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Honouring their Service

MEDIA RELEASE

The Hon Matt Keogh MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Personnel

Service, bravery, integrity, respect, and excellence. These are the ideals that the Australian Defence Force stands for, and reflect how we honour our current and former serving personnel.

In this spirit, 55 organisations from around the country will share in more than $770,000 funding as part of the first round of the Albanese Government’s 2024-25 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program.

This grant program funds projects that not only pay tribute to those who have served in our ADF, it also educates local communities on the defence of Australia, and our people at war.

Successful grant submissions feature a variety of commemorative activities, from cenotaph and sculpture refurbishments to the production of podcasts and video documentaries.

The Saluting their Service program plays a key role in ensuring that the ongoing service and sacrifices made by Australian service people and their families are recognised and remembered.

The current grant round is open until 5 February 2025, for more information visit the Saluting their Service Grants Program website.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Inc This project is to create freely available online secondary school resources to educate and commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel in wars, conflicts, and peace operations. $60,000
Soldier On This project is to produce the podcast, “Contemporary Voices of Bravery – The Soldier On Journey of Lived Experience”. This will offer a platform for veterans of recent conflicts to share their personal stories through both audio and video format on modern streaming platforms. $60,190
SUB TOTAL $120,190

NEW SOUTH WALES

Recipient Funding description Amount $
East Gosford Primary School (Department of Education) This project is to build a new memorial and garden at East Gosford Primary School that will include QR codes linked to information in the school library. $10,000
Bellingen Shire Council This project is to restore the Urunga War Memorial. $9,900
Clyde River & Batemans Bay Historical Society Inc This project is to mount an exhibition of the Mogo veterans who served in the First World War in the Batemans Bay Heritage Museum. $9,931
Fighter World Inc This project is to commemorate and promote the service of RAAF Williamtown personnel and aircraft since February 1941, through new interactive and static displays, to illustrate the history of fighter operators and military aviation. $48,000
Friends of Mulwaree Museum This project is to relocate the RAAF the Second World War Link Trainer A13-33 flight simulator from the Australian Air Force Cadets, Goulburn to the Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum, Goulburn. $9,300
Galston Public School Parents & Citizens Association This project is to install three flagpoles at the entrance to Galston Public School. $2,000
Georges River Council This project is to undertake conservation treatment and digitisation of the 353 local the First World War Veterans’ photographic Honour Roll at the Hurstville Museum & Gallery. $9,344
Menangle Community Association Inc This project is to display photos at the art hall in Menangle to commemorate locals who served in the First World War. $4,264
Returned & Services League of Australia Forestville Sub-Branch This project is to add two additional plinths and plaques to the Northern Memorial Pathway in Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields, which will commemorate conflicts post the Second World War and peace-keeping missions post 1975. $7,557
The City of Newcastle RSL Sub-Branch This project is to install a new cabinet at the Sub Branch to display wartime memorabilia. $10,000
The Concordians Inc This project is to record and produce videos of the untold stories of nurses who served in Vietnam including veterans who returned and commenced a nursing career at the Concord Hospital. $46,347
Tomaree Museum Association This project is to install the Second World War RAAF uniformed mannequin in a museum cabinet and display video documented stories of local Second World War and Vietnam Veterans. $1,540
Wirreanda Primary School P&C Association This project is to install a memorial garden complete with flagpole, plaque, and mural wall at Wirreanda Primary School. $7,000
SUB TOTAL $175,183

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Wanderers Football and Sports Club Inc This project is to install six flagpoles at the Wanderers Football and Sports Club. $2,000
SUB TOTAL $2,000

QLD

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Anglican Parish of Brisbane This project is to create a display cabinet for a Memorial Book containing names of local parishioners who served in the First World War and other conflicts. $3,388
Australian Military Aviation History Association Inc. This project is to create a documentary that commemorates the history of Numbers 9 and 12 Squadrons, RAAF, in two 90-minute feature length films which will be freely available. $35,640
Longreach Archival & Historical Research Group Inc This project is to create a memorial Poppy Trail to commemorate Australia’s service personnel buried at the Longreach Cemetery. $7,335
Montville Village Association Inc This project is to publish a book that details and honours the service of local community veterans from the Second World War. $3,487
National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (QLD) Inc This project is to add a plaque at the Ricky Creek War Memorial Park for the first Australian Field Hospital in Vietnam. $2,111
Returned & Services League of Australia (QLD Branch) Cardwell Sub-Branch This project is to sandblast and paint a Second World War Bofors Gun for display at RSL Cardwell. $4,000
Returned & Services League of Australia (QLD Branch) Defence Service Nurses Sub-Branch This project is to fund the hire of equipment and production of banners in support of a commemorative dinner to celebrate the 125th anniversary of nursing in the Australian Defence Force. $2,180
Returned & Services League of Australia (QLD Branch) Emerald Sub-Branch Inc This project is to replicate an Honour Board displaying the names of those who served in the First World War from across the region. The original Honour Board was taken down after a fire in late 1960s/early 1970s for safe keeping until repairs to railway station were completed, but in that process, the Honour Board was lost and never recovered. $15,400
Returned & Services League of Australia (QLD Branch) Harlaxton Sub-Branch This project is to install display cabinets for memorabilia and historical items from major campaigns. The project will also include laser cut signage featuring ‘Lest We Forget,’ Australian Defence Force and service-specific signs. $4,835
Royal Historical Society of Queensland Inc This project is to conserve military items in the ‘Nationally Significant Collection’ which include two dead men’s pennies, one watercolour painting, one mounted photograph and ten panorama photographs. $56,799
Southern Downs Steam Railway Association Inc This project is to restore and enhance the Warwick the First World War Memorial Room, Honour Board, and entry gardens. $10,000
The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Brisbane This project is to construct a memorial path and peace garden at the YMCA War Memorial Campsite at Camp Warrawee. $9,924
Windera State School This project is to install three new flagpoles at Windera State School. $2,000
SUB TOTAL $157,099

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Returned & Services League of Australia (Burra Sub-Branch) Inc This project is to restore the 120-year-old Burra Soldier Memorial plaques and stonework, which is situated in the middle of Burra Historical Market Square. $4,560
Returned & Services League of Australia (Waikerie) Sub-Branch Inc This project is to create a podcast documenting South Australian veteran and war widows’ military service experiences featuring a photographic exhibition of veteran life and service. $40,400
The William Kibby VC Veterans Shed Association Inc This project is to commission artist Sean Halfpenny to design and paint a mural on the front of the William Kibby VC Veterans Shed at the Glenelg North Community Centre. $9,923
Volunteer Service for the Flinders Medical Centre Inc This project is to upgrade the display of heritage medical equipment used in theatres of war at the Repatriation Health Precinct Museum, Daw Park. $9,475
SUB TOTAL $64,358

VICTORIA

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Anglican Church of St Pauls East Ballarat This project is to restore the Honour Board in the Church of St Pauls featuring names of local parishioners who served in the nation’s wars. $9,091
Ararat RSL Sub-Branch This project is to repair and upgrade the City of Ararat’s War Memorial Cenotaph to include all conflicts post-Vietnam. $2,350
De Wit, Sacha Courtney This project is to hold ‘The Unknown Widow’ exhibit commemorating the First World War service personnel at the Festival of Veteran Arts 2025, in the Australian National Veterans Arts Museum. $13,153
Flemington/Kensington RSL Sub-Branch Patriotic Fund This project is to install three flagpoles at Flemington/Kensington RSL. $2,000
Hawthorn RSL Sub-Branch Inc This project is to install a flagpole, purchase memorabilia, restore Honour Rolls and foundation stone at Hawthorn RSL Sub-Branch. $9,618
Kerang and District Community Centre Inc This project is to display veterans’ stories in ‘A Visual Tribute.’ It will feature photos of veterans in their service uniform, with a short story of their experiences. $10,000
Mount Beauty Secondary College This project is to install and replace existing flagpoles at Mount Beauty Secondary College. $2,000
Mount Evelyn Primary School This project is to purchase and install three flagpoles, create a memorial garden, and install an Honour Board at Mount Evelyn Primary School. $10,000
Mount Macedon Primary School This project is to install two flagpoles and landscape the memorial garden around the base of the commemorative space containing native plants, featuring an Indigenous theme at Mount Macedon Primary School. $4,802
Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub-Branch This project is to install a wall mural at the Ocean Grove Bowling Club. $1,300
Point Cook Football Club Inc This project is to install three flagpoles at the Point Cook Football Club which is the only host venue for commemorative events in the area. $2,000
Port Fairy RSL Sub-Branch This project is to repair and restore the Port Fairy 1929 War Memorial. $9,800
St Francis Xavier School This project is to install three new flagpoles at St Francis Xavier School. $2,000
The Maritime Trust of Australia Inc This project is to install 56 Bathurst corvette histories onto the HMAS Castlemaine Museum Ship website. $1,260
Wodonga RSL Sub-Branch Inc This project is to upgrade the Wodonga RSL Cenotaph, Woodland Grove. The cenotaph surfaces will be refurbished in granite, new flagpoles installed to display all three national flags, new seating and a marble sculpture installation featuring the First World War soldier and a modern-day soldier back-to-back at the top of the cenotaph. $132,890
Wodonga South Primary School This project is to create a memorial garden and commemorative plaque at Wodonga South Primary School. $7,323
SUB TOTAL $219,587

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Recipient Funding description Amount $
Australian Special Air Service Association National Executive This project is to produce a two-part Special Air Service Association Journal commemorating the 60th anniversary of the formation of the Special Air Service Regiment. $10,000
Koorana Primary School This project is to add three flagpoles, for Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags, for Koorana Primary School for use in commemorative services. $2,000
Returned & Services League Busselton Sub-Branch This project is to add sixteen plaques of local veterans and nurses who gave their lives in service to the nation on the Busselton War Memorial. $6,600
Shire of Wyalkatchem This project is to install life-sized silhouettes of soldiers in a pre-aged metal with the laser cut design attached to a structural metal pole cemented in the ground at Pioneer Park, Wyalkatchem. $9,500
The Western Australian 10th Light Horse Organisation Inc This project is to preserve the military history of the Western Australian 10th Light Horse regiment through the preservation of uniforms, equipment and provision of educational activities. $6,000
Western Australia Branch of the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia Inc This project is to purchase materials to make commemorative wreaths for commemorative events in regional Western Australia. $500
SUB TOTAL $34,600
TOTAL $773,017

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HMAS Brisbane Returns to Sydney After Five-Month Deployment

Approximately 200 officers and sailors from HMAS Brisbane have returned to Sydney following a five-month deployment that marked a historic milestone for the Royal Australian Navy. The mission included the successful launch of Australia’s first-ever Tomahawk cruise missile off the US coast, showcasing a significant advancement in the Australian Defence Force’s long-range strike capabilities.

The deployment featured joint exercises with the US Navy and scheduled maintenance at the US Naval Base in San Diego. These activities reinforced Australia’s commitment to its allies and demonstrated the nation’s growing proficiency in advanced military technologies.

Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Chris Smith, AM, CSM, RAN, emphasized the importance of the deployment in strengthening regional security and partnerships. “Australia is now one of only three nations, alongside the United States and the United Kingdom, to acquire and successfully launch Tomahawk cruise missiles,” Rear Admiral Smith stated. “The achievements of HMAS Brisbane’s crew have delivered a significant boost to the Australian Defence Force’s operational capabilities.”

Since departing Sydney in August 2024, HMAS Brisbane covered over 17,000 nautical miles (32,000 km). The ship’s mission included familiarisation with US Naval maintenance processes, warfare training, and an invaluable exchange of knowledge in cutting-edge technologies between the two allied forces.

Commanding Officer of HMAS Brisbane, Commander Bernard Dobson, CSM, RAN, highlighted the dedication and resilience of his crew during the demanding deployment. “Being away from home for months, particularly during the holiday season, is a significant challenge,” Commander Dobson said. “I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and determination shown by our men and women in delivering a game-changing military capability for Australia.”

HMAS Brisbane is one of three Australian-built Hobart Class Destroyers. The vessel is equipped to provide comprehensive air defence against missiles and aircraft, protect ships, land forces, and coastal infrastructure, and conduct anti-submarine, anti-surface, and long-range strike missions.

Following their return, Brisbane’s crew will enjoy a well-deserved break before resuming their operational duties. The deployment’s success underscores Australia’s growing role in fostering a peaceful, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific region.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Labels Peter Dutton ‘Mean and Nasty’ Amid Heated Culture Wars

ABC News

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has come under fire from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who accused him of being “mean-spirited” and engaging in divisive tactics as the Coalition ramps up criticism of Labor’s stance on key cultural issues. Dutton, however, has remained steadfast in his approach, arguing that Australia needs stronger leadership to tackle rising antisemitism and preserve national traditions, such as Australia Day on January 26.

Dutton’s recent announcement that he would reinstate a rule scrapped by Labor requiring councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day has reignited the debate over the significance of the national holiday. He framed the move as a way to protect Australia’s cultural heritage and prevent a rewriting of the country’s history. “Australia Day is an important part of our identity. It’s a day to celebrate our achievements as a nation and reflect on our shared history,” Dutton stated.

This comes on the heels of Dutton’s claim that “every incident of antisemitism” in Australia since late 2023 could be attributed to Albanese’s weak leadership. He argued that the Prime Minister’s reluctance to take a firm stand against extremist rhetoric has emboldened hate groups. “We are witnessing one of the most shameful periods in our history, and the government’s failure to act decisively is putting minority communities at risk,” Dutton warned.

In contrast, Albanese has sought to downplay the controversy surrounding Australia Day and dismissed Dutton’s claims as fear-mongering. During an interview with ABC radio, he criticized the Opposition Leader’s rhetoric, calling him “cold-hearted, mean-spirited, and sometimes just plain nasty.” Albanese urged Dutton to avoid politicizing antisemitism and focus on fostering unity.

The back-and-forth exchange signals that this year’s election campaign could become highly personal, with character attacks dominating the political discourse. While economic concerns remain a top priority for voters, Dutton is clearly intent on steering the conversation toward cultural issues, framing them as central to Australia’s future cohesion.

Dutton’s supporters argue that his stance is not about sowing division but about standing up for values that many Australians hold dear. “Peter Dutton is calling out real issues that are affecting our communities. We cannot turn a blind eye to the rise in antisemitism or the erasure of our national traditions,” said a senior Coalition member.

However, Albanese’s allies contend that Dutton’s approach risks alienating minority groups and exacerbating societal tensions. They argue that his focus on culture wars distracts from more pressing concerns such as cost-of-living pressures and healthcare reforms.

The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has called for an end to the politicisation of antisemitism, urging both leaders to work together to address the issue meaningfully. “Antisemitism is a serious problem that requires bipartisan cooperation. It should not be used as a political football,” said the council’s spokesperson.

Despite calls for unity, it appears both leaders are preparing for a fiercely contested election campaign. Dutton’s strategy to reignite the culture wars under the banner of national unity suggests he believes these issues resonate with a significant portion of the electorate. The question remains whether voters will respond positively to this approach or if they will prioritise economic stability and practical solutions over ideological battles.

As the election draws closer, the divide between the two leaders’ visions for Australia is becoming increasingly stark. Dutton’s focus on protecting Australia’s traditions and combating hate speech is likely to appeal to conservatives and those concerned about cultural erosion. Meanwhile, Albanese’s emphasis on unity and addressing economic challenges could resonate with those seeking a more collaborative approach to governance.

What’s clear is that this election will be more than just a battle of policies, it will be a contest of character, values, and the very identity of modern Australia. The electorate will soon decide which vision they believe is best suited to lead the nation through the challenges ahead.

 

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Why Does Trump Want to Buy Greenland?

The Times

The idea of a U.S. President openly expressing interest in purchasing a foreign territory might seem outlandish to some. Yet, former President Donald Trump’s remarks about acquiring Greenland were not as unprecedented as they initially appeared. Historically, the United States has a long record of territorial expansion. Trump’s proposal may have drawn scepticism from global leaders, but it also highlights his unconventional approach to geopolitics and national strategy.

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, is strategically significant for a variety of reasons. Its location in the Arctic makes it a vital geopolitical asset, particularly as melting ice caps open new shipping routes and access to previously untapped natural resources. The island also holds key military significance, hosting Thule Air Base, a critical part of the U.S. missile warning and space surveillance system.

For Trump, Greenland represented an opportunity to secure a foothold in a region that is rapidly becoming a new frontier for global influence. The Arctic is emerging as a contested space, with countries like Russia and China increasing their presence. By acquiring Greenland, the U.S. could strengthen its strategic position in the Arctic and protect its national interests in the face of growing competition.

Beyond its strategic location, Greenland is rich in natural resources, including rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. These resources are essential for advanced technologies, such as smartphones, electric vehicles, and military hardware. As global demand for these materials grows, securing access to them becomes a national security priority.

Trump’s background as a businessman likely influenced his interest in Greenland. He saw the island not just as a geopolitical asset but as a potential economic boon. Investing in Greenland’s development could unlock valuable resources and create economic opportunities for the U.S., making the acquisition a win-win scenario in Trump’s eyes.

The concept of purchasing territory is not new in American history. The Louisiana Purchase in 1803, the acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867, and the annexation of Hawaii in 1898 are examples of the U.S. expanding its borders through diplomatic and financial means.

Trump’s Greenland proposal can be viewed through this historical lens. His suggestion may have been unconventional by modern diplomatic standards, but it aligns with a long-standing American tradition of territorial expansion. Critics who dismissed the idea as absurd may have overlooked the historical context in which such deals have been successfully executed in the past.

Trump’s comments about purchasing Greenland drew mixed reactions from world leaders. Danish officials, including Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, dismissed the idea as “absurd,” leading to a brief diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Denmark. However, some analysts argue that Denmark’s initial rejection may have been a missed opportunity to strengthen ties with the U.S. and secure economic investment in Greenland.

On the other hand, Trump’s rhetoric sent a clear message to the world: the U.S. is serious about maintaining its influence in the Arctic. By raising the issue publicly, he brought attention to the strategic importance of Greenland and the need for Western nations to counterbalance the growing presence of Russia and China in the region.

Donald Trump’s interest in Greenland exemplifies his unique approach to leadership. He viewed the world through the lens of a dealmaker, always seeking opportunities to strengthen America’s position both economically and strategically. While the proposal may have been dismissed by some as unrealistic, it sparked a critical conversation about the Arctic’s importance in global affairs.

As the world continues to grapple with shifting geopolitical dynamics, Trump’s Greenland proposal serves as a reminder that unconventional ideas can sometimes highlight overlooked strategic priorities. Whether visionary or misguided, his interest in Greenland underscores the evolving nature of global power and the enduring relevance of territorial expansion in American history.

 

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Should Recruiting Be Handed Back to Defence Recruiters?

By The Straits Times

In a historic move to address ongoing personnel shortages, the Australian Department of Defence has announced plans to begin recruiting foreign nationals into the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This new policy, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to attract recruits from key allied countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

The ADF currently faces a shortfall of 4,000 personnel, particularly in critical roles such as pilots of advanced F-35 fighter jets and operators of missile destroyers. The recruitment of foreign nationals is seen as a pragmatic solution to fill these gaps and ensure that Australia maintains a capable and modern defence force.

Under the new policy, eligible foreign nationals must have lived in Australia for at least 12 months and must not have served in a foreign military within the past two years. In addition to enlisting, recruits will need to apply for Australian citizenship, with the Department of Defence offering a pathway to citizenship as an incentive for long-term commitment.

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “We expect to welcome around 350 individuals from Five Eyes Alliance countries in the upcoming fiscal year. This move will not only bolster our defence capabilities but also bring valuable skills and experience to our ranks.”

The Five Eyes Alliance is an intelligence-sharing partnership between Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Recruiting personnel from these countries aligns with the alliance’s close military and intelligence ties. The Department of Defence has also suggested that it may open recruitment to citizens of Pacific Island countries in the future, aligning with Australia’s broader strategy to strengthen relationships in the Pacific region.

This recruitment drive is part of a broader effort to modernise and expand the ADF, ensuring it can meet future challenges in an increasingly complex global security environment. In recent years, the ADF has struggled to attract and retain military personnel due to demographic changes, competition from the private sector, and evolving societal attitudes toward military service.

The move to recruit foreign nationals is not without precedent. Many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, have long accepted foreign recruits into their armed forces. By tapping into a pool of skilled individuals from allied nations, Australia hopes to bolster its defence readiness and enhance its ability to respond to regional and global security threats.

In a related development, the Defence Ministers of Australia and New Zealand recently signed a new “Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relations” on December 6, 2024. This agreement, signed by Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles and New Zealand Defence Minister Judith Collins, aims to enhance military cooperation between the two countries. It focuses on improving coordination, coherence, and interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces.

Minister Marles stated, “The Joint Statement on Closer Defence Relations reflects our shared commitment to peace and stability in the Pacific region. By strengthening our cooperation, we ensure that our forces can work seamlessly together to respond to any challenges that may arise.”

While the ANZUS Treaty of 1951 remains the cornerstone of the military alliance between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, the new joint statement highlights the importance of closer bilateral defence ties amid emerging regional threats.

Despite the potential benefits of recruiting foreign nationals, some defence analysts argue that the policy may undermine efforts to build a homegrown, resilient defence force. Critics suggest that the ADF should instead focus on improving recruitment efforts within Australia and addressing the root causes of its personnel shortages.

One major concern is the outsourcing of recruitment to private contractors. The Department of Defence has faced criticism for relying on private agencies to manage recruitment processes, which some believe has contributed to the current personnel crisis. Advocates for returning recruitment responsibilities to defence personnel argue that military recruiters better understand the unique requirements of service and can provide a more authentic and effective recruitment process.

Handing recruitment back to defence recruiters could improve engagement with potential recruits and ensure that those enlisting fully understand the demands and expectations of military service. Additionally, it may help foster a stronger sense of loyalty and commitment among new recruits, as they are guided through the process by experienced service members.

The decision to recruit foreign nationals represents a significant shift in Australia’s defence policy. It highlights the urgency of addressing the ADF’s personnel crisis and the need for innovative solutions to ensure the force remains capable and ready to respond to regional and global security challenges.

As the recruitment program gets underway, it is essential to evaluate its effectiveness and impact on Australia’s defence capabilities. Is this approach a good value for Australian defence? Or should the focus shift to strengthening domestic recruitment efforts and handing the process back to experienced defence recruiters? These are critical questions that will shape the future of Australia’s defence force and its ability to protect national interests and contribute to regional stability.

 

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Love Her or Hate Her, Katie Hopkins Tells It as It Is: Another Reason Why We Need a Change of Government in Australia

Katie Hopkins is no stranger to controversy. Her unapologetic opinions on issues such as immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity have sparked heated debates across the globe. Whether you agree with her or not, one thing is clear: she speaks her mind without fear, and her observations often hit a raw nerve in the societies she critiques. As Australians, it’s time we take a good, hard look at her message because it resonates with the crossroads our nation now faces.

Where Are We Headed?

Australia, like many Western countries, is at a tipping point. The cultural policies introduced over the last fifty years have fundamentally reshaped our society. Since the days of Gough Whitlam and Al Grassby in the 1970s, multiculturalism has been promoted as a virtue. But unlike assimilation, which encourages newcomers to adopt the values and customs of their new home, multiculturalism has allowed parallel societies to emerge, creating divisions rather than unity.

This approach, heavily encouraged by successive Labor governments and echoed by leaders in the European Union and Canada, has left us vulnerable to the same cultural clashes now evident in the UK and other Western nations. The question is: are we going to learn from their mistakes, or will we continue down this path of cultural fragmentation?

The Islamic Cultural Divide

One of the most contentious issues in this debate is the accommodation of Islamic culture in Western societies. Australia is a predominantly Christian nation with values rooted in Western traditions. Yet, in recent decades, there has been a significant push to accommodate Islamic cultural practices, even when they conflict with our national values.

The likes of Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, Malcolm Turnbull, Scott Morrison, and now Anthony Albanese have all supported policies that encourage multiculturalism without demanding assimilation. This has led to the growth of communities that reject Western values and, in some cases, openly disdain non-Islamic cultural practices.

The danger lies in the long-term political and cultural impact of this trend. Many of us from older generations have seen the changes and voiced our concerns, only to be dismissed as out of touch or prejudiced. However, it’s becoming increasingly evident that these concerns are legitimate. The next generation of Australians, especially those who have been through our tertiary education system, seem largely unaware of the cultural shift that threatens the nation’s future way of life.

A Wake-Up Call from Europe

Europe is already grappling with the consequences of unchecked multiculturalism. Countries like Sweden, Germany, and the UK have seen the rise of parallel societies, increased cultural tensions, and a growing reluctance among certain communities to integrate.

In response, some European nations are now abandoning their multiculturalism policies. They are instead demanding assimilation, recognizing that national unity cannot be achieved when cultural divides are allowed to deepen. Australia should take note of these developments and consider a similar shift in policy.

The Liberal-National Solution

The Liberal and National parties in Australia have historically been more cautious about multiculturalism policies. If returned to government, there is hope they will take a stronger stance on assimilation. This would mean promoting a shared national identity and ensuring that all Australians, regardless of background, adhere to a common set of values and cultural norms.

It’s not about rejecting diversity but about ensuring that diversity strengthens, rather than weakens, our national fabric. Policies that prioritise integration and shared values will help prevent the kind of societal divisions that are now so evident in parts of Europe and the UK.

The Challenge for Thinking Australians

The time has come for all thinking Australians, regardless of their political leanings, to take action. We need to reclaim our country and protect the values that have made Australia a prosperous and harmonious nation. This isn’t a call for extremism or exclusion but a plea for balance and common sense.

We’ve seen what happens when nations ignore the warning signs. The UK is a prime example. We must not follow their lead by doing nothing and hoping for the best. The future of Australia depends on our ability to address these issues now, before it’s too late.

A Final Thought

Katie Hopkins may be a polarising figure, but her message is worth considering. She highlights uncomfortable truths that many would prefer to ignore. As Australians, we need to face these truths head-on and take steps to ensure that our nation remains united, free, and proud of its identity.

Let’s not wait until it’s too late. The time for action is now.

 

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The return of the ‘God of War’ – the Army Reserve needs to be re-equipped with 105mm artillery

Photo: Australian Army soldiers from 4th Regiment Royal Australian Artillery fire the M777 Howitzer on a live-fire fire mission during Exercise Keris Woomera 2024 in East Java, Indonesia. Source: Defence Image Library

By: Todd Newett – Defence Connect

Opinion: It is widely accepted that in both world wars, majority of combat casualties were caused by artillery. Late in World War II, artillery was so decisive on the Eastern Front that Stalin remarked it was the “God of War”. Now Todd Newett, former Reservist, is asking: is it time for the Australian Army Reserve to be re-equipped with modern artillery?

By the time I served in the Australian Defence Force in the mid-2000s, at the height of the Global War on Terror, one could be forgiven for thinking that traditional artillery was obsolescent. The conflicts Australia participated in at the time were either counter-insurgency or peacekeeping operations. For the former, coalition air supremacy was assumed and fire support, which required anything heavier than mortars, was generally provided via air support. For the latter, fire support heavier than mortars was not usually required.

As time went by, the Australian Army’s force structure came to reflect types of conflicts it was fighting. Announced in 2011, Plan Beersheba significantly re-rolled and restructured the Army Reserve over the 2010s. The main role of the Reserves became for pairs of reserve brigades to be able to provide a battalion-sized force to reinforce and operate alongside regular forces when required. With this in mind, reserve artillery units were converted from 105mm artillery to mortars able to provide battalion-level fire support.

The unfortunate return of conventional peer-to-peer conflict in recent years, exemplified by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, has underscored the continuing importance of conventional artillery. In this context, the National Defence: Defence Strategic Review 2023 stated: “Enhanced domestic security and response Army Reserve brigades will be required to provide area security to the northern base network and other critical infrastructure, as well as providing an expansion base and follow-on forces.”

At the dawn of 2025, the Australian Army Reserve remains woefully underequipped to fulfil even this second-line domestic security role, as the Army Reserve brigades lack any brigade-level fire support systems. Army Reserve artillery units are currently equipped with the M252A1 81mm mortar which is a battalion-level resource with limited range and firepower that is unlikely to be able to provide sufficient fire-support to a deployed brigade.

Since the release of the Defence Strategic Review, there has been very little discussion of how the Australian government plans to “enhance” Army Reserve brigades for their new role. The recently released Strategic Review of the Australian Defence Force Reserves, does not consider this matter beyond a mention of creating detachments of reservist High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) operators.

However, the idea of equipping actual reserve units with HIMARS systems would be prohibitively expensive and unnecessary.

Purchasing additional M777 howitzers is also likely to be too expensive for the Australian government to consider equipping reserve artillery units with, particularly when the logistical requirements of these guns are taken into account.

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