All News

Photo: Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries launches the fourth Mogami-class frigate, Mikuma. (Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force)

The Straits Times

Japan has reached a pivotal milestone in its defence export history, as its National Security Council recently approved the sale of Mogami-class frigates to Australia for its General Purpose Frigate program. This marks the first time Japan has sold a major modern weapon system to another nation, highlighting its growing ambitions as a defence exporter and its commitment to deepening strategic ties with Australia.

The decision, announced by Japan’s Foreign Ministry on November 28, emphasizes the significance of the Japan-Australia partnership. “As stated in the National Defence Strategy, Australia is a ‘special strategic partner’ in the Indo-Pacific region, second only to Japan-US defence cooperation,” the ministry noted.

The Mogami-class frigates, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), are currently in service with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. They are competing against Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, which has offered an upgraded Meko A-200 design, based on Australia’s ageing Anzac-class frigates. With an estimated project cost of $10 billion AUD ($6.6 billion USD), the competition is expected to be a strategic decision rather than a purely commercial one.

Michael Shoebridge, founder of Strategic Analysis Australia, highlighted the potential strategic impact of the Japanese bid. “Choosing the Mogami-class would significantly enhance military interoperability and strengthen the defence industrial bases of both nations,” he said. Japan’s increasing defence cooperation with Australia, exemplified by the Reciprocal Access Agreement and joint troop rotations, gives it a competitive edge over Germany, which lacks formal defence ties with Canberra.

Shoebridge also pointed out the broader implications of this partnership, suggesting it could propel Japan into an AUKUS Pillar Two-like role, fostering advanced military technology cooperation. “Japan’s offer reflects a serious commitment to a strategic and technological partnership with Australia, building on shared Indo-Pacific security goals,” he added.

A unique aspect of the agreement is Japan’s retention of veto power over any transfer of the frigates to a third party. This mirrors U.S. practices and underlines Japan’s intention to safeguard its defence technology while becoming a more active player in the global arms market.

The final decision on the frigate program is expected by mid-2025. If selected, the joint development would not only modernize Australia’s navy but also strengthen shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities across the Indo-Pacific region.

For Japan, this landmark deal signals its transition into a prominent defence exporter. For Australia, it presents an opportunity to deepen ties with a trusted ally and bolster its maritime capabilities at a critical time in Indo-Pacific geopolitics.

 

 

Ray,

Sorry to ask a busy bloke but … …

About 25 years ago the government was approached by scores of Vietnam veterans to have a small numerical device affixed to their ribbon signifying the number of Vietnam deployments. It very nearly got through and was stopped due to a technicality.

The small device to be available to those who completed two or more tours. I have contacted members of the AATTV and compiled a list with some of them having done three tours etc.

I submitted a proposal to Defence in September however, they were not totally in favour. I am in the process of preparing an addendum and am asking for any constructive commentary to convince the government, that with little cost, the identification will reveal the story of the veteran’s full overseas service.

May I ask you to please post this on Frontline before it’s all too late for many. I am simply asking for fellow veterans to give me any solid thoughts on this to get the case over the line. Any advice to have supportive documentation to convince the decision makers.

At the moment ADF personnel who served with the UN and NATO are the only Australians who are permitted to wear the tiny number on their ribbons as per the pic.

Many thanks.

Richard Barry OAM.

6RAR SVN 1969

[email protected]

ED: If you completed multiple tours in Vietnam and you would like recognition for your service, please contact Richard on [email protected]

 

Kyiv Independent

The Syrian civil war, long overshadowed by global crises like COVID-19, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the Gaza conflict, has returned to prominence with the dramatic capture of Aleppo by opposition forces. This strategic and unexpected offensive signals a potential turning point in Syria’s future.

Aleppo, Syria’s industrial heart and once the country’s second-largest city, had been under firm control of President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, backed by Russia and Iran. However, a coalition of opposition groups seized the moment created by regional and global distractions to launch their attack.

A Divided Syria

Syria remains fragmented into three main zones:

1. The Assad Government: Supported by Russia and Iran, it controls key cities such as Damascus and Homs.
2. Turkey-backed Sunni Forces: These operate in northern Syria and include groups like the Syrian National Army (SNA).
3. US-backed Kurdish Forces: The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) hold northeastern Syria, rich in oil and wheat.

The Aleppo Offensive

The assault on Aleppo was spearheaded by a coalition of rebels, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkey-supported SNA. HTS, a group with origins in Al-Qaeda, emerged as a significant force in Idlib, which had become a haven for displaced populations and jihadist remnants after the fall of the Islamic State in 2019.

Turkey appears to have played a key role in uniting these groups. With the US politically preoccupied following its election, Turkey seized the opportunity to further its influence in northern Syria and counter the Kurdish YPG.

Global Distractions

Several factors contributed to this window of opportunity for the rebels:

• Russia’s Focus on Ukraine: Moscow’s war efforts have drained its resources, reducing its ability to support Assad.
• Iran’s Internal Challenges: Political instability, including the loss of key leaders and rumours of Supreme Leader Khamenei’s illness, has weakened its involvement in Syria.
• The October 7 Model: Inspired by Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel, Syrian opposition forces coordinated their offensive, catching Assad off-guard.

The Path Ahead

For now, opposition forces have consolidated their hold on Aleppo, with morale bolstered by their success. However, Assad’s government is expected to launch counter-offensives, relying on its core support from Shiite-Alawite and secular communities. Meanwhile, Turkey will likely continue supplying rebels to advance its strategic goals.

The renewed conflict underscores Syria’s fractured state, with each faction entrenching its power. Prospects for peace remain elusive, as international interests and local rivalries perpetuate the war.

 

CLICK LINK to open

View Email in Browser

What happens when poorly trained North Korean soldiers are thrown into the brutal conflict between Russia and Ukraine? In this video, we dive into the shocking reality of North Korean troops sent to Kursk as part of Russia’s desperate war efforts. From language barriers and inadequate training to their unpreparedness for Ukraine’s battle-hardened forces, these soldiers face a terrifying fate. Watch as we uncover their struggles, fears, and the devastating consequences of their deployment.

Over the past decade, an average of 78 current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members have died by suicide annually. This harrowing statistic led to the establishment of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in 2021, an effort to address the systemic challenges behind this national crisis.

In September, the commission released its final report, prompting the Albanese government to respond. Of the 122 recommendations made, the government has agreed, either fully or in principle, to 104, marking a significant step toward reform.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the response as a historic opportunity to deliver enduring support for Defence personnel, veterans, and their families. But what does this response achieve, and where does it fall short?

Mental Health Challenges in the Military

More than 500,000 Australians have served or are currently serving in the ADF. Among active personnel, 22% report experiencing mental health disorders—a figure that increases to 46% for those recently transitioning out of full-time service.

The suicide rate for ex-serving women is more than double that of civilian women. Similarly, men discharged for medical reasons face a suicide risk nearly three times higher than their civilian counterparts. Alarmingly, the number of suicides among ADF personnel over recent decades far exceeds combat-related fatalities.

The reasons for these elevated suicide rates are complex. While deployment trauma is a factor, the royal commission highlighted systemic and cultural issues within the ADF. For instance, excessive “self-reliance,” often celebrated as a military virtue, can hinder help-seeking behaviour when taken to extremes.

Government Commitments

The government’s response includes several significant commitments:

1. Co-Design Initiatives: Support programs and guidelines will be developed in collaboration with ex-service organizations, veterans, and their families, ensuring lived experience informs policy.
2. Improved Professional Development: Enhanced military cultural competency training for health professionals and better trauma-informed practices aim to address the unique challenges faced by ADF personnel.
3. Reducing Administrative Stress: Clearing the Department of Veteran Affairs’ (DVA) claims backlog is a priority, as delays have been a major source of stress for veterans.
4. Addressing Military Sexual Violence: Establishing a new inquiry into sexual violence in the ADF reflects a commitment to addressing longstanding issues within the institution.

Missed Opportunities

However, the government has faced criticism for leaving key recommendations unaddressed. Notably, the recommendation to equalize compensation for veterans permanently injured during training with those injured in active service was rejected. This decision may inadvertently devalue the contributions of non-deployed service members, potentially exacerbating identity challenges and mental health issues.

Other key recommendations, such as aligning the DVA’s fee schedule with the National Disability Insurance Scheme to incentivize health-care providers, were deferred for further consideration. This delay could send a mixed message about the value society places on veterans’ care.

The response also lacked immediate commitment to bolstering research funding. While systemic issues require evidence-based solutions, the absence of a strong focus on research risks undermining long-term progress.

The Role of the Taskforce

To address the deferred recommendations, the government has established a taskforce within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. While this signals a high level of attention, questions remain about its leadership, timeline, and accountability.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has emphasized that “Defence’s greatest asset is their people.” However, funding models and timelines must align with this principle to ensure meaningful reform.

Moving Forward

The royal commission has provided a roadmap for addressing the systemic and cultural issues contributing to veteran suicide. While the government’s response demonstrates a strong commitment to many of these recommendations, significant challenges lie ahead.

Implementing lasting reform requires balancing immediate needs with sustainable change and ensuring that the voices of Defence personnel, veterans, and their families remain central. Maintaining focus and accountability will be critical in preventing further tragedy and honouring the sacrifices made by Australia’s service members.

 

 Open Arms – 1800 011 046 – provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF personnel and their families. The Defence all-hours Support Line – 1800 628 036 – is a confidential telephone and online service for ADF members and their families. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14

 

We are losing our Australian identity.

Outrage has been sparked after a major Australian pub owner banned Australia Day celebrations in its venues.

Australian Venue Co, owner of more than 200 pubs and bars including many iconic venues in Victoria, NSW, Queensland and South Australia, has directed managers not to allow flag-wavers to celebrate in its establishments on January 26.

Australian Venue Co owns 60 venues in Victoria, 90 in Queensland, about 20 in South Australia and 10 in Sydney.

“Australia Day is a day that causes sadness for some members of our community, so we have decided not to specifically celebrate a day that causes hurt for some of our patrons and our team,” an Australian Venue Co spokeswoman told the Herald Sun.

Queensland senator Matt Canavan said the private company was acting as “moral guardians”.

Appearing on the Today show, MR Canavan acknowledged there are differing views on January 26.

“Get off their moral high horse. They’re a pub, for God’s sake They deal in alcohol … I mean, let people have a good time at a pub,” the senator said.

Sky News host Paul Murray joined Mr Canavan in having a crack at Australian Venue Co’s decision.

“While they’re saving people ‘hurt’ by not marking Australia Day, you will still be able to lose your life savings in a poker machine on January 26,” he said.

“It’s up to you. You’ve got lots of ways you can respond to this and all of them should be respectful … But most importantly you can decide where your money goes.”

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett called the decision “divisive” and “extraordinary”.

‘They are totally out of touch with the community,’ he said.

“If no one wants to participate in Australia Day celebrations at one of their venues that would be fine.”

ALL THE VENUES AFFECTED

Victoria

Anglers Tavern

Apollo Bay Hotel

Auburn Hotel

Ball Court Hotel

Beer DeLuxe Fed Square

Birallee Tavern

BrewDog Pentridge

College Lawn Hotel

Criterion Hotel

Eureka Hotel

Fairfield Park Boathouse

Fargo and Co

Flinders Hotel

Garden State Hotel

Golden Gate Hotel

Harlow

Holliava

Hopscotch

Hotham Hotel

Imperial Hotel Bourke St

Imperial South Yarra

Melbourne Public

Middle Park Hotel

Morris House

Perseverance

Prahran Hotel

Prince Alfred Hotel

Prince of Wales Hotel

Public House

Richmond Club Hotel

River’s Edge Events

Skinny Dog Hotel

State of Grace

Studley Park Boathouse

Swan Hotel

Terminus Hotel Abbotsford

The Bridge Hotel

The Crafty Squire

The Duke of Wellington

The Esplanade Hotel

The Exchange Hotel

The Gardiner Hotel

The Hawthorn Hotel

The Local

The Park

The Posty

The Provincial

The Smith

The Station Hotel

The Terminus Yarrawonga

The Victoria Hotel

The Wharf Hotel

Trinket

Village Belle Hotel

West Beach Pavilion

Yarra Botanica

Yarra Valley Grand Hotel

Queensland

Airlie Beach Hotel

Barron River Hotel

Beenleigh Tavern

Berserker Tavern

Birkdale Gardens Tavern

Bonny View Hotel

Boomerang Hotel

Bribie Island Hotel

Brighton Hotel

Browns Plains Hotel

Burleigh Town Hotel

Cannon Hill Tavern

Capella Hotel

Carindale Hotel

Chancellors Tavern

Cleveland Sands Hotel

Cleveland Tavern

Club Hotel Waterford

Commercial Hotel

Commonwealth Hotel

Coomera Lodge Hotel

Crown Hotel

Currimundi Hotel

Diamonds Kallangur

Diamonds Tavern Varsity Lakes

Dunwoody’s Hotel

Empire Alternacade & Events

Enigma

Everton Park Hotel

Ferry Road Tavern

Finn McCool’s Brisbane

Finnigan’s Chin Keperra

Fitzy’s Loganholme

Fitzy’s Waterford

Friday’s

Grafton Hotel Edmonton

Grand Hotel Motel

Hey Chica

Hope Island Tavern

Hotel Allen

Hotel HQ Underwood

Inala Hotel

Jindalee Hotel

Jubilee Tavern

Kings Beach Tavern

Koala Tavern

Kooyong Hotel

Lefty’s Music Hall

Leichhardt Hotel

Lulu Rooftop Bar

Mango Hill Tavern

Mansfield Tavern Brisbane

Mihi Tavern

Morayfield Tavern

Mount Sheridan Tavern

Newnham Hotel

Old Bundy Tavern

Palm Cove Tavern

Port Office Hotel

Portadown Hotel

Redcliffe Tavern

Reef Gateway Hotel

Regatta Hotel

Retro’s Brisbane

Riverland Brisbane

Royal Hotel Nundah

Royal Mail Hotel

Runaway Bay Tavern

Salisbury Hotel

Sands Tavern

Springlake Hotel

Sundowner Hotel Motel

Surfair Beach Hotel

Taigum Tavern

The Anthill

The Boundary Hotel

The Club Hotel Gladstone

The Commonwealth Hotel Roma

The Kenmore

The Local Tavern

The Lord Alfred Hotel

The Mansfield Townsville

The Metropolitan Hotel

The Ox

The Strand Hotel

The White Bull Tavern

The Wickham

Tom’s Tavern

Trinity Beach Tavern

Wallaby Hotel

Waterloo Hotel

Woodpecker Bar & Grill

NSW

Albion Hotel

Beer Deluxe Albury

Beer Deluxe T2

BrewDog South Eveleigh

Bungalow8

Cargo

Henley’s Kitchen & Bar

Kingsleys Woolloomooloo

Little Pearl Bar

North Byron Hotel

Salt Bar

The Bended Elbow

The Rook

The Winery

Untied

South Australia

Avenues Café & Bar

Brighton Metro Hotel

Hampstead Hotel

Mick O’Shea’s Hotel

Naracoorte Hotel

Parkside Hotel

Payneham Tavern

Robe Hotel

The Colonist

The Duck

The Grand Junction Tavern

The Hope Inn

The Mile End Hotel

The Unley

The West End Tavern

Victoria Hotel

Waterloo Station Hotel

Western Tavern

Sunni rebels are in the process of toppling the Assad regime in Syria, taking over city after city. Iran and Russia are not able to help. This is totally changing the Middle East and only due to Israel decimating Hezbollah, Iran’s proxy in Lebanon. What only weeks ago was feared as an Iranian dominated Middle East, it looks like everything is now changing.

Frontline – Ray Payne OAM

In a staggering decision that undermines one of the most significant cultural traditions in Australia, Australian Venue Co (AVC), the nation’s second-largest pub group, has announced a ban on Australia Day celebrations across its 200+ venues in 2025. This move, citing “sadness” and “hurt” among some patrons, is a slap in the face to the overwhelming majority of Australians who cherish this day as a celebration of our national identity, pride, and heritage.

AVC, owned by the Asian private equity group PAG, claims to celebrate “what makes Australia great” year-round. Yet, by banning Australia Day celebrations, they actively deny the very values that unite us as a country—mateship, resilience, and community. This decision is not just disappointing; it’s an affront to millions of Australians who hold this day dear.

The spokesperson for AVC rationalized the decision, stating that the day causes hurt for some patrons. While it’s essential to acknowledge history and work toward reconciliation, let’s not forget that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people represent 3.2% of the population—and not all of them oppose Australia Day. This move, therefore, seems less about genuine inclusion and more about appeasing a vocal minority at the expense of national unity.

If AVC cannot respect the spirit of Australia Day, then Australians should make their voices heard by choosing to celebrate elsewhere. Let us call for a permanent boycott of all Australian Venue Co pubs and bars. These establishments rely on the patronage of ordinary Australians—the very people whose values and traditions they now disregard.

Let’s remind these “woke” directors of the strength of public sentiment. Imagine thousands of proud Australians arriving at AVC venues wearing Australian flags, T-shirts, hats, and dresses on January 26, celebrating the day in style despite their attempt to silence us. Such a show of unity would send a clear message: We love our country, our history, and our right to celebrate Australia Day.

This decision by AVC follows a similar stance from Woolworths Group, which earlier this year refused to stock Australia Day merchandise. These actions represent a dangerous trend where corporate interests dictate cultural shifts, sidelining the voices of everyday Australians.

Australia Day is about much more than the date—it’s about the shared experiences, achievements, and resilience of all Australians. It’s a day to celebrate our diverse yet united nation and reflect on how we can move forward together.

By erasing this tradition, businesses like AVC risk alienating the very communities they serve. Australians must stand firm, reject this divisive decision, and protect our right to celebrate our country and its achievements.

Australia Day is not just a holiday; it’s a part of who we are. Let’s not let corporate agendas take that away from us.

.

 

CLICK LINK to open the magazine

BROADSIDE