All News

ED: In the past I have expressed my total support and enthusiasm for nuclear energy in Australia. Nuclear energy is often debated due to its potential benefits, such as low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy density, as well as concerns about safety, radioactive waste disposal, and the risk of nuclear accidents.

My argument is that nuclear power is a reliable and low-carbon energy source, which would contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It would give us a reliable and sustainable source of power.

I’m very impressed with young Will Shackel and hope you may support the objective.

CLICK LINK  https://www.nuclearforaustralia.com/

The Australian Defence Force is set to embark on a transformative journey as gunners prepare to undergo training in the United States for the nation’s new High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) regiment. This initiative marks a significant development in Australia’s defence capabilities and underscores the strategic importance of investing in cutting-edge artillery technology.

Scheduled to commence next year, the training program will take place at the prestigious US Artillery School in Oklahoma, providing Australian gunners with an immersive and comprehensive learning experience. The focal point of this endeavour is the establishment of the inaugural HIMARS unit, known as the 14 Regiment, stationed at Puckapunyal in central Victoria.

The 14 Regiment will serve as the launchpad for Australia’s HIMARS capabilities, with the first of 20 recently procured HIMARS units expected to be delivered in 2025. The initial deployment will involve one troop of four HIMARS, primarily dedicated to operational tasks, while the remaining units will be utilized for training, maintenance, and certification purposes. Plans are in place to expand the HIMARS battery to three troops by 2027, further enhancing Australia’s artillery capabilities.

Gunner Izaiah Roch of the Royal Australian Artillery 8th/12th Regiment expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of HIMARS, citing the novelty of the system within the Australian Army as a motivating factor. Roch, who aspires to join a HIMARS troop, highlighted the allure of exploring new technologies in his artillery career. “The fact that it’s new and no one in the Army has used it before gives me the drive to stay in artillery,” said Gunner Roch. “It might not be the be-all and end-all, but it’s good knowing there is more to explore in the job.”

The recent Exercise Talisman Sabre provided Australian troops with a firsthand look at American HIMARS and Korean K9 Thunder vehicles, offering them an opportunity to engage with current operators. Specialist Juan Jimanez of the American 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Battalion, emphasized the excitement surrounding HIMARS, noting its impact on morale. “I was cool with being a rocket man. When the Australians ask me what job I do, I tell them I’m HIMARS and their eyes light up,” said Specialist Jimanez. “It’s good for you guys to see how we operate and shoot. It gets the excitement going, so when you do get them, it’s like, ‘Alright, let’s go play’.”

A notable achievement during this transition to HIMARS was the successful launch conducted at the Lancelin Defence Training Area in Western Australia. The operation demonstrated the system’s prowess by effectively prosecuting a maritime target using advanced integrated targeting technology, showcasing the formidable capabilities that the HIMARS regiment brings to Australia’s defence arsenal.

As Australia ventures into this new era of artillery technology, the integration of HIMARS into its defence infrastructure represents a strategic move towards modernization, providing enhanced capabilities and bolstering the nation’s preparedness for contemporary security challenges.

From Heston Russell

The last few years have seen a turning point in our history as a nation and the way in which we allow our veterans to be treated here at home.

Trials by media over war crimes allegations have caused more damage to the lives and reputations of our Veterans than any enemy we fought overseas. As Veterans, we welcome any and all investigations into any allegations of conduct that goes against our values and the laws of war. However, too many of us have been exposed to actions and agendas by some that have and continue to cause issues for many within our veteran community.

Due process and the presumption of innocence have been replaced with haste to publish any allegations that have yet to be tested against the appropriate laws, and the presumption of guilt has been cast over all named, or implied as involved.

It is time for the voices of everyday Australians to be heard and decide what is needed.

I have developed a motion calling for the establishment of a Veterans’ Protection Act – an Act to better support our Veterans at home, for the current and future generations to come. Please go online to HestonRussell.com/Veterans to read this motion and indicate if you do or do not support this via the options on that page.

I plan to travel to Canberra this month to campaign for this motion, where I will meet with any and all who will support this cause – just like I did to campaign for the Royal Commission.

Please take the time to complete the survey – your support, the real voices of everyday Australian people – is what will help us to achieve this.

Please share this far and wide to anyone you can reach in person and online. Joining our voices and numbers together is how we compel those in Canberra to actually do what the real Australian people want – because we will hold them accountable at the next election.

Please click the link go online to HestonRussell.com/Veterans

The Pacific nation of Tuvalu—long seen as a prime candidate to disappear as climate change forces up sea levels—is actually growing in size, new research shows.

A University of Auckland study examined changes in the geography of Tuvalu’s nine atolls and 101 reef islands between 1971 and 2014, using aerial photographs and satellite imagery.

It found eight of the atolls and almost three-quarters of the islands grew during the study period, lifting Tuvalu’s total land area by 2.9 percent, even though sea levels in the country rose at twice the global average.

Co-author Paul Kench said the research, published Friday in the journal Nature Communications, challenged the assumption that low-lying island nations would be swamped as the sea rose.

“We tend to think of Pacific atolls as static landforms that will simply be inundated as sea levels rise, but there is growing evidence these islands are geologically dynamic and are constantly changing,” he said.

“The study findings may seem counter-intuitive, given that (the) sea level has been rising in the region over the past half century, but the dominant mode of change over that time on Tuvalu has been expansion, not erosion.”

It found factors such as wave patterns and sediment dumped by storms could offset the erosion caused by rising water levels.

The Auckland team says climate change remains one of the major threats to some low-lying island nations.

But it argues the study should prompt a rethink on how such countries respond to the problem.

Rather than accepting their homes are doomed and looking to migrate to countries such as Australia and New Zealand, the researchers say they should start planning for a long-term future.

“On the basis of this research we project a markedly different trajectory for Tuvalu’s islands over the next century than is commonly envisaged,” Kench said.

“While we recognise that habitability rests on a number of factors, loss of land is unlikely to be a factor in forcing depopulation of Tuvalu.”

The study’s authors said island nations needed to find creative solutions to adapt to climate change that take into account their homeland’s evolving geography.

Suggestions included moving populations onto larger islands and atolls, which have proved the most stable and likely to grow as seas rise.

“Embracing such new adaptation pathways will present considerable national scale challenges to planning, development goals and land tenure systems,” they said.

“However, as the data on island change shows there is time (decades) to confront these challenges.”

In contemporary Australia, a growing disconnect between younger generations and traditional values is reshaping the political landscape and influencing national security dynamics. Similar to global trends, Australian Millennials and Zoomers are grappling with economic uncertainties, housing market challenges, and concerns about the nation’s future.

This shift in sentiment is reminiscent of the sentiments expressed by the famous television character Tony Soprano, capturing the feeling that younger Australians may have arrived “too late” to a system that no longer aligns with their aspirations. The intergenerational tension between older generations and their successors further exacerbates the situation, as younger Australians feel misunderstood and unsupported by policymakers who, they believe, have failed to address their unique challenges.

The decline in patriotism and willingness to defend the nation among younger Australians echoes global patterns. Recruitment and retention challenges in the military, as highlighted by former US assistant secretary for defence Owen West and Professor Kevin Wallsten, are mirrored in Australia.

Factors contributing to this shift include the housing affordability crisis, economic transitions, and the impact of artificial intelligence on job prospects. The Australian economy’s shift towards a “knowledge” and services-based model, coupled with concerns about overreliance on mass migration, has left many feeling disillusioned with the system.

This emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to address these challenges. While some argue for increased migration to boost the tax base, critics contend that such a strategy benefits specific sectors at the expense of the majority. The resulting economic disparities contribute to a sense of disconnection and disillusionment among younger Australians.

In a parallel to the US context, where divisive marketing strategies have been blamed for a decline in military recruitment, Australia faces a similar dilemma. Attempts to appeal to younger generations through progressive campaigns may inadvertently alienate traditional supporters, emphasizing the importance of striking a balance.

The report underscores the significance of fostering national pride and connection to traditional values, drawing attention to the success of the US Marine Corps’ recruitment strategy. In Australia, however, confidence in the nation’s identity and the willingness to defend it appear to be eroding, particularly among the youth.

Research reveals a concerning lack of willingness among young Australians to defend their country. Cultural and media influences, coupled with economic challenges, have led many to question the value of fighting for a nation they perceive as lacking a clear identity and cultural unity.

The implications for Australia’s national security are profound. As geopolitical tensions rise, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia must confront the reality of a disengaged and apathetic younger generation. There must be a comprehensive strategy that addresses economic, cultural, and strategic challenges to rekindle a sense of national identity and purpose among Australians.

In the face of a rapidly evolving global order and increased competition in the Indo-Pacific, Australia is urged to move beyond short-term fixes and adopt a long-term perspective. The question posed is whether Australia will embrace a more independent role or risk remaining a secondary power in an era of escalating great power competition.

On Remembrance Day, the Australian War Memorial will host the nation’s key commemoration. This ceremony is attended by many high level dignitaries, students, politicians, thousands of general public, as well as diplomats. The key commemorative address will be delivered by the Governor-General of Commonwealth Australia and later by reciting some traditional remembrance poems along with wreath-laying.

In 1919, on the first anniversary of Armistice Day (later changed to Remembrance Day), an Australian Journalist Edward Honey (working in Fleet Street) came up with a proposal of paying two minute’s silence as part of the key commemorative ceremony for the war dead at the New Cenotaph in London.  Concurrently, a South African Statesman made a similar proposal of two minute silence to the British Cabinet endorsing the proposal by Australian Journalist.

Simultaneously, King George V had a request to all the British Empire people i.e. suspending all the regular activities at the eleventh hour of the Armistice ‘which stayed the worldwide carnage of the four preceding years and marked the victory of Right and Freedom’. Since then the two minute silence proposal was popularly adapted by all the other allied countries and even became an important attraction and must to be followed feature of commemorations on Armistice Day.

The following year’s Armistice Day i.e. even the second anniversary holds some significance. Yes, on the second anniversary, there happened to receive the unknown soldiers remains from the battle fields of Western Front and the funeral ceremony had happened plus interred with full military honours in Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triumph in Paris. After the entombment, the Unknown Soldier’s tomb had attracted millions of people during the first week in London. Over time or we can say following many years, the tradition of entombing unknown soldier’s remains had been adapted by the other allied nations.

After Second World War, at the end, the name ‘Armistice’ was been changed to ‘Remembrance Day’ on 11^th November and the decision was taken both Australian and British governments. Since then people consider ‘Remembrance Day’ as the appropriate title for a day on which the main commemorations are held for those who serviced in the wars and especially for the dead soldiers.

In Australia, the ‘Remembrance Day Ceremonies and commemorations again became the main focus on national media and gained a popular attention from public i.e. on 75^th Anniversary of Remembrance Day. Yes, on 75^th Anniversary in 1993, the remains of entombed Unknown Soldier were exhumed from the military cemetery belonging to First World War in Memorial Halls of Memory in France.

Later on the tradition of two minute silence and the proposal of suspending works at the eleventh hour on eleventh day of eleventh month had been adapted every year by all the allied countries small towns and cities.

After four years in 1997, Australian Governor General Sir William Deane provided a formal proclamation acknowledging November 11 as the Remembrance Day and re-established as the significant day of Commemoration. On the same day, He urged all the Australians to pay one minute silence every year on Eleventh hour (11am) of Eleventh day of Eleventh month (November 11^th) in remembrance of those who participated, suffered and especially died for the cause of the Australian Nation in all the wars and conflicts.

IN FLANDERS’ FIELD
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN MCCRAE, MD (1872-1918)

In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow
Between the headstones, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders’ fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders’ fields.

The ABC, our national broadcaster funded by taxpayers, has been criticized for failing to represent the diverse views of the nation. Approximately 25 percent of the population actively engages with the ABC, while an increasing number abstain from its content. This disengagement stems from the perception that the ABC caters primarily to a specific demographic—the “red and greens,” a group that tends to dominate public discourse despite being a minority.

This bias became glaringly evident during a recent referendum, where the ABC displayed a clear inclination towards the ‘Yes’ case. The aftermath saw the ABC providing a platform for the vitriol directed at the 61 percent who chose not to support constitutional changes, revealing a stark contrast between the broadcaster’s favoured perspective and the broader national sentiment.

Despite growing discontent, tuning out seems to be the prevalent response from those dissatisfied with the ABC. Years of perceived leftist bias on issues ranging from racial politics to climate have left viewers resigned to the status quo. The ABC’s unapologetic partiality is accepted as a constant, akin to the weather.

However, change is possible if there is political will. The evident bias within the ABC goes beyond mere program time comparisons; it extends to editorial emphasis, the selection of interviewees, and the overall tone of coverage. Instances of biased reporting, such as a young female Indigenous reporter expressing subjective views on behalf of “her people,” contribute to the perception of imbalance.

Calls for reform are surprisingly muted, considering the potential for change. Transitioning the ABC to a user-pays model, similar to a streaming service, could be a viable solution. In such a system, the broadcaster’s income would be directly tied to its ability to attract viewers and listeners. This would not only be fairer but would also eliminate the need for additional taxpayer-funded handouts. Furthermore, in the age of online information, the traditional role of national broadcasters is questioned, making them seem like relics from a bygone era.

In essence, a user-pays model aligns with both the principles of broadcasting and democracy. It allows the broadcaster to address financial concerns independently, rather than relying on periodic government subsidies. This alternative approach, compared to providing more funding for the status quo, ensures a fairer distribution of costs among those who actively consume the content.

By Mark Scroffel – AVN

 The Returned and Services League (RSL) Australia has, over the past year, coordinated a series of National Forums for Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) with the intention of unifying the voices and efforts of various groups dedicated to veteran welfare. This initiative has seen the collaboration of over 70 organisations nationwide and sought to harness a collective strength to tackle challenges faced by veterans, including the implementation of recommendations from the Interim Report of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.

The RSL’s National Forums for ESOs, which spanned from November 2022 to October 2023, involved subject matter experts both local and international. These experts, drawn from a spectrum of backgrounds including the Australian Defence Force and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, contributed insights aiming to coalesce the sector around common goals and strategies.

RSL National President, Greg Melick, acknowledged the need for legislative reform and improvements in claims processing at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. He emphasised the importance of ex-service organisations working in a spirit of collaboration and shared purpose to support the wellbeing of veterans and their families, saying:

“Our ESO sector is now presented with an opportunity to more effectively deliver on its shared purpose and leverage its collective strengths by uniting to advocate for the needs of those we represent, provide valuable and efficient services, and collectively work to reduce suicide and suicidality among the veteran community.”

A significant outcome from the initiative was the consensus on the need for a national peak body to represent and advocate for the interests of Australian veterans and the ESO sector. Furthermore, participants highlighted the necessity for a national implementation body to ensure the recommendations of the Royal Commission are actioned promptly and effectively.

Yet, amidst this progress, critical voices from within the veteran community have identified some concerns about the approach taken and potential weaknesses in the peak body model being developed. Ian Lindgren, a respected figure within the ESO landscape, expressed reservations about the operational focus of the forum’s discussions. He contended that there was an excessive focus on granular details at the expense of higher-level strategic planning.

Lindgren urged for leadership by professionals with substantial expertise and called for innovative thinking rather than adherence to potentially ineffective existing models. He further questioned the self-governance allowed to ESOs by DVA on advocacy issues, the need for oversight of ethical conduct, and the legal status of volunteers within these organisations.

Despite such critiques, the forums have charted a potential pathway toward a more united and robust ESO sector. This with Melick’s earlier acknowledgements of past fragmentation within the ESO community and the commitment to rectify this is a promising pivot toward greater effectiveness and collaboration.

The forums have set the stage for enhanced collaboration and represent a pivotal shift with the potential to transform service across the veteran sector, yet as Lindgren cautions, it demands a fresh and vigilant mindset to avoid the pitfalls of the past.

The Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition will open its doors to a record number of defence industry businesses and international naval delegations in Sydney this week.

Navantia has presented new warship designs for consideration in the Royal Australian Navy’s future surface fleet. Unveiling the Tasman Class corvette at the Indo Pacific 2023 International Maritime Exposition, the 3,000-tonne design is based on the Alpha 3000 ships in service with Saudi Arabia. It boasts a crew of 90, a total capacity for 124 personnel, 16 VLS, four quad anti-ship missile launchers, close-in weapons systems, and a 57mm main gun. Additionally, Navantia is offering a heavier 3,700-tonne design and a Tier 1 Flight III destroyer, described as a “big brother” to the Hobart Class destroyer.

The Flight III design features options for directed energy weapons, 128 VLS, and a five-inch millennium main gun. All three designs have garnered significant interest at the exposition. In collaboration with Austal and Civmec, Navantia Australia aims to deliver six corvettes to meet the Navy’s urgent need for increased strike capability. These corvettes combine Tier 2 vessel maneuverability with major surface combatant weaponry, ensuring a smaller crew without compromising integrated warfare capabilities.

The proposal, named the Tasman Class corvette, was presented in response to the 2023 Defence Strategic Review. The three companies have been working on the proposal since November 2022, and it includes the integration of Saab Australian combat systems and CEA Technologies radars. The corvettes will be constructed in Henderson, Western Australia, leveraging existing infrastructure and a well-advanced design based on an operational reference vessel.

Austal’s CEO, Paddy Gregg, emphasizes the strategic importance of a national shipbuilding capability, and the proposed corvette program will establish a regional shipbuilding enterprise in Western Australia. The collaboration aims to consolidate resources and create a new warship construction hub, aligning with the recommendations of the 2023 Defence Strategic Review. The designs include NSM Anti Surface launchers, MK-41 vertical launch system cells, and existing Australian payloads.