All News

ED: Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims, particularly the parents of Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, who are grappling with unimaginable grief. The loss of such vibrant young lives is profoundly heartbreaking.

In a devastating incident that underscores the importance of vigilance while traveling, six tourists tragically lost their lives on November 12, 2024, in Vang Vieng, Laos. The victims, including two young Australian students, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19, succumbed to methanol poisoning after consuming tainted alcohol at the Nana Backpacker Hostel.

Incident Details

The tragedy unfolded at the popular hostel, a frequent destination for young travellers. Among the deceased were tourists from various countries:

• American: James Huston, 56
• Danish: Anne-Sofie Coyman, 20, and Feja Sorensen, 21
• Australian: Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, both 19
• British: Simone White, 28

While the deaths of the American and Danish tourists are still under investigation, it has been confirmed that Bianca Jones died from brain swelling caused by high levels of methanol in her system.

Authorities have detained the hostel owner and manager for questioning. Duong Duc Toan, the hostel’s manager, maintains that all spirits were cleared for safety before the incident. “We don’t do anything wrong, for sure. I really take care of all of the customers [who] stay with our hotel and our hostel,” Toan insisted.

Methanol, a toxic alcohol sometimes used as a cheap substitute for ethanol, poses grave risks. Even small amounts can lead to severe outcomes, including blindness, seizures, and asphyxiation. Unfortunately, incidents involving methanol-tainted beverages are not uncommon in regions where safety regulations may be lax.

This tragic event serves as a sombre reminder of the need for caution when consuming alcohol abroad. To all families with children or grandchildren traveling overseas, we implore you to emphasize the importance of safety. Ensure they only drink from sealed cans or bottles purchased from reputable sources.

May this tragedy serve as a call to action for better safety measures in the hospitality industry worldwide, ensuring no family endures a loss like this again.

Media Release

Australia and India have signed a significant arrangement enabling air-to-air refuelling between the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces. The announcement was made on November 21 during bilateral discussions between Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Honourable Pat Conroy MP, and India’s Minister for Defence Shri Rajnath Singh.

This agreement authorizes the RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft, enhancing operational capabilities and cooperation.

Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, AM, formalized the arrangement on November 19 in New Delhi at the Australia-India Air Staff Talks. Speaking on the agreement, Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds highlighted its strategic significance:

“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia, and through our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, we are prioritizing practical and tangible cooperation that directly contributes to Indo-Pacific stability. This arrangement elevates our interoperability and enables us to cooperate more effectively across a range of scenarios.”

The arrangement also opens avenues for closer collaboration between personnel, facilitating knowledge exchange and strengthening trust.

Additionally, the RAAF’s KC-30A may support refuelling operations for India’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft, a development that would significantly enhance India’s operational reach and persistence in the Indo-Pacific region.

This agreement represents a milestone in the Australia-India defence relationship and underscores their shared commitment to regional stability and security.

In the halls of Australian democracy, a significant battle for free speech has been won. The controversial Misinformation Bill, described by critics as Orwellian, was officially defeated in the Senate, thanks to a united front of crossbench Senators and an impassioned public movement.

This victory marked a resounding declaration: Australians will not surrender their rights to speak freely, even in the face of legislative overreach. Among the most vocal opponents were Queensland Senator Malcolm Roberts and his colleague Pauline Hanson from One Nation, who rallied the nation with their unyielding stand. Their speeches echoed a truth that resonated deeply with people across the country—that a nation’s strength lies in its freedom of expression, not in silencing dissent.

The defeat of the Misinformation Bill wasn’t just a political triumph—it was a testament to the power of ordinary Australians. Publicans in the historic pubs that line Australia’s countryside played a surprising yet crucial role in spreading the message. These pubs, many over a century old, have always been more than watering holes; they are the lifeblood of rural communities and a hub for sharing stories and ideas.

Nick Evans, a caravanning enthusiast and retired RAAF airman, was one of many who carried the torch of opposition. While touring historic pubs with his mate, they shared flyers, engaged locals in discussions, and even organized informal debates. “These pubs are where you find the heartbeat of Australia,” Nick said. “It’s where people come together, share history, and talk about the future. To think of silencing these voices—it’s unthinkable.”

From these pubs to bustling city streets, the campaign gathered momentum. Citizens from all walks of life flooded their Senators with calls, emails, and petitions, ensuring the crossbench could not ignore the overwhelming resistance to the bill.

Despite this victory, the fight is far from over. The Albanese Government has already set its sights on another contentious piece of legislation: the Social Media Age Verification Bill. Framed as a child protection measure, critics argue the bill is riddled with flaws. Its provisions could jeopardize user privacy, requiring intrusive identification checks, and create barriers to accessing essential online services.

Senator Roberts wasted no time in raising the alarm. “We must be vigilant. This bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, threatening both our privacy and our freedom,” he said in a fiery Senate address. Publicans, caravanners, and free speech advocates alike are preparing to once again mobilize their communities, ensuring that this proposal faces the same scrutiny as its predecessor.

The victory over the Misinformation Bill serves as a powerful reminder that freedom of speech is not guaranteed—it must be defended. As one outback publican, Betty from a pub built in 1872, aptly put it, “Freedom’s like an old pub; it’ll stand strong for years, but if you don’t maintain it, the cracks will show.”

For now, Australians can celebrate a hard-fought win, but they do so with the understanding that the fight for free speech is an ongoing endeavour. United by a shared belief in democracy and the power of their collective voice, they remain ready for the battles to come.

“From my Window” Blog

Once a party dedicated to preserving the natural world, the Greens in Australia have undergone a significant transformation over the years. Established with the noble aim of protecting the environment, the party once championed causes such as safeguarding old-growth forests, defending waterways from pollution, and advocating for sustainable development. Their supporters were a mix of conservation-minded rural Australians and environmentally-conscious urbanites. Today, however, the party’s focus has shifted dramatically, leaving many former supporters questioning its priorities and values.

The roots of the Greens lie in the environmental movements of the 1980s and 1990s, which were driven by a desire to halt deforestation, combat climate change, and promote biodiversity. Back then, the party was widely seen as a voice for nature and a check against industrial overreach. Farmers, foresters, and conservationists alike found common cause under the Green banner.

Fast forward to the present, and the party’s platform appears to have broadened—and, some argue, diluted—to encompass contentious ideological issues. For instance, their recent push to de-list the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a terrorist organisation has sparked outrage and concern. The PKK, designated as a terrorist organisation by Australia’s national security agencies, has a documented history of violent acts. Linking the group to recent antisemitic attacks in Sydney, critics argue that the Greens’ efforts to “reframe” the PKK as a liberation movement represent a troubling departure from the party’s environmental roots.

A recent survey reveals that the majority of Greens voters now reside in metropolitan or fringe urban areas. This demographic shift reflects a change in the party’s focus from rural and natural issues to urban and ideological concerns. Many Australians in the regions feel alienated by the Greens’ perceived disinterest in the challenges facing rural areas, such as water rights, agricultural sustainability, and bushfire prevention.

Instead, the party’s energy appears directed at issues that resonate with urban activists, such as defunding police, advocating for open immigration policies, and redefining what constitutes a terrorist organisation. These shifts have provoked backlash, with critics accusing the Greens of prioritising ideology over the environment and national security.

Ironically, as the Greens increasingly focus on urban and global issues, their environmental agenda has taken a back seat. Farmers battling land degradation and communities devastated by natural disasters often feel unsupported. Critics argue that by losing sight of its founding principles, the Greens have left a vacuum in Australian politics, one that neither the major parties nor independents have yet to fill.

The shift has not gone unnoticed. A growing number of former supporters, particularly those in rural Australia, have voiced their disillusionment. Public concern has also mounted over the party’s stance on terrorism and antisemitic violence. The Greens’ push to re-evaluate the PKK’s status has been met with bipartisan criticism, with many questioning why a party that once fought for koalas and clean air now seems entangled in controversial geopolitical causes.

If the Greens are to remain relevant, they must reconcile their original mission with the expectations of a broader base. Returning to their environmental focus could help restore trust among Australians who once saw them as a beacon for nature. However, their continued focus on contentious ideological issues risks alienating even their urban base, as concerns about safety and national security grow.

The question remains: Will the Greens find their way back to their environmental roots, or will they continue on this new path, further distancing themselves from the Australian people they claim to represent?

The Times – Allan Shorten

As tensions between Russia and NATO-aligned nations escalate, Europe appears to be bracing for a potential conflict of unprecedented scale. At the forefront of this preparation is Germany, spearheading an ambitious and covert initiative to bolster military readiness and civil defence, signalling the continent’s gravest fears of an impending World War III scenario.

Germany’s Massive Plan: “Operation Deutschland”

Germany has quietly laid the groundwork for a comprehensive defence strategy. Known as Operation Deutschland, this 1,000-page classified document is said to detail meticulous measures for safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing military mobility, and ensuring civilian preparedness in the face of widespread conflict. While official details remain sealed, sources have provided glimpses into the plan:

• Infrastructure Defence: Key buildings and facilities are earmarked for military use and fortification. Emergency protocols are being disseminated to local governments and private entities.
• Civilian Preparedness: Citizens are being urged to install diesel generators or wind turbines, reflecting a push towards self-sufficiency. These measures aim to mitigate potential power disruptions caused by cyberattacks or military strikes.
• Military Mobilization: Plans to deploy and transport 200,000 military vehicles across Germany have surfaced, emphasizing the nation’s role as NATO’s logistical backbone in Europe.

Rising Russian Threats: A New Nuclear Policy

Adding urgency to Europe’s preparations is a seismic shift in Russia’s nuclear policy. President Vladimir Putin has broadened the Kremlin’s threshold for deploying nuclear weapons, now allowing their use in retaliation to conventional, non-nuclear strikes. This policy shift, paired with Russia’s growing rhetoric of nuclear threats, has spurred NATO allies into action.

Sweden and Norway Sound the Alarm

Germany is not alone in its readiness campaign. Neighbouring Sweden and Norway are proactively engaging their populations, distributing pamphlets that outline survival strategies in the event of a nuclear attack. These guides, which recall Cold War-era literature, emphasize emergency planning, resource storage, and evacuation routes.

US Escalation and Ukraine’s Role

The United States has further heightened the stakes by supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles capable of striking deep into Russian territory. This move effectively nullifies Russia’s previous “safe zones” and has likely influenced Moscow’s aggressive stance. Ukraine, emboldened by Western support, continues to serve as the flashpoint for NATO and Russian hostilities.

Germany’s Leadership in a Fractured Europe

As Europe confronts this perilous juncture, Germany’s actions underscore its pivotal role in NATO’s defence strategy. However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. Balancing economic stability with military investment, maintaining public morale, and navigating complex alliances will be critical in the months ahead.

With each nation preparing in its own way, the spectre of war looms large over Europe, and Germany’s unprecedented mobilization signals both determination and dread. Whether diplomacy or disaster will prevail remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the world is watching, and the stakes have never been higher.

ED: As we navigate the journey into our senior years, ensuring that we have the right support systems in place is crucial. Our voices, as veterans and carers, carry unique perspectives that can shape the future of aged care.
I encourage all veterans and their carers to take a few moments to complete this important aged care survey. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in highlighting the needs and preferences of our community.
Let’s make sure that the services we’ll depend on in the future reflect the dignity, respect, and support that we deserve.
Together, we can help build a better future for ourselves and those who come after us.

DVA Survey

Veterans and their families are encouraged to complete a short survey to share their experiences accessing aged care services and supports, and provide suggestions for further improvement.

Navigating aged care services can be challenging and confusing for veterans and their families. The survey aims to better understand the needs of aging veterans and help to tailor and improve our service offerings.

DVA offers a range of care services that can help you stay in your home or support your return home after a hospital stay. These services also help your carer, or can guide your move into residential aged care.

The survey can be completed on the DVA website. It should only take around 10 minutes to complete, depending on your answers.

Participation in this survey is entirely voluntary, and responses will be anonymous.

To participate in the survey, visit www.dva.gov.au/aac-survey

Defence Today

“Adding new features to existing capabilities will be like upgrading software in your smartphone. This will reduce cost to the Commonwealth and help to keep our systems up to date,” said Commodore Mann, emphasising the Navy’s forward-looking strategy for fleet development and integration.

The delivery of the final Hobart Class destroyer, NUSHIP Sydney, marked a significant milestone in Navy’s journey toward creating a Fifth-Generation integrated maritime force. Yet, this achievement is not just about advanced platforms; it reflects a broader commitment to innovation and the retention of highly skilled personnel essential to operating and evolving these capabilities.

Commodore Mann highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Hobart Class as a precursor to future programs like the Hunter Class frigates. By integrating cutting-edge combat management systems across various platforms including the Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels, Supply Class ships, and Canberra Class amphibious vessels, Navy is fostering seamless communication and interoperability.

This strategy extends beyond hardware. The integrated maritime force will combine multiple sensors, platforms, and weapons systems into a cohesive network, enhancing situational awareness and combat effectiveness. Importantly, this approach aligns with the Air Force’s Fifth-Generation aspirations, leveraging shared data and aligned sensor and weapon procurements to extend joint surveillance and strike capabilities.

While technological advancements are critical, the Navy recognises that its people are the cornerstone of capability. Maintaining a well-trained, motivated, and resilient workforce has become a top priority for senior leadership.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan has driven this focus through Plan Mercator 2036, a strategic framework to guide the transition to the Future Navy. Central to this vision are Navy’s core values, honour, honesty, courage, integrity, and loyalty, anchoring the service’s identity in principles that resonate with new recruits and experienced sailors alike.

Efforts to modernise the fleet are matched by initiatives to retain and grow the workforce. Programs supporting personal and professional development, improved work-life balance, and flexible career paths are designed to meet the expectations of today’s sailors while maintaining operational effectiveness.

The Navy’s integrated force concept isn’t limited to ships and submarines. Platforms like the P-8A Poseidon, MQ-4C Triton, and future unmanned aerial vehicles will complement the Romeo combat helicopters and space-based systems, creating a truly joint force. These capabilities, when connected via tactical data links, will deliver unparalleled surveillance and strike potential, ensuring Australia remains ready to face future threats.

Recognising the challenges of retaining skilled personnel, Navy has prioritised efforts to foster a sense of belonging and purpose within its ranks. Initiatives such as mentoring, leadership training, and streamlined pathways for career progression have already begun to yield results.

As Commodore Phil Spedding (Retd) noted, “Cultural change is required to prioritise integrated force outcomes.” This cultural evolution is just as important as technological advances in achieving Navy’s long-term goals.

With the Hobart Class as a model of innovation and adaptability, and the Hunter Class on the horizon, Navy is not just building ships, it is building a future. A future where cutting-edge technology, integrated operations, and a dedicated workforce come together to ensure Australia’s maritime security for decades to come.

The Krakow Post

In a significant escalation of its counteroffensive, Ukraine deployed British-provided Storm Shadow missiles for the first time to strike Russian military sites, including a location linked to President Vladimir Putin. The attack targeted areas in Russia’s Kursk region, with reports suggesting the focus may have been a command post associated with Russian and North Korean military leadership.

The strike occurred near the Baryatinsky estate, a resort managed by the Russian President’s Affairs Administration. Unverified reports suggest the attack may have targeted a military communications hub or command facility within the estate’s eastern sector. The site is believed to play a role in coordinating Russian military operations.

The UK supplied Ukraine with long-range Storm Shadow missiles in 2023, which have been adapted for use with Ukrainian Su-24M aircraft. Initially, Ukraine was restricted from using these missiles to strike targets within Russia. However, recent policy shifts by the UK, France, and the United States have granted Ukraine permission to deploy them deeper into Russian territory.

The strike in Kursk signals a new phase in Ukraine’s military campaign, showcasing its ability to hit strategic targets well inside Russia. By employing advanced Western weapons like the Storm Shadow, Ukraine appears to be broadening the scope and intensity of its operations, potentially disrupting Russian military command and control structures.

This attack carries significant ramifications for the ongoing conflict. It underscores Ukraine’s growing capabilities and willingness to strike far beyond its borders, which could compel Russia to enhance its air defence systems and bolster security around key sites. The use of sophisticated Western weaponry highlights the deepening international support for Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts.

The UK has remained tight-lipped about the operation, with Downing Street, the Ministry of Defence, and the Foreign Office declining to comment, citing operational reasons.

Amid the heightened tensions, the US embassy in Kyiv temporarily closed due to potential Russian air attacks. The embassy suspended operations on Wednesday as a precaution but reopened on Thursday. Several other embassies, including those of Italy, Spain, and Greece, also closed temporarily.

This latest strike demonstrates Ukraine’s resolve and capacity to take the fight deep into Russian territory. As Western-supplied weapons become more integral to Ukraine’s strategy, the conflict’s dynamics may shift further, with both sides recalibrating their approaches in response to the evolving battlefield.

ED: Worth Watching

Watch the inimitable Professor Ian Plimer launch the Institute of Public Affairs’ Climate Change: The Facts 2025. Climate policy remains the single biggest policy obsession of Western governments and institutions such as the United Nations, NGOs and universities. It impacts trade flows, the geopolitical balance, economic growth, and public opinion in the West. Climate Change: The Facts 2025 is the fifth edition of a series of books that has spanned 15 years. It is a truly scientific work and was edited by Dr Jennifer Marohasy and Dr John Abbot. The research contained within, from highly credentialed contributors, provides a more complete answer and awareness to how natural variation influences the view of the anthropogenic global warming hypothesis.

Breaking Defence

SYDNEY — The AUKUS nuclear submarine program risks consuming funds needed for other critical defence priorities unless Australia’s defence budget is significantly increased, warned Sir Angus Houston, former head of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Speaking at the US Studies Centre, Houston emphasized that the escalating global security threats necessitate a boost in defence spending to at least 3% of GDP. He underscored that without this increase, the high costs of the AUKUS program — Australia’s collaboration with the US and UK to acquire nuclear-powered attack submarines — could erode other essential military capabilities.

Houston, who co-led the 2023 Defence Strategic Review (DSR), noted that the review’s projections, while ambitious, did not fully anticipate the rapidly evolving geopolitical challenges. These include the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, heightened tensions in the Middle East, China’s growing military assertiveness, and the strengthening alliance between China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

“When the strategy was published, I described Australia’s strategic circumstances as the most perilous since World War II. The situation has only intensified since then,” Houston stated.

Houston argued that to avoid compromising Australia’s broader defence readiness, the AUKUS submarines must represent a net addition to the country’s military capability. Achieving this, he insisted, is only possible with increased defence funding.

“The only way these submarines can be a net addition to Australian military capability is by increasing our defence spending to 3% or more of GDP as we move into and through the 2030s,” Houston said. “If not, the subs will come at the expense of other vital programs.”

Houston criticized the political establishment for failing to fully grasp the fiscal challenge posed by AUKUS. He warned that without bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for increased spending, Australia risks undermining its overall defence strategy.

The AUKUS program is set to become the most expensive defence endeavour in Australian history. Although officials have expressed confidence in the country’s ability to balance priorities, cracks are starting to show.

For example, earlier this month, Australia cancelled a $5.3 billion AUD satellite contract with Lockheed Martin. Analysts suggest this could be a precursor to further budget cuts as the true costs of the AUKUS program come to light.

Meanwhile, other defence leaders, like Richard Vagg, head of Land Capability for the ADF, have remained optimistic. Vagg recently told Breaking Defence that the ADF is “comfortable” with its investment plans, despite AUKUS concerns.

At the same event, US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell emphasized the importance of close cooperation between the US, Australia, and New Zealand to counter China’s growing influence. He urged the next US administration to prioritize strong regional partnerships.

As Australia grapples with the financial demands of AUKUS, Houston’s warning underscores the delicate balance required to bolster national security without sacrificing the broader needs of the defence force.

Without a clear path to increased funding, the challenge of maintaining a robust, balanced military may prove insurmountable.