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Army soldiers wear the new winter uniforms around Russell Offices in Canberra. Photos: Corporal Cameron Pegg

Army’s range of general duties garments is expanding, with four new items being issued to provide warmth through the winter months.

The range includes a khaki general duties cardigan, overcoat and sweater, and a black soft-shell jacket, providing members with a range of additional cold-weather garments to choose from to suit their working environment.

Director ADF Clothing Program Lieutenant Colonel Craig Skipper said the additional options would ensure personnel had a much greater choice.

“The form, fit and function of these new items is outstanding and the initial feedback has been immensely positive,” Lieutenant Colonel Skipper said.

“The new uniform options are the result of close collaboration between Army, CASG (Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group) and industry. This involved a series of development activities and trials – I am confident these new items represent the very best solution for Army personnel.

“It is an example of all parties working together to improve and modernise clothing for the soldier.

“Similarly, those serving in the tropics won’t miss out, with AMCU ‘quick-dry’ uniforms for hot and tropical conditions scheduled to begin trials within the next 12 months.”

The cardigan, soft-shell jacket and sweater will be available as initial free issue to personnel working in the colder parts of the country.

This includes members posted to, or working within the ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Southern NSW, and from Perth and below in Western Australia.

The overcoat is an optional item of dress and can be purchased.

In certain circumstances, personnel selected for particular deployments, overseas postings or representational duties may be entitled to one initial free issue of the overcoat.

Lieutenant Colonel Skipper said the black soft-shell jacket had already had a limited release in the ACT region, with rapid ‘take-up’ and positive feedback.

He said other options for the combat uniform were in the pipeline, to suit the range of climatic environments Army’s people deploy across.

For those operating in colder climates, a tiered extreme cold weather system is under development.

Finally, for those operating in wet conditions, a new lightweight wet weather ensemble is almost ready to proceed to trial.

Other projects are underway to continue enhancing clothing options that better support personnel.

UNSW Study Summery

The Australian government is currently evaluating extensive renewable waste management systems to support the country’s transition to net zero emissions. A spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water (DCCEEW) stated that in October 2022, state environment ministers advocated for solutions under the National Waste Policy Action Plan. Goals include achieving an 80% recovery rate from all waste streams and significantly increasing the use of recycled materials.

Renewable energy is crucial for Australia’s clean energy transition, yet solar and wind power generate substantial waste, and the country’s waste management infrastructure is limited. Solar panels contain recyclable materials, and some wind turbine manufacturers have initiated plans to enhance sustainability.

Glass, silicone, silver, and other metals can be reclaimed from recycled photovoltaic (PV) panels, and leading wind turbine manufacturers have committed to producing zero-waste turbines by 2050. Some renewable sources, like hydro, do not produce waste.

Solar Disposal

Solar power is a key component of Australia’s strategy to achieve its net zero targets. However, it is projected to generate over 90,000 tonnes of waste by 2025 and potentially around 400,000 tonnes annually by 2030, according to a study by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) commissioned by Neoen Australia. Solar systems undergo inspection before landfill disposal to minimize environmental impact, but panels occupy space and can leach harmful chemicals as they degrade. This concern has led some states, such as Victoria, to ban the landfill disposal of solar energy systems.

Although 85% of solar panel materials are recyclable, Australian companies currently recycle only up to 17% of a panel by weight due to inadequate recycling programs. Commonly recycled components include aluminium frames and plastic junction boxes, while copper wiring is easily recyclable. Batteries and inverters are recyclable through Australia’s existing e-waste systems, but the glass and back sheeting of panels are not recyclable domestically.

High Recycling Costs

The recycling cost for a solar panel in Australia in 2023 ranged between $20 to $30, plus removal fees. “If you have a system of 10 panels on your roof, you’re going to pay at least $200 to dispose of them,” said Rong Deng, a UNSW research fellow. The lower cost of new system production compared to recycling encourages the use of single-use solar panels.

An alternative to disposal is reuse. After their 15 to 20-year lifespan, solar panels can still power off-grid systems like electric bike charging stations. However, some panels are discarded prematurely for newer models. “In the last decade, we’re seeing a growing trend of replacing PV modules even though they are in perfect working condition,” said Richard Corkish, a solar expert at UNSW’s Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

Wind Turbine Disposal

Wind turbines are a cost-effective source of clean energy, but they produce significant non-recyclable waste that often ends up in landfills. By 2034, the decommissioning of wind farms in Australia is expected to generate approximately 45,000 tonnes of blade waste, according to the Clean Energy Council. Although around 75% of a wind turbine’s mass is recyclable, a 2022 University of South Australia study estimated that tens of thousands of blades would end up in landfills.

The study highlighted the recycling challenges of turbine blades, which are made of carbon fibre or glass fibre composite materials that are expensive to break down and have minimal market value. “The same features that make these blades cost-effective and reliable for use in commercial wind turbines make them very difficult to recycle in a cost-effective fashion,” said Professor Peter Majewski, who led the study.

Majewski suggested that the cost of sustainable disposal should be integrated into the manufacturing or operating costs of wind turbines, with manufacturers responsible for disposal or end-of-life solutions incorporated into wind farm planning. However, official frameworks are necessary to ensure proper disposal if manufacturers or wind farms go bankrupt.

Austnews

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese appears to be ignoring the will of the Australian people by continuing to pander to First Nations demands. This comes in the wake of more than 60% of Australians voting against these demands in a recent referendum.

The term “Makarrata,” originating from the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, refers to a “truth-telling” process and a subsequent treaty between the Australian government and Indigenous people. The truth-telling process involves establishing a commission to investigate alleged historical injustices against Aboriginal Australians.

Late last year, another aspect of the Uluru Statement—setting up an Indigenous advisory body within the nation’s parliament—was put to a referendum. The proposed constitutional change was overwhelmingly rejected by suburban and regional voters.

On August 4, Prime Minister Albanese stated his government was “talking through” what a Makarrata process could entail. While he acknowledged that more work needed to be done, he stopped short of detailing any path to establishing an actual commission, which had been a previous government promise.

Albanese emphasized his government’s support for truth-telling but did not commit to the Makarrata Commission. When pressed to clarify his stance, Albanese said the Makarrata process involved Australians coming together through engagement with various bodies, including land councils and Native Title tribunals, and with First Nations people across the country.

“We are not moving away from our commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart in terms of our love and support for all of those who gathered [at Uluru] in 2017,” Albanese stated.

However, this perceived lack of commitment prompted Uluru co-chair Pat Anderson to challenge Albanese to clarify his support for a Makarrata. “The Makarrata called for in the Uluru Statement is a bricks-and-mortar body, and it was a clear election promise,” she said. Anderson emphasized that the Makarrata would oversee the agreement-making process between First Nations and truth-telling about Australia’s history.

Albanese responded that the federal government had not outlined a path to a treaty before the October referendum, and that position had not changed. Instead, treaty processes were occurring through states and territories.

“Australia, as a nation, will benefit from being more united, more reconciled with our history, and that’s important for all of us, but it’s also important for how Australia is seen in the region and the world,” Albanese said.

Critics argue that Albanese’s continued focus on First Nations demands, despite the clear referendum results, shows a disregard for the democratic process and the will of the majority of Australians. They contend that his government’s actions are more about political correctness than addressing the real needs and concerns of the broader Australian population.

Conflict and unrest have long been part of life in the Middle East. The latest developments, although not unprecedented, have the potential to significantly alter the global landscape in the coming weeks.

The current instability follows the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel and Israel’s subsequent response. This conflict has expanded throughout the Middle East, threatening global maritime trade and increasing the risk of a worldwide crisis.

The situation escalated with Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and unconfirmed reports of an airstrike killing Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Forces. These actions have heightened tensions and the likelihood of further conflict.

The ongoing Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz, and around the Horn of Africa indicate that any resulting conflict will not be confined to the Middle East.

Iran’s leadership is under pressure to respond to these provocations, particularly given the breach of Tehran’s air defence network and the assassination of a high-ranking official. The next move is crucial and rests with Iran.

The potential involvement of the United States adds another layer of complexity. The U.S. military is already stretched thin, and further involvement in the Middle East could strain resources at a time when the global order is fragile.

U.S. involvement in the Middle East has historically been costly, both financially and in terms of human lives. The impact on the American middle class and industrial base has led to growing disillusionment with the political establishment and scepticism about America’s role as a global policeman.

If the U.S. is drawn into another Middle Eastern conflict, this disillusionment may increase, influencing voter sentiment in the upcoming November elections.

Frontline – Ray Payne

Southeast Asia Insight – David White

Taiwan, a self-governing island, stands as a poignant reminder of China’s tumultuous history during the 19th and early 20th centuries, when it was dominated by foreign powers. This period, known as the “Century of Humiliation,” ended with Mao’s victory in 1949 and the retreat of Chinese Nationalist leader Chiang Kai-shek to Taiwan, with U.S. support.

For the United States, Taiwan represents one of the last Cold War battlegrounds between Marxist Communism and Liberal Democracy. However, the potential conflict over Taiwan is causing leaders across the Indo-Pacific to reconsider the costs and risks involved.

Taiwan must enhance its defence capabilities to withstand increasing hostility from China. President Lai Ching-te is pushing for accelerated modernization and preparation despite significant challenges. Beijing views Lai as a “dangerous separatist” and has intensified military provocations.

Taiwan’s military struggles with a lack of equipment and proper training. Defence Minister Wellington Koo admitted that reservist training needs improvement. Only a small percentage of eligible conscripts have completed the new 12-month training program, raising concerns about Taiwan’s readiness.

This situation is further complicated by political dynamics in the U.S. Former President Trump has suggested a more transactional approach to U.S.-Taiwan relations, contrasting with President Biden’s commitment to defend Taiwan. Taiwan’s slow progress in boosting military training worries experts in Washington and Taipei.

Taiwan’s young people exhibit a “defeatist attitude,” like trends seen in Australia and other Western nations. President Lai has warned against complacency and emphasized the need for readiness. The Kuomintang, Taiwan’s Beijing-friendly party, opposes Lai’s reforms, accusing the government of escalating tensions.

For Australia, this situation underscores the need to adapt to a rapidly changing Indo-Pacific region. Australians must recognize the importance of strategic investment and reform to avoid being overshadowed by rising regional powers. The future will require a shift away from short-term policies toward a more comprehensive strategy to address these complex challenges.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia has raised its terror threat level from “possible” to “probable.” This decision is based on security advice and reflects an increase in extremist views within the country. The new threat level suggests there is more than a 50% chance of an onshore attack within the next 12 months.

Albanese emphasized that there is no imminent threat of an attack, but the decision follows a noticeable rise in Australians embracing diverse extreme ideologies. He underscored the importance of remaining vigilant during this period of heightened alert.

Mike Burgess, the head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), provided further insight into the factors contributing to the raised threat level. He noted that tensions in the Middle East, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict, have exacerbated grievances and led to increased protests. These tensions have not only undermined social cohesion but also elevated levels of intolerance within the community.

Australia has experienced several violent attacks recently, some of which have been linked to extremism. In April, a knife attack on an Assyrian church bishop in Sydney was deemed a terrorist act. The bishop had uploaded a sermon last year criticizing Islam, which was believed to have motivated the attack.

The raised threat level serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges. The government and security agencies are working closely to monitor and respond to potential threats to ensure the safety and security of all Australians.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30-t7K34beo

Why are aircraft carriers always grey and submarines deep black? These colour choices are crucial for their mission and survival, and the different reasons will astound you! Before we look at why submarines are deep black, let’s first examine why aircraft carriers are always grey. Why Are Aircraft Carriers Grey? Visibility and Camouflage The choice of grey for aircraft carriers results from decades of naval experience and scientific research. This colour’s effectiveness lies in its ability to adapt to various environmental conditions. The ocean’s appearance changes dramatically based on weather, time of day, and geographical location. Grey, with its neutral tone, can seamlessly blend into these varying backdrops. • Morning and Evening Adaptability: In the early morning or late evening, when the sky takes on a pinkish or orangey hue, a grey ship can still maintain a low profile by absorbing and reflecting these colours in a muted fashion. • Foggy Conditions: During foggy conditions, which are common in many naval theatres, grey vessels can become nearly invisible, merging with the misty surroundings. This adaptability is crucial for operations in diverse environments, from arctic waters to tropical seas.

Defence News

The Royal Australian Air Force’s premier international engagement activity, Exercise Pitch Black 24, reached unprecedented heights as it involved approximately 4,400 personnel and 140 aircraft from 20 nations. This iteration marked the largest in the exercise’s 43-year history, with missions often featuring over 50 aircraft at a time, conducted in one of the world’s most extensive military training areas.

Air Commodore Pete Robinson, the Officer Commanding the Exercise, emphasized that the exercise met the training and engagement objectives of all participating nations, while also strengthening international relationships and friendships. “The feedback from all international partners and our own people alike was that Exercise Pitch Black 24 was a world-class air combat training activity,” AIRCDRE Robinson stated. “More than 1,700 missions were flown in the exercise across an area about the size of Great Britain. The value of this exercise comes in the experience we’ve built with international partners, and the friendships and relationships we’ve created with them on the ground and in the air.”

AIRCDRE Robinson also praised his staff for their exceptional handling of an emergency situation when an Italian Air Force pilot ejected from a Typhoon aircraft on 24 July. “We train for these scenarios as part of our safety planning, and I was pleased to see the calm, professional, and quick work by our teams to ensure this positive outcome – I couldn’t be happier with how they all performed.”

Exercise Pitch Black 24 featured first-time participation by aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea, along with embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei. Additionally, it included aircraft from France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand.

The exercise was primarily conducted from RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, and RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, showcasing a remarkable display of international cooperation and air combat prowess.

The federal government’s alcohol excise increase on August 5th has left Australians facing a $20 tax on a carton of full-strength beer, with even higher costs at the pub. This move has pushed Australia into having the third highest beer tax in the world, trailing only Norway and Finland.

Amid rising living costs, this tax hike is adding pressure on consumers and brewers alike, leading many smaller breweries to close down their operations or seek administration. One recent casualty is Billson’s in northeast Victoria, which has entered voluntary administration.

The closure of smaller breweries is not an isolated issue. Larger companies are also feeling the strain. Beverage giant Lion announced in June that it would transfer some production of its James Boag line from Tasmania to the mainland. Lion Australia’s managing director, James Brindley, attributed declining beer sales and production volumes to the relentless federal tax increases.

Many breweries are also grappling with deferred tax debt from the pandemic, compounded by the biannual increase in beer excise. Brewers Association chief executive John Preston voiced his concern, stating that the escalating tax hikes are harming beer drinkers, pubs, and clubs across Australia.

Over the past decade, China has increased its economic and political engagement in the Middle East, particularly since the Arab Spring and amid perceptions of U.S. withdrawal from the region. Initially, China balanced relationships with various sides while avoiding conflicts. However, with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013, China’s involvement has deepened, making it the region’s primary foreign investor since 2016.

China’s regional engagement now spans beyond energy to infrastructure, smart-city projects, innovation hubs, and 5G networks. Middle Eastern countries, disillusioned with U.S. policies, view China as a more reliable partner, appreciating its non-interference in political and human rights issues. This has made the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) relationship strategic.

Western perspectives have shifted, now viewing China as a significant challenger to U.S. interests. China’s trade with the GCC has surged, from $10 billion in 2000 to over $230 billion in 2021. China has also expanded ties with Israel, despite U.S. pressure limiting some interactions due to security concerns.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further influenced China’s Middle East approach, leading to increased use of the yuan in Gulf transactions. China has also grown its presence in the region’s defence market, supplying equipment where the U.S. has imposed restrictions.

Diplomatically, China brokered a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023, highlighting its growing influence. Despite initially cautious responses to the Gaza conflict in 2023, China’s alignment with Arab interests has become clearer, positioning it against U.S. policies.

China’s efforts include facilitating Palestinian reconciliation talks and capitalizing on regional criticism of U.S. support for Israel. While China gains public support, its long-term impact remains uncertain, as U.S. military and political power continues to play a crucial role in the Middle East’s stability.