia’s defence establishment. It may serve as a call to action for policymakers and defence leaders to address identified weaknesses, invest in critical capabilities, and develop robust contingency plans to safeguard the nation’s security interests.

Overall, the analyst’s warning highlights the need for a comprehensive and proactive approach to national defence to ensure Australia’s ability to effectively respond to potential threats and protect its sovereignty in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.

With potential conflict brewing in the region, Ben Packham, The Australian’s renowned Foreign Affairs and Defence correspondent, unravels the $7.8 billion lethal weapon load-out that will keep Australia safe.

Veteran journalist Erin Molan, daughter of the late Major General and NSW Senator Jim Molan, is issuing a stark challenge to Australian politics: take national security seriously and stop treating the public as naive bystanders.

In an era where national security reigns as the paramount responsibility of any government, the escalating threats demand urgent attention. Yet, amidst mounting challenges and fleeting opportunities in the rapidly transforming global and Indo-Pacific landscape, the Australian government’s lack of border security is glaring.

Molan’s call resonates with many who recognize the urgent need for a coherent national security strategy. She highlights the failures of successive governments in adequately addressing these concerns, emphasizing that safety should precede all other considerations. She criticizes policymakers’ disregard for the deteriorating global balance of power, a situation exacerbated by an ailing United States.

Drawing from her father’s advocacy for a national security strategy, Molan exposes the government’s inadequacy in preparedness for looming threats. She points out the nation’s vulnerabilities, including defence capabilities and fuel supply, underscoring the dire state of affairs despite official reassurances.

Molan’s frustration is palpable as she recounts her father’s uphill battle to garner support for a comprehensive strategy. She laments the ignorance and negligence of those in power, fuelling her anger and determination to push for change.

Acknowledging recent efforts such as the Defence Strategic Review, Molan insists on further improvements. She stresses the need for a comprehensive and coordinated national security strategy akin to the United States’ model, emphasizing Australia’s historical resilience in the face of adversity.

However, Molan warns against complacency, highlighting the disconnect between political rhetoric and the harsh realities faced by Australians. She cautions that unless both policymakers and the public confront these challenges head-on, Australia risks drifting into a perilous future, relinquishing control over its destiny.

The consequences of inaction are grave, with long-term national security at stake. Molan urges immediate action to position Australia to navigate the seismic shifts reshaping the global landscape.

Ultimately, Molan underscores the importance of aligning individual and national interests, urging Australians to demand accountability and foresight from their leaders. Failure to heed this call risks squandering opportunities and imperilling the nation’s future.

A senior member of Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has indicated that a crucial vote on Sweden’s NATO membership could take place as soon as Monday, potentially ending over 18 months of delays by the nationalist government, much to the frustration of Hungary’s allies.

In a letter addressed to the parliament’s speaker on Tuesday, Máté Kocsis, the head of the Fidesz caucus, formally requested the scheduling of a vote for the first day of the upcoming spring session, commencing on Monday.

Kocsis affirmed Fidesz’s intention to support Sweden’s entry into the trans-Atlantic military alliance, marking a departure from their previous stance of blocking such a vote.

Among NATO’s 31 member states, Hungary stands as the sole nation yet to ratify Sweden’s bid. The Hungarian government, under increasing pressure, has delayed the decision for over a year and a half, aware that any new addition to the alliance necessitates unanimous approval.

ED: The following was submitted by Brian Hurlock

It is not my place to be proselytising on behalf of a group just because I have decided to support them! I have no right nor intention to so do!

But as I’ve explained previously, I’ve known Gary Johns as a fellow Member of a variety of organisations for social good, over a period of about 30 years, and I consider him as someone I can genuinely claim to be a friend!

This new organisation he has helped to form with a group of other high achieving Australians, both Aborigine and non-Aborigine, is on the right path in my opinion!

Nothing can guarantee it, of course, but knowing Gary’s great achievements, and his qualities, his practical approach to problems, his ability to DO things, and to cut to the things that matter; plus his ability to communicate complex issues in plain, succinct, direct, common-sense language, have me confident this new NGO will be capable of actually achieving things where many others have failed!

Anyway, that’s why I onforward this latest from Gary! You might have an interest, you might not! Entirely your choice! But there is also the chance you might have someone in your family who you think might have an interest; or perhaps one of the offsprings or Grandchildren might NEED to see a different approach from the propaganda which has been stuffed into them by the totally biased (against Australia!) Education (sic) systems in our Nation?

Anyway, just doing what little bit I can still do at this late stage of my life, for the GOOD of Australia, NOT to keep the divisive race-based garbage going as we’ve been fed over recent decades! To change the policy direction, we’ve been on as younger generations are taught to hate their Nation and our Nation-building pioneers, rather than respecting them for what they achieved and handed on to us – Aborigine and non-Aborigine together!