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Australia has long enjoyed economic prosperity driven by resource and agricultural booms, along with a robust services sector and real estate market. However, this success was accompanied by a shift towards economic liberalization, relinquishing industrial complexity. Despite weathering global crises, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities, and Australia now faces challenges in the era of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific region.

China’s dominance in sectors like housing, agriculture, and energy, combined with Australia’s pursuit of free trade agreements without addressing industry protections, has turned the country into a primary resource supplier for rising powers. The demise of the manufacturing sector and a reluctance to invest in advanced techniques have led to concerns about becoming overly dependent.

Young Australians’ response to conscription calls highlights the urgency for Australia to address its economic and security vulnerabilities. Emphases must be on the need for competitiveness to ensure prosperity and security. The younger generation faces systemic challenges, leading to disconnection and mental health issues. Policymakers must provide a compelling narrative, fostering excitement, opportunity, and purpose to reverse stagnation.

The government’s focus should be on expanding opportunities, building economic resilience, and deterring coercion through economic strength. Transparency and collaboration between policymakers and constituents are crucial, encouraging public investment and belief in the nation’s future. Australia must engage in an honest conversation about its geopolitical positioning, aiming for top-tier status to secure the best outcomes.

Breaking free from short-term thinking is essential for long-term prosperity and security, benefiting current and future generations. In the era of great power competition, Australia must navigate challenges by redefining ambitions and adopting a strategic, forward-thinking approach.

The Indian Army plays a pivotal role in key issues of interest to Australia, particularly its frontline position in responding to Beijing at the disputed India-China border. With its substantial size, the Indian Army holds the potential for significant regional influence, including in Southeast Asia, a factor that Canberra needs to carefully consider.

Australia’s defence ties with India, Army-to-Army collaboration often takes a backseat due to the predominant focus on maritime concerns. Despite this, the Indian Army, as the largest and most influential military service in India, significantly shapes New Delhi’s defence perspectives, even in maritime matters, more than Australia typically acknowledges.

In contrast to Australia’s Defence Force, which consists of about 60,000 personnel across all services, the Indian Army alone boasts a strength of approximately 1.2 million. This not only offers capabilities but also an unparalleled capacity to conduct activities concurrently, surpassing most other defence partners.

Both nations stand to gain from leveraging the Indian Army’s existing defence engagement with Southeast Asia, either through direct cooperation or complementary regional initiatives. However, Australia faces a challenge due to the vast difference in scale, even if its capacity were to double overnight. The focus has been on building relationships at senior levels and niche skill development in exercises.

As collaboration has evolved, particularly with an impending appointment of an Australian army adviser in New Delhi, the emphasis should be on ideas spreading more effectively than personnel and assets. Australia, with its smaller army, can contribute and adapt ideas swiftly, exemplified by its ‘joint’ military approach.

Two instances highlight potential avenues for collaboration: firstly, sharing lessons from Australia’s journey towards a ‘joint’ military approach, and secondly, exploring contemporary recruitment, training, and retention strategies. India’s Agnipath scheme, aiming for a more potent force over sheer size, presents a unique opportunity for dialogue, despite its controversial aspects.

The Australian Army, with its proven ‘joint’ capabilities, can share valuable insights, recognizing that not all lessons may directly apply to India’s context. The recent Exercise AUSTRAHIND, incorporating joint elements, signifies a notable step in the defence relationship.

Another area of potential collaboration is in recruitment and training practices. New Delhi’s Agnipath scheme, although controversial, opens avenues for discussing flexible personnel management. As the ADF aims for a 30% increase in numbers by 2040, both armies can engage in fruitful discussions on training, inculcation, and fostering cohesion among recruits.

In maximizing the recently concluded memorandum of understanding between the Australian Army Research Centre and India’s Centre for Land Warfare Studies, exchanging papers and fellows annually ahead of formal Australia–India army-to-army staff talks can further enhance collaboration and idea sharing. This moment presents an opportune time for Australia to position itself as a source of innovative ideas in the defence partnership.

Since national apologies are in vogue, here is one that Prime Minister Albanese should be giving to Aboriginals:

We apologise for helping you to read and teaching you the English language, which opened you up to European civilisation, thought and enterprise.

We apologise for giving you free/subsidised doctors, hospitals, medical care and medication, that help you to live longer than you ever did before colonisation.

We apologise for mapping Australia and being the first to inform you of the size and location of the continent that you had inhabited for 60,000 years – without which, you wouldn’t know what you had ‘sovereignty’ over.

We apologise for the colonisation as you would have preferred the kinder Spanish, Japanese or Indonesians.

We apologise for giving you law and order, which has helped to prevent you from slaughtering one another and at times eating the victims.

We apologise for developing agriculture which today feeds your people, whereas before you survived by living off the land and often starving during droughts.

We must apologise for building houses for you, which you have largely neglected, vandalised or destroyed.

We apologise for providing you with clothing made of fabric to replace the animal skins you wore.

We apologise for constructing roads and railways and building cars, so that you no longer have to walk great distances in the heat over harsh terrain.

We apologise for providing your own national television station (NITV), which you use to condemn those who made it possible, financially and technologically.

We apologise for giving you vehicles, petrol, boats, firearms, fishing gear and other non-traditional methods, which you now use to carry out ‘traditional hunting and fishing’ with impunity.

We apologise for subsidising your travel costs to attend family funerals.

We apologise for not charging you rent on any lands, while others have to pay rent.

We apologise for giving you concessional loans.

We apologise for our police who unfairly arrest you for all the theft, burglaries, domestic assaults, sexual assaults on children some of your men commit.

We apologise for aboriginal parents not sending their kids to school and then blaming us for their disadvantage.

We apologise for developing oil wells and minerals, which you have not utilised.

We apologise for developing Uluru and Kakadu in 1985, then handing them over to some of you mob who pretended to be the traditional owners, so that you can receive the tourist income. Hawke handed the area to the PITJANTJATJARA mob who only took it over in 1917 when they defeated the original mob in a war 1917 during a drought, over hunting grounds.

We apologise for taxpayers’ money being paid towards your celebration events such as NAIDOC Week and all the other eight aboriginal days every year where we are supposed to take the knee.

We apologise for working hard to pay taxes which finance your welfare, medical care, education, etc., to the tune of $39 billion each year.

We apologise for appointing Ministers for Indigenous Affairs in each state and federally to focus on you.

We apologise for not appreciating your Welcome to Country ceremonies, for which we pay, even though they imply that we are merely visitors on this land.

We apologise for the ‘white-aboriginal’ activists who are living very well on government-funded gravy trains, while some of your real mob live in poverty in isolated locations out of sight of the identifiers.

We apologise for having racist doubts about such people who are genetically mostly European but identify as aboriginal.

We do apologise and humbly beg your forgiveness for all of our sins, past, present and emerging.

To make amends, we are only too happy to take back all of the above and return you to your utopian traditional stone age tribal lifestyle somewhere. Just let us know when you are ready to revert.

The Meritorious Unit Citations (MUC) were bestowed upon distinguished Australian Defence Force (ADF) units that served in Somalia between 1992 and 1995. Specifically, at the close of 2023, commendations were awarded to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (1RAR) Battalion Group, Australian Service Contingents (ASC I, II, III, and IV), and HMAS Tobruk. These units were recognized for their sustained and exceptional service in warlike operations during this tumultuous period.

Around 1500 ADF personnel were deployed on Operations Iguana and Solace, where they actively supported the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia and played a crucial role in the US-led, UN-sanctioned Unified Task Force. In an environment characterised as one of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, these ADF units executed their duties with remarkable professionalism, often placing themselves in harm’s way to assist a civilian population in dire need.

The Meritorious Unit Citation serves as a testament to the relentless efforts of these ADF members in supporting the UN’s mission. Eligible ADF members are set to receive the insignia through their current units, while former members meeting the criteria are encouraged to apply directly to the Department of Defence via the Defence Medals online application form.

Individuals who were part of the mentioned units during the relevant period are entitled to be issued and wear the citation’s insignia adorned with the Federation Star in perpetuity. One such member, Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Joanne Cook, a medic, vividly recalls her deployment to Somalia 30 years ago. Despite her lack of prior experience with gunshot wounds, she found herself treating both locals injured during the violence and her fellow Australian soldier, Lance Corporal Shannon McAliney, who tragically succumbed to an accidental point-blank range gunshot wound.

WO2 Cook reflects on the challenging yet impactful experience, stating, “It was a real eye-opener – horrible, but exciting at the same time.” Lance Corporal McAliney’s unfortunate death serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Australian soldiers during this mission.

During the Somalia deployment from 1992 to 1994, approximately 1500 Australians participated in the humanitarian efforts. In October 1992, the Australian Government dispatched a contingent of 211 ADF personnel for Operation Iguana. As the situation in Somalia continued to worsen, the Unified Task Force was established, and WO2 Cook became part of the 1RAR Battalion Group attached to Operation Solace, responsible for humanitarian relief in the city of Baidoa, often referred to as the ‘city of death.’

The conditions in Baidoa were austere, with no roofs over their heads, makeshift sleeping arrangements, and limited resources. WO2 Cook vividly recalls the challenging living conditions: “There were six girls in one room sleeping on stretchers. We showered with shower buckets filled by a jerrycan of water left out in the sun to heat up. We all had nothing.”

Throughout the deployment, ADF personnel witnessed extensive human suffering induced by drought, famine, and war. WO2 Cook recounts encountering malnourished and diseased children, and the battalion group conducted sick parades, attracting hundreds of people in need of medical attention. The scenes were heartbreaking, with intestinal worms visible, and WO2 Cook’s compassion extended to distributing blankets to provide some comfort to the suffering locals.

Despite the devastation, WO2 Cook highlights the challenge of balancing humanitarian aid without creating dependency. A policy discouraged the distribution of food to locals to avoid setting unrealistic expectations. The experiences of the ADF units in Somalia stand as a testament to their resilience, selflessness, and commitment to alleviating human suffering in the face of adversity.

CAPTION: Map of Wodonga Institute of TAFE and National Technical Education Network partners. Story by John Grech and Danielle Malone.

Posted by Mike Hughes – Contact

In a move to bolster the technical prowess of its personnel, Navy and Army have introduced a state-of-the-art joint technical trades training system (JTTTS).

Geared towards revolutionising trades-related capability, the system has the potential to redefine how technical trades are learned and applied in the field.

Navy and Army signed a contract for the system with Wodonga Institute of TAFE, supported by their National Technical Education Network partners, last year, and Army’s training officially began on January 1.

Commanding Officer Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Lieutenant Colonel Tim Soper said the project would deliver industry-recognised qualifications to thousands of soldiers and sailors, as well as expand training opportunities in home regions and locations, enabling Defence’s training system to meet rapidly changing capability requirements.

“The JTTTS contract represents a significant leap forward in our efforts to cultivate a highly skilled and adaptable force,” Lieutenant Colonel Soper said.

“By harnessing an adaptable and modern training architecture, we are empowering our service members to excel in their respective fields and meet the evolving challenges of modern warfare.”

Chief JTTTS Officer Adam Jacoby affirmed the commitment to providing Defence with industry-recognised, best-practice training.

“Bringing together some of the largest and most respected training institutions in the country in a collaborative and innovative national delivery model will reshape the Defence training ecosystem and be more responsive to the ADF’s short- and longer-term strategic objectives,” Mr Jacoby said.

JTTTS will deliver capability through nationally accredited and non-accredited technical training pathways to achieve Certificate II, III, IV and advanced trade qualifications in construction, electrical, electronics, engineering, mechanical and, from January 2025, aviation maintenance management (mechanical/avionics).

ADF students who participated in developing the JTTTS charter said it was a valuable opportunity to help ensure training was student focused.

A memorial service will be held at 11.00am on Saturday 10 February at the Voyager Chair, off May Drive near Saw Avenue in Kings Park, to mark the 60th anniversary of the loss of the Daring Class Destroyer, HMAS Voyager following a collision with the Aircraft Carrier, HMAS Melbourne on the night of 10 February 1964, 19nm off the coast of NSW.

82 lives, including 8 from WA, were lost that night.

Dress neat casual, medals may be worn, tributes may be laid. This service will be supported by the RAN.

Site is bare, please bring folding chairs, sunscreen hats & water.

Yours aye

David MacLean

Service Coordinator

0418 917 982

[email protected]

We urge veterans to always follow manufacturers’ instructions when recharging any devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as mobility scooters. That’s because there has been an increasing number of fires linked to these batteries.

Lithium batteries can be found in mobility aids, electric wheelchairs, recliners and beds provided through DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program.

The batteries can overheat or explode if they are used, charged or disposed of incorrectly, or if they are damaged.

The main recommendation that comes from safety and consumer groups is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Product Safety Australia recommends you:

• be present while you’re charging the battery
• don’t recharge it on a combustible surface, and keep it away from combustible materials
• unplug the device once it is fully charged
• only use the charger that came included with your device
• obtain replacement lithium-ion batteries recommended by the product manufacturer.

For replacement batteries and cables please contact the RAP supplier; details are provided on the RAP supplied equipment.

For safety information about recharging lithium batteries, visit Product Safety Australia and Choice.

A message from the Naval Association, Queensland

At 10.30am on Thursday 8 February, we will hold a commemoration to honour the survivors of HMAS Voyager as well as those who went down with the ship. It will take place at the Jack Tar statue in the South Brisbane Memorial Park.

The Naval Association of Australia is issuing an invitation to survivors and descendants of the tragedy, current and former RAN personnel, friends and families to attend the ceremony.

This year the Naval Association of Australia is also extending the invitation to former crew members of HMAS Melbourne.

The ceremony will remember the 82 sailors who died on the night of 10 February 1964 and the 232 survivors who carried the memory for the rest of their lives.

At this ceremony, Lieutenant Commander Chris Le Marshall (Retd), son of a Voyager veteran, will tell his story in front of veterans, serving RAN personnel, descendants, and the general public.

For more information, please contact Jayne Keogh 0418 882408

On Tuesday, Yemen’s Houthi rebels issued a warning, expressing readiness for a prolonged conflict with the United States and its allies in the Red Sea. The group’s military commander, Muhammad al-Attifi, asserted unity between his faction and Yemen in opposition to the U.S. and Britain, following a series of retaliatory airstrikes by the allies targeting militants disrupting trade and travel routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Al-Attifi declared in response to the Western-led attacks, “We are prepared for a long-term confrontation with the forces of tyranny. The Americans, the British, and those who coordinated with them must realise the power of the sovereign Yemeni decision and that there is no debate or dispute over it.”

This announcement came a day after thousands of group members and supporters gathered in Yemen’s capital to celebrate recent attacks in a parade. The rebels initiated these assaults in protest against Western allies supporting Israel in its conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza.

While U.S. and UK officials noted that many of the daily attacks by Yemeni militants miss their intended targets, a Houthi missile reportedly struck a British-linked tanker in the Gulf of Aden on Saturday, causing the Marlin Luanda to catch fire. U.S., French, and Indian naval ships were deployed to aid the British tanker carrying a highly flammable chemical used to dilute crude oil.

UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps condemned the attacks, asserting that his nation would not tolerate them and reaffirming Britain’s commitment to combat the Houthi rebels alongside the U.S. In response to the assault on the British tanker, the Houthis claimed, without presenting evidence, that they had attacked a U.S. Navy vessel, the USS Lewis B. Puller, in the Gulf of Aden on Monday. However, American officials denied the claim, stating that no such attack had been reported by the mobile base.

The U.S. and Britain have conducted multiple retaliatory strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, targeting command posts, weapons depots, and training facilities. Houthi leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi had previously welcomed an all-out war against the U.S. and its allies, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with Israel and America.

Curtin University academic Dr. Alexey Muraviev highlights the importance of reevaluating national service for the defence of Australia, emphasizing its positive impact on fostering a sense of duty and unity among citizens. While many young Australians understandably question the prospect of conscription, it is a reflection of their engagement in critical discussions about the nation’s priorities.

In considering the challenges faced by young Australians, such as housing market constraints and economic uncertainties, it becomes evident that their concerns are rooted in a desire for stability and a promising future. Driven by a genuine concern for the well-being of the nation, these individuals question the necessity of potential military engagement and seek reassurance on the relevance of such sacrifices.

It is crucial to recognize that today’s youth, although facing challenges, are not alone in their struggles. The evolving landscape has led to a disconnection from traditional values, including those of community, family, and nation. However, there is an opportunity to rekindle these bonds through a shared commitment to the country’s defence.

In contrast to intergenerational tensions, it is essential to understand that younger generations are not merely seeking entitlement but are actively navigating a complex world. The call for national service is not just about sacrifice but an opportunity to contribute positively to the nation’s security and prosperity.

The global security environment has witnessed significant shifts, with events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Dr. Muraviev’s proposal for an expanded Australian Defence Force (ADF) addresses the current geopolitical challenges, ensuring the nation is adequately prepared to safeguard its interests.

Recruitment and retention challenges within the ADF have been longstanding issues, and recent revelations about the Royal Australian Navy’s operational constraints highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. By reimagining national service as a shared responsibility, policymakers can address manpower shortages, fostering a stronger, more resilient defence force.

In conclusion, Dr. Muraviev’s call for reconsidering conscription serves as an opportunity to reinvigorate a sense of national duty and unity among Australians. By reframing the discourse around national service, policymakers can bridge the generational gap, ensuring that the younger population actively participates in shaping the future security and prosperity of the nation.