An open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles Dear Anthony and Richard, Congratulations on your election win – majority government amid political fragmentation is no small achievement. I know you both care deeply about national...
Defence/Foreign Affairs
Commentary: New government’s defence and veterans ministers prompt concerns
THE die is cast and Australia has a Labor government committed, in opposition at least, to making defence and veterans a priority. It’s early days yet, but there are growing concerns in the wider defence community as to government priorities and appointees’...
Commentary ASPI – Russia’s Ukraine invasion must be Australia’s clarion call
26 Apr 2022|Ashley Townshend and Thomas Lonergan As Ukraine slowly turns the tide on Russia’s assault, Australian leaders must quickly heed the warning of their resistance. War between major powers is no longer a remote possibility in the 21st century. But...
Opinion – Conflict is a real danger and we are totally unprepared
As the uncertain but deeply ominous storm clouds of a global struggle for dominance gather again, there appears to be a worrying lack of urgency in Australia. I grew up in the shadow of war, the son of a man who bravely bore the scars of unmentionable conflict. It...
Warriors to Wonder if Sacrifice is Worthwhile
JUST when you thought it was safe to leave the bunker, someone called an election. This column tries to focus on defence, though Australia’s future defence is critically dependent on who controls the treasury benches come June. Whoever has their hands on the wheel...
Australian Defence Force doesn’t need any scrutiny by ABC reporters
PARDON me for wondering, but when was the ABC added to the ADF order of battle to act as moral conscience under the Defence Force Discipline Act? More than moral conscience, for that role rightly falls to the padres and good leaders. Increasingly it seems to...
Opinion – Much to Worry About in our own Region
Developing regional tensions should concern Australians as much as events in Ukraine. READ MORE
Opinion: Will he?, Won’t he? Has he?
Russia’s criminal despot pushes the world to the brink, playing an unpredictable, dangerous game. Plenty of questions as Stalin’s successor wages war
Elephants never forget unlike those who buy weapons
ELEPHANTS have the longest gestation period of all mammals, 18 to 22 months before giving birth. Actually, making an elephant is a relativity simple process. Two elephants, one male one female, have a eureka moment and, after a bit of preliminary discussion,...
Opinion – Resistance is Futile
I have been unreasonably banned and am at a loss what to do…? READ MORE