Hi ALL,
Just letting you know that I won’t be able to post anything to the website tomorrow as I will be driving home from Bundaberg after an enjoyable break at our daughter’s home in Innis Park. Going to miss the amazing seafood available up here.
We have a five-hour drive tomorrow and I will be taking it steady.
Cheers
Ray & Julie
ED: Who Else Finds It Astonishing That the Prime Minister while in Alice Springs Announces Further $884 Million for Bridging the Gap in the NT?
Frontline – Ray Payne OAM
The Prime Minister’s announcement of an additional $884 million for “bridging the gap” in the Northern Territory is yet another staggering allocation of taxpayer funds to Indigenous programs. With a total population of just 260,000 people, this new funding equates to over $3 million for every man, woman, and child in the Territory.
This is on top of the $39 billion already spent annually on Indigenous Australians, a figure that continues to rise despite little visible improvement in key outcomes such as health, education, employment, and community safety. The sheer scale of spending raises serious concerns about where the money is going and whether it is being used effectively.
The Numbers Don’t Add Up
The Northern Territory has a significant Indigenous population, many of whom live in remote communities. These communities often struggle with social issues, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to essential services. However, given the billions already poured into Indigenous programs, one must ask why these issues persist. If funding alone were the solution, these problems would have been eradicated years ago.
According to government reports, Indigenous Australians receive approximately $44,000 per person per year in direct and indirect government support, compared to around $24,000 for non-Indigenous Australians. Despite this, life expectancy, literacy rates, employment levels, and crime statistics remain troubling. The gap is not closing at a pace that justifies this level of expenditure.
Where Is the Money Going?
A major issue is the administrative costs associated with Indigenous funding. Bureaucracies, consultants, and advisory bodies consume a significant portion of these funds before they ever reach the communities in need. Reports suggest that millions are lost in red tape, mismanagement, and inefficiencies within government agencies and NGOs tasked with implementing Indigenous programs.
Moreover, there is little transparency or accountability for how these funds are spent. There have been numerous cases where funding has been squandered on failed programs, misappropriated, or spent on initiatives that do not deliver tangible benefits to Indigenous people.
A Different Approach Needed
Instead of simply throwing more money at the problem, the government should focus on ensuring that existing funds are being used effectively. That means greater scrutiny of Indigenous funding programs, independent audits, and a shift away from the bloated bureaucratic model that has proven ineffective.
It also means empowering Indigenous communities to take greater control over their own futures by promoting economic development, education, and self-reliance rather than fostering a cycle of dependency. There should be a greater emphasis on job creation, business development, and local leadership rather than government handouts that fail to produce lasting change.
Conclusion
Australians deserve answers. Why, despite decades of massive funding, do the same problems persist? Where is the accountability for how taxpayer money is spent? And why does the government continue to pour billions into a system that isn’t working? Until these questions are addressed, announcements like today’s $884 million commitment will only further fuel public frustration and disbelief.
Veteran Card holders in flood-affected areas of Far North Queensland can continue to access important medicines from an approved pharmacist even if they have not been able to get a valid prescription. This applies where there is an immediate need for the medicine.
The Veteran Card holder may not have a prescription because they can’t access it due to the floods, or if they can’t access their medical practitioner.
The supply of Veteran Card holder medicines in this way is subject to the Continued Dispensing arrangements of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Only one supply of medicines can be provided under Continued Dispensing arrangements in a 12-month period.
The Veteran Card holder must previously have been prescribed this medicine and the pharmacist must be satisfied that it is urgently needed and it is not practical to obtain a new prescription due to the floods.
So, if you urgently need medicine as outlined above, please ask your local pharmacist for support.
This measure will be in place until 31 March 2025.
Hamas has announced a delay in the release of Israeli hostages, citing repeated violations of the Gaza ceasefire agreement by Israel. The group claimed that Israel had failed to uphold key terms of the deal, including allowing the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, halting attacks on Palestinian civilians, and permitting sufficient humanitarian aid into the territory.
The latest group of Israeli hostages was expected to be released this coming Saturday. However, Hamas stated that further releases would be postponed until Israel fully complies with the terms of the agreement and compensates Palestinians for the alleged breaches.
“The delay in the release of prisoners serves as a warning message to the occupation, and to exert pressure for the full compliance with the agreement’s terms,” Hamas said in a statement. The group reaffirmed its commitment to the ceasefire deal but insisted that Israel must uphold its obligations.
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz condemned Hamas’ decision, calling it “a complete violation of the ceasefire agreement and the deal to release the hostages.” Katz instructed the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to prepare for a potential resumption of fighting, placing the military on high alert.
“I have instructed the IDF to prepare at the highest level of alert for any possible scenario in Gaza and to protect the communities. We will not allow a return to the reality of October 7,” Katz stated.
Meanwhile, Israeli protesters gathered in Hostages Square in Tel Aviv following Hamas’ announcement. The demonstration underscored the ongoing public pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of hostages and maintain national security.
Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, which is set to expire on March 2, are ongoing in Qatar. The diplomatic efforts will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the ceasefire holds or if hostilities will resume in the coming days.
In recent months, Russia has intensified its assault on Ukraine, aiming to seize as much territory as possible before potential peace talks brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. Moscow is leveraging every possible advantage, knowing that territorial gains could strengthen its position at the negotiating table.
Lieutenant-Colonel Vitaly, a Ukrainian artillery commander, describes the Russian strategy as relentless, with troops being forced into “meatwaves”—suicidal human assaults designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defences. “They’re not sparing their people, equipment, or ammunition to appear stronger in negotiations,” he says. Despite losing thousands of troops weekly, Russia has managed to capture another 4,000 square kilometres and now controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine.
Many in Ukraine believe this escalation is directly linked to Trump’s potential return to power. Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, sees Trump as a strong leader with the ability to shape the war’s outcome. While Trump initially promised to end the war within 24 hours of taking office, he later backed away, realising the conflict’s complexity.
Top U.S. officials are now set to meet with European counterparts to discuss pathways to peace, following reports of a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Former CIA analyst Fred Fleitz, now with the Trump-aligned America First Policy Institute, suggests Trump may push for a ceasefire and frozen conflict lines as a starting point for negotiations.
“A solution acceptable to Ukraine likely won’t be possible until Putin leaves the political scene,” Fleitz says. “But in the meantime, Ukrainians will stop dying.”
However, senior Ukrainian officials, including presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak, reject this approach. “Freezing the front lines rewards Putin,” he argues. “Russia won’t stop—it wants total control over Ukraine.”
For Kyiv, security guarantees in any settlement are non-negotiable. Ukraine sees NATO membership as its best protection against future aggression, but this remains a red line for Russia. Trump himself has expressed sympathy for Moscow’s opposition to Ukraine joining NATO.
Fleitz warns that NATO membership may have to wait. “To stop the war, we may need to put Ukraine’s NATO bid on hold for 10 to 25 years,” he says. “That’s not what Ukraine wants to hear, but another way must be found to defend them.”
As Ukraine fights for its survival, the battlefield remains fluid—both in territory and in the high-stakes game of international diplomacy.
ED: From my inbox – a Facebook Post
After the all-day Senate Inquiry hearing on Friday: Senator Roberts said: “There needs to be root and branch reform of the honours and awards system.”
“It’s very clear that there has been a two-tier system when it comes to medals. Senior Officers get awards like it’s part of their salary package and the enlisted ranks are lucky if their nominations aren’t just shoved in a drawer and forgotten.”
“The integrity of the Distinguished Service Crosses awarded to multiple leaders of forces in the Middle East is under a dark cloud. It has become clear that senior leaders of Defence, including the current Chief, over at least a decade have abused the definition of ‘in action’ to claim awards that were meant to be reserved for soldiers under direct fire of an adversary.”
“How can Angus Campbell claim a Distinguished Service Cross for command of soldiers which he has tried to strip a DSC from for allegations of wrongdoing?”
“The only recognition some soldiers have of their sacrifice and service is a medal. When the system that administers medals is broken, that destroys morale and is a direct contributor to the military recruitment and retention crisis.”
“The inquiry heard heroic stories of soldiers in direct machine gun and grenade fire having their nominations simply forgotten, downgraded without their knowledge or manipulated. This cannot be allowed to happen”
“A fully transparent process must be implemented. It’s clear that the Defence hierarchy cannot be trusted to be impartial and objective when it comes to giving our Defence personnel the recognition they deserve.”
The HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Voyager collision occurred on 10 February 1964 off the coast of Jervis Bay, NSW. The aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21) collided with the Daring-class destroyer HMAS Voyager (D04) during night exercises. Voyager mistakenly crossed Melbourne’s path and was cut in two, sinking within minutes. 82 crew members of Voyager lost their lives, making it one of Australia’s worst peacetime naval disasters. Two Royal Commissions were held, leading to controversy over blame and command decisions.
ASPI – The Strategist – By Tom McDermott
In January, I crossed the milestone of 24 years of service in two militaries—the British and Australian armies. It is fair to say that I am a professional soldier. Soldiering has consumed the whole of my adult life. Indeed, it has been a focus since I first put on an army cadet uniform at the age of twelve.
CLICK LINK to read the full story
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, Australia enacted stringent new laws imposing mandatory jail sentences for hate crimes, including performing Nazi salutes in public. This legislative move aims to address a significant increase in antisemitic attacks across the country.
New Hate Crime Legislation
The newly passed laws stipulate severe penalties for hate-related offenses:
These measures were introduced in response to a series of antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish communities in Australia. Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in attacks on synagogues and Jewish community properties, including acts of arson and vandalism. Notably, a caravan loaded with explosives intended for Jewish targets was discovered in Sydney, underscoring the escalating threat.
Government’s Firm Stance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who previously opposed mandatory sentencing, has taken a position against antisemitic offenses. He emphasised the necessity of holding offenders accountable, stating, “I want people who are engaged in antisemitism to be held to account, to be charged, to be incarcerated.”
Recent Legal Actions
The enforcement of these new laws has already led to significant legal actions:
These developments underscore Australia’s resolve to combat hate crimes and protect its diverse communities from acts of hatred and intolerance.
The Australian government is investing in local innovation and a future made in Australia by supporting two Canberra-based companies to advance electronic warfare technology. This initiative falls under a program designed to develop critical capabilities for all three AUKUS nations.
The government has awarded contracts worth more than $8 million through the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA). This funding will provide essential financial support, ensuring the continuation of innovative research while securing over 150 local jobs. The investment aims to assist in the development and demonstration of electronic warfare prototypes that align with Australian Defence Force (ADF) operational needs. These advancements highlight the significant role Australian industry plays in contributing to the development of sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, including those under AUKUS Pillar II.
These technologies enhance the ability of joint AUKUS forces to achieve superior situational awareness and maintain effective communication across multiple domains, even in contested environments where adversaries may attempt to disrupt awareness or block command and control functions. Established in 2024, the AUKUS Innovation Challenge Series fosters collaboration among AUKUS partners, harnessing their respective strengths to provide cutting-edge capabilities for defence forces. Further details on the AUKUS Pillar II EW Innovation Challenge can be found at www.asca.gov.au.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the country’s sovereign defence industry. Through ASCA, the government is ensuring that local innovators play a key role in shaping Australia’s industrial and technological future, while also supporting the broader strategic objectives of AUKUS.