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Australia’s last domestic wind turbine tower manufacturer, Keppel Prince, has announced plans to mothball its operations in March next year, citing its inability to compete with cheaper Chinese imports. The closure, based in Portland, Victoria, will result in the loss of approximately a dozen jobs and raises broader concerns about the country’s manufacturing sector.

Keppel Prince executive director Stephen Garner has criticized both federal and Victorian governments for failing to address the challenges posed by heavily subsidised Asian steel imports. Garner highlighted the inconsistency of government policies, particularly as leaders promote domestic manufacturing while neglecting to support industries like renewable energy production.

“They talk about rebuilding manufacturing and supporting renewable energy, but they’ve left us no choice but to shut down,” Garner said, pointing to the lack of action against subsidised imports.

The closure underscores the economic and strategic risks of over-reliance on imports, particularly from China. A recent report by The Australia Institute’s Centre for Future Work warned that Australia’s manufacturing base remains underdeveloped. The study argued that producing wind turbine towers domestically could create 4,000 jobs and generate $15 billion in economic value over 17 years while avoiding significant carbon emissions through reduced shipping.

The loss of Keppel Prince is a stark reminder of missed opportunities. Union representatives have also voiced frustration. In 2022, Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) protests highlighted the job losses caused by imported wind towers and demanded stronger local content rules.

While the Albanese government’s “Future Made in Australia” push promotes domestic manufacturing in sectors like solar PV and battery systems, the collapse of the wind tower sector is a setback. Critics, including opposition politicians, have used the closure to attack government policies, but the issue spans decades of inconsistent support from governments of all stripes.

Without robust and stable policies, Australia’s ability to sustain critical manufacturing industries remains uncertain. For the workers at Keppel Prince, this failure represents more than just an industry challenge it’s a loss of livelihood and a blow to regional economies that rely on skilled manufacturing jobs. Addressing this crisis will require bipartisan commitment to prioritising Australian-made solutions and protecting jobs in emerging industries.

News Summary

The decision to abandon charges against a former SAS soldier suspected of committing one of the most harrowing war crimes in Afghanistan underscores a larger narrative of institutional failure and the complexities of justice in wartime accountability. The Office of the Special Investigator (OSI) has decided not to prosecute the case, citing insufficient evidence, a move that has left whistleblowers, victims’ families, and soldiers questioning the system’s ability to deliver justice.

At the heart of this case is Dusty Miller, an ex-SAS medic who exposed the alleged summary execution of an injured Afghan farmer, Haji Sardar Khan, during a 2012 operation. Despite Miller’s willingness to testify and the years he spent assisting the OSI, the case will not go to court. For Miller, the decision is a crushing blow. “The death haunts me every day,” he said. “No charges mean no justice—for Sardar, his family, and those of us who risked everything to speak out.”

The OSI’s inception in 2021 was heralded as a pivotal step in addressing findings from the Brereton inquiry, which unearthed credible evidence of at least 39 unlawful killings by Australian special forces. Yet, nearly four years later, only one ex-SAS soldier has been charged. The OSI’s conservative approach, influenced by evidentiary challenges and political caution, has eroded faith in its mission.

Critics argue that the decision to drop high-profile cases, such as those involving Sardar and another disabled Afghan man allegedly executed in separate incidents, reflects broader systemic issues. Witnesses have described the OSI’s process as exhaustive but excruciatingly slow. The failure to act decisively has left both whistleblowers and Afghan families in limbo, amplifying the emotional toll of reliving traumatic events.

However, the OSI’s challenges are immense. The Taliban’s return to power has severely restricted access to evidence and witnesses in Afghanistan. Legal experts, such as ANU’s Professor Don Rothwell, acknowledge the unprecedented scope of the OSI’s work but criticize the slow pace. “The public rightly expects results, but the evidentiary burden in war crimes cases is extraordinarily high,” Rothwell noted.

While the OSI continues its investigation into other cases, including those linked to disgraced war hero Ben Roberts-Smith, the abandonment of charges against the ex-soldier in Sardar’s case sends a troubling message. For many, it symbolizes a justice system struggling to reconcile moral accountability with legal pragmatism.

The decision not to prosecute doesn’t just close a legal chapter; it deepens the wounds of those who believed in the system’s promise to uphold justice. For Miller and others who spoke out, the OSI’s decision marks not just a personal defeat but a profound moral failure. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Miller said. “But no charges? That’s no justice at all.”

Russia’s economy is facing a deepening crisis as the Ruble continues its freefall, raising alarms across global markets and within the Kremlin itself. While this might seem like a victory for critics of Vladimir Putin, the ramifications are more complex and potentially dangerous. Economic instability could push Russia’s leadership into escalatory decisions, further destabilising the already volatile situation in Eastern Europe.

Amid economic pressures, Vladimir Putin has escalated his rhetoric, issuing a stark warning to Ukraine and its Western allies. He announced that Russia might target “decision-making centres” in Kyiv with its newly unveiled Oreshnik hypersonic missile. This follows Ukraine’s reported use of advanced Western-supplied missiles, such as US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, against Russian territory.

The Oreshnik, which was first deployed against a Ukrainian city last week, is touted as “unstoppable” by Moscow. Potential targets for the missile include Ukrainian military facilities, defence enterprises, or government offices.

The conflict has significantly intensified in recent days, with missile exchanges escalating in scale and impact:

• Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv’s missile strikes, causing widespread destruction.
• Over one million people in Ukraine lost power due to Russia’s cruise missile strikes, which reportedly included the use of cluster munitions.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned these actions as a violation of international norms.

Such exchanges highlight the growing ferocity of the war, leaving civilians and infrastructure in the crossfire.

Russia’s latest weapon, the Oreshnik hypersonic missile, has become the centrepiece of its military arsenal. Putin claims the missile rivals nuclear weapons in destructive power, boasting a top speed of 13,600 kph (8,450 mph). While the missile’s first test involved dummy warheads, its capabilities are designed to project strength in the face of economic and geopolitical challenges.

However, Western experts remain sceptical of Russia’s claims. While hypersonic technology is a game-changer in modern warfare, independent verification of the Oreshnik’s capabilities is lacking. Moreover, US intelligence assesses that the likelihood of a nuclear escalation remains low despite the heightened tensions.

The Ruble’s decline and Russia’s economic woes are not isolated problems. They intertwine with the war in Ukraine, creating a feedback loop of instability. The pressure on the Kremlin could lead to more aggressive military tactics, as Putin attempts to distract from domestic challenges and reinforce his authority on the world stage.

For now, the world watches anxiously. The combination of economic fragility, new military threats, and escalating conflict creates a perilous situation, with the potential for far-reaching consequences.

I travel to Gailes, west of Brisbane to find a forgotten WW2 Emergency Airfield. It was thought to have been swallowed up by suburban housing, but the middle section of the airstrip is still there.

The Straits Times

Retired General Angus Campbell is anticipated to be named Australia’s next ambassador to the European Union, NATO, Belgium, and Luxembourg, according to military and diplomatic sources. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to announce the appointment soon, with General Campbell set to replace Ambassador Caroline Millar, whose term ends this year.

While his extensive military experience and high-level contacts are seen as assets for the NATO component of the Brussels posting, his tenure as Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) has drawn significant scrutiny. A workplace survey conducted during his time as CDF revealed troubling findings: fewer than one-third of Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel rated their commanders as effective. This alarming morale gap underlines broader criticisms of General Campbell’s leadership.

General Campbell led the ADF for six years, a period marked by cultural reform, strategic challenges, and controversy over war crimes allegations stemming from Australia’s operations in Afghanistan. Critics argue that he failed to hold senior commanders accountable for misconduct under their watch and struggled to address Defence’s growing personnel crisis and capability gaps.

Despite these challenges, General Campbell retains strong support from key political figures. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended his term as CDF in 2022, praising his contributions during a time of strategic change. Defence Minister Richard Marles similarly commended him as a pivotal leader through “necessary and difficult change.”

If appointed, General Campbell will join his wife, Stephanie Copus Campbell, in Australia’s diplomatic corps. She was named Ambassador for Gender Equality in 2022 by Senator Wong.

Oregon News

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proud to announce the approval of a landmark clinical trial, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to study the potential of cannabis in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans.

This federally approved, randomized, placebo-controlled study will explore the “real-world” use of cannabis among veterans, marking a significant step in research on this promising yet underexplored treatment option.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), in collaboration with leading researchers, will conduct the trial, which will include 320 veterans diagnosed with moderate to severe PTSD who have previously used cannabis. Participants will receive commercially and medically available cannabis products, enabling researchers to assess the drug’s therapeutic potential and understand its benefits and risks.

“Veterans deserve access to cutting-edge research that could transform the treatment of PTSD,” said a VA official. “This study reflects our ongoing commitment to exploring innovative therapies that improve the lives of those who have served our nation.”

The trial will focus on methods of cannabis use that mirror everyday practices, including smoking and vaping, with products designed to replicate those found in legal dispensaries. Participants will be provided with cannabis containing approximately 20% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) the compound responsible for the plant’s psychoactive effects and will be allowed to self-administer up to 1.5 grams per day, adjusting doses based on their symptom management needs.

“By studying cannabis in the way it is commonly used, we hope to generate real-world data that can inform future treatments,” said Allison Coker, Director of Cannabis Research for MAPS. “Our goal is to provide clarity on how veterans can safely and effectively manage PTSD symptoms with cannabis.”

The study comes amid growing interest in cannabis as a therapeutic option for PTSD, a condition that affects many veterans. Although cannabis is widely used medically and recreationally across the United States, federal classification as a Schedule I drug indicating no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse has historically limited research.

“This FDA approval represents a turning point, demonstrating the willingness of regulatory bodies to support high-quality, data-driven research,” added Coker. “It underscores the importance of providing public, scientific, and regulatory communities with robust evidence on cannabis’ potential benefits and risks.”

The VA remains committed to advancing the science behind PTSD treatment and advocating for the health and well-being of veterans. This study will serve as a critical step toward understanding how cannabis may provide relief for the brave individuals who have served our nation.

The Krakow Times

Russian President Vladimir Putin has escalated global tensions by ordering the RS-28 Sarmat, nicknamed the “Satan II,” intercontinental ballistic missiles to be combat-ready as quickly as possible. The move comes amid reports suggesting the West has entertained the idea of providing Ukraine with nuclear weapons, a scenario Moscow has deemed catastrophic.

What is the Satan II?

The Satan II missile, officially known as the RS-28 Sarmat, is touted as one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the world.

• Key Capabilities:
  Designed to deliver multiple nuclear warheads across vast distances, the Satan II can strike targets thousands of miles away, including in Europe or the United States.
• Development Setbacks:
  Despite its fearsome reputation, the weapon’s development has been marred by delays and failures. Notably, a significant explosion at Russia’s only hypersonic weapons testing facility in September dealt a major blow to the missile’s testing timeline.

Putin’s renewed push for readiness suggests a desire to project strength despite these setbacks.

West’s Nuclear Provocation?

The Kremlin’s heightened alertness follows unverified reports that the West may be considering the nuclear armament of Ukraine—a prospect that Russia views as an existential threat.

• Russia’s Reaction:
  Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, condemned the notion of arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons as “insane.” She warned it would push the world to the “brink of catastrophe,” highlighting the global consequences of such a move.
• Blame Game:
  Zakharova accused Ukraine and its Western allies of engaging in “irresponsible actions” that have led to the current escalation. Russia’s leadership has framed these tensions as a Western provocation rather than a reaction to its own aggressive policies.

Global Implications

This dramatic turn has raised concerns about the stability of international security. While the prospect of arming Ukraine with nuclear weapons remains speculative, Russia’s aggressive posture signals a willingness to escalate its nuclear rhetoric and capabilities.

The international community now faces a critical challenge: preventing further escalation while addressing the root causes of the conflict in Ukraine. Without urgent diplomatic intervention, the risks of a nuclear miscalculation loom larger than ever.

The Australian Defense forces may not look it but they have a very powerful and advanced equipment; Due to their association and alliance with the United States. Either its a pistol, rifle, tank, ships, aircrafts, radars, combat systems, or even survival military knifes; in this video we have covers all the Australian army, navy, and air force equipment; including the public records of quantities.