Northern Territory, Australian Senator, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price.
Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Speech at the National Press Club
One hour including questions worth listening to.
The 2 RAR Historical Collection is actively reaching out to the relatives or friends of QX26788 and 1/280 SSGT Ron ‘Chad’ Hansen.
We hope you will share this incredible story on your Frontline website and distribute it via email.
We came across an insightful article in our collection, specifically within the 2nd Tour of Malaya (1961-1963) folder. It narrates the journey of a remarkable individual who holds the record for the longest service duration in the Battalion.
Before his illustrious tenure with the Battalion, Hansen proudly served in WW2 with the 63rd Bn, followed by the 2/15 Bn. His subsequent journey began with the 66 Battalion (which later evolved into 2 RAR). This journey took him to various significant locations such as Puckapunyal, Korea (where he distinguished himself as the Sniper SGT), Enoggera, the 1st tour of Malaya, Holsworthy, and then his final mission during the Second Tour of Malaya. Astoundingly, Hansen dedicated a consecutive 17 years to the Battalion, witnessing its formation and all its significant transitions, wars, and relocations.
The article attached indicates that after an impressive 20 years, he retired during the Second Tour of Malaya and made his way back to Brisbane. For those who might recognize the names, Hansen hailed from Moorooka and was originally born in Kilcoy.
We earnestly request anyone who might be related to or knows Chad to get in touch with us. His narrative represents a monumental chapter in the Battalion’s history and deserves to be shared and celebrated.
ED: If you can help, please contact Jason Harrison curator of 2 RAR Historical Collection Email: [email protected]
Jason’s Mobile: 0419 749 198
ED: This 82nd Airborne Choirs was sent to me I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Our revamped Frontline website is now back online. While we’ve adopted a new name, I’m sure that you will not notice many changes with the majority occurring behind the scenes.
- Our official website address is frontline.asn.au
- For any reason, feel free to email me at [email protected]
Our core mission remains unaltered: delivering vital news and information to veterans, including current events, obituaries, and you still have an opportunity to comment.
Please ensure that you change my email address to: [email protected] my previous address is now closed, and mail will be rejected.
If you have any info, stories, articles, reunions etc. please send them through to me.
Regards
Ray Payne OAM
When browsing through my posts, kindly approach them as you would with a newspaper: read topics that interest and feel free to skip the ones that don’t interest you.
The Ukrainian forces carried out a missile strike on a Russian naval base in Sevastopol, located in Russian-occupied Crimea. While the exact method of the attack remains uncertain, reports from the Ukrainian Telegram channel Insider UA suggest that aviation might have played a role. The Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk, hinted at this but stopped short of revealing specifics about the weapons used. Given his comments, there’s speculation that either the UK’s Storm Shadow or France’s SCALP long-range missiles might have been involved, as they are the only two known air-launched cruise missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal. However, the vagueness of Oleshchuk’s statement might be a strategic move to keep Russian defense forces in the dark.
Furthermore, it’s known that Ukraine has been developing its own range of long-range cruise missiles, including a version of the R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile and the Korshun and HRIM-2 missiles, modern successors of the Soviet-era Kh-55. Any of these could have been deployed in the attack.
The strike had a significant impact on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, igniting fires across a drydock reportedly holding two warships. If not controlled promptly, the fleet risks losing more of its already dwindling number of large ships, especially with the Bosphorus Strait’s closure that prevents Russia from replacing these assets.
The Black Sea Fleet has faced numerous challenges, including multiple successful attacks by Ukrainian forces on its ships. Among the notable casualties are the Saratov, Moskva, Vasily Bekh, and Olenegorsky Gornyak, with the latter possibly being out of commission for good. In addition to these major losses, the Ukrainian navy has inflicted damage on several Russian patrol boats and landing crafts and reclaimed Ukrainian oil platforms that the Russians had occupied.
Despite the setbacks early in the war, where Ukraine even scuttled its only frigate, the Ukrainian navy remains a formidable force. With a combination of domestically-produced Neptune anti-ship missiles, Western-made Harpoon ASMs, missile-armed TB-2 drones, and drone boats, the Ukrainian navy continues to exert pressure on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, frequently pushing it back. As the Ukrainian forces expand their arsenal, including potentially introducing a new thousand-mile cruise missile and possibly acquiring ballistic rockets from the U.S., the Russian fleet’s challenges are only set to increase. The continued successful strikes on Russian ships underscore the efficiency of Ukrainian intelligence in tracking these vessels.
Picture: Defense Technology Institute of Thailand
The Royal Thai Army is currently testing the D-Iron robotic combat vehicles, marking a significant step towards unmanned ground vehicles’ mass production. The recent trial, a joint effort between the Defense Technology Institute (DTI) of Thailand and the Army, took place in Saraburi province. During these tests, the vehicle’s capability to navigate inclined terrains, traverse water, and adapt to different landforms was examined.
Furthermore, in collaboration with Thailand’s Ministry of Defence Armament Standards Committee, the D-Iron RCV underwent rigorous live-fire assessments under both daylight and night conditions.
This robotic combat vehicle, based on the THeMIS Combat UGV platform from Milrem Robotics, was initially introduced to the public by the DTI in 2019. The D-Iron RCV now boasts an R400S-Mk2 remote weapon station provided by the Australian firm, Electro Optic Systems, and a Northrop Grumman M230LF 30mm machine gun. Moreover, the possibility of incorporating anti-tank guided missiles is being considered.
There are indications that the D-Iron RCV might be optimal for tasks such as border surveillance, reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, anti-tank operations, and logistics.
Additionally, the DTI has previously shown its commitment to unmanned technology by signing an agreement to jointly research and develop unmanned aerial systems and their countermeasures.
Internationally, Thailand’s pursuits in armed robotic vehicles resonate with the technological progress seen in Europe and the US. The US Department of Defense has called for quick prototypes of robotic combat vehicles to cater to the US Army’s need for a nimble, easily movable RCV. These prototypes are anticipated to be ready for an award in early 2025, with deployment and fieldwork set for 2030.
This upcoming award aims to present a semi-autonomous or remote-controlled RCV, enhancing army formation’s tactical capabilities, situational awareness, and lethality. It may also serve in scouting or accompanying manned combat vehicles.
Maj. Gen. Glenn Dean, from the US Army Ground Combat Systems, emphasized the importance of technological advancements for the future army. He stated, “The 2030 Army and those that follow will bank on technological growth and advancements. The combined efforts of both traditional and unconventional business sectors are pivotal in ushering in systems that cater to the Army’s evolving needs for the coming decades.”
By Bert Hoebee
As the sun rises on Friday 18 August, many of the 60,000 Australians who served in Vietnam will be looking forward to the day, which this year also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War. They will proudly wear their full array of medals during the activities around the country to reflect on the bravery, teamwork, and endurance that Australians displayed throughout the war, and to honour and recognise every individual who served in Vietnam. That is only right and proper.
Not so some 2,500 National Service conscripts, who, if they choose to or are still able to attend, may face opprobrium and offensive questioning by others, including friends and family, and worst of all, even ostracism as ‘short timers’ from some of their former comrades-in-arms, in clubs and pubs, simply because they do not wear the Republic of Vietnam’s Campaign Medal (RVCM), pictured. That is definitely not right or proper. Must it really continue in this way?
Despite having served just as bravely as their comrades, they have not been equally respected, honoured and recognised and have long been denied the campaign medal which was made available to all military allied personnel who served meritoriously in support of the Republic of Vietnam. Eligibility is determined by Australian authorities. The denial came about due to an unforgivable government blunder many years ago.
This legalistic and bureaucratic denial is solely because they returned home for discharge at the completion of their obligatory National Service period of enlistment, before completing
181 days’ service in the Vietnam War. Contrast this with the fact that even non-combatant philanthropists were given this medal. How unfair and inequitable is that?
From day one in Vietnam, they also faced all the horrors of war. They did their duty to the maximum according to law and had no obligation at all to put off their return back to work, study and family and risk their repatriation entitlements. As highly respected senior army veteran “Warry” George Mansford said: “they were exposed to the battle cry of ‘all for one and one for all.’ In simple terms; to live together, fight together and perhaps die together.” Those who were killed or wounded did, of course, receive the RVCM.
The previous Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel, with agreement from the then-Minister for Defence, had recommended that approval of the issue of the RVCM go to whole of government consideration, when the election intervened. We were nearly there.
After more than a year in office of the current government, today’s Minister is fully aware of this distressing situation and of the hundreds of people: politicians of all colours, ex-service people and especially Australia’s ex South Vietnamese servicemen and the community, who strongly support these men. The now-Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus even wrote: ‘I can assure you that Federal Labor supports your campaign to have the RVCM awarded … … , on the grounds of individual justice, fairness and equity.’ Other Ministers and ex-Ministers and even ex-Prime Ministers all wrote in the same vein. It is unconscionable that it continues even now.
This continued denial and lack of recognition has led to even deeper withdrawal into isolation, contributed to frustration, despair and worse; even for those who were not already suffering from war caused PTSD that is now being aggravated by their own government’s obstinance and unreasonable delay in seeing them equally and properly recognised. This must stop. Time is now of the essence and Minister Keogh has the power to resolve this matter for the benefit of these veterans.
As the sun sets on another Vietnam Veterans’ Day, will their Minister have stood up and made a decision? Did he act equitably and empathetically and show determined leadership to let these veterans now have this medal?
It would be an immense contribution to our armed forces of tomorrow.
Bert Hoebee (Lieutenant Colonel, Retired) Vietnam Veteran
By political reporter Matthew Doran
The chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has accused senior military leaders of waiting for his inquiry to end so they can go back to “business as usual”.
Commissioner Nick Kaldas will on Wednesday outline his concerns about the approach taken by Australia’s defence establishment when he addresses the National Press Club in Canberra.
Last week, while wrapping up a block of hearings in Melbourne, the former New South Wales police commissioner took a swipe at the nation’s top brass.
“We commissioners fear the defence hierarchy is simply waiting for this inquiry to end so that it can go back to business as usual,” he said.
“We hope that’s not the case.
“We still have not identified any strong evidence to suggest that defence is prioritising the mental health and wellbeing of its people in a sustainable way, nor does it seem to be responding adequately to the pressing issue of suicide and suicidality in its ranks with any sense of urgency.”
Tasmanian senator and veteran Jacqui Lambie, who is one of the most outspoken defence critics in federal parliament, said Mr Kaldas’s remarks showed deep cultural problems continued to exist.
“The best disinfectant for defence would be to get rid of the garbage at the top,” she told the ABC’s AM program.
“The trouble is you have senior commanders up there that think they are untouchable, and until you flush those senior commanders out, we’re going to continue to have this.
“The only way you can change a culture in an institution like defence is by flushing out the leaders.
“They’ve had plenty of time to fix it, the situation has got worse over the years.”
Karen Bird’s son Jesse died by suicide in 2017, after his claim for compensation for permanent impairment was rejected by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
She has been watching the royal commission hearings closely, and she agreed with Mr Kaldas’s sentiments.
“The protection and the lack of transparency has been a real issue for the commissioners,” she said.
“I think the commissioners have just got to keep pushing and keep calling it out.
“I’m not crazy enough or silly enough to believe that we don’t need a defence force, but what we do need is a system that looks after our defence members.”
‘I don’t think he’s excessive or a China plate’
Senator Lambie was full of praise for the way Mr Kaldas and his two fellow commissioners, James Douglas KC and Peggy Brown, have been running the inquiry, encouraging members of the defence community to come forward with their stories.
Shadow Veterans’ Affairs Minister Barnaby Joyce agreed, and argued Mr Kaldas was unlikely to be exaggerating the concerns about defence.
“I don’t think he’s excessive or a China plate who would be looking for dramas where dramas don’t exist,” Mr Joyce said. “I think he’d be very authentic.
“I think he’s clearly saying [defence] have got to take this seriously.
“And if you don’t change your behaviour, then you’ll get the exactly the same outcome as what we’re experiencing.”
Veterans’ Affairs Minister Matt Keogh was not prepared to comment specifically on Mr Kaldas’s remarks.
But in a speech to parliament on legislation relating to the royal commission, Mr Keogh insisted the federal government was serious about driving cultural change.
“We know that people don’t want to see this royal commission drag on,” he said on Tuesday night.
“Veterans, veterans’ families, defence personnel, ex-service organisations — they all want to see timely action.”
In a statement, the Defence Department said it would be inappropriate to comment on what the commissioner had to say because the inquiry is ongoing.
“The mental health and wellbeing of our people is a high priority for Defence,” a spokesperson said.
The royal commission’s next hearings will be in Sydney at the end of the month, with the inquiry’s final report to be delivered by June next year.
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and is a timely reminder to have important conversations about men’s health.
If you are a male, aged 60 or over, there is a strong possibility you, or one of your mates, has or will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life.
Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. It affects men in older age groups and is rare in men under 50 years. Research published by the Cancer Council shows by the age of 85 one in six males will have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. 90% of people are diagnosed early and survival is good. Depending on the type and stage, some people don’t need treatment and will be closely monitored instead.
If you’ve been diagnosed by your doctor with prostate cancer and hold a Veteran White Card you might be eligible to receive fully funded cancer treatment under Non-Liability Health Care (NLHC).
Cancer treatment covered under NLHC may include allied health, GP care and specialist care, scans and blood tests, as well as treatment options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery or hormone therapy.
Prostate cancer can cause symptoms such as blood in your urine, a weak or interrupted stream, needing to urinate often, pain while urinating, incontinence, pain in the back, or weak legs or feet. These symptoms may have other causes. Talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
There is no single or simple test for prostate cancer. If you don’t have symptoms, talk to your doctor the pros and cons of the tests available in your individual circumstances. Your doctor or health professional can help you to make an informed decision about being tested.
For more information about prostate cancer testing and treatment see The Prostate Cancer Foundation.
For more information about funded prostate cancer treatment, including eligibility call us on 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or visit Free treatment for cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
At the RAAF Base Darwin in the Northern Territory, Air Force Security Aircraftman Joshua Church and Airfield Defence Guard Leading Aircraftman David Wilson from No. 2 Security Forces Squadron recently performed a post-flight check of the Sky Ranger R70 Unmanned Aerial System. Photo credit goes to LAC Sam Price.
The Australian Defence Force is paving the way for drones to deliver ammunition and supplies to their troops. Following a series of successful presentations at the Army Innovation Day, contracts have been granted this August to develop these tactical drones.
Jabiru Aircraft, a renowned aircraft producer from Queensland, has been tasked with creating a medium-lift quadcopter powered by a four-cylinder petrol engine. This drone aims to carry loads of up to 50 kilograms. Simultaneously, Queensland’s Crystalaid Manufacture has been entrusted with developing a more potent eight-rotor turbine-driven UAV capable of lifting over 800 kilograms.
Jabiru’s design, described by their executive director Michael Halloran, features two primary coaxial rotors and four smaller side rotors. These drones can grip onto cargo, transport it for up to 150 kilometers, and then release it. However, there’s flexibility in the design, allowing for an extended range by reducing the payload and carrying more fuel.
Halloran emphasized the design’s cost-effectiveness and automation capabilities. He shared that the drone would be able to navigate autonomously between waypoints designated by operators.
On the other hand, Crystalaid’s design emphasizes durability. Director Ross McKinnon pointed out that the drone’s redundant systems would enable it to remain airborne even after sustaining damage, including loss of rotors. The innovative design maintains stability and avoids tilting during motion, which is crucial when transporting sensitive cargo or injured soldiers. McKinnon highlighted the goal for soldiers to easily request supply drops through mobile devices even in communication-congested zones.
Both Jabiru and Crystalaid are set to showcase their innovations to the Defence department by the end of 2024. Meanwhile, another contender, ACT’s Geodrones, is slated to present their hybrid-powered heavy-lift drone, which can transport a staggering 1,000 kilograms, in early 2025. Geodrones CEO Glenn Alcock mentioned that their design would be instrumental in moving heavy cargo, including ship-to-shore operations. Their concept focuses on a quiet descent, powered solely by electricity. A demonstration with the Army is projected for roughly 18 months from now.