A cat has been set among the pigeons, with Curtin University academic Dr Alexey Muraviev calling for Australian policymakers to consider reinitiating conscription to defend the nation, but many young Aussies rightfully asked why. I know that the initial response from...
Defence
Defence Connect Commentary – Looking into the crystal ball and preparing for the other side of a Taiwan crisis
19 Jan 2024 The Defence Strategic Review went a long way to articulating the long-term objectives and capability priorities of the Australian Defence Force in the era of great power competition, but in light of recent developments and the rapidly shifting sands, do we...
Consultation on new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy underway
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has made it abundantly clear that more needs to be done to support the mental health and wellbeing of Defence personnel, veterans and families. We’re taking action. Today I hosted a round-table meeting with mental...
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – Newsletter Edition 20 – 2 August 2023
Commission Chair expresses frustration at delays to Defence’s mental health reformsThe Chair of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has expressed concern reforms to improve mental health outcomes for Australian Defence Force members are...
Have your say – Draft Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
The Department of Defence (Defence) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) are working together to develop a new joint Defence and Veteran Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy (the Strategy). The Strategy will inform our joint approach to supporting the mental...
Commentary: Defence ‘con job’ shames leaders on both sides of politics
18 Jul 2023 It looks increasingly likely we’ll get nothing of consequence out of the whole Defence Strategic Review. This is not only dismal and not only the doing of this government. It shames our whole nation. – Greg Sheridan It is almost time to pronounce...
Defence’s biggest capability worry? Building its workforce
The defence strategic review brings into sharp focus the challenges faced by Australia with respect to strategic policy, defence planning and resourcing over the coming decades. Its discussion of recruitment and retention of personnel for the Defence Department and...
‘What matters is the sanctity of our defence force’: Defence Minister’s solemn response to Ben Roberts-Smith decision
Defence Minister Richard Marles says the damning courtroom findings against disgraced former SAS Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith reveal the urgent need to implement all the findings of an inquiry into Australian soldiers’ conduct in Afghanistan. READ MORE
Commentary: ‘Armchair moralists sipping lattes lecture us on how soldiers should behave’
From The Australian June 2, 2023 Readers have their say on the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation decision. Welcome to the column where you provide the content. Greg Sheridan weighed in on the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case loss, suggesting it...
Re-action to the CDF’s Intention to Remove Medals From Afghanistan Veterans
See the joint Media Release from the Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA), the Commando Association and the RSL National here In addition to this Media Release. the Chairman of the ASASA Martin Hamilton-Smith has written the following letter to all...