dChan - Q Origins Project Archive

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Senator Wong said she had also conveyed Australia’s view about international law and the importance of the UN charter to Wang Yi in relation to Russia’s war on Ukraine, which China has refused to criticise.

Asked whether China had demanded anything concrete from Australia during the meeting, she replied: “I think the Chinese position is well known, the issues of difference is well known, and what was put to me reflected what we know China’s position to be.”

The foreign minister said she believed it was in both nations’ interests that another meeting be scheduled soon though “but that would require both countries to agree to do so”.

“I think all of these issues will take some time. And I think there is a path we are walking and we will take one step at a time in the interests of the country,” she said.

“We do have our differences but as I have previously said we believe it’s in the interests of both countries for the relationship to be stabilised and this Australian government will always seek to resolve issues calmly and consistently under the comprehensive strategic partnership and in accordance with Australia’s national interests.”

The highly anticipated meeting was the last in a whirlwind schedule of bilateral talks that on Friday included sit-downs with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, as well as foreign ministers from France, Germany and Canada on the sidelines of the G20.

Senator Wong hailed the G20 meeting on her way out of Bali on Friday night as a “constructive meeting that reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism … when the world faces so many challenges from the war in Ukraine, Russia’s illegal, immoral invasion of Ukraine, to food security, to climate change”.

Her meeting with Mr Wang came a day after he warned G20 nations against linking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Beijing’s threats to Taiwan.

“It is obviously double standards. Beijing rejects any attempt to compare the Ukraine crisis with the Taiwan question and will firmly safeguard its core interests,” Mr Wang said.

Anthony Albanese last week said Russia’s failed bid to take Ukraine showed “attempts to impose change by force on a sovereign country meets resistance”, prompting a scathing editorial in the China Daily that warned that high hopes of a reset in bilateral relations were “diminishing by the day”.

Asked about Wang Yi’s warning before Friday’s G20 talks, Senator Wong said Russia’s actions clearly constituted an abrogation of the UN charter and international law that holds that “another state will not by threat or force compromise or infringe on the territory integrity of another”.

“In relation to Taiwan, there is a bipartisan position on one China policy. I think there’s a bipartisan position now that we support the status quo and that there be no unilateral change to that status quo,” she said.

Analysts in both countries have cautioned that any improvement in the bilateral relationship will be modest.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/the-first-step-to-better-ties-with-beijing-says-penny-wong-after-meeting-chinese-foreign-minister/news-story/0cd8d6a1cfbd0bcc55f2d81bcfaf1f50

Wang warns Wong: Don’t smear China over Ukraine

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 8, 2022

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has warned Australia and other G20 members against linking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with Beijing’s threats to Taiwan, hours before he meets with Penny Wong.

Foreign Minister Wang issued the warning on Thursday in a bilateral meeting in Bali with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on the sidelines of the G20 foreign ministers’s summit.

“It is obviously double standards. Beijing rejects any attempt to compare the Ukraine crisis with the Taiwan question and will firmly safeguard its core interests,” Mr Wang said.

Beijing’s position on the war — refusing to condemn Russia and offering propaganda support for Vladimir Putin — is one of a host of disagreements that will be on the crowded agenda for Foreign Minister Wong’s meeting with Mr Wang on Friday afternoon.

Mr Wang’s warning was made a week after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese drew a parallel between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s menacing of Taiwan, saying Vladimir Putin’s failed bid to take Ukraine showed “attempts to impose change by force on a sovereign country meets resistance”.

Those comments by Mr Albanese — delivered during a NATO summit in Madrid — provoked an eruption from Chinese state media, which accused him of a “lack of diplomatic nous and poor grasp of political realities“.

The China Daily, in its first personal attack on the new Australian Prime Minister, warned of consequences.

“Last month, when Albanese’s Labor Party came to power, there were high hopes in both countries that it offered the opportunity to reset Australia’s ties with China. Those hopes are diminishing by the day,” the Beijing mouthpiece editorialised.

On Thursday, Mr Wang conducted bilateral meetings with countries including India and Indonesia that have also not explicitly condemned the invasion.

China’s envoy also met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

Before leaving Bali, Mr Wang is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the US, France and Australia, all countries that have criticised China’s position on the war.

On Thursday, Ms Wong said Russia was conducting an “illegal, unjust and immoral war in Ukraine”.

In a keynote address in Singapore before the Bali conference, the Foreign Minister urged Beijing to use its influence as a “no limits” partner to Russia to end the war.

Ms Wong also linked Beijing’s position on the war to its assertive behaviour in the region, although she did not directly mention Taiwan.

“The region and the world is now looking at Beijing’s actions in relation to Ukraine. But this has also been true in respect of its regional actions, as its strategic outreach has intensified,” Ms Wong said.

“Regardless of the character of leadership Beijing chooses to demonstrate, we all have our own choices to make, and our own agency to exercise.

“We are more than just supporting players in a grand drama of global geopolitics, on a stage dominated by great powers.

“It is up to all of us to create the kind of region we aspire to – a stable, peaceful, prosperous and secure region,” she said.

Friday’s meeting between the Australian and Chinese foreign ministers is the first in almost three years after Beijing froze all ministerial communication.

Analysts in both countries have cautioned that any improvement in the bilateral relationship will be modest.

Liu Xiaobo, an international relations expert in China, told The Australian he was not “optimistic” about the outlook.

“It takes a lot of effort, and so far I haven’t seen many such signs,“ said Mr Liu, a senior researcher of Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/wang-warns-wong-dont-smear-china-over-ukraine/news-story/d37510b9767f218c1d5f5fbfa1a37725

>>16655327

China highly appreciates remarks of PM Manasseh Sogavare on China.

SpokespersonCHN发言人办公室

Jul 9, 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5Aew_bLLJo

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s Regular Press Conference on July 8, 2022

Shenzhen TV: According to reports, on July 7, Solomon Islands Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare said in a speech marking the country’s national independence day that China, a “new addition”, has already demonstrated a “genuine intention” to be a “worthy partner” in the country’s development with diplomatic ties of less than three years and expressed his appreciation. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: I want to start by extending sincere congratulations to Solomon Islands on the 44th anniversary of its independence. We highly appreciate the remarks by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. We are glad to see the fruitful outcomes and sound momentum of China-Solomon Islands relations. Since diplomatic relations were established nearly three years ago, the relations between our two countries have enjoyed rapid and pace-setting growth, and set a fine example of countries of different sizes treating each other as equals and of solidarity and cooperation between two developing countries. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made Solomon Islands his first stop during the trip to the South Pacific in late May. This fully demonstrates the high quality of our relations and injected fresh and strong impetus into our all-round exchange and cooperation.

Facts have proven that the establishment of diplomatic relations and development of friendly cooperative relations between China and Solomon Islands is consistent with the trend of our times and the fundamental and long-term interests of both peoples and boasts enormous vitality and broad prospects. China will always be Solomon Islands’ trusted and reliable good friend and partner. We stand ready to work together with Solomon Islands to enhance dialogue, exchange and cooperation in various sectors, make new progress in bilateral relations and deliver more benefits to both peoples.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220708_10717764.html

'Stop hiding behind the legal excuse': Australia can act to free Julian Assange, Andrew Wilkie says

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has rejected claims that Australia has limited ability to intervene in the case of Julian Assange, who is fighting an extradition request from the United States over leaks of classified documents on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

AAP, SBS - 8 July 2022

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie has hit back at claims Australia had no legal grounds to intervene in the case of Julian Assange.

Mr Wilkie, a former intelligence analyst and a prominent advocate for Mr Assange, says the matter could be solved quickly at a political level.

"Governments and politicians have got to stop hiding behind the excuse of the Julian Assange matter being a legal matter," he told AAP.

"It has always been an intensely political matter."

The comments came after former attorney-general George Brandis said Australia had no legal grounds in Mr Assange's case.

"Australia wasn't a party to the proceedings and had no standing to intervene in the proceedings," Mr Brandis told the ABC.

"It was legal proceedings in a British court between the government of the United States and a private citizen. We would not intervene in those proceedings."

The WikiLeaks founder and Australian journalist has appealed to the High Court in London to block his extradition to the US to face criminal charges in the latest step of a legal battle that has dragged on for more than a decade.

Mr Assange, 50, is wanted by US authorities on 18 counts, including a spying charge, relating to WikiLeaks' release of vast troves of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables, which US officials have said put lives in danger.

Last month, UK Home Secretary Priti Patel approved his extradition, with her office saying UK courts had concluded his extradition would not be incompatible with his human rights, and that he would be treated appropriately.

However, Mr Wilkie said the matter could be solved with a phone call from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to the US or UK.

"This has gone on long enough, it's time to put it to an end," he said.

"I don't doubt that Australia has enough influence to bring this to an end, we underestimate ourselves to think otherwise, and we are close allies of both countries."

The independent MP said he was still optimistic about there being a change in the outcome for Mr Assange following the change of government in Australia at May's federal election.

"We hold out hope that with a change of government we see some progress on this," Mr Wilkie said.

Mr Albanese has said he didn't see the purpose of the "ongoing pursuit" of Mr Assange.

But he said the government would deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

Former foreign minister Bob Carr said on Friday the government should tell the US "the Australian people want the Assange extradition quietly set aside", just as the US had commuted the sentence of whistleblower Chelsea Manning.

Mr Brandis, who oversaw consular assistance for Mr Assange when he was Australia's high commissioner in London, said he had made a point for staff to always be made available to meet the journalist's "reasonable requests".

"I instituted a practice of writing to him every month to ask him if there was anything more he needed," Mr Brandis said.

"Most of those letters were unresponded to, but there has not been a complaint that I'm aware of, from Mr Assange or his surrogates, that the Australian High Commission did not provide an appropriate level of consular support."

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/stop-hiding-behind-the-legal-excuse-australia-can-act-to-free-julian-assange-andrew-wilkie-says/e328tvlfd

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 9, 2022, 6:48 p.m. No.16702093 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7785

EXCLUSIVE: Pope hopes London building last Vatican financial scandal

Pope praises Australian Cardinal George Pell who pushed for transparency

Philip Pullella - July 8, 2022

VATICAN CITY, July 7 (Reuters) - Pope Francis said he hoped that the recent sale of a luxury London building at the centre of an ongoing corruption trial meant the Vatican can see the back of financial scandals.

Vatican finances were one of the many Church and international topics the 85-year-old pontiff discussed in an exclusive interview with Reuters in his Vatican residence on July 2.

In other parts of the interview he denied that he was planning to resign anytime soon, denied that he had cancer, spoke of his hopes to go to Moscow and Kyiv and disclosed that for the first time he would appoint women to a Vatican committee that helps him choose bishops.

The interview took place a day after the Vatican announced it had completed the sale of the building on Sloane Avenue in Chelsea, taking an estimated hit of about 140 million euros.

Ten people including a Vatican cardinal and two Italian financial brokers are on trial in the Vatican on charges including embezzlement, fraud, money laundering and extortion relating to the building.

The pope was asked if he believed enough controls were now in place so that similar scandals could not take place again.

"I believe so," he said.

The Vatican's Secretariat of State first invested in the building in 2014 with funds from its own sovereign wealth fund, managed without external controls.

It had resisted oversight even from the Secretariat for the Economy, which the pope instituted in 2014 to oversee all Vatican finances and put a lid on decades of scandals caused by the fragmentation of finances, in which different departments exercised control in a fiefdom-like way.

As a result of the botched and embarrassing London deal, the pope stripped the Secretariat of State of control over its own investment funds in 2020.. Last month, he instituted a committee to oversee the ethics of all Vatican investments.

"Before, the administration (of Vatican money) was very messy," the pope said, adding that the Secretariat for the Economy is now staffed by expert, technical people, "who don't fall into the hands of quote-unquote benefactors or friends, who can make you slip up."

THE BLESSED IMELDA

He gave the example of priests who had no financial experience being asked to manage the finances of a department and who in good faith sought outside help from friends in the outside financial sector.

"But sometimes the friends were not The Blessed Imelda," he said, referring to a 14th century 11-year-old Italian girl who is a symbol of childhood purity.

"And so what happened, happened," the pope said.

He blamed "the irresponsibility of the structure" for past financial scandals, saying the administration of money "was not mature".

In the interview, Francis praised Australian Cardinal George Pell as "the genius" who had insisted that the Vatican needed an overarching economy ministry to control money flows and combat corruption.

Pell was the first head of the Secretariat for the Economy, receiving a mandate from the pope to clean up the Vatican's murky finances.

Pell, now 81, left the post in 2018 to face sex abuse charges dating back decades in Australia. He spent 13 months in solitary confinement before being cleared of all charges on appeal in 2020.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, whom Pell has accused of having resisted financial reforms when he was number two at the Secretariat of State, is currently one of 10 defendants at the corruption trial over the London real estate deal.

All of the defendants have denied wrongdoing.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/exclusive-pope-hopes-london-building-last-vatican-financial-scandal-2022-07-07/

>>16655702 (pb)

Anthony Albanese says New Zealanders might be allowed to vote in Australian elections, after meeting Jacinda Ardern

Tom Lowrey - 8 July 2022

New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for a long time could be given the right to vote in Australian elections, under potential changes flagged by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Mr Albanese will ask federal parliament's elections committee to consider what changes could be made to extend voting rights to some New Zealanders.

New Zealand already grants voting rights to Australians living in New Zealand if they have been there for a year or more.

But that right is not reciprocated, except for a small number of New Zealanders who enrolled to vote as "British subjects" prior to 1984.

Mr Albanese said there might be scope to change that.

"We'll be asking the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to consider whether there's a way to return to systems that have existed in the past of giving New Zealand people who are here in Australia, contributing to society, paying taxes, working, voting rights here in Australia as well," he said.

"We won't pre-empt those processes. But it is, I think, a really common-sense position to at least examine over coming months."

As of the 2021 census, there were more than 530,000 people born in New Zealand living in Australia.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she asked Mr Albanese for "greater acknowledgement" of the contribution New Zealand expats were making to Australia.

She said work is underway to create a dedicated path to Australian citizenship for New Zealanders, separate to the ordinary process.

"Our ask has been for there to be a greater acknowledgement of the role that New Zealanders play here in Australia," she said.

"The fact that we have an agreement that no New Zealander or Australian should be rendered 'permanently temporary', that is a change in the way that we've previously seen New Zealanders treated here."

It is expected firm proposals for change will be put together before Anzac Day next year.

Deportations to remain, but with 'common sense' applied

The pair also discussed the sensitive issue of convicted criminals being deported in significant numbers to New Zealand.

In recent years, Australia has deported hundreds of New Zealand citizens found guilty of serious criminal offences, despite some holding few ties to the country.

It has been a source of tension between the two countries, and Mr Albanese said the government's approach to the issue will shift.

"We will continue to deport people when appropriate," he said.

"But we will have some common sense apply here.

"Where you have a circumstance where someone has lived their entire life, effectively, in Australia with no connection whatsoever to New Zealand, common sense should apply and we will act as friends."

Ms Ardern said that is the approach she wants to see taken.

"We acknowledge Australia will continue to deport, as New Zealand currently does have provision and does deport those who don't have a long-term connection to New Zealand," she said.

"What we have been seeking is common sense and the spirit of friendship.

"And that's what Prime Minister Albanese has spoken to today."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-08/anthony-albanese-and-jacinda-ardern-meet-for-talks/101220750

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 9, 2022, 6:51 p.m. No.16702135 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1553

ICAC witness Clifton Wong found dead in office after giving evidence

Megan Gorrey - July 8, 2022

Former Hurstville councillor Clifton Wong, who gave evidence to the state anti-corruption watchdog in an investigation into the conduct of three of his former council colleagues earlier this week, has been found dead.

NSW Police said emergency services crews responded to reports a 62-year-old man had died in an office complex on Deane Street in Burwood about 1.20pm on Wednesday.

The Herald has confirmed the man was Wong, a former Labor councillor who served on Hurstville City Council from 1999 to 2012.

Wong was among witnesses at the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s inquiry into whether three former Hurstville councillors accepted perks from developers in exchange for favourable planning decisions.

He appeared most recently for cross-examination on Monday, when he told the inquiry he regretted not telling anyone he witnessed a developer hand the then-deputy mayor $10,000 to help with a potential development.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances in his death. They will prepare a report for the coroner.

Wong’s barrister, Stephen Stanton, said the death of his client was “both personally and professionally [to me], a very sad development”.

Operation Galley is examining whether former Hurstville and Georges River councillors Con Hindi and Vince Badalati, and former Hurstville councillor Philip Sansom, accepted perks including overseas flights and accommodation from developers in exchange for supporting developments in Hurstville from 2014 to 2021.

The inquiry is also examining whether the three councillors deliberately failed to declare a conflict of interest stemming from their relationships with developers Philip Uy, Wensheng Liu and Yuqing Liu.

In his evidence on June 28, Wong said he saw Uy give Hindi an envelope containing $10,000 in exchange for favouring his and Wensheng Liu’s bid to buy a council-owned car park on Gloucester Road in Hurstville in 2012.

Under cross-examination on Monday, Wong said he hadn’t told anyone about the incident because he panicked.

“I didn’t know how to respond. I wish I had reported it back then, but I didn’t, and now I regret [it],” he said.

“This sort of thing, I know very well that it is not only immoral, it is illegal,” Wong said.

The inquiry heard Wong had been identified as a person of interest, along with Sansom, Badalati and Hindi, for allegedly “exercising [his] official functions dishonestly” when the ICAC investigation commenced in November.

Wong said in the witness box that he realised he was no longer a person of interest when he read an “investigation list” on the commission’s website when the inquiry began a few weeks ago.

Stanton said Wong had been due to return to the ICAC inquiry at a later date.

“He was courageous in terms of the evidence he gave to the commission that’s on the public record,” Stanton said.

“He was, as far as I was concerned, an honourable fellow.”

Legal representatives for witnesses at the inquiry extended their condolences to Wong’s family at the start of Friday’s hearing.

Commissioner Stephen Rushton described Wong’s death as a tragedy, and said he was “shocked and saddened”.

“Our thoughts are with his family, and we extend our deepest sympathy for what has occurred.”

Lawyers for Uy said their client felt unable to continue his evidence on Friday, and that in Chinese culture it would be disrespectful to Wong’s memory if he did so. He asked to be excused until next week.

Sansom’s lawyer also said his client, who was due to give evidence on Monday, might not be ready to proceed.

Rushton said the inquiry should adjourn until next week. It will resume on Tuesday.

“I sympathise with everyone’s position in this, but there’s a public interest also in resolving this investigation expeditiously,” he said.

Rushton urged witnesses and their lawyers to use the commission’s employee assistance program, which he said was available to any person whose health and safety might be at risk due to an investigation.

The ICAC has been contacted for comment.

Crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/icac-witness-found-dead-in-office-after-giving-evidence-20220707-p5b00i.html

Ghislaine Maxwell's attorneys appeal her federal conviction and sentence

Lauren del Valle - July 8, 2022

Attorneys for Ghislaine Maxwell have appealed her conviction and 20-year federal prison sentence for carrying out a yearslong scheme with her longtime confidante Jeffrey Epstein to groom and sexually abuse underage girls.

Maxwell's defense argument was not immediately available, but her attorneys have maintained her innocence since her 2020 arrest, asserting Maxwell has been a scapegoat for prosecutors in the wake of Epstein's death in prison.

A notice of appeal was filed Thursday in the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.

Maxwell, 60, was found guilty of five of six federal charges against her in December: sex trafficking of a minor, transporting a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and three related counts of conspiracy.

She was sentenced on only three counts after the judge agreed two of the conspiracy counts she faced were repetitive.

At Maxwell's sentencing in June, defense attorney Bobbi Sternheim, as she did during the trial, pushed the blame on Epstein.

"We all know that the person who should have been sentenced today escaped accountability, avoided his victims, avoided absorbing their pain and receiving the punishment he truly deserved," Sternheim said. "Jeffrey Epstein left Ghislaine Maxwell holding the whole bag."

The trial judge, Alison Nathan, disagreed.

"Miss Maxwell is not punished in place of Epstein," she said. "Miss Maxwell is being punished for the role that she played."

Maxwell did not testify at her trial but spoke briefly at her sentencing, acknowledging she had been convicted but stopped short of taking responsibility.

"I am sorry for the pain that you've experienced," Maxwell said. "I hope my conviction … brings you closure."

Epstein, who pleaded guilty in 2008 to state prostitution charges, was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019. He died by suicide in prison a month later. Maxwell has been detained since her arrest in July 2020, and prosecutors said she received credit for two years of time served.

Maxwell's monthlong trial last year alternated between disturbing testimony from sexual abuse victims and illuminating testimony about some of Epstein's connections to high-profile celebrities.

Prosecutors argued Maxwell and Epstein conspired to set up a scheme to lure young girls into sexual relationships with Epstein from 1994 to 2004 in New York, Florida, New Mexico and the US Virgin Islands. Four women testified during the trial that Epstein abused them and that Maxwell facilitated the abuse and sometimes participated in it as well.

Her defense, meanwhile, besides arguing she was a scapegoat, also attacked the memories and motivations of the women who say they were sexually abused.

According to the Bureau of Prisons website, Maxwell is being housed at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/08/us/ghislaine-maxwell-appeal/index.html

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?order_by=desc

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612.697.0.pdf

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 9, 2022, 6:56 p.m. No.16702190 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>2222

>>16702157

RealGhislaine Tweet

Ghislaine Maxwell appeals conviction, 20-year sentence in Epstein case

…d-4338-88ee-63f8ce48d2ce.usrfiles.com/ugd/ba2454_432…

https://twitter.com/RealGhislaine/status/1545467562359668740

https://ba2454cd-c37d-4338-88ee-63f8ce48d2ce.usrfiles.com/ugd/ba2454_4326f324ac0a4643b1cdd04ac955534a.pdf

>>16702157

>>16702190

Ghislaine Maxwell appeals conviction, 20-year sentence in Epstein case

Jonathan Stempel - July 8, 2022

NEW YORK, July 7 (Reuters) - Ghislaine Maxwell on Thursday formally appealed her conviction and 20-year prison sentence for helping the late financier Jeffrey Epstein sexually abuse underage girls over more than a decade.

The British socialite's notice of appeal was filed nine days after she was sentenced by U.S. Circuit Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan.

Nathan said the punishment reflected Maxwell's "instrumental" role in the abuse, and the "incalculable" damage it caused to victims.

Lawyers for Maxwell had argued that she was being scapegoated for Epstein's crimes.

Maxwell, 60, was convicted in December after a monthlong trial on sex trafficking and four other counts for recruiting and grooming four girls to have sexual encounters with Epstein, who was then her boyfriend, between 1994 and 2004.

The daughter of the late British media magnate Robert Maxwell could be imprisoned until her late 70s, with possible credit for good behavior plus credit for the two years she has been jailed at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.

Maxwell's appeal was expected, and Thursday's notice did not say what issues she will raise.

Her lawyers have said the conviction was tainted because of a lack of evidence Maxwell was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, that prosecutors waited too long to indict her, and that one juror failed to disclose he had been sexually abused as a child.

Nathan rejected these arguments in April.

The lawyers have also said jail officials would not let Maxwell prepare adequately for trial, and that Nathan should have used different guidelines when calculating a sentence.

Bobbi Sternheim, the Maxwell lawyer who filed the notice of appeal, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The appeals process will likely last several months or longer.

Epstein, 66, killed himself in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting his own trial for sex trafficking.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/ghislaine-maxwell-appeals-conviction-20-year-sentence-epstein-case-2022-07-07/

o7

Australia the ‘root cause’ of breakdown with China, Wang Yi told Penny Wong

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 10, 2022

China’s Foreign Minister told Penny Wong the Coalition government was the “root cause” of Canberra and Beijing’s spectacular bilateral breakdown and said four things need to change to get the relationship “back on the right track”.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Australian counterpart that China was willing to “re-examine and re-calibrate” the bilateral relationship “based on mutual respect” at their meeting in Bali on Friday.

President Xi Jinping’s second most senior diplomat — after politburo member Yang Jiechi — blamed the Coalition government’s “irresponsible” words and deeds for the rupture in the relationship.

“The root cause of the difficulties in bilateral relations over the past few years was the former Australian government’s insisting on regarding China as a rival or even a threat, allowing its words and deeds being irresponsible against China,” Mr Wang said, according to China’s official newsagency Xinhua.

He expressed hope that the Australian side would “seize the current opportunity and take actions to improve bilateral relations”.

A seperate summary of the meeting issued by China’s foreign ministry said Australia should follow Beijing’s four-point plan for improving the relationship.

First, Mr Wang said Australia must treat China as a “partner rather than a rival”.

Second, the two countries must seek “common ground while shelving differences”.

Third, Australia must reject “manipulation by a third party”, he said, without naming the United States.

Fourth, both countries must build “a public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism”.

Friday’s meeting was the first time China’s Foreign Minister had communicated with his Australian counterpart in almost three years, following Beijing’s decision to freeze all ministerial relations after it became angry with the Morrison government.

Speaking to reporters in Bali hours after the meeting, Australia’s Foreign Minister attempted to lower expectations after the exchange.

“We’ve got a path to walk,” Senator Wong said.

She said Canberra was attempting to “stabilise” relations which would “take time and work”.

Public opinion in Australia has soured sharply towards China, as Beijing attempted to punish the Coalition government for calling for an independent inquiry into the origins of coronavirus.

A recent Lowy poll found that Australians’ trust in China had plunged to just 12 per cent, down from 52 per cent in 2018.

Only 11 per cent of Australians surveyed by Lowy said they had confidence in Mr Xi to do the right thing in international affairs, only marginally better than his good friend Russian President Vladimir Putin and his ally, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Mr Wang also defended China’s increased security presence in the Pacific in his meeting with Ms Wong, another point of ongoing tension between the two countries.

China’s Foreign Minister said those agreements — including a new police presence in Solomon Islands — was “at the request” of Pacific countries.

“At the same time, China has also carried out trilateral co-operation with Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the South Pacific region, which has achieved positive results,” he said, according to the Foreign Ministry statement.

During the election campaign, Senator Wong called Beijing’s new security agreement with the Solomons the “worst foreign policy blunder in the Pacific since the end of World War II”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday said he would discuss China’s “more aggressive” behaviour with the region’s leaders at this week’s Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji.

After the election of Joe Biden in November 2020, China’s officials blamed the breakdown in the US-China relationship on the Donald Trump administration. More than a year and a half later, relations between the two superpowers remain extremely tense.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/australia-the-root-cause-of-breakdown-with-china-wang-yi-told-penny-wong/news-story/47cb9bba00d85f4150b088d60cffcab8

>>16704930

China, Australia agree to smooth bilateral ties

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the China-Australia relationship is facing both challenges and opportunities, and its healthy development suits the common interests of both peoples and helps safeguard the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Xinhua - 2022-07-10

BALI, Indonesia, July 10 (Xinhua) – Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong here on Friday, with both sides agreeing to remove obstacles and bring bilateral ties back on the right track.

They met on the sidelines of the Group of 20 (G20) foreign ministers' meeting held in Bali, Indonesia.

Wang said that the China-Australia relationship is facing both challenges and opportunities, and its healthy development suits the common interests of both peoples and helps safeguard the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

At the time of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Chinese side is willing to re-examine and re-calibrate bilateral relationship, based on mutual respect, and make efforts to bring it back on the right track, Wang said.

For her part, Wong said Australia and China are comprehensive strategic partners with extensive associations and frequent economic and trade exchanges, which have benefited the people of both countries.

The new Australian government will continue its one-China policy and hopes to take the advantage of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations to make Australia-China ties become more stable and mutually beneficial, she said.

Australia has no intention of expanding its differences with China, nor joining the containment of China, Wong noted.

She said her country will, by respecting each other and adopting a rational and pragmatic attitude, maintain constructive contacts and exchanges between the two sides, increase mutual trust, expand cooperation on the basis of equality, and work to remove existing barriers in bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Wang said the root cause of the difficulties in bilateral relations over the past few years was the former Australian government's insisting on regarding China as a rival or even a threat, allowing its words and deeds being irresponsible against China.

He expressed hope that the Australian side would seize the current opportunity and take actions to improve bilateral relations.

Wang called on the Australian side to add positive energy to the development of bilateral ties, with commitment to regarding China as a partner rather than a rival, seeking common ground while shelving differences, non-targeting and rejecting manipulation by a third party, and building a public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism.

The two sides also exchanged views on the affairs concerning Pacific Island countries.

https://english.news.cn/20220710/ce8f4e44d10e408e97e536f481dfd2fe/c.html

China blames Coalition government for ‘difficulties’ with Australia, proposes four point plan

Eryk Bagshaw - July 10, 2022

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Nadi: Beijing has laid the blame for three years of spiralling relations with Australia on the former Coalition government, clearing the way for a more stable dialogue with Labor.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday released details of Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s meeting with Penny Wong and outlined four proposals to get the relationship back on track.

“The root cause of the difficulties in China-Australia relations in the past few years is that the former Australian government insisted on treating China as an ‘adversary’ or even a ‘threat’, and adopted a series of irresponsible words and deeds against China,” Wang said.

“It is hoped that the Australian side will seize the current opportunity and take concrete actions to reshape its correct understanding of China, reduce negative assets and accumulate positive energy for the improvement of China-Australia relations.”

Coalition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham fired back on Sunday and accused Beijing of being dishonest. As trade minister in the Morrison government, Birmingham was responsible for responding to $20 billion in trade strikes by Beijing.

“It is widely acknowledged that the Chinese government has changed in recent years and Australia’s actions to protect our critical infrastructure or democratic institutions were entirely appropriate in the circumstances,” he said.

“To suggest that Australia acted in isolation would be a rewriting of history.”

Wang’s tone marks a significant departure from years of ongoing hostility between the two trading partners after the Coalition banned Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from the 5G network in 2018, called for an inquiry into COVID-19 and criticised China’s human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. China responded by hitting Australia trade strikes on half a dozen industries and cutting off all ministerial contact for almost three years.

Wang did not address the substantive issues in the relationship in his readout, including the trade strikes on Australian businesses or the ongoing detention of Australians Yang Hengjun and Cheng Lei in Chinese jails.

Both issues were raised directly by Wong in her meeting with Wang on Friday, the first formal discussion between Australian and Chinese foreign ministers since September 2019.

Wang offered a vague four-point proposal to fix relations between the two governments.

“First, we must insist on treating China as a partner rather than an opponent,” he said.

“Second, we must adhere to the way of getting along with seeking common ground while reserving differences. Third, we must insist on not targeting third parties. Fourth, we must adhere to building a positive and pragmatic social foundation of public opinion.”

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Birmingham said China had breached the China-Australia Free Trade agreement by imposing sanctions. “Instead of setting conditions for Australia, the Chinese government should cease its unjustified punishment of Australian businesses,” he said.

Birmingham said the test of the new dialogue with Beijing will be in the outcome of the meetings.

“The test here over time is whether we do see an improvement in relation to the removal of trade sanctions,” he said.

“It will also be a test as to the treatment of individual Australian citizens who have been unfairly detained and charged in ways where we need to ensure they see transparent justice occur.”

The Australian public’s view of the Chinese government has collapsed under the weight of the ongoing diplomatic dispute. A Lowy Institute poll in June found that trust in China had fallen to 12 per cent, from 52 per cent in 2018.

The Chinese embassy has previously blamed negative media coverage of the world’s second-largest economy for the decline and demanded that the Australian government control independent think-tanks and news coverage to reverse public opinion.

“Australians see China’s foreign policy as a critical threat,” the executive director of the Lowy Insitute Michael Fullilove said at the release of the June report. “Their trust in China continues to fall, and in a dramatic shift, three-quarters of Australians see China as posing a military threat to Australia in the years to come.”

Wang said there was an opportunity for Australia and China to collaborate in the region ahead of the Pacific Island Forum leader’s meeting in Fiji this week. China’s ambitions in the Pacific are set to play a key part in the forum after it secured a security agreement with Solomon Islands but failed to push through a region-wide deal in May.

“China has carried out trilateral co-operation with Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the South Pacific region and achieved positive results,” said Wang. “China is willing to give play to its respective advantages to achieve a win-win.”

The Albanese government has maintained that the trade restrictions on Australian exports have to be removed if the relationship is to recover.

Wong said on Saturday that her meeting with Wang was the first step towards stabilising the relationship.

“We are a government and a nation that has made certain decisions on the basis of our national interest, our national security and our sovereignty and we won’t be resiling from those,” she said.

“But we do think it’s in our interests, and we would stay say in China’s interests, for the relationship to be stabilised. That’s going to take time, that’s going to take effort, that’s going to take work and it’s going to take some nuance.”

https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/china-blames-coalition-government-for-difficulties-with-australia-proposes-four-point-plan-20220710-p5b0iy.html

(Google translation)

Wang Yi Meets with Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian of Australia

2022-07-09

On July 8, 2022 local time, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met at request with Foreign Minister Huang Yingxian of Australia on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali.

Wang Yi said that China-Australia relations face both challenges and opportunities, and if healthy development can be achieved, it will serve the common interests of the two peoples and help maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia, the Chinese side is willing to take the pulse, recalibrate and set sail for the bilateral relationship in the spirit of mutual respect, and strive to bring the bilateral relationship back on track.

Huang Yingxian said that Australia and China are comprehensive strategic partners with extensive ties and close economic and trade exchanges, bringing benefits to the two peoples. The Australian and New Zealand governments will abide by the purposes of the UN Charter, abide by international law and norms of international relations, and continue to pursue the one-China policy. It is hoped that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries will serve as an opportunity to make bilateral relations more stable and mutually beneficial. In the face of some complex factors in Australia-China relations, Australia has no intention of amplifying the differences between the two sides or participating in the containment of China. It will maintain constructive contacts and exchanges between the two sides, enhance mutual trust, expand equal cooperation, and eliminate bilateral obstacles in the relationship.

Wang Yi said that the root cause of the difficulties in China-Australia relations in the past few years is that the former Australian government insisted on treating China as an "adversary" or even a "threat", and adopted a series of irresponsible words and deeds against China. The Chinese side attaches great importance to the Australian and New Zealand government's reaffirmation of its position as a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and appreciates the Australian side's adherence to the one-China policy. It is our shared responsibility to abide by the UN Charter and the basic norms governing international relations. It is hoped that the Australian side will seize the current opportunity and take concrete actions to reshape its correct understanding of China, reduce negative assets and accumulate positive energy for the improvement of China-Australia relations. First, we must insist on treating China as a partner rather than an opponent. Second, we must adhere to the way of getting along with seeking common ground while reserving differences. Third, we must insist on neither targeting nor subject to third parties. Fourth, we must adhere to building a positive and pragmatic social foundation of public opinion.

The two sides also communicated on the affairs of Pacific island countries. Wang Yi stressed that at the request of the island countries and according to the needs of the people of the island countries, China and the island countries have carried out equal exchanges and cooperation between sovereign countries. China has also carried out trilateral cooperation with Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the South Pacific region and achieved positive results. China is willing to give play to its respective advantages to achieve win-win and multi-win.

https://www.mfa.gov.cn/wjbzhd/202207/t20220709_10718039.shtml

Wong, Wang meeting in Bali was no ‘reset’

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 10, 2022

At least China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi didn’t berate Penny Wong in front of a media pack in Bali. Her predecessors weren’t always so lucky.

Back in 2013, Wang exploded at Julie Bishop after she expressed mild criticism over Beijing’s declaration of an air defence identification zone in the disputed East China Sea.

“It felt like an ambush,” Bishop told me last year.

Wang’s outburst was extraordinary back in December 2013. One senior Australian foreign affairs official said he had “never in 30 years encountered such rudeness”.

It marked the beginning of a new period: the era of the Wolf Warrior diplomat.

Beijing’s diplomatic corps — “China’s Civilian Army”, as they refer to themselves — have always been assertive. However, eruptions of the sort Bishop experienced had become uncommon in the decades before Xi Jinping took office in 2013.

Now they are routine.

The China that Foreign Minister Wong and the Albanese government are dealing with considers such tantrums a legitimate diplomatic tool.

Another anti-diplomatic tool of Xi’s China is the total cessation of ministerial contact when things get difficult, as it did for almost three years with the Morrison government.

On Friday, in a sideline meeting at the G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Bali, Wang finally deemed to speak to his Australian counterpart. Of course that is a good thing.

“It’s a first step for both our nations,’’ Senator Wong said after the meeting.

The Chinese, for their part, took more than 24 hours to give their account, as they waited to see what the Australian government said first.

Minutes before midnight on Saturday, Foreign Minister Wang gave his version in a statement, in which he said the “root cause” of the breakdown was the Coalition government’s “irresponsible words and deeds”.

“[Mr Wang] expressed hope that the Australian side would seize the current opportunity and take actions to improve bilateral relations,” China’s Foreign Ministry said in the statement.

Beijing tried a similar strategy with the Biden administration, putting all the blame for the US-China breakdown on Donald Trump and his team. More than 18 months on, US-China relations remain terrible.

Ahead of the meeting, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman explained what Beijing wanted.

“A reset requires concrete actions,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian instructed.

That might be true, but Canberra is not after a “reset”. The goal, as Foreign Minister Wong explained, is to “stabilise” relations with China.

That is a good description of the difficult task. The Albanese government wants to put a floor under the tattered relationship.

Zhao may not have got the memo, but talk of another “reset” is an anathema in Canberra. Australia’s relations with China have already been reset. That happened in the Turnbull government, was furthered by the Morrison government and now continues in the Albanese era.

Banning Huawei from Australia’s 5G network, passing foreign interference legislation to limit Chinese government-backed activity in Australia, working with friends and partners to defend the international rules based system that Beijing is putting under stress — that was the reset.

And to be fair, it is understandable it enraged our biggest trading partner.

China has changed under Xi Jinping. But so, in response, has Australia. No wonder many in Beijing have whiplash.

Less than eight years ago, after President Xi addressed the Australian parliament, Tony Abbott lauded what he had heard as the Chinese leader’s commitment to make the People’s Republic of China “fully democratic” by 2050.

To put it politely, members of Australia’s political class were, at least until 2015, stunningly naive about the reality of China. Not anymore.

Good relations between the two countries are impossible right now. That is not the fault of Australian diplomacy. It is a function of deep and wide disagreements — many of which were raised by Wong in her meeting with Wang.

And how could Australia have good relations with a country that treats communication with its Foreign Minister as a concession, rather than just normal behaviour?

After the 2017-2022 reset, Australia-China relations deteriorated to an appalling state. The goal for the Albanese government is to try to transform an appalling Australia-China relationship into a bad Australia-China relationship or, if things go better than expected, a fraught Australia-China relationship.

Forget good. Work towards less bad.

Even that won’t be easy, but the meeting in Bali was a step in the right direction.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/wong-wang-meeting-in-bali-was-no-reset/news-story/27bf40692a1defa8e20163cd5d4223b8

https://twitter.com/wmdglasgow/status/1545592854969745409

>>16500004 (pb)

Exclusive: Pacific Islands Forum crisis as Kiribati withdraws

Barbara Dreaver - 10 July 2022

1News can reveal Kiribati has withdrawn from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) with immediate effect, plunging the regional body in to crisis.

The news comes despite increased efforts by island leaders over the past few days to persuade the country to stay.

Kiribati was one of five Micronesian nations which announced it would be leaving the forum last year, after feeling sidelined by bigger countries.

In a leaked letter to Secretary General of the forum, Kiribati President, Taneti Maamau said the country had decided to leave due to four key reasons.

These included the regions "reluctance" to address concerns over the appointment of Cook Islander, Henry Puna to the secretary general role, despite it being promised to Micronesia.

Concerns were also raised over reform packages made under the Suva agreement last month, which aimed to restore political unity and encourage Micronesian countries to remain in the forum. The Kiribati President said his country did not sign the deal.

“There was never a Micronesian Presidents' Summit (MPS) caucus decision on the PIF reform packages that Kiribati was part of, and particularly an MPS collective decision to return to the PIF”, he said.

The President also requested for the forum to be deferred, due to it coinciding with Kiribati National day, but said this request was never considered or acknowledged.

“Solidarity and unity as a region is dependent on how we treat each other with profound respect and understanding,” Maamau said.

The news of the island nation's withdrawal has shocked other Pacific leaders.

1News revealed the departure to Niuean Premier, Dalton Tagelagi, who said he was “sad to hear” of its exit, and “can only pray for and comfort Kiribati”.

Tuvalu’s Foreign Minister, Simon Kofe said he hopes the country will reconsider its decision.

“I think it's critical because the way we operate in the forum is that we want to reach consensus on all issues and if one of our members is not happy with that we have to keep trying our hardest to get them on board”.

Official sources told 1News Kiribati has become increasingly isolated and has refused to engage at a diplomatic level.

There are growing suspicions Beijing is behind the country’s exit, with Kiribati strategically important to China due to nearby US Military installations and marine resources.

Massey University lecturer, Anna Powles said having an ally outside of the forum would benefit China.

“There are checks and balances that exist within regionalism that are incredibly important for ensuring the stability of the wider Pacific family. Now to be outside those mechanisms it would be a benefit for a country like China”.

Nauru has also confirmed it will not attend due to a Covid-19 outbreak on the island, while the Marshall Islands will miss the forum due to legal issues.

The 51st Pacific Island Forum will begin tomorrow and run to July 15 in Fiji’s capital, Suva.

https://www.1news.co.nz/2022/07/10/exclusive-pacific-islands-forum-crisis-as-kiribati-withdraws/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qjMIQuOpV8

Prof Nicola Spurrier: SA businesses urged to consider masks, work-from-home mandates

SA businesses have been urged to consider imposing mask rules and re-introducing work from home arrangements, as Covid cases climb once again.

Andrew Hough - July 10, 2022

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South Australian businesses have been urged to consider imposing their own mask rules to stop Covid-19 spreading, as a third Omicron wave sweeps the country.

Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said employers and firms should start thinking about business continuity plans and about how to protect their employees.

The calls emerged as an urgent review into the country’s vaccine program was launched and lifesaving Covid-19 antivirals expanded.

The country’s emergency medical panel, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, on Friday urged employers to consider imposing work-from-home conditions.

Prof Spurrier – an AHPPC member – on Sunday endorsed the move, saying businesses should look at strategies including work-from-home and mask rules as Covid cases rise once again in SA.

“That might mean that employers might want to bring in a mask policy over this period of time as well,” she said.

“And certainly have a look at your business continuity plans because you don’t want your whole team wiped out with Covid or indeed flu at this time of the year.

“There are some businesses where you can’t work from home. (But) there are many businesses who have found that it’s actually very productive to have people working from home.

“Many employees… find that fits into their lifestyle, and they are as productive and they’re able to also, you know, look after their kids and such like.”

The state government has, however, ruled out imposing any new restrictions or mask mandates on top of those that already exist in hospitals, nursing homes and public transport.

Health Minister Chris Picton said it was more appropriate for businesses to come up with their own mandates.

“What we’re seeing now is a phase of the pandemic where businesses are making decisions in terms of what’s best for their workplace, what’s best for their business continuity,” he said.

“Many businesses are facing issues where as more people test positive, then that has issues in terms of their business.

“I think we will see businesses take measures themselves to look at how we can make sure that our workplace is protected, how we can make sure that our businesses continue.”

SA Health will on Monday expand access to a fourth, or “winter”, vaccine dose, as authorities grapple with a surge of new variants BA.4 and BA.5 that current vaccinations fail to protect against.

More than 236,000 South Australians aged 50-64 will be eligible including Prof Spurrier, who will get her fourth jab on Monday. A further 255,000 adults older than 30 are also eligible.

Authorities have reopened several vaccination clinics, including those in Rundle Mall’s Myer Centre and at Enfield, while a pop-up facility is planned for the parklands.

Under new guidelines, which are based on updated advice from Australia’s top immunisation panel, adults older than 50 are strongly recommended to get their fourth jab.

Those aged between 30 and 49 are also being urged to have an updated Covid-19 vaccine dose – despite many in these age groups shunning a third booster jab.

Figures show more than 174,000 fourth doses have been administered but a third of eligible adults have failed to get the winter jab.

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Anonymous ID: 639bba July 10, 2022, 3:10 a.m. No.16705038 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

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‘This will save lives’: Thousands to gain access to Covid treatments

Meanwhile, an urgent review into the country’s Covid vaccine program has been launched, as thousands of South Australians gain access to lifesaving Covid-19 drugs.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler announced former Commonwealth health chief Jane Halton would investigate procurement adequacy.

The review, which is expected to report back within weeks, will also explore supplies of antivirals as the eligibility is expanded.

“I’ve asked Jane Halton to conduct an urgent review into the adequacy of our existing vaccine and medicine procurement arrangements for Covid to make sure they fit for purpose for the rest of this year and into next year,” Mr Butler said in Adelaide on Sunday.

“Up until now, it was very, very difficult to get access to these (antiviral) medicines in spite of the fact that the former government to their credit, bought 1.3 million doses of those medicines.

“But up until now, they’ve essentially been sitting on shelves in warehouses instead of out there doing their job to prevent severe disease.”

The Advertiser this week revealed how difficult it was for South Australians to access the lifesaving antivirals.

Every person over the age of 70 will be able to get a script from their GP for the oral treatments at an affordable rate under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from Monday, while the risk factor threshold for younger people has also been lowered.

Under the expansion, Australians over 50 can access the drugs if they have two or more risk factors, such as obesity, asthma, heart conditions or diabetes, with the age lowered to 30 and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The oral antivirals, Lagevrio and Paxlovid, have been shown to be effective in the early treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 in adults who are at increased risk of progression to hospitalisation.

Previously, the antivirals were available only to people aged over 75 with at least one underlying condition, or 65 and over with two risk factors. Australians 18 and over who are “moderately to severely immunocompromised” were also eligible and this remains unchanged.

New Covid case numbers in SA have been hovering around 4000 a day over the past week.

SA Health last Tuesday said new modelling forecast a rise in hospitalisations of people suffering only from Covid from fewer than 100 cases to more than 150 within three weeks.

Mr Picton welcomed the expansion and criticised the slowness of decisions from an expert pharmacy panel.

“I think this decision is clearly going to save people’s lives,” he said of the antiviral expansion.

“And we need to encourage as many people as possible to get access to these antivirals.

“The previous rules were far too restrictive.

“These new rules are really targeted in terms of where we know the greatest impact of people ending up with severe issues having to go to hospital or the risk of death is and that’s people who are in the elderly population.”

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/coronavirus/access-to-lifesaving-covid-antiviral-drugs-expanded/news-story/baf3a75ef58afd1f6fc3cbc700ce22aa

Labor MPs and experts urge action over Victoria’s high COVID death rate

Paul Sakkal - July 10, 2022

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Victorian Labor MPs and epidemiologists have urged the government to do more to lower the state’s nation-leading COVID-19 death rate, while some suggest the Andrews government is putting politics ahead of public health by avoiding discussion about the pandemic.

Six Labor MPs, including a current and former minister, said the impending Omicron sub-variant wave necessitates increased public health messaging on things like ventilation, mask-wearing and vaccine boosters.

However, several other Labor MPs argue the government’s language has not changed and it has minimal ability to influence the behaviour of a weary public, three years into the pandemic.

Public attention is turning once again to COVID-19, as new BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants spawn a winter wave of infections. The threat spurred the nation’s chief health officers, acting under the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, to say on Friday that, “without increased community and public health actions”, cases could rise as dramatically as they did in January when Omicron overwhelmed the testing system.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths per day in Australia, as a proportion of the population, is significantly higher than in the US, UK, France or Canada, according to statistics from Our World in Data. Within Australia, more Victorians are dying than in any state; an average of 18 per day, compared to 12.7 in NSW.

University of Melbourne Professor Nancy Baxter said political leaders were displaying a lack of political will to confront the new Omicron wave, which she said could strain Victoria’s already-overcrowded hospitals.

Baxter has been a regular voice for stronger health measures. She called on politicians to wear masks during indoor press conferences, to encourage Victorians to do the same.

While she did not propose sweeping new rules, Baxter said the government could encourage people to work from home and advise people to reduce the size of their indoor gatherings and ensure they happen in well-ventilated areas.

“If it is politically expedient to say the pandemic is over then it’s hard, until things get totally out of hand, to say anything different,” she said.

“We’re talking about it being endemic, but it always comes in waves. We need to have frank discussions about what happens when we move into the growth phases of these waves.”

A serving Labor minister, speaking anonymously to talk candidly about government policy, said governments around Australia were reluctant to make COVID mitigation a dominant part of their narrative because it invoked voters’ memories of lockdowns.

“We’re not the only ones in that basket, but an election around the corner [in November] is obviously a factor for the premier because the opposition hysterically leaps onto anything we say on this front,” she said. “[Messaging] may need to step up soon.”

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Discussing the impending wave, boosters and flu vaccinations on Friday, Industry Minister Ben Carroll conceded: “We do need to do a bit more work around communications, which we will do.” He ruled out an indoor mask mandate and lockdowns, which no expert or politician is advocating for.

But one backbencher said it was timely for the government to consider reintroducing rules, such as visitor caps at aged care homes and hospitals.

Another said he was “distressed” by the number of people dying.

“Everyone has taken their foot off the pedal and there would be value, even if these things remain voluntary, in strongly promoting the things we are accustomed to: distancing, ventilation, mask-wearing and vaccination.”

“Mask wearing is so spectacularly under-enforced on public transport. I frequently see tram drivers not wearing them. If we can’t get the workers to wear them, how can we make travellers do it?”

Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said the Victorian government had failed to shift from top-down messaging early in the pandemic to community-empowering information about tools to manage risk.

Professor Bennett, who has often criticised Victoria’s COVID-19 policy settings, said the Victorian Health Department should be doing things like presenting data on how effective masks are at preventing infection.

“We need to get creative about engagement. We did that in vaccination and outbreak control. We need to be doing that again to understand what communities need to get them to keep wearing masks and doing other things,” she said.

“Yes it would help if the premier would lead by example, but we need more than that now. Does it have to be positive? Yes. We have to move away from fear. Public health messaging shouldn’t be about fear; it’s about giving people the info they need to feel like they can control risk.”

A state government spokeswoman said the Andrews government was continuing to protect public heath, “including through simple and common-sense restrictions,” by spending $2 million since the start of winter on information campaigns, including on boosters and managing COVID-19 at home.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/labor-mps-and-experts-urge-action-over-victoria-s-high-covid-death-rate-20220709-p5b0d0.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 10, 2022, 3:25 a.m. No.16705076 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>5080

>>16471614 (pb)

Paedophile schoolteacher David Harkess the third sex offender identified among WACA elite junior cricket coaches of the 1970s

Russell Jackson - 10 July 2022

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A paedophile schoolteacher whose victims were left suicidal from their abuse is the latest former cricket coach to be identified in an ABC Sport investigation of Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) elite junior squads of the 1970s and 1980s.

Warning: This article contains content that readers may find distressing

David "Harry" Harkess, who in 1989 was convicted of 55 counts of indecently dealing with 21 schoolboys, coached elite WACA under-16, under-15, under-14 and under-12 squads for five seasons from 1977-78 to 1981-1982.

ABC Sport understands WACA powerbrokers of the 1970s and 80s knew the nature of Harkess's conviction at the time it became public, but WACA chief executive Christina Matthews said the organisation's current leadership was not aware of Harkess's involvement at the WACA until contacted by ABC Sport.

Harkess's stint as a WACA junior coach overlapped with that of convicted sex offender Ian King, who coached WACA junior squads until at least 1977-78, and former WACA junior development officer and youth cricket council secretary Roy Wenlock, whose abuse of boys he had coaxed into "drinks boy" duties at the WACA was revealed by ABC Sport last month.

Wenlock's stint at the WACA lasted 29 years between 1979 and his death in 2007, but his sexual abuse of boys was only publicly revealed in 2012, as part of a West Australian parliamentary inquiry into sexual abuse of boys at Anglican hostels.

King is currently serving a 16-year jail sentence for his sexual abuse of boys in elite junior cricket squads administered by Cricket ACT. In 2006, a former Cricket ACT coaching colleague of King's told police that he and another coach had been warned by Western Australian counterparts upon King's arrival in Canberra that King had offended against boys in Western Australia.

Matthews said the WACA is taking the issue seriously and would consider options including a formal investigation of its elite junior programs of the 70s and 80s.

"We certainly have to think about how we look back and decide whether an investigation has to be undertaken," Matthews said.

"It's very, very sad and disappointing to hear that there may be further victims of sexual abuse out there. It's something we have to look into more deeply and get to the bottom of it.

"Again, I'm very sorry to anybody who suffered abuse while partaking in any WACA activities. I want to assure people that we have a lot of very strong, robust programs in place to make sure that can't happen now, and they're constantly being reviewed.

"That does not help survivors, but it does indicate that we've learned from the past and will continue to be stronger in the future."

In addition to his WACA coaching positions, Harkess, who died at 52 in 1999, also coached cricket, football and numerous others sports in the Perth suburbs of Mosman Park and Balga, and for many years in a West Australian wheatbelt town.

'Everyone's favourite uncle'

To associates on the West Australian cricket scene, David Alan Harkess was known as "Harry". To many of the hundreds of children he encountered in schools, churches and sports clubs around Western Australia, he was "Uncle Harry".

Decades after his abuse of children was revealed, Harkess is still described as a "Pied Piper" character within the communities he offended in. Survivors say he was a popular teacher and mentor who could instantly win the trust of any child he encountered.

But in May 1989, Harkess's life unravelled in Perth's Children's Court, where he pleaded guilty to 55 charges of indecently dealing with 21 boys from a small wheatbelt town in which he taught for seven years. Harkess was sentenced to 18 months in jail and minutes later attempted suicide in a holding cell, before being transported to Fremantle jail.

Newspaper reports at the time said at least four boys had been left suicidal by Harkess's abuse and others had suffered nightmares, psychological disorders and displayed symptoms of anorexia. The West Australian government was so fearful of the impact on the town that it sent a delegation of 12 psychologists to deal with the fallout.

At the time of Harkess's conviction, a gag order prevented media outlets from naming the town because the risk of identifying victims was too great. Harkess had abused at least one-third of the town's 100 boys.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 10, 2022, 3:26 a.m. No.16705080 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>5082

>>16705076

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But even outside court there were also disturbing insights into Harkess's ability to cultivate support, groom parents and maintain a psychological hold on those who fell under his spell. A contingent of parents belonging to the town's Church of Christ community stepped forward in Harkess's defence, saying the town had "no hate for him".

"Children were his whole life," one mother said of Harkess.

"He spent so much time with them, coaching junior teams in football, cricket, basketball, hockey and playing and coaching senior teams as well."

In 1987, the town had named him its citizen of the year. In court, Harkess's pastor described him as "everyone's favourite uncle".

Yet other sections of the town's community had long harboured suspicions about Harkess and were "disgusted" when supporters flocked to him.

"The general community feeling is that we do not want to see Harkess here ever," one resident told The West Australian.

'Moulding teenage boys into gentlemen'

According to WACA annual reports, Harkess was appointed to his first WACA coaching positions for the 1977-78 season — a period in which, survivors told ABC Sport, he was sexually abusing schoolboys placed in his care.

In that summer alone, Harkess coached three WACA junior teams: the under-15 state squad, plus the under-16 and under-14 WACA Metropolitan teams.

In 1978-79, Harkess was appointed WACA under-16 coach, replacing Ian King — another coach later convicted of child sex offences. In his first year in that role, Harkess led the under-16s on an interstate tour to Rockhampton.

In a note of thanks for his efforts, the WACA annual report stated that Harkess had "moulded 14 teenage boys into a group of young gentlemen, who won the accolades of all who came in contact with them".

In subsequent seasons, Harkess would lead the WACA under-16s on numerous interstate trips, including to Melbourne and Launceston for national carnivals.

A husky diabetic who exaggerated his playing feats, as a teenager Harkess had only been the scorer for the first XI at his Perth private school, Christ Church Grammar.

As a senior cricketer, his main claim to fame was as the unknown left-arm paceman who clean bowled England captain Mike Smith when the 1965-66 Ashes tourists took a net session in Perth. Otherwise, Harkess found his level in Nedlands CC's thirds and fourths teams.

As coach of the Nedlands under-12 and under-14 teams in the first half of the 1970s, Harkess was a bigger hit — so popular with the boys and their parents that his arrest and imprisonment almost 20 years later stunned them.

But others on the Perth cricket scene still wonder how, other than by nepotism, Harkess could have risen so far in WACA coaching ranks. During Harkess's elite coaching years, his father Alan, a prominent Perth businessman, was a notable sponsor of the WACA's junior programs via his Homecraft Nationwide stores.

WACA annual reports of the time confirm annual WACA 'player of the year' awards for each junior age group — trophies and coveted bats — were sponsored by Homecraft Nationwide Stores and presented by either Alan or David Harkess. As a naming rights sponsor, the company's name and logo appeared on WACA junior competition shields.

Speaking to ABC Sport, one former WACA elite junior who received one of the WACA's junior 'player of the year' awards said the brand new bats were often not available on the WACA's annual presentation night, but would instead be delivered to the boys' homes by David Harkess.

And one survivor of Harkess's abuse told ABC Sport that Harkess used brand new 'SP' brand cricket bats to groom boys at local club training sessions, allowing only select boys to use them.

(continued)

>>16705080

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'This fellow had a great rapport with the children'

The WACA was not the only Western Australian institution that Harkess infiltrated for a sustained period. Legal sources confirmed to ABC Sport that survivors of Harkess's abuse in primary school settings are considering suing the West Australian Department of Education.

At the time of Harkess's conviction, the only offences to be publicly aired were those that occurred between 1982 and the end of 1988, the point at which Harkess was exiled from the wheatbelt. But survivors of Harkess's abuse told ABC Sport he had been offending against schoolboys since at least the mid-1970s.

In response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by ABC Sport, Western Australia's Department of Education confirmed that between 1977 and 1989, Harkess taught at three other government schools — Balga North Primary between 1977 and 1980, Carlisle Primary School in 1982 and Banksia Park Primary School in 1989.

In his four years teaching at Balga North, survivors confirmed, Harkess had sexually abused boys during Friday night "sleepover" events the school permitted Harkess to host on school grounds.

Survivors said the schools ignored other obvious red flags about the "king of the kids" teacher, including his use of lollies and presents to groom children until they were "literally hanging off him" and his standing invitation for children to visit him at home and borrow videos from his film library.

Survivors told ABC Sport that most weekends, Harkess would drive children around in an 11-seater minibus that was his personal vehicle, taking boys on trips to the local speedway and WAFL football games — excursions on which, they say, boys were sexually abused.

Among those familiar with the West Australian Education Department's decision to accept a transfer request from Harkess in December 1988 — when his offending in the wheatbelt town was known — and grant him one final teaching posting at the beginning of 1989, there is still a sense of anger.

An education source with knowledge of Harkess's appointment to Banksia Park Primary School told ABC Sport the school was not warned about Harkess's rampant offending at his previous school and only became aware of his impending court appearance when an anonymous police officer tipped off the school.

By then, Harkess had taught at the school for the entire first term, instantly winning the affection of children.

"This fellow had a great rapport with the children," a social worker who counselled Harkess's victims told the Sydney Morning Herald in 1989.

"It cannot be said he was a monster in the mythical sense of the word.

"This rapport explains why the offences went on so long."

''Do you have more information on this story? Contact jackson.russell@abc.net.au''

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-10/paedophile-teacher-david-harkess-third-sex-offender-waca-70s-80s/101219542

>>16408509 (pb)

Australian law enforcer suspected of being mafia informant

One of Australia’s top law enforcers is under investigation amid suspicions he was allegedly secretly working with the mafia and may have compromised some of our biggest crime cases.

Charles Miranda - July 10, 2022

One of Australia’s top law enforcers is under investigation, with suspicions he is a mafia informant and over decades may have compromised some of Australia’s most notorious organised crime cases.

News Corp Australia has confirmed the officer has recently resigned after being advised of the high-level investigation into his activities. No charges have been laid.

The allegations have now been handed to the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity, a government statutory body tasked with weeding out corruption within the Department of Home Affairs and agencies including the AFP, Australian Border Force and other law enforcement bodies.

ACLEI is looking at dozens of potential criminal cases that may have failed during his tenure as a senior officer working for and with multiple law enforcement bodies across Australia and whether he had a hand in their collapse.

There are strong fears too other senior figures within law enforcement, the judiciary and politics might also have been influenced by the man and his associates. There is a list of names.

News Corp has unsuccessfully attempted to contact him.

ACLEI has confirmed there is an investigation currently under way into alleged systemic corruption issues.

“ACLEI is conducting an investigation into an alleged corruption issue that relates to a former law enforcement staff member’s association with organised crime while they were a member of a law enforcement agency,” a spokesperson told News Corp Australia.

“As a matter of course, once the Integrity Commissioner has provided a report on a completed investigation to the Attorney-General and head of agency, she will decide whether it is in the public interest to publish a report on the ACLEI website.”

It is understood the former officer’s career spans as far back as being involved in elements of the police investigation into the 1989 assassination of AFP assistant commissioner Colin Winchester.

He may have had a role in the carriage of the case that seven years later would see a public servant David Eastman wrongfully convicted and spend 19 years in jail until a retrial found a miscarriage of justice and questioned the validity of the AFP’s probe.

As detailed in an exclusive report on Saturday, elements of Italian organised crime were overlooked or not fully pursued by the AFP which instead built a case just around Eastman.

News Corp Australia has learned the former officer’s identity came to light only as recently as 2019 when another law enforcement agency, believed to be ASIO, uncovered apparent close associations to known Italian organised crime figures.

He would openly meet them in bars and restaurants, unaware he was being watched.

Specifically, those figures belong to the ’Ndrangheta criminal syndicate from Calabria, considered one of the most powerful crime groups in the world.

The AFP was informed about the issue and launched an investigation into the numerous criminal cases including murders and drug plots involving some of the biggest names in organised crime whose briefs may have crossed the man’s desk.

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/crimeinfocus/australian-law-enforcer-suspected-of-being-mafia-informant/news-story/ec1959e873f4f4f297e5e5c6c282097e

>>16408509 (pb)

>>16705177

David Eastman’s lawyers claim AFP ignored mafia links to Colin Winchester murder

The lawyers who represented David Eastman – the man wrongly convicted of top cop Colin Winchester’s murder have hit out at the AFP and their handling of claims it was a mafia hit.

Charles Miranda - July 9, 2022

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An internal report by the Italian anti-mafia Carabinieri police circulating in the public prosecutor’s office in Rome to use for local gangster prosecutions sought to describe the activities of the ’Ndrangheta beyond Europe’s shores.

It was detailed, expansive and, towards the end, included a curious addition about Australia that should have set alarm bell ringing at AFP headquarters in Canberra.

The 2014 report described how the mafia had infiltrated Australian organised crime at all levels and had been responsible for at least three high-profile murders in the country: Griffith anti-drugs campaigner Donald MacKay in 1977, National Crime Authority officer Geoffrey Bowen in 1994, and the 1989 slaying of AFP assistant commissioner Colin Winchester.

As far as the AFP was concerned at that time, the Winchester execution had nothing to do with the mafia but rather a disgruntled former Treasury official David Eastman who had already served 19 years jail for a crime he did not commit.

The basis of the Italian police claim, which was stated nonchalantly as fact, dated back to the time of Mr Winchester’s murder outside his Canberra home in January 1989.

Five months after the murder, Italian police told the AFP that according to wire taps two suspected assassins dubbed “The Shepherds” with known ties to both the Italian and Australian mafia had been dispatched to carry out the crime.

A cursory check by the commonwealth arm of the AFP, as opposed to the ACT branch, found the men did arrive, did have links to known organised crime heavyweights involved in the drug trade, and at least one could be placed in the Canberra district at the time.

But by then the ACT AFP investigators, acrimonious to their commonwealth counterparts, decided they had their suspect and other hypothesis were just that.

To Italian police and prosecutors, the conviction of a mentally troubled Eastman with no ties to organised crime was a stunning result, but was an issue for the Australian courts.

There had always been a stench about the prosecution of former public servant Eastman, who was sentenced to life in 1985 before an independent inquiry found a miscarriage of justice and recommended the sentenced be quashed and he should be pardoned.

A hint of how this prosecution proceeded peppered the 2014 inquiry by judge Brian Martin who found it “deeply flawed” at all turns, notably the questionable forensic evidence presented and critical material held back from Eastman’s defence team.

It also pointed to the AFP’s “blind spot” attitude to pursuing the apparent mafia clues described as a “reluctance” to thoroughly and impartially reinvestigate alternative hypothesis, the strength of which Justice Martin declared remained unknown.

That reluctance flowed from a “policy or stance” to not “disturb” the AFP’s earlier securing of the Eastman conviction.

(continued)

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An internal AFP memo from the time also points to the PR disaster and likely criticism levelled at key AFP members that could sue should any further action be taken on information related to the mafia and suspicions be publicly revealed.

Former Eastman lawyer Terry O’Donnell said the mafia lines were never truly pursued because on “day three” after Mr Winchester’s murder, investigating officers decided it had to be Eastman.

“They were not interested in the Italians and certainly by 1992 they completely discounted it … they had Eastman in their sights and they were after him,” Mr O’Donnell said.

He said the fact there was now no one charged or convicted of the murder of a top police officer – and so much relevant new and past evidence had not been fully examined – demanded a new probe should be launched.

“I would just be interested to see how far (the AFP) will now go,” he said, adding he could help police now if they needed.

Another lawyer at one stage involved in the Winchester case, Bernard Collaery, agreed the police could not afford to have a chief murdered with no one looking at who may have done it.

“Eastman was demonised and exploited in a very cynical fashion,” Mr Collaery said.

“He (Eastman) was already unfavourably known to police for his behaviour at a time when mental health issues tended to enter the justice system more than they do now in our more enlightened era.

“The second thing is there was no serious investigation of the Italian connection which was obvious, prominent and clearly a matter that had to be investigated fully and proved or disproved. The assistance sought from the Carabinieri was quite limited, and the story of the two ‘Shepherds’ was treated as a folkloric issue and belittled internally.”

The whole link to Mr Winchester and the mafia stemmed from an informant who approached the AFP with details about the Calabrian mafia asking him to grow cannabis crops in Bungendore in NSW, to which Mr Winchester and the NSW Bureau of Criminal Intelligence hatched a plan to authorise the crop in a bid to gather intelligence on the network of growers. Operation Seville, as it was dubbed, allowed the informant to tell the mafia that he was paying corrupt police to ensure the crops would not be seized.

The operation collapsed after a suspect with the cannabis haul was arrested in Victoria. He became an informant and revealed the Calabrians had ordered the killing of Donald MacKay as well as other details related to the Bungendore crops and Italian organised crime.

https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/crimeinfocus/david-eastmans-lawyers-claim-afp-ignored-mafia-links-to-colin-winchester-murder/news-story/9c9a654db4eb8254353ceb6811e34e78

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 10, 2022, 11:47 a.m. No.16707476 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7480 >>7780

>>16500004 (pb)

>>16704978

Solomon Islands blocks Australian aid workers

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 10, 2022

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Solomon Islands has blocked Australian aid workers from entering the country as it opens its doors to Chinese advisers and praises Beijing as a “worthy partner” in supporting its development.

As Anthony Albanese prepares to attend the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji this week, five Australian advisers are being denied visas by Honiara.

At the same time, Solomon Islands has granted entry to at least six Chinese advisers under its security agreement with Beijing.

“We will deal with such issues diplomatically,” the Prime Minister told The Australian.

Mr Albanese, who will have his first face-to-face meeting with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare at the forum leaders’ summit, said he would tell Pacific counterparts that Australian aid “comes with no strings attached”.

The 51st forum leaders’ meeting is shaping up to be a disrupted one, after it was revealed on Sunday that Kiribati – which switched its diplomatic allegiances from Taiwan to China just days after Solomon Islands in 2019 – had withdrawn from the regional grouping. The move, which follows anger by the forum’s five-nation Melanesian bloc over its influence in the forum, fractures regional unity as China attempts to seal a wider security agreement with Pacific Island nations.

The Australian aid workers have been employed to work on official development assistance programs to support governance and economic reforms in the Solomons.

One adviser has been in limbo waiting for a visa since March; the other four applied in June.

It’s understood the advisers’ status has been queried by Solomon Islands under its 1994 development co-operation agreement with Australia, on the grounds they would work across several government agencies rather than a specific ministry.

Such visas would normally be approved quickly so the advisers could begin their work.

It’s feared the rebuff is part of a wider shift by Solomon Islands as Mr Sogavare – a long-time critic of Australia – aligns his country more closely with China, after his security deal with Beijing.

Mr Albanese will depart for Fiji on Wednesday – a week after returning home from a major trip to meet NATO leaders in Madrid, repair relations with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and pledge fresh Australian support to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

He said NATO’s new strategic road map calling out China’s efforts to create “strategic dependencies‘’ would provide an important backdrop to the forum. “It is important our Pacific Island neighbours know – I’m sure they’re conscious of it – that the world is concerned about the implications behind some of the geostrategic competition in our region,” he said.

He said he expected to be well received at the meeting after his government’s move to ratchet up the ambition of Australia’s climate change policies.

Pacific leaders would “make their own decisions” about which countries they partnered with, Mr Albanese said, “and we will treat them with respect”.

“And part of our message to the Pacific … is that our support for the Pacific including aid, including action on climate change, and our support for maritime security, comes with no strings attached,” he said.

“It’s part of the way we engage with the world.”

(continued)

>>16707476

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The withdrawal of Kiribati, revealed by New Zealand’s 1News, presents fresh challenges for Australia, which is relying on regional unity to keep China at bay.

The government was heartened in May by the rejection by 10 Pacific nations of a proposed regional security agreement with China, on the grounds the Pacific forum needed to consider it before a decision could be reached.

China, which is a forum “dialogue partner” but not a member like Australia, has not been invited to the summit.

But in an audacious diplomatic move, Beijing has invited the same Pacific states to attend a virtual meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday – the same day as the forum leaders’ meeting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said Solomon Islands had granted entry to Australian aid workers during the pandemic but advisers were now facing delays. “Currently, visa arrangements for five specific advisers are awaiting Solomon Islands approval,” a spokeswoman said.

Solomon Islands Opposition Leader Matthew Wale said Mr Sogavare had previously “slowed down” the entry of US diplomatic and project staff, “so I am not surprised he is making it hard for Australian advisers”.

“He has made himself a puppet of China,” Mr Wale said.

After last year’s violent protests targeting government buildings and Chinese businesses, Beijing sent at least six security advisers to Honiara, together with donated equipment, to help train local police in Chinese riot control tactics.

Mr Sogavare, in a speech last Thursday to mark Solomon Islands’ Independence Day, praised China’s “genuine intention” to be a ”worthy partner” in his country’s development.

He did not specifically mention Australia in the speech but, after months of tensions between the countries, declared that “relationships at times can sour”.

New Zealand’s Anne-Marie Brady, an expert on China’s interests in the Pacific, said the Chinese Communist Party was “running Sogavare like a puppet on a string”.

“Xi Jinping seems to be demanding a deliverable on the Pacific before the 20th party congress (later this year),” Professor Brady said.

“We will see very soon if the existing Pacific institutions like the PIF and (the region’s) partnership with the US, Australia, NZ and other states can withstand the pressure.”

In a recent phone call, Mr Sogavare assured Mr Albanese that Australia remained his country’s “security partner of choice”.

Australian and US officials remain concerned Solomon Islands’ security agreement with China could open the way for a Chinese base in the country.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape will attend the forum, which falls during the voting period for the national election. His main leadership rival, former prime minister Peter O’Neill, said he had information Mr Marape was attending “to push for China’s inclusion in this important regional group”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/solomon-islands-blocks-australian-aid-workers/news-story/bf0857f97ffab01b3a354c2730fe702c

>>16705177

>>16705199

Australian Federal Police

Statement on the historic assassination of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester

10 July 2022

The AFP has not reopened previously closed files into the Winchester assassination.

There is no evidence to suggest Italian organised crime was responsible for the death of one of our own, Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester.

Our thoughts are always with the Winchester family.

The AFP wants to be clear: there is no recent, AFP review, report or intelligence, that suggests the mafia is responsible for the murder of former Assistant Commissioner Winchester.

There is no open investigation into this matter. It is not under review.

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/statement-historic-assassination-assistant-commissioner-colin-winchester

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:33 a.m. No.16716406 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6409

China winning entropic warfare in Pacific Islands

We’ve seen Chinese entropic warfare in various stages in Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and elsewhere. And the contagion seems to be spreading in the Pacific.

Cleo Paskal - June 4, 2022

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Alexandria, VA.: Make no mistake, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s tour of eight Pacific Island Countries (PICs) has been a success.

No, they didn’t sign his “China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision” but it’s doubtful Beijing even thought that was on the cards. Otherwise, Wang would have held his group meeting with the PIC foreign ministers at the end of his trip, after he had a chance to speak to more of them individually, rather than in the middle. Remember the draft document was leaked, not trumpeted by China, and negotiations are to be expected.

Also, four of the countries in the region recognize Taiwan. Those signing up to Beijing’s deal would have been striking a sudden blow by proxy against their neighbours. It’s not the ways things are usually done in the Pacific. Just look at the regional consternation in response to the China-Solomon Islands security deal.

China would know that. It has half-a-dozen think tanks dedicated to studying the region, has trained hundreds (if not by now thousands) of Pacific Islands bureaucrats, and has generational, focused, intelligence on key leaders and their families.

Within the countries, China has large footprints, including often the largest embassy (with staff that speak the local language), financial relationships with key business leaders, favourite members of the media, and control of large sections of the retail sector, including in the relatively remote areas, and more.

It’s worth remembering that China’s 2017 National Intelligence Law reads: “Any organization or citizen shall support, assist or cooperate with the state intelligence work…The state protects individuals and organizations that support, assist and cooperate with national intelligence work… The State commends and rewards individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to national intelligence work.”

China has put in the effort to know the region. Bold individual action—such as the influential letter questioning the wisdom of the deals written by Federated States of Micronesia President David Panuelo—may have been a surprise, but the Chinese delegation would have deep files on the region and known before leaving Beijing this is a diverse and complicated area, with many leaders who value their nations’ sovereignty. They would have known the chances of getting the Vision agreed to as is, was slim.

So to better gauge if the trip was a success or not by Beijing’s metrics, let’s look at what some of the real goals might be.

KINETIC WARFARE

There was a lot of discussion about implications for kinetic warfare. In this context, kinetic broadly means “of or relating to the motion of material bodies”. Or a shooting war. You know, the Chinese “base” question.

No, China didn’t get a “base”, however, given China’s doctrines of unrestricted warfare and civil-military fusion, China may put kinetic elements in place in ways designed to bypass Western trip wires.

For example, the Vision proposes to “establish China-Pacific Island Countries Disaster Management Cooperation Mechanism”, that includes prepositioned “China-Pacific Island Countries Reserve of Emergency Supplies”. Those can easily be dual use.

And, while the multilateral Vision wasn’t signed, Wang did sign a series of bilateral deals, some of which echoed elements of the Vision, in most of the countries he visited. Some were formalizations or expansions of existing areas of cooperation, including blue economy, disaster management and more. Some were new, such as MoUs on fingerprint laboratories.

There also seemed to be a focus on gaining access in agriculture (land), fisheries (seas), aviation (air), and disaster response (amphibious, prepositioning). I’d like to be more precise, but the contents of most of the deals are secret. Which in itself is a win for Wang, on the political warfare front.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:34 a.m. No.16716409 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6417

>>16716406

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POLITICAL WARFARE

While strategic positioning is taking place, the primary battlefield now is not kinetic warfare, but political warfare. Political warfare can be defined as anything short of kinetic, including media warfare, lawfare and psychological warfare, also known in China as the Three Warfares.

But what is the goal of that political warfare? From what we’ve seen on this trip, and from decades of Chinese operations, one of the main goals might be winning “entropic warfare”.

ENTROPIC WARFARE

Take a look at the chain of events that has garnered Beijing its closest PIC ally to date—one that did sign an overt security document with Beijing that has overt kinetic elements—Solomon Islands.

Solomons had some longstanding domestic political fractures, and when the government of Prime Minster Manasseh Sogavare switched the country from Taiwan to China in 2019 without public consultation, those fractures were aggravated.

Leaders within the country who objected to the switch, for example the Premier of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani, were targeted by Sogavare with backing from the Chinese Embassy. That inflamed the situation even more, leading to unrest. That unrest created the justification for Sogavare to say he needed the security deal with China to handle the civil unrest.

It took around two years for a Solomons Prime Minister complicit with (if not compliant to) China, to dangerously destabilize the country. That destabilization suits the increasingly autocratic Prime Minister as it gives him the justification to go after his opposition in the name of “stability” and potentially to postpone elections—elections he is likely to lose.

Sogavare’s government is even acting in ways that are starting to have distinct “Chinese characteristics”, such as suppression of opposition and free speech. The Media Association of Solomon Islands boycotted covering Wang Yi’s visit because of restrictions placed on them by Sogavare’s government at the behest of the Chinese. And the Solomon Islands Christian Association issued a statement saying there “must be transparency for any international MOU’s and MOA’s with the Solomon Islands. These international documents should be made public before the actual signing.”

There is widespread and growing discontent in Solomons as the fragile social contract breaks down. Which China can consider a win. Solomons is weakened from within, making opposition less effective, and the leadership more dependent on Beijing.

The definition of entropy is: “a process of degradation or running down or a trend to disorder.” Political warfare is the tactic (using for example media warfare to create social division, lawfare to arrest critics, and psychological warfare to damage a target country’s relationship with other potential sources of support). That political warfare supports an “entropic warfare” win—paralyzing a target country’s ability to respond or defend itself, and so allowing Beijing to “win without fighting”.

We’ve seen Chinese entropic warfare in various stages in Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and elsewhere.

And the contagion seems to be spreading in the Pacific. Everywhere Wang Yi went, governments kept deals secret, restricted their own journalists, and blithely waived quarantine regulations that have been keeping families apart for over two years. In what are normally very tight-knit societies, that has sown seeds of social discord that are still nascent, but that have the potential to grow into the strangling vines of entropy.

(continued)

>>16716409

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INDIA VERSUS ENTROPY

Because India has an understanding of a broad range of Chinese political warfare tactics (as shown for example by the banning of Chinese apps, including TikTok and WeChat), India has proven successful at helping to blunt entropic warfare attacks in Maldives and Nepal, and is now trying in Sri Lanka.

China knows this, and that is likely why its proxy, the government of Prime Minister Sogavare, is stalling the entry of India’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.

The entropic “degradation” of the social contract in the region has come as a wake-up call to many, including Australia. John Blaxland, Professor of International Security & Intelligence Studies at Australian National University said: “What has happened in Timor L’este [one of the countries to sign multiple deals with China] reflects a sad and cynical mishandling of the bilateral relationship by Australia. Australian goodwill has been squandered, after the remarkable circumstances in September 1999, when, under Major General Peter Cosgrove, the Australian-led and UN-endorsed International Force in East Timor (INTERFET) was the handmaiden of Timorese independence. The level of trust and goodwill back then was sky high. Now it’s in the toilet. How Australia could have played its hand so badly should be the subject of a hard-nosed review. Perhaps too clever by half, we thought we could play the role of dominant regional benefactor without thinking through the limits of our own power.”

Australia’s new government seems to be trying to right the boat, but there is likely to be a steep learning curve—and that review can’t come soon enough.

On news of Wang Yi’s plans, Australia’s new Foreign Minister Penny Wong quickly travelled to the region and gave speeches about Australia being a member of the “Pacific family”. But given the problems Pacific Islanders often have getting visas to Australia, many were likely thinking “you are the sort of family member who shows up in our house whenever you want and demands attention, but if we want to visit you, good luck getting in the door.”

Australia still has a lot to learn about its neighbours, and itself. But it doesn’t have much time. Entropy is spreading, with the active help of Beijing. While Canberra and others get up to speed, countries like India, and leaders like FSM President Panuelo, could be encouraged to engage more broadly on political warfare education and defence across the region—helping to knit together like-minded journalists, community leaders, business sectors, democracy-minded political leaders, and more.

For example, President Panuelo and Premier Suidani could be assured their economies won’t be penalized for their principled leadership, their analyses could be shared personally with other Pacific leaders (ideally in a low key, bilateral manner, without Australian or New Zealand intervention), and investigating could be launched into the “agents of entropy” laundering their ill-gotten Chinese money via, for example, Australian and New Zealand real estate. It would also be good to see Australia and others asking Solomons why Quad partner India wasn’t being allowed in.

Wang Yi’s trip was a win in China’s protracted entropic warfare strategy. That needs to be acknowledged, reviewed and understood. Australia just announced a new patrol boat for Samoa and recently opened a new military training facility in Fiji.

You can give a country as many patrol boats as you like, build whatever military training facilities you want, but if the country’s society weakens, fragments and is captured by Beijing, all you’ve done is given China and its proxies a nice new boat and barracks with which to suppress local opposition and project power.

Cleo Paskal is The Sunday Guardian Special Correspondent as well as Non-Resident Senior Fellow for the Indo-Pacific at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies.

https://www.sundayguardianlive.com/news/china-winning-entropic-warfare-pacific-islands

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:39 a.m. No.16716449 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6454 >>6550

Changing hostility toward China first step for Australia to improve ties

Global Times - Jul 10, 2022

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Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Bali, Indonesia on Friday evening, the first meeting between the foreign ministers of the two countries in three years.

This meeting is arguably the most substantive dialogue between the two major trading partners, during which both ministers raised their respective concerns. Particularly, Wang called on Australia to regard China as a partner rather than a rival and seek common ground while shelving differences, which indicates that it's more important to seek common ground between the two sides despite the various differences, which is very crucial.

China and Australia elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2014, which has been in name only since the relationship gradually deteriorated from 2017. Thus it is significant that both ministers stressed the importance of adhering to such strategic positioning, which means that the nature of China-Australia relations has not fundamentally changed, Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times.

Wong mentioned that the meeting with Wang was a "first step" toward stabilizing the relationship. According to Chen, the emphasis on stabilization is a hint that there were ups and downs in relations in the past. It can be felt that the Australian side recognizes that the previous China-Australia relationship was not normal, while the reckless and provocative rhetoric toward China has significantly reduced under the current government.

Although such signals to repair the relationship are appreciated by Beijing, pragmatic moves rather than just verbal statements should be adopted by Canberra when "stabilizing" relations. It is not enough for Australian politicians to just stay on the level of will.

"The root cause of the difficulties in China-Australia relations in recent years lies in the insistence of previous Australian governments to treat China as an 'opponent' and even a 'threat,' Wang noted, adding that Australia's words and actions have been "irresponsible." In his message of congratulation to new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the need for both sides to "review the past, look into the future." Australia should be aware that it is the lack of rational judgment on China that has led to even more radical rhetoric than that from the US, and the free-fall decline in China-Australia relations.

(continued)

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That is why it is crucial for Wang to urge Canberra to develop a rational and correct perception toward China. Only with the right mindset can both sides get the job done. Chen noted that the Albanese government is gradually formulating and implementing its diplomatic and security policies after taking office, and the influence of the previous government can be observed in this process, especially in terms of perceptions toward China, such as "Beijing is assertive" and "it is China that has changed." Such cognition, highly shared among Western countries, is determined by the long-standing alliance between Australia and the US, as well as Australia's core status in the Anglosphere.

Clearly, many politicians in the Australian Labor Party, including Albanese and Wong, cannot avoid being affected by Washington's hostile attitude toward China, such as the prime minister's preconditions for restarting the China-Australia relationship, saying that China needs to "remove sanctions" imposed on Australia in order to "improve relations." In fact, China initiated anti-dumping investigations into certain Australian exports in accordance with laws and regulations, and then imposed anti-dumping measures accordingly. China's probe into products from countries such as Australia is in accordance with WTO rules. Australia should abandon its double standard when analyzing China's trade remedy measures adopted to safeguard its reasonable interests.

Australia has recently expressed its willingness and stance to ease the bilateral relationship. On the key issue of tariffs and trade, Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell "held out the olive branch" to China, suggesting that a "compromise situation" or "alternative way" to settle trade disputes might emerge in talks between the two countries. The meeting between both foreign ministers is another step forward, and more substantive moves are believed to be on the way.

At such a critical moment, Australia should indeed be more sensible and act in its own interests, rather than following the anti-China strategy of the US, so it can truly improve its relationship with China, Australia's largest trading partner, Chen said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270183.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:43 a.m. No.16716474 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6497 >>1293

China crushes rare protest from people demanding their life savings back

Chinese officials have reacted with force after over 1000 people marched in a rare protest against alleged government corruption.

Staff writers / AFP - July 11, 2022

Chinese authorities reportedly crushed a peaceful protest by hundreds who demanded their life savings back from banks that have run into a deepening cash crisis.

Hundreds marched Sunday in protest against alleged corruption by local officials in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, multiple participants told AFP, in a rare public demonstration in the tightly-controlled country.

Hit hard by the country’s economic slowdown, four banks in Henan province have since mid-April frozen all cash withdrawals, leaving thousands of small savers without funds and sparking sporadic demonstrations.

Sunday saw some of the largest protests yet, with several hundred people rallying in front of a branch of the People’s Bank of China in the Henan capital Zhengzhou, according to multiple witnesses who declined to be named.

Images circulating on social media showed banners denouncing “the corruption and violence of the Henan authorities”.

Protesters were “hit, wounded and were bleeding from the head. Disabled people were also violently beaten,” one participant told AFP, estimating the number of demonstrators to have been “several thousand”.

Local sources said the face-off lasted for several hours until rows of security officers suddenly charged up the stairs and confronted the protesters head-on.

Security officers reportedly dragged protesters down the stairs and beat those who resisted.

One woman told CNN she was pushed to the ground by two security guards, who twisted and injured her arm. Another 27-year-old man said he was kicked by seven or eight guards on the ground before being carried away.

Local authorities in Henan did not immediately comment on the protests. Some demonstrators accuse officials of colluding with local banks to suppress protests, with authorities last month accused of exploiting the Covid health pass to quell new protests, turning protesters passes red to effectively bar them from public spaces.

The health pass has become a ubiquitous part of life in China under Beijing’s strict Covid-zero strategy, and is required to access the vast majority of buildings, shopping centres, public places and also certain public transport.

While most accept use of the technology for public health purposes, some have voiced concern that it could also be used for surveillance of the population – already widespread in China.

Demonstrations are relatively rare in tightly-controlled China, where social stability is an official obsession and where opposition is swiftly repressed.

But desperate citizens do sometimes take to the streets, despite the risk of arrest and prosecution.

Analysts say that some local banks across China have found their already-precarious financial situations exacerbated by corruption.

https://www.news.com.au/world/asia/china-crushes-rare-protest-from-people-demanding-their-life-savings-back/news-story/59518d0d1bdb7cf2885e7d5912fd87d3

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:45 a.m. No.16716497 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6506

>>16716474

China crushes mass protest by bank depositors demanding their life savings back

Nectar Gan - July 11, 2022

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Hong Kong (CNN) - Chinese authorities on Sunday violently dispersed a peaceful protest by hundreds of depositors, who sought in vain to demand their life savings back from banks that have run into a deepening cash crisis.

Since April, four rural banks in China's central Henan province have frozen millions of dollars worth of deposits, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of customers in an economy already battered by draconian Covid lockdowns.

Anguished depositors have staged several demonstrations in the city of Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of Henan, over the past two months, but their demands have invariably fallen on deaf ears.

On Sunday, more than 1,000 depositors from across China gathered outside the Zhengzhou branch of the country's central bank, the People's Bank of China, to launch their largest protest yet, more than half a dozen protesters told CNN.

The demonstration is among the largest China has seen since the pandemic, with domestic travel limited by various Covid restrictions on movement. Last month, Zhengzhou authorities even resorted to tampering with the country's digital Covid health-code system to restrict the movements of depositors and thwart their planned protest, sparking a nationwide outcry.

This time, most protesters arrived outside the bank before dawn - some as early as 4 a.m. - to avoid being intercepted by authorities. The crowd, which included the elderly and children, occupied a flight of imposing stairs outside the bank, chanting slogans and holding up banners.

"Henan banks, return my savings!" they shouted in unison, many waving Chinese flags, in videos shared with CNN by two protesters.

Using national flags to display patriotism is a common strategy for protesters in China, where dissent is strictly suppressed. The tactic is meant to show that their grievances are only against local governments, and that they support and rely on the central government to seek redress.

"Against the corruption and violence of the Henan government," a banner written in English read.

A large portrait of late Chinese leader Mao Zedong was pasted on a pillar at the entrance of the bank.

Across the street, hundreds of police and security personnel - some in uniforms and others in plain clothes - assembled and surrounded the site, as protesters shouted "gangsters" at them.

Violent crackdown

The face-off lasted for several hours until after 11 a.m., when rows of security officers suddenly charged up the stairs and clashed with protesters, who threw bottles and other small objects at them.

The scene quickly descended into chaos, as security officers dragged protesters down the stairs and beat those who resisted, including women and the elderly, according to witnesses and social media videos.

One woman from eastern Shandong province told CNN she was pushed to the ground by two security guards, who twisted and injured her arm. A 27-year-old man from the southern city of Shenzhen, surnamed Sun, said he was kicked by seven or eight guards on the ground before being carried away. A 45-year-old man from the central city of Wuhan said his shirt was completely torn at the back during the scuffle.

Many said they were shocked by the sudden burst of violence by the security forces.

"I did not expect them to be so violent and shameless this time. There was no communication, no warning before they brutally dispersed us," said one depositor from a metropolis outside Henan who had protested in Zhengzhou previously, and who requested CNN conceal his name due to security concerns.

"Why would government employees beat us up? We're only ordinary people asking for our deposits back, we did nothing wrong," the Shandong woman said.

The protesters were hurled onto dozens of buses and sent to makeshift detention sites across the city - from hotels and schools to factories, according to people taken there. Some injured were escorted to hospitals; many were released from detention by the late afternoon, the people said.

CNN has reached out to the Henan provincial government for comment.

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The Zhengzhou Business District Police Station - which has jurisdiction over the protest site - hung up on CNN's call requesting comment.

Late on Sunday night, the Henan banking regulator issued a terse statement, saying "relevant departments" were speeding up efforts to verify information on customer funds at the four rural banks.

"(Authorities) are coming up with a plan to deal with the issue, which will be announced in the near future," the statement said.

Police in Xuchang, a city neighboring Zhengzhou, said in a statement late Sunday they recently arrested members of an alleged "criminal gang," who were accused of effectively taking control over the Henan rural banks starting from 2011 - by leveraging their shareholdings and "manipulating banks executives."

The suspects were also accused of illegally transferring funds through fictitious loans, the police said, adding that some of their funds and assets had been seized and frozen.

Shattered lives

The protest comes at a politically sensitive time for the ruling Communist Party, just months before its leader Xi Jinping is expected to seek an unprecedented third term at a key meeting this fall.

Large-scale demonstrations over lost savings and ruined livelihoods could be perceived as a political embarrassment for Xi, who has promoted a nationalistic vision of leading the country to "great rejuvenation."

Henan authorities are under tremendous pressure to stop the protests. But depositors remain undeterred. As the issue drags on, many have become ever more desperate to recover their savings.

Huang, the depositor from Wuhan, lost his job in the medical cosmetology industry this year, as businesses struggled in the pandemic. Yet he is unable to withdraw any of his life savings - of over 500,000 yuan ($75,000) - from a rural bank in Henan.

"Being unemployed, all I can live on is my past savings. But I can't even do that now - how am I supposed to (support my family)?" said Huang, whose son is in high school.

Sun, from Shenzhen, is struggling to keep his machine factory from bankruptcy after losing his deposit of 4 million yuan ($597,000) to a Henan bank. He can't even pay his more than 40 employees without the funds.

Sun said he was covered in bruises and had a swollen lower back after being repeatedly stomped by security guards at the protest.

"The incident completely overturned my perception of the government. I've lived all my life placing so much faith in the government. After today, I'll never trust it again," he said.

https://edition.cnn.com/2022/07/10/china/china-henan-bank-depositors-protest-mic-intl-hnk/index.html

Catholic Church considers appeal while facing huge sex-abuse hit

JOHN FERGUSON - JULY 10, 2022

The Catholic Church is confronting a potentially huge hit to its finances, with several new sex abuse claimants emerging after a $1.9m damages payout to a former altar boy in the archdiocese of Melbourne.

Rightside Legal lawyer Michael Magazanik said several people had come forward alleging offending by disgraced Catholic priest Desmond Gannon in the wake of the huge payout this year to one of his victims.

The Catholic Church is considering appealing the decision by Victorian Supreme Court judge Andrew Keogh, who ordered the church to pay the $1.9m for pain, suffering and economic loss to the former parishioner.

The victim alleged there was negligence by the archdiocese and it was vicariously liable for the abuse perpetrated by Gannon, a serial offender. Responsibility was finally sheeted home to the church, which had been warned in the past about Gannon’s behaviour but failed to act.

The altar boy was sexually abused three times by Gannon between 1968 and 1970 but he was not convicted and jailed for the abuse until 2009.

Mr Magazanik said he believed there were still a large number of people in the community who had been offended against by clergy and had not previously alerted authorities.

“I think there is a really big cohort of clergy abuse survivors who have never come forward,” he said.

“We’ve had a steady run of new clients since the Gannon decision. The church is deluded if it believes this completely avoidable disaster is coming to an end.”

The church did not comment on the Gannon matter but has confirmed an appeal against the Gannon decision was being considered.

The massive Gannon payout comes as the archdiocese of Melbourne battles strong financial headwinds from the pandemic, the long-term implications of the sex-abuse crisis and changing community attitudes to religion.

It is believed there have been dozens of Gannon victims.

The neighbouring diocese of Ballarat has also confronted a relentless series of complaints in recent decades, many related to Gerald Ridsdale, whom police believe could have attacked hundreds of victims.

The Victorian government passed legislation in 2019 that enabled the courts to set aside past deeds of release relating to child abuse, which could have a profound impact on the number of large civil claims that could follow.

There are expected to be hundreds of people in Victoria who have signed deeds of release in exchange for relatively small financial payouts, under the Catholic Church’s Melbourne Response and Towards Healing, and via other institutions.

Chris Goddard, adjunct professor at UniSA and an expert on abuse matters, said large payouts such as the Gannon case contrasted sharply with the small payments afforded victims under the Melbourne Response and other schemes.

He said the recent large civil payments would still not restore people’s lives.

“It’s to try to give restitution to lives that were destroyed,” he said.

In the case of Gannon’s victim, most of the payout was for loss of earning capacity damages.

The Gannon victim previously had received $139,000 in compensation under the Melbourne Response but that payment and deed was not a barrier to the claim as it was an ex-gratia payment made when he had no legal rights.

There are questions about whether many – or even any – of the Melbourne Response deeds will protect the church after legislative reform and legal precedents were set.

Legal sources familiar with the Gannon decision said the church would have no option but to appeal the decision because of the financial implications of the case, even though some church cases are covered, at least in part, by insurance.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/catholic-church-considers-appeal-while-facing-huge-sexabuse-hit/news-story/95ba013d3929449ec1561faeb6bddb48

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 11, 2022, 11:47 a.m. No.16716514 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7054 >>1770

Hi-tech arms may be more important than subs, Defence Minister Richard Marles says

Defence Minister Richard Marles says hi-tech arms and expertise may be more important than the nuclear submarines that headline the AUKUS pact.

Tom Minear - July 11, 2022

Hypersonic missiles, autonomous undersea vehicles and quantum technologies may be even more important to Australia’s security than the nuclear submarines that headline the AUKUS pact, Defence Minister Richard Marles says.

He has also opened the door to creating a new AUKUS visa, saying it was an “interesting idea” to ensure Australia, the US and the UK could “share expertise and technology at an industrial level”.

The Deputy Prime Minister flew out to the US on Sunday for what will be the first ministerial visit to Australia’s closest ally since the federal election in May.

Speaking to the Herald Sun prior to his departure, Mr Marles said the progress of the submarine program would be a key focus of talks with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin.

The Albanese government will announce early next year whether it will build a version of the US or UK submarines, along with the timeline and budget for the huge program, which Mr Marles said he wanted to deliver “as quickly as possible”.

But he said he was also focused on advancing the development of other technologies that would be “central to how countries do defence in the future”.

“These other technologies that we are looking at developing may well end up being … just as if not more important in terms of the way in which the three countries relate to each other, and therefore what AUKUS ultimately delivers,” Mr Marles said.

The Defence Minister acknowledged visits from US and UK submarines to our shores could be part of covering the capability gap before Australia’s subs hit the water, which could take until at least 2040.

Prior to the election, former prime minister Scott Morrison said Defence was reviewing the infrastructure upgrades required at Western Australia’s submarine base to host US and UK submarines.

Mr Marles said this was one of several measures “that we would contemplate about how we maintain and evolve our submarine capability from this moment through until whenever we get the first submarine”.

He refused to be drawn on when Australia’s submarine work would begin, though he said the government wanted to create a “production line” based in South Australia.

On the trip, Mr Marles will also meet with Democrat and Republican congressional leaders, saying he was “really confident about a sense of bipartisanship in the US around AUKUS”.

“It is a very deep relationship and it genuinely is a relationship that transcends politics on both sides of the Pacific,” he said.

“We’re living through a moment in time where the alliance has really never been more important.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/hitech-arms-may-be-more-important-than-subs-defence-minister-richard-marles-says/news-story/f2cd07e29fdf4d6d93494a80fd29bfde

Exercise Koolendong 2022: Australian Defence Force and US Marines hold warfighting exercise across the Top End

11 July 2022

US Marines of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) and members of the Australian Defence Force from Australian Army’s 1st and 13th Brigade, and Royal Australian Air Force’s 36th, 37th and 75th Squadrons have commenced Exercise Koolendong this week across the Top End.

The three week warfighting exercise is being held at Defence training areas in the Northern Territory and for the first time, in Western Australia to simulate a response to a regional security crisis.

Australian Army Colonel Marcus Constable, Commander Headquarters Northern Command said the exercise built on the recent successes of Exercises Southern Jackaroo and Crocodile Response.

“This annual exercise allows the ADF to rehearse with the US Marines in a combined arms littoral combat scenario,” Colonel Constable said.

“Koolendong strengthens the US-Australian relationship, advances and validates USMC-ADF interoperability and demonstrates preparedness to respond to a regional crisis.”

US Marine Colonel Christopher Steele, MRF-D’s Commanding Officer, said the culminating exercise of the MRF-D demonstrates the potency of the US and Australian alliance.

“We are deploying significant forces by land, air and sea to training areas in both WA and the NT including Mount Bundy Training Area, RAAF Base Curtin & Yampi Sound Training Area,” Colonel Steele said.

“This mid-intensity warfighting exercise replicates elements of a combined joint littoral combat operation supported by capabilities from the US Army and US Air Force.

“The Australia-US Alliance has never been more important as we look ahead to our regional strategic challenges,” Colonel Steele said.

The Marine Rotational Force – Darwin is part of the United States Force Posture Initiative which demonstrates of the strength of the Australia-United States Alliance and our shared deep engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

Media note

Media can access imagery of Exercise Koolendong at:

https://images.defence.gov.au/S20221716

and at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/MRF-D

https://news.defence.gov.au/media/media-releases/defence-and-us-marines-hold-warfighting-exercise-across-top-end

US B-2 bombers arrive in Australia for rotational deployment

Defense Brief Editorial - July 11, 2022

US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bombers arrived at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) base Amberley on July 10 for a regularly-scheduled deployment.

This is the first time since August 2020 that the B-2s deployed to the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility as part of a Bomber Task Force.

The aircraft from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, will be operating out of Australia, supporting the Enhanced Cooperation Initiative under the Force Posture Agreement between the United States and Australia.

The EAC initiative began in February 2017 to build on a broad range of long-standing air exercises and training activities undertaken between the two countries. Its aim is to deepen advanced air-to-air integration between the Australian Defence Force and United States air elements to enable the two countries to operate together seamlessly.

The US airmen will employ the B-2 to conduct training missions and strategic deterrence missions with allies, partners and joint forces in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Several PACAF KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft will be supporting the B-2 Spirit aircraft, providing refueling capability for the visiting bomber aircraft while they integrate with the Royal Australian Air Force to conduct various training exercises and activities.

“This deployment of the B-2 to Australia demonstrates and enhances the readiness and lethality of our long-range penetrating strike force,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Kousgaard, 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander. “We look forward to training and enhancing our interoperability with our RAAF teammates, as well as partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific as we meet PACAF objectives.”

Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) exercise Koolendong kicks off

The arrival of the bombers in Queensland coincided with the kick-off of the joint exercise Koolendong that is undertaken by US Marines of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) and members of the Australian Defence Force from Australian Army’s 1st and 13th Brigade, and Royal Australian Air Force’s 36th, 37th and 75th Squadrons.

The three week warfighting exercise is being held at training areas in the Northern Territory and for the first time, in Western Australia to simulate a response to a regional security crisis.

Australian Army Colonel Marcus Constable, Commander Headquarters Northern Command said the exercise built on the recent successes of Exercises Southern Jackaroo and Crocodile Response.

“This annual exercise allows the ADF to rehearse with the US Marines in a combined arms littoral combat scenario,” Colonel Constable said.

“Koolendong strengthens the US-Australian relationship, advances and validates USMC-ADF interoperability and demonstrates preparedness to respond to a regional crisis.”

US Marine Colonel Christopher Steele, MRF-D’s Commanding Officer, said the culminating exercise of the MRF-D demonstrates the potency of the US and Australian alliance.

“We are deploying significant forces by land, air and sea to training areas in both WA and the NT including Mount Bundy Training Area, RAAF Base Curtin & Yampi Sound Training Area,” Colonel Steele said.

“This mid-intensity warfighting exercise replicates elements of a combined joint littoral combat operation supported by capabilities from the US Army and US Air Force.”

https://defbrief.com/2022/07/11/us-b-2-bombers-arrive-in-australia-for-rotational-deployment/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 12, 2022, 2:25 a.m. No.16721686 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1690

>>16705051

Victorian government rejects chief health officer’s mask mandate recommendation

HAMISH SPENCE - JULY 12, 2022

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The Victorian government has been accused of going against health advice for political reasons after rejecting a recommendation from the state’s chief health officer to mandate masks in certain settings.

The Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas unveiled a range of new pandemic orders on Tuesday, with another wave of Covid sweeping through and the state’s hospital numbers continuing to climb.

But she only “strongly recommended” that masks be worn indoors and in crowded settings despite revealing acting chief health officer Ben Cowie had advised mandates should be reintroduced in some settings.

“The chief health officer has provided his advice and I have accepted his advice, except that I have chosen not to extend mandates for mask wearing in some of the settings that were recommended to me,” Ms Thomas said on Tuesday.

“The advice from the chief health officer was to mandate mask wearing in early childhood and school settings, and indeed in retail and in some hospitality settings for workers in those areas.

“I made a decision based on the advice that I had received that further mandating masks was not the most effective way to get the message out about the importance of mask wearing.

“We need to empower Victorians to make their own decisions.”

But new Victorian Nationals deputy leader Emma Kealy said the decision went against the government's previous stance of following health advice and was motivated by politics during a state election year.

“For the past two years, all we‘ve heard is that this government is listening to the health advice and now with an election looming, they’re making decisions informed by political will,” she said.

“We have a government that have got us into a chaotic mess in Victoria with their health care system crisis and with people not able to get their health care support when they need it.”

But Victorian Liberals leader Matthew Guy was supportive of the government’s decision.

“I’m glad the government aren’t introducing mask mandates; that’s one piece of good news,” he said.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Paul Guerra also welcomed the decision, calling it a “common sense” approach.

“The Victorian Chamber welcomes the approach of recommendations and not mandates; this puts the decision making back on the individual and businesses,” he said.

“We have advocated that mandates should be avoided. This is a commonsense approach which enables people to make their own decisions to protect their health, the health of their clients and their family and friends.

“We would also encourage our members to support their teams to get their third or fourth Covid-19 vaccination, such as time off to attend appointments.”

Masks are still mandatory on public transport, in rideshare vehicles and in high-risk settings.

(continued)

>>16721686

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Victoria’s Covid hospitalisation numbers have grown by more than 50 per cent over the last two weeks, with 737 people in the state’s hospitals as of Tuesday with the virus.

To help counter this issue, the government announced a “significant new investment” for a public campaign.

The Stay Well in Winter campaign will run on television, radio, and outdoor and digital channels to educate the community about the benefits of getting vaccinated, wearing a mask and maximising ventilation indoors.

Another round of the Small Business Ventilation Grant Program was also announced to help businesses invest in equipment that will keep their workers and customers safe in indoor settings.

These announcements were accompanied by changes to the state’s immunity and isolation rules.

The period when someone is considered a recently confirmed case, meaning they are exempt from testing and isolation and quarantine requirements, was reduced from 12 weeks to four weeks.

This change was in line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee advice, with evidence suggesting that new Covid variants can evade immunity from prior infection.

Positive cases in seven-day isolation were given an additional reason to leave their home – to provide transport for a household member to obtain food if essential.

The infected person will need to remain in the car and wear a face covering at all times.

These changes will come into effect from 11:59m on Tuesday.

Ms Thomas also requested that employers consider working-from-home arrangements for their employees where “most appropriate”.

She encouraged Victorians to follow health advice during that state’s third Covid winter.

“This is our third Covid winter. We all wish that it would go away, but that is not happening. Victorians know what to do,” Ms Thomas said.

“As we’re seeing across the globe and around Australia, winter means more time inside where Covid and the flu can spread. It also means our nurses, ambos and doctors have never worked harder, and we can’t thank them enough.

“We are working with business and community leaders to ensure advice and information is provided to the wider community – to help all Victorians stay well this winter.

“Wearing a mask, getting up to date with your vaccinations and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated are small but effective steps Victorians and businesses can take to manage their own Covid risk this winter.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/victorian-government-rejects-mask-mandate-recommendation/news-story/18f80fca0a603fd2d52b1db35c87a7de

PM Anthony Albanese rolls up sleeve for fourth Covid-19 vaccine

CATIE MCLEOD - JULY 12, 2022

Anthony Albanese has rolled up his sleeve for his second booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Prime Minister received his fourth shot at a Sydney pharmacy on Tuesday, a day before he departs for Fiji to attend the Pacific Islands Forum.

At 59-years-old, Mr Albanese is part of the age bracket which has been recommended to have a fourth dose of the vaccine as infections surge.

He opted for a pharmacy in Rozelle in his inner-west electorate of Grayndler, where he was photographed smiling as he received his jab before posing for a selfie with a customer.

The federal government last week opened up fourth dose Covid-19 vaccinations to people aged 30 and over, and recommend fourth doses to people aged 50 to 64.

The changes are in line with advice from the expert immunisation panel ATAGI and come amid a winter wave of Covid-19 infections, as well as the emergence of new variants.

Health Minister Mark Butler last week warned Australians that two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine would no longer be enough to protect them against the virus.

“We’ve got the information campaigns out there. States are drumming home this message. Health experts are drumming home this message,” Mr Butler said.

“I think Australians are starting to see the impact of this growing third wave on their health and hospital systems through the winter, compounded by the impact of influenza as well.”

Mr Butler said the government hadn’t set a target for the uptake of fourth doses.

“We want to see the wonderful response to the first two-dose campaign, where more than 95 per cent of over 16s now have had two doses of vaccine,” he said.

“Let’s work to maximise that number because we know two doses is not sufficient protection against these Omicron numbers.

“We don’t have a number. We want to encourage individuals to act on that health advice.”

Mr Butler also said he had “put a strong case” to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme advisory committee asking them to expand access to antiviral treatments for the virus.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/pm-anthony-albanese-rolls-up-sleeve-for-fourth-covid19-vaccine/news-story/ae3bdb078e1c03de42884aac62d6f3fe

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 12, 2022, 2:36 a.m. No.16721729 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9061

China maintains demands despite Prime Minister’s rebuff

COURTNEY GOULD - JULY 12, 2022

China has maintained it is ready to thaw diplomatic tensions despite Anthony Albanese cold shouldering Beijing after it released a list of demands.

A statement from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi listing four “actions” by which Australia could improve its relationship with Beijing was rebuffed by the Prime Minister on Monday.

Mr Albanese said Australia “doesn’t respond to demands” when asked during a press conference on Monday.

But China‘s Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing remained open to talks – if the new government corrected perception of China.

“China is ready to re-examine, recalibrate, and reinvigorate bilateral ties in the spirit of mutual respect, and strive to bring bilateral relations back on the right track,” he told reporters in Beijing.

While he declined to comment directly on Mr Albanese’s comments, he said an improvement in relations would help both nations.

“We hope that Australia will seize the current opportunity, take concrete actions, and reshape a correct perception of China, work with China in the same direction, and reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving China-Australia relations,” Mr Wang continued.

The Albanese government has been attempting to repair the damaged relationship between Beijing and Canberra since coming to power.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong met with her counterpart Wang Yi in Bali on Friday on the sidelines of the G20.

It was the first time the Foreign Ministers had met face-to-face since 2019.

According to a summary published by the China foreign ministry, he issued Senator Wong a list of measures Australia should take to mend ties.

It included seeing China as a partner rather than a rival, finding common ground over differences, not being manipulated by third parties and “building a positive and pragmatic social foundation of public opinion”.

When asked about the demands, Mr Albanese said he would stand up for Australia’s national interests.

“Australia doesn’t respond to demands. We respond to our own national interest,” he said.

“We will co-operate with China where we can. I want to build good relations with all countries. But we will stand up for Australia’s interests when we must.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/china-maintains-demands-despite-prime-ministers-rebuff/news-story/e4bdc71f637a8cc80ba2f14ee7b8d34d

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on July 11, 2022

Bloomberg: State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi issued a four-point proposal to Australia over the weekend in order to get relations between the two countries back on track. The Australian Prime Minister stated his view on the meeting between the Chinese and Australian foreign ministers. Does the Chinese Foreign Ministry have any comment on the response from Australia?

Wang Wenbin: As noted by State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi when meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, the China-Australia relationship is facing both challenges and opportunities. If the relationship can achieve sound development, that will serve the common interests of the two peoples and be conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. China is ready to re-examine, re-calibrate, and reinvigorate bilateral ties in the spirit of mutual respect, and strive to bring bilateral relations back on the right track.

We hope that Australia will seize the current opportunity, take concrete actions, reshape a correct perception of China, work with China in the same direction, and reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving China-Australia relations.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220711_10718490.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 12, 2022, 2:44 a.m. No.16721760 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1780

>>16704978

China influenced Kiribati exit from Pacific Islands Forum, MP claims

Opposition leader calls withdrawal from PIF an ‘extreme move’ and claims the reasons offered by Kiribati’s president were just excuses

Rimon Rimon - 12 Jul 2022

Kiribati’s decision to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum on the eve of the event was an extreme move driven by pressure from China, the Micronesian nation’s opposition leader says.

Tessie Lambourne, a former top diplomat who was elected to Kiribati’s parliament in 2020, said she was “shocked and extremely disappointed” by the government’s move to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF).

She said the reasons offered by Kiribati’s president, Taneti Maamau, for leaving the forum, contained in a leaked letter to the PIF secretary general, were just “excuses”.

Lambourne, who for more than a decade led Kiribati’s diplomatic corps as secretary for foreign affairs and secretary to cabinet, said she was embarrassed by the contents of the letter.

She said she believed the decision to withdraw from PIF was influenced by China, claiming that the Maamau administration was weak, vulnerable and greatly indebted to a superpower that was aggressively trying to acquire strong footing in the region.

“I believe there is someone telling our government that we don’t need regional solidarity. That we don’t need to be a part of the Pacific family. That we don’t need Australia and New Zealand. They are telling us that they are here for us and that they will help us with everything we need,” she said.

Lambourne said the issues raised in Maamau’s letter should have led to Kiribati sending a delegation or special envoy to the PIF, “because that’s where we sort out our issues as a family … but to opt out instead is an extreme move that raises a lot of concerns”.

“President Maamau is trying to portray to the region and the world that Kiribati has been abandoned and excluded from consultations and due considerations and that we are not part of the Pacific family, hence the withdrawal,” Lambourne said.

“I’m embarrassed because what we are saying is that we are not in the fold … we are outside. And why are we outside? I think it’s us who keep ourselves out … because we are not engaged or engaging.”

At the weekend, Maamau outlined four reasons for the decision to leave the forum, most of which centre on his belief that the forum has not adequately addressed the concerns of Micronesian countries – including Kiribati – who threatened to leave the PIF more than a year ago.

In February 2021, Micronesian leaders announced plans to leave the regional body after their candidate for secretary general was passed over in favour of a Polynesian candidate, despite a “gentleman’s agreement” that the top job should be shared between Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian candidates.

The Micronesian leaders had signalled their intention to leave the forum at the end of June, but last-minute talks in Suva last month between key Pacific leaders, including some from Micronesia, were thought to have resolved the impasse.

Lambourne said regional solidarity was more critical than ever given the landscape of heightened geopolitical tension.

“When we attend international or UN meetings at the global stage such as COP meetings on climate change, we cannot go alone because we need the support of our region because that’s where our strength lies – in numbers and in regional solidarity,” she said.

China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said China had no involvement with Kiribati’s decision in a statement on Tuesday. “I read media reports saying that Kiribati’s withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) may have something to do with China,” he said.

“Let me make it clear that these reports are completely groundless. For years, China and the PIF have sound cooperative relations. I would like to stress that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of Pacific Islands countries.”

Lambourne added that it was in China’s interest for Kiribati to be isolated from the Pacific family.

“I always say this because I don’t trust China’s intentions,” she said. “What will Kiribati achieve now by not being a member of the forum? And what family do we belong to now if we have pulled out from our Pacific family?”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/12/china-influenced-kiribati-exit-from-pacific-islands-forum-mp-claims

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 12, 2022, 2:48 a.m. No.16721780 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16704978

>>16721760

China does not interfere in the internal affairs of Pacific Islands countries.

SpokespersonCHN发言人办公室

Jul 11, 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQyn4COOd8k

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on July 11, 2022

Reuters: Kiribati has withdrawn from the Pacific Islands Forum. Does China favor this outcome?

Wang Wenbin: Regarding your question, I read media reports saying that Kiribati’s withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) may have something to do with China. Let me make it clear that these reports are completely groundless. For years, China and the PIF have sound cooperative relations. I would like to stress that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of Pacific Islands countries (PICs) and hopes to see greater solidarity and closer cooperation among PICs for common development.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220711_10718490.html

Stealth bombers fly into Brisbane in US show of force to region

Cameron Atfield - July 12, 2022

Some of the United States’ deadliest bombers have arrived at Amberley, just west of Brisbane, in a not-so-stealthy show of force to the Indo-Pacific.

At least four nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers flew almost 14,000 kilometres from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to land at RAAF Base Amberley this week.

The bomber’s flying wing design, meaning it lacks a fuselage and a tail, allows it to evade enemy radar as it approaches its target.

Although designed to evade detection, the B-2s’ arrival in Brisbane was well publicised by both the US and Australian air forces.

While in Australia, the B-2s will conduct training and “strategic deterrence missions” with the Royal Australian Air Force and other allies that the US Air Force said was “in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific”.

An RAAF spokeswoman said the visit was part of the two air forces’ Enhanced Air Cooperation initiative.

“EAC aims to deepen advanced air-to-air integration between the Australian Defence Force and United States air elements to enable the two countries to operate together seamlessly,” she said.

“The EAC initiative has been operating successfully for several years as one of the United States Force Posture Initiatives.

“…The RAAF welcomes the visiting aircraft and personnel and looks forward to working with them during this activity.”

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Kousgaard, US Air Force 393rd Expeditionary Bomb Squadron commander, said the visit was more than just about training.

It was also about sending a message.

“This deployment of the B-2 to Australia demonstrates and enhances the readiness and lethality of our long-range penetrating strike force,” Lieutenant Colonel Kousgaard said.

“We look forward to training and enhancing our interoperability with our RAAF teammates, as well as partners and allies across the Indo-Pacific as we meet [Pacific Air Forces Bomber Task Force] objectives.”

The 393rd Bomb Squadron remains the only unit to have deployed nuclear weapons in combat, with the bombings of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II both conducted by the 393rd.

The B-2 can deploy both conventional and nuclear weapons.

The deployment of B-2s to Australia was telegraphed last year in a Pentagon review, which noted new rotations were needed to “deter potential Chinese military aggression and threats from North Korea”.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/queensland/stealth-bombers-fly-into-brisbane-in-us-show-of-force-to-region-20220712-p5b0zb.html

Two USAF B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers Arrive into RAAF Base Amberley to support PCAF training efforts

ePixel Images

Jul 12, 2022

Wow another visit to RAAF Base Amberley by two B2's this time!!

USAF Northrop B-2A Spirit Stealth Bombers Reg. 82-1068 'Spirit of New York' as 'Rave 11' and 82-1070 'Spirit of Ohio' as 'Rave 12' arrived into RAAF Base Amberley on 10 July 2022 as a Task Force deployment from the 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, USA, to support PACAF training efforts with allies, partners, and conduct Joint Force and strategic deterrence missions to reinforce the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Such an amazing sight of these incredibly stealthy and deadly machines!

Gear used:

Canon R3 camera with Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 L IS II Lens + 2.0x III extender.

It is very challenging to capture video footage with a Super Telephoto!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DKx296GOkA

Marles warns Australia, US must step up to avoid ‘catastrophic failure’ in Indo-Pacific

Farrah Tomazin - July 12, 2022

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Washington: Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles has used his first post-election trip to the US to warn that both countries must lift their game in the Indo-Pacific to avoid a “catastrophic failure of deterrence” in the face of growing threats.

Speaking shortly after he landed in Washington, Marles – who is also defence minister – vowed that Australia would “do its share” to bolster its military capabilities in the region, with the Albanese government determined to “take greater responsibility for its own security” compared to its predecessors.

While there was “no more important partner to Australia than the United States,” Marles said, both sides would have to step up in the Indo-Pacific given the challenges they faced, from climate change or coercion in the South China Sea to a military build-up from China “occurring at a rate unseen since World War II”.

“Notwithstanding our strong foundations, we can’t afford to stand still,” he said in a keynote address at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, one of Washington’s leading think tanks.

“In the years ahead, the US-Australia alliance will not only have to operate in a much more challenging strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific; it will need to contribute to a more effective balance of military power aimed at avoiding a catastrophic failure of deterrence.”

The Defence Minister flew to Washington to meet his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, as well as other government officials, policymakers and members of Congress, where he will spend the next few days discussing the AUKUS agreement and the ties between the two countries more broadly.

Marles’ trip represents the first time he has visited the US since taking office and comes as the Albanese government decides in coming months whether to choose a US or British design for a nuclear submarine fleet promised under the AUKUS strategic pact.

He has previously said he doubts Australia would be able to build its first nuclear submarine by the former Morrison government’s deadline of 2038.

Asked by the Herald and The Age how the US would help Australia with that capability gap – and whether he would discuss acquiring ready-made submarines, as flagged by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton – Marles replied: “The former government had not really advanced the proposition beyond acquiring the capability in the 2040s. We want to be talking to the United Kingdom and the United States about how we can get that first submarine earlier. Our mind is very open about all the possibilities that we need to be looking at to close that capability gap.”

(continued)

>>16721848

2/2

The trip also comes at a critical juncture for Australia’s relationship with China, with the Labor government seeking to mend ties with Beijing while many in the US remain hawkish about its ongoing rise in the Indo-Pacific.

In April, after China and the Solomon Islands sent shockwaves around the world by signing a security pact, Democrat Congressman Joe Courtney, the co-chair of Congress’ so-called “AUKUS caucus”, told The Age and the Herald that Beijing’s encroachment in the region was like “boiling a frog, where you turn up the temperature bit by bit”.

Marles – who met recently with Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe – did not mention China directly in his speech but, in a Q&A session with CSIS Australia chair Charles Edel, he said China “was seeking to shape the world around us in a way we’ve not seen before”.

In response to these changing dynamics, he added, Australia was acquiring new types of military capabilities such as greater missile and aerial denial capabilities, cyber enhancements and hypersonic weapons.

“In particular we worry about use of force or coercion to advance territorial claims, as is occurring in the South China Sea, and its implications for the any number of places in the Indo-Pacific where borders or sovereignty is disputed,” Marles said.

He also lashed out at Russia, whose “war against Ukraine is not just a brutal attempt to subjugate a sovereign state – it’s a calculated application of violence, intended to roll back the post-Soviet order from one founded on sovereignty and self-determination, to one governed by the rule of might and force.”

This can’t be allowed to succeed, he said. “Only by ensuring such tactics fail can we deter their future employment, in Europe, the Indo-Pacific, or elsewhere.”

And he vowed that Australia would not take its status in the Indo-Pacific for granted, noting that “the Pacific has been clear in saying that geopolitical competition is of lesser concern to them than the threat of rising sea levels, economic insecurity, and transnational crime. Australia respects and understands this position.”

“Pacific Island countries have choices about their partners. And we will work to earn their trust,” he said.

Marles began his trip on Monday morning (US time) by visiting Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where those who served in American military conflicts are buried, including former presidents John F Kennedy and William Taft.

The defence minister laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, before visiting the Japanese Embassy to pay his respects after the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

Among the dignitaries in the audience for the CSIS speech was Australia’s ambassador to the US Arthur Sinodinos, former US Ambassador to Australia Arthur B Culvahouse and Defence Force chief Angus Campbell.

Later this week, Marles will address the Australian American Leadership Dialogue, which Dutton will also attend in between holidaying overseas.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/marles-warns-australia-us-must-step-up-to-avoid-catastrophic-failure-in-indo-pacific-20220712-p5b0vb.html

>>16444172 (pb)

Disgraced TV star Robert Hughes confronted in UK

9 News Australia

Jul 12, 2022

A Current Affair crime editor Simon Bouda tracked and confronted Robert Hughes in the UK after the disgraced Hey Dad! star and paedophile was released on parole.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuJJGNjy348

Anthony Albanese hugs Solomon Islands PM and preaches positivity at Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji

Stephen Dziedzic - 13 July 2022

1/2

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Solomon Islands counterpart have hugged and greeted each other warmly while meeting face to face for the first time on the sidelines of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Fiji.

Tensions between Australia and Solomon Islands have intensified in the wake of Honiara's decision to strike a contentious security pact with China.

But the initial exchange between the two leaders showed positive signs the countries could smooth their increasingly strained relationship.

"Ahhh, I need a hug!" Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said as the pair embraced.

"It's good to meet you and thank you for the discussion we've had on the phone about our common interests," Mr Albanese told him.

"The relationship between us is very important and there's much more we can do to cooperate and develop those relationships of trust."

Mr Sogavare said Solomon Islands and Australia had been friends even before independence.

"We are family and there are many issues, and that makes family stronger," Mr Sogavare said.

Details of the pact with China have not been disclosed, but Mr Sogavare has ruled out allowing Beijing to have a military base in Solomon Islands.

When questioned on the issue earlier in the day, Mr Albanese would not say whether he would press his counterpart on the pact.

He said he would aim to have an honest discussion.

"And that means not necessarily agreeing with each other the whole time, but it means being able to have an open dialogue," he said.

Albanese aims to bring positivity to forum in Suva

Mr Albanese arrived in the Fijian capital on Wednesday saying he wanted to bring "positive energy" to the forum to help heal divisions which threaten the unity of the peak regional body.

He also welcomed the Biden administration's promise to ramp up its diplomatic engagement in the region.

The meeting of foreign leaders in Suva has been overshadowed by internal divisions after Kiribati announced it would quit the forum.

The controversy has its roots in a complex dispute over leadership, but the opposition in Kiribati has accused China of driving the decision.

Mr Albanese would not be drawn on the cause of the split when asked about it in Suva, saying he wanted to focus on how to heal the rift.

"What I want to do and what I bring to this forum is a positive energy, and I'll be doing all that I can to bring all of the nations who are members of the Pacific Forum together," he told reporters.

Several Micronesian leaders have been trying to reach the President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, but so far he has refused to return calls.

Mr Albanese arrived in Fiji after US Vice-President Kamala Harris laid out a suite of new measures to boost America's presence in the region, telling Pacific Island leaders this morning the region had not always "received the diplomatic attention and support that you deserve".

She also warned that nations in the Pacific must be "free from aggression or coercion" in a clear reference to China.

"At a time when we see bad actors seeking to undermine the rules-based order, we must stand united," she told the forum.

"We must remind ourselves that [by] upholding a system of laws, institutions,and common understandings, this is how we ensure stability and indeed prosperity around the world."

(continued)

2/2

Chinese embassy officials sneak into US address

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama responded warmly to the new commitments and took a swipe at the former US president Donald Trump's administration, saying the US was now "looking a lot more like the Pacific partner we have traditionally held it to be".

There was a brief kerfuffle during the Vice-President's address after two Chinese embassy officials entered the room, despite not being formally invited.

The two men — who the ABC has been told are the defence attaché and the deputy defence attaché at the Chinese embassy in Suva — were asked to leave the venue after they stood in the media area and were identified by a Fijian journalist.

However the officials later returned to the back of the room where the Vice-President's address was taking place.

It is not clear if they were given permission to do so, and when the ABC approached the two men after the event they declined to speak.

Mr Albanese also praised the new announcements from the Biden administration, saying it would "renew" the US commitment to the region.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-13/anthony-albanese-pacific-islands-forum-fiji-australia/101233822

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:41 a.m. No.16729023 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9027

US hasn’t given Pacific the support it deserved, Kamala Harris tells forum

JOE KELLY, SARAH ISON and ADAM CREIGHTON - JULY 13, 2022

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US Vice President Kamala Harris has told Pacific Island leaders via a virtual address that America will strengthen the international rules based order and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pacific nations.

The comments, aimed at drawing a contrast with the approach taken by Beijing without directly referencing China, went to the importance of nations conducting their affairs “free from aggression or coercion.”

“At a time when we see bad actors seeking to undermine the rules based order, we must stand United,” she told the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji.

“We must remind ourselves that (by) upholding a system of laws, institutions and common understandings, this is how we ensure stability and indeed prosperity around the world.”

Ms Harris said that relations between the US and the Pacific would take place in the spirit of openness and transparency. She said the future of the Pacific Islands and the US was inextricably linked with their historic bonds “going back generations” through shared fights for “freedom and liberty.”

Ms Harris said that America wanted to deepen its partnership with the Pacific, conceding that the Pacific Islands may not have previously “received the diplomatic attention and support that you deserve.”

“We are going to change that,” she said.

“The US has an enduring commitment to the Pacific Islands which is why President Joe Biden and I seek to strengthen our partnership with you.”

The speech is accompanied by a series of new actions being taken by the US to reflect the elevated priority it attaches to the region, with America to establish diplomatic outposts in Kiribati and Tonga while reopening its embassy in Solomon Islands which has signed a new security agreement with China.

The White House has also confirmed the US government will release its first national strategy on the Pacific Islands and appoint a designated envoy to the PIF to “increase our overall diplomatic footprint across the Pacific Islands”.

US Peace Corps volunteers will also “soon return to Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu”, while America also confirmed a re-established US Agency for International Development would “take steps to expand its presence in the Pacific to improve close co-operation with its host country partners”.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama responded to Ms Harris’ comments by saying the US had “long been a Pacific power.”

“America is prepared to become a Pacific power like never before,” he said.

Mr Bainimarama also welcomed the request from the Biden Administration from

congress for up to $60m per year for the next ten years to assist with economic development and ocean resilience in the Pacific, describing it as a powerful commitment.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:41 a.m. No.16729027 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9029

>>16729023

2/3

US pushback in the Pacific

The US has joined Australia’s effort to push back against the rise of Chinese influence in the Pacific with a multimillion-dollar package of funding for island nations and a ramped-up diplomatic presence in the region.

Vice-President Kamala Harris told Pacific leaders the US will triple funding to $US60m ($88.5m) a year over the next decade for economic development and increase “ocean resiliency” by combating illegal fishing.

The US will also establish outposts in Kiribati and Tonga and Ms Harris says that the superpower is “on track” to reopen its embassy in Solomon Islands.

The US announcement came ahead of Anthony Albanese landing in Fiji for the PIF, and as Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Tuesday met with New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern and Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama in the capital, Suva.

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles – who is in the US on a four-day trip – also said Australia and the US must step up their engagement and military capabilities in the Pacific to avoid a “catastrophic failure of deterrence”.

“We worry about use of force or coercion to advance territorial claims, as is occurring in the South China Sea, and its implications for any number of places in the Indo-Pacific,” Mr Marles said in Washington.

“I will be proposing specific measures that both sides could adopt to streamline processes and overcome barriers to procurement, investment, information and data sharing systems and export requirements.”

Ahead of Ms Harris’s virtual address to Pacific Island nations this week, the White House confirmed the US government would release its first national strategy on the Pacific Islands and appoint a designated envoy to the PIF to “increase our overall diplomatic footprint across the Pacific Islands”.

The White House also revealed US Peace Corps volunteers would “soon return to Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu”, while confirming a re-established US Agency for International Development would “take steps to expand its presence in the Pacific to improve close co-operation with its host country partners”.

China has increasingly flexed its muscles in the Pacific Islands, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi touring the Pacific in June in a bid to persuade 10 island nations to join a trade and security pact after penning a historic deal with Solomon Islands that would allow Beijing troops to be stationed in the region.

While failing to secure consensus of all targeted nations at the time, China signed individual accords with countries including Kiribati and Samoa.

It followed warnings from US Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell earlier this year that the Pacific was the region most likely to witness a “strategic surprise” over the “next year or two”, flagging that the US needed to “step up its game” on engagement across the Indo-Pacific as China’s influence grew.

On Tuesday before the US package was announced, the Prime Minister said ensuring security in the region did not come down solely to “defence spending”.

“Our neighbours in the Pacific understand that climate change is a national security issue,” he said, following an address to the Sydney Energy Forum.

“They regard – just as the US does – it being at the centre of national security and I look forward to the discussions that I’ll have with the leaders in the Pacific.”

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:42 a.m. No.16729029 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0963

>>16729027

3/3

Mr Albanese, who is flying to Fiji on Wednesday, is expected to focus on Australia’s updated target of a 43 per cent cut to emissions on 2005 levels in talks with leaders behind closed doors on Thursday.

However, Labor’s allowance for more than 100 new coal and gas projects to go ahead is set to be a stumbling block.

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said the coalmines would “go through normal environmental approvals”, and Australia’s 43 per cent emissions target was “absolutely credible”.

“The 43 per cent emissions reduction target will be across the whole economy and we‘re confident we’ve got policies in place to achieve that,” he said.

Senator Wong said fossil fuel projects would “be dealt with in accordance with Australian law”, but stressed Australia’s updated climate target had been met with a sense of “relief” by Pacific Island nations.

“In my bilaterals and my private discussions and in the public discussions I’ve had, there’s actually a sense of relief that finally Australia is prepared to actually do something,” she said.

“It’s completely legitimate for island states, which are already experiencing, and have for many years, the effects of climate change to urge us to do more. But given Australia has been so intransigent for the last decade, I think the view particularly has been relief.”

The Greens seized on the concerns of Pacific nations regarding new coal and gas projects and said Australia must “walk the talk” on its climate commitments.

“If we don’t change course on coal and gas, big talk will mean nothing to our regional neighbours,” Greens leader Adam Bandt said. “This is a time to rebuild trust in the region, not threaten their homes with more coal and gas.

“Pacific Island leaders know opening new coal and gas projects is a threat to their survival.”

PIF secretary-general Henry Puna said the world needed to urgently reduce its emissions by 45 per cent this decade and not lose sight of the climate emergency in the wake of events like Ukraine.

Mr Bainimarama said the issue of unity was key to this year’s forum, issuing the challenge for nations to “be assertive” rather than allowing others to dictate their fate, in a veiled swipe at China.

“How will we, the Pacific Islands Forum, choose to navigate these challenges and opportunities as we verge into the future?” he said in an address on Wednesday.

“Will we forge ahead together? Will we take individuals paths? Will we be assertive or will we leave it to others to decide our fate?”

It follows Kiribati pulling out of the PIF leader’s dialogue this week, prompting concerns the move would weaken the forum against emerging threats like China.

After discussion with Pacific Island leaders on Tuesday, Mr Conroy “wouldn’t say I’m more optimistic about Kiribati rejoining … I think it’s one where we have to let Kiribati go through their paces.

“We all have to work hard to support Kiribati deciding to rejoin the PIF,” he said on ABC.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/us-launches-its-mission-pacific-with-aid-diplomacy/news-story/b5674f5e07d98e2677820679f5dfabdc

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:49 a.m. No.16729043 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9045 >>1293

U.S. to open new embassies, boost aid in Pacific as China’s sway grows

Michael E. Miller - July 12, 2022

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SYDNEY — The United States said Tuesday it would expand its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, as it seeks to counter the growing influence of China in a region of intensifying great-power rivalry.

The new efforts, which will be announced by Vice President Harris during a virtual address to leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Fiji, will include two additional U.S. embassies and a tripling of some aid, among other measures.

The diplomatic push comes amid concerns that China has supplanted the United States as the friend of choice for some Pacific island nations. China struck a security agreement with the Solomon Islands in April despite American objections. And the Chinese foreign minister recently signed several other bilateral agreements during an eight-country tour of the region.

The Biden administration has sought to shift American focus from the Middle East to Asia. It has withdrawn U.S. troops from Afghanistan, ramped up the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue with Japan, Australia and India, and launched the AUKUS pact with Britain and Australia, which, like the Quad, is seen as a countermeasure to China’s growing military assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.

Yet China’s security agreement with the Solomon Islands — the site of a key American military victory at Guadalcanal during World War II — appeared to catch the United States and its close regional allies, Australia and New Zealand, by surprise.

The new diplomatic initiatives come as the United States tries to restore some of its influence in the region.

“We are significantly stepping up our game in the Pacific islands,” said a senior administration official who spoke to reporters on the condition of anonymity ahead of the vice president’s PIF appearance. The official said the United States is not asking Pacific island nations to choose between it and China.

“We are focusing on our own engagement and our own interests and our own support,” the official said. “Of course contrasts [with China] will be made, and we would like to think that contrast looks favorably on us, where we’ve been a responsible security actor in the region, in fact, in the entire Indo-Pacific, for many decades and have helped to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Among the measures Harris will announce to Pacific leaders will be new U.S. embassies in Kiribati and Tonga. In 2019, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands both switched their diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, underscoring the inroads Beijing has made in the region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited both countries during his Pacific tour in late May and signed bilateral agreements with each.

Kiribati announced this week that it was withdrawing from the PIF, purportedly over a leadership dispute, although an opposition leader told the Guardian the withdrawal was the result of Chinese pressure. China has denied that.

The U.S. official said that the Biden administration was “concerned” by Kiribati’s withdrawal but that discussions over the issue are ongoing.

(continued)

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Harris will also announce that the administration aims to triple funding for economic development and ocean resilience in the region to $60 million a year for the next decade, although Congress will have to approve the increase. Some of the funds would go toward combating the impact of climate change on the Pacific island nations, which are among the world’s most vulnerable.

The United States will also appoint its first envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum, which, despite infighting, has emerged as a key regional bloc. In a sign of the region’s growing geopolitical importance, the Biden administration will also design and release its first national strategy specifically devoted to the Pacific islands.

Harris will announce the return of the Peace Corps to Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Vanuatu after volunteers were withdrawn during the pandemic. The Biden administration is also exploring expanding the program to additional Pacific island countries.

“We are expanding our footprint and making sure we have the people and apparatus in place to deepen our cooperation on a day-to-day basis and to deliver concrete results,” the senior administration official said.

But the Solomon Islands show the limitations of such outreach. In February, the Biden administration announced it would reopen its long-shuttered embassy in the nation’s capital, Honiara, only for China to announce its security agreement two months later.

That agreement stirred fears of a Chinese military base about 1,000 miles from Australian shores, though China and the Solomon Islands denied that would happen. China recently failed in an attempt to strike a similar but far broader security agreement with 10 Pacific island countries, but Beijing has suggested it will try again.

Australia’s recently elected center-left Labor government has also promised to boost diplomacy, aid and military ties to Pacific island nations to counter Beijing’s growing influence.

Despite a slight easing of tensions between the two countries, highlighted by the first ministerial meetings in three years, China has yet to lift punishing tariffs on Australia.

During a visit to Washington this week, Richard Marles, the Australian defense minister and deputy prime minister, said the United States and Australia will need to increase their presence in the Indo-Pacific, warning that a failure to maintain a balance of power could be “catastrophic.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/12/kamala-harris-pacific-islands-us-china/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:52 a.m. No.16729051 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

US VP Kamala Harris speaks at Pacific Islands Leaders Forum | 13/07/2022

fijivillage

Jul 13, 2022

USAID taking steps to re-establish a regional mission in Suva – US Vice President

US plans to triple it’s funding for economic development and ocean resilience for the Pacific

https://www.fijivillage.com/news/We-plan-to-triple-US-funding-for-economic-development-and-ocean-resilience-for-the-Pacific–US-Vice-President-rxf548/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMLwjKt4cew

>>16721729

Beijing says ‘anti-China forces’ manipulating Anthony Albanese

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 13, 2022

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Beijing has said “anti-China forces” were responsible for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s dismissal of a four point list given to Australia by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The party-state masthead Global Times said Prime Minister Albanese had yielded to “the unhealthy atmosphere within Australia toward China”, which it blamed on the Morrison government.

“Obviously, some anti-China forces in the US and Australia do not want to see China-Australia relations break the ice,” the Global Times wrote in its lead editorial on Wednesday.

In a separate news-story, the party-state masthead quoted a Shanghai-based scholar of Australia-China relations who worried the Albanese government would “continue competition against China in a more subtle and tactical manner” despite having a “softer tone” than the Morrison government.

Chinese foreign policy experts made similar observations about the Biden administration after Beijing’s attempt to blame the breakdown in US-China relations on Donald Trump failed to change Washington’s policy settings.

China’s Foreign Minister — President Xi Jinping’s second most senior envoy — met his Australian counterpart in Bali on Friday, ending an almost three-year communication freeze imposed by Beijing.

Mr Wang told his Australian counterpart China was now willing to “re-examine and recalibrate” the bilateral relationship “based on mutual respect”.

He also gave her a list of four requirements to improve the relationship: Australia must treat China as a “partner rather than a rival”; the two countries must seek “common ground while shelving differences”; Australia must reject “manipulation by a third party”; and both countries must build “public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism”.

Some in Australia — including James Laurenceson, director of UTS’s Australia-China Relations Institute — have objected to the characterisation of Mr Wang’s “four musts” as “demands”.

The Global Times agreed in Wednesday’s editorial, writing: “It needs to be emphasised that these ‘four points’ are not ‘demands.’”

In an attempt at clarifying the remarks on Monday, China’s foreign ministry said Mr Wang had “issued a four-point proposal to Australia”.

“We hope that Australia will seize the current opportunity, take concrete actions, reshape a correct perception of China, work with China in the same direction, and reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving China-Australia relations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said.

(continued)

>>16729061

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Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Albanese said Australia “doesn’t respond to demands” when asked about China’s list.

“We respond to our own national interest,” Mr Albanese said on Monday.

In its editorial, The Global Times said Australia’s concern with values made “China feel very strange”.

“We really hope that Australia can truly put its own national interests first, and at the same time we want to point out that it’s up to Australia as to what kind of values it wants to hold and China has no intention of interfering and changing Australia’s values. To be honest, Australia always emphasises this concern, which makes China feel very strange,” the party-state masthead wrote.

It said “Canberra fired the ‘first shot’ in undermining China-Australia relations,” marking the trigger as the Turnbull government’s decision to ban Chinese provider Huawei from Australia’s 5G network in 2018.

“Australia is the first country in the world to ban Huawei and other Chinese suppliers from providing 5G equipment, it has also served as a belligerent voice in provoking China on a series of issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Which of these actions that harm China-Australia relations is in Australia’s actual interests?” the Global Times wrote.

Australian public sentiment soured profoundly during the almost three years that Beijing imposed its ministerial freeze, black-listed Australian exports worth $20 billion-a-year and imprisoned two Australians, Cheng Lei and Dr Yang Hengjun.

A recent Lowy poll found Australians’ trust in China had plunged to just 12 per cent, down from 52 per cent in 2018.

A separate poll by the Australia-China Relations Institute found a majority of Australians wanted their government to take a “harder line” with China.

The same ACRI poll found almost 60 per cent of Australians surveyed wanted the government to force Chinese company Landbridge to sell the Port of Darwin, which it took control of in 2015. Only 13 per cent of those surveyed disagreed.

A fortnight ago, the Chinese party-state’s other English language masthead China Daily accused Mr Albanese of a “lack of diplomatic nous and poor grasp of political realities”, after he made a link between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Beijing’s threats to Taiwan.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/beijing-says-antichina-forces-manipulating-anthony-albanese/news-story/3ad0a1afd2010ebf25de5f367cf1ce13

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 12:59 a.m. No.16729074 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9077

>>16729061

China-Australia ties cannot be eased on top of ‘minefields’: Global Times editorial

Global Times - Jul 12, 2022

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Some US and Australian media on Tuesday hyped the news that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese "rejected Beijing's four-point demands," making up a story in which Beijing put pressure on Canberra while Albanese resisted pressure and uncompromisingly refused to give in. This seems to be an affirmation for Albanese on the surface, but it actually created obstacles for the current Australian government in easing relations with China. Put another way, it is putting Canberra in a difficult position, and forcing it not to "soften its stance" toward China.

The whole thing is not complicated. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong on July 8 during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. This was the first meeting between Chinese and Australian foreign ministers in three years, which was being viewed as an important step in thawing bilateral relations. Both China and Australia believe the meeting was constructive. But obviously, some anti-China forces in the US and Australia do not want to see China-Australia relations break the ice.

During the meeting, Wang said that China hopes that Australia will seize the current opportunity, take concrete actions, reshape a correct perception of China, and reduce negative assets and accumulate positive energy for improving China-Australia relations. First, stick to regarding China as a partner rather than a rival. Second, stick to the way we get along with each other, which features seeking common ground while reserving differences. Third, stick to not targeting any third party or being controlled by any third party. Fourth, stick to building positive and pragmatic social foundations and public support. It is this four-point proposal, which is both sincere and reasonable, that has been summed up by those with an ulterior motive in the US and Australia as "Beijing's four-point demand", and prompted them to seek a response from Albanese.

In fact, this is a trap constructed by American and Western opinion, which has created the image of a "coercive" China in line with Western narratives. Albanese stressed that Australia would "respond to our own national interest" and said that "we will stand up for Australia's interests when we must." To a large extent it was yielding to the unhealthy atmosphere within Australia toward China, which was promoted and amplified by the previous Morrison government.

It needs to be emphasized that these "four points" are not "demands." Handling bilateral ties based on equality and mutual respect is not asking too much, and should be the bottom line for the two countries to handle the relationship in the right way.

And the point of "sticking to not targeting any third party or being controlled by any third party" attacked by American and Western opinion is even more inexplicable. Isn't this normal international exchange norm? On the other hand, if Australia subjects itself to the US, then China can directly deal with Washington, what's the point of developing relations with Canberra?

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 1 a.m. No.16729077 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1840

>>16729074

2/2

Nowadays, American and Western opinion is very keen to use "values" to hold Canberra captive, and Australian authorities also like to talk about "Australian interests" or "Australian values." We really hope that Australia can truly put its own national interests first, and at the same time we want to point out that it's up to Australia as to what kind of values it wants to hold and China has no intention of interfering and changing Australia's values. To be honest, Australia always emphasizes this concern, which makes China feel very strange.

Canberra fired the "first shot" in undermining China-Australia relations. Australia is the first country in the world to ban Huawei and other Chinese suppliers from providing 5G equipment, it has also served as a belligerent voice in provoking China on a series of issues related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Which of these actions that harm China-Australia relations is in Australia's actual interests? Canberra often talks about the lifting of the so-called trade sanctions against Australia, but avoids talking about China's legitimate interests and reasonable concerns.

After the current Australian government came to power, it signaled its intention to ease the relationship between the two countries, but the "landmine" fuse of bilateral relations has not been eliminated, and the normal exchanges between the two countries cannot be established on top of "minefields."

Washington is paying close attention to every move made by Canberra and inside Australia, there are also "watchful eyes". This oppressive atmosphere of domestic and foreign policies was created by the previous government. Some Australian opinion believes that in view of the tense atmosphere at home and abroad against China, the current Australian government may adopt the roundabout tactics of "one step back and two steps forward" to repair China-Australia relations, and prevent the sudden end to any rapid policy shift. But in any case, continuing the "megaphone diplomacy" of the Morrison government can only be counterproductive; it is even more hopeless to treat China-Australia relations as an appendage of US-Australia relations.

Some in the Australian media have quoted a Chinese idiom of "killing the chicken to scare the monkey" when analyzing China's policy toward Australia, believing that China is forcing Australia to yield in order to deter small neighboring countries. This opinionated view has quite a market in Australia. This view, while arrogant, is also belittling to itself. Australia is not a "chicken", and other countries are not "monkeys." China has always insisted that all countries, big or small, are equal, and adhered to mutual benefit and win-win results with all countries in the world. China's four-point proposal reflects this concept. We hope that Canberra will cherish this goodwill and meet China halfway.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270381.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 1:02 a.m. No.16729087 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9091

>>16729061

Australia to hype ‘China influence’ at regional forum to assert its ‘patriarch’ role against PICs’ interest

Zhang Han - Jul 12, 2022

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is anticipated to push security and China influence topics at the ongoing Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) in Fiji, after media hyped his reaction to China's four-point advice on improving bilateral relations, as Canberra always sees the South Pacific as its exclusive realm and is eager to use this forum to slander China's role in the region and reassert its "patriarchal" role, observers said.

Experts also believed that despite with a softer tone than from the Morrison government, Canberra will continue competition against China in a more subtle and tactical manner despite some positive signs in the direction to improving China-Australia relations.

Ensuring that Australia remains "the security partner of choice" for Pacific island nations amid China's rising influence will be a key topic for Albanese at the forum, Australia's 9news reported on Monday.

Albanese and his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern last week agreed at their meeting in Sydney that the security implications of China's so-called encroachment in the region needed to be on the agenda of the forum, which last through Monday to Thursday.

Observers attributed Australia's efforts to paint China as a regional disturbing element as due to discomfort caused by China entering a "self-indentified backyard."

Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies, told the Global Times on Tuesday there are strong Australian pushes behind the PIF, with the US standing backstage.

Feeling anxious about China's presence in its sphere of influence, Australia is unsurprisingly using the platform as a vehicle to compete with China, said Chen, who is also director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University in Shanghai. "When calling the Pacific nations a big family, Australia designated itself as the patriarch," he said.

The expert cited Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong's attendance at the PIF as evidence that Australia wants stronger involvement with Pacific island countries (PICs) to compete against China, although China has been reiterating the South Pacific should not be an arena of major power competition and that China seeks no exclusive role in the region.

(continued)

>>16729087

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China always upholds mutual respect, openness and inclusiveness in developing relations and cooperating with PICs. During his recent meeting with Wong on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bali, Indonesia, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted China has also carried out tripartite cooperation with countries including Australia and New Zealand in the South Pacific region. Wang also made four-point suggestions in improving bilateral relations.

Some Australian media hyped the suggestions. In response, Albanese said Australia will continue to cooperate with China where it can but won't shy away from standing up for the national interest.

"Look, Australia doesn't respond to demands. We respond to our own national interest,'' Albanese said.

Australia's reaction, albeit with a softer tone that from the Morrison government, foretells that despite positive signs in the direction to improving China-Australia relations, Canberra will continue competition against China in a more subtle, tactical and sophisticated manner, Chen said.

For Pacific island nations, which expect to be friends to all and enemies to none, cooperation with China has no political provisions and is beneficial to their national interests, while Western-style cooperation usually bears political conditions and eyes comprehensive influence, and even interference in PICs' internal affairs as well as foreign policies, experts said.

The Western way of using economic bait to kidnap and coerce PICs' policies has prompted discontent from the region.

The Fiji Times published an opinion authored by scholars at the Australian National University and the Center for Pacific Islands Studies of University of Hawaii to slam the Partners in the Blue Pacific (PBP), an initiative the White House announced on June 24 that includes Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the UK.

The opinion stated the initiative puts the PBP under the Pacific regionalism umbrella without permission and on its own terms. It excludes others such as China who are dialogue partners of the PIF, and who are clearly "delivering results" in the region, and goes against the "friends to all" doctrine of the PIF.

Its high-sounding rhetoric of partnership and cooperation, claimed respect for Pacific agendas, as well as references to appropriate consultation with Pacific leaders, hides deeper geopolitical purpose, reads the opinion piece.

The five PBP powers have co-opted the name and narrative of the "Blue Pacific" to advance their interests, created an inner circle which complicates and ignores existing structures and bypassed normal regional decision-making practices.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270379.shtml

>>16721848

Marles' comments at odds with moving forward China-Australia relations

Lu Xue - Jul 12, 2022

Since Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took office, Chinese and Australian senior officials have recently held a series of interactions. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday that a meeting with Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi was "a first step towards stabilizing the relationship." This has triggered wider discussions on whether the two countries are about to reset their relations. But Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles' latest remarks seem to be at odds with such a prospective atmosphere.

Speaking in Washington on Monday, Marles called for the US to expand its military presence in the Indo-Pacific, warning that a failure to maintain the balance of power in the region could be "catastrophic," according to Bloomberg. A recent ABC News report said Marles also claimed that China was engaging in the biggest military build-up since the end of World War II.

"Marles' lines aim to offer convenience at a military level to the US and serve Washington's Indo-pacific Strategy. Australia now attaches great importance to cooperation under the framework of the AUKUS military alliance. So it keeps hyping up the threat of China as a major rival to AUKUS, hoping that the US will station more troops in Australia," Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the Global Times.

"It is the US and Australia which are the main source of threats in the Indo-Pacific. The AUKUS has the appetite for military intervention in both the Pacific and the Indian oceans. They are the destroyers of regional peace," noted Wei.

There are many Australian scholars who have discussed how to reset the China-Australia relationship. Hugh White, Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, suggested in a recent article that stepping back from conducting maritime patrols in the waters close to China may be one of the concessions Canberra will find itself choosing to make as it learns to live with the realities of China's power.

As to whether it will become one of Canberra's options, Wei noted that Australia's overall strategy is not up to itself, but is too much influenced by the US and needs to fully cooperate with the Pentagon. Thus, it is less likely that this attitude will be completely reversed. It's better for Australia to be more autonomous in its foreign strategy and policies, working from its own strategic goals, rather than totally adhering to the US. It will be quite difficult for Canberra to improve relations with other countries if it remains subject to Washington in terms of military and foreign strategy.

In general, Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, said that the new Albanese government still has the will to improve relations with China, bringing a hope of improvement to China-Australia relations, but the outlook still remains quite uncertain.

It is obvious that the degree of the new Australian government's hostility toward China has perceptibly declined in both rhetoric and specific moves compared with its predecessor, especially the bellicose remarks of former defense minister Peter Dutton. But on the whole, the Albanese government has not yet come out of the shadow of its predecessor, and is still on the track of serving the US anti-China strategy. The new leadership team has to look to the right direction for the sake of its own national interests.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270370.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 1:08 a.m. No.16729115 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9118

Pacific minister says Australia is open to partnering on Chinese projects

Eryk Bagshaw - July 13, 2022

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Suva: Pacific Minister Pat Conroy says Australia is open to collaborating with China on infrastructure in the Pacific, but has warned that Beijing must lift the quality of its projects and hire more local workers.

“We’re open to partnering with other countries in supporting the development aspirations of the Pacific,” Conroy said. “We partner, for example, in projects that go through the Asian Development Bank that might involve Australian finance, mixing with other people’s finance, developed by the Asian Development Bank and built by a Chinese company.”

Conroy’s comments follow a push by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi to engage more with Australia and New Zealand after Beijing failed to land a Pacific-wide security and economic deal in May.

“China has carried out trilateral co-operation with Australia, New Zealand and other countries in the South Pacific region and achieved positive results,” Wang said after his meeting with Foreign Minister Penny Wong last week. “China is willing to give play to its respective advantages to achieve a win-win outcome.”

The comments by Wang have been seen as part of a wider effort to stabilise the relationship between China and Australia after years of diplomatic acrimony but have also been viewed with scepticism by Australian Foreign Affairs officials.

Australia has partnered with China in the past on projects such as malaria control in Papua New Guinea in 2016, but the relationship has deteriorated sharply since then. Beijing has pledged more than $6.5 billion in Pacific development investment since 2018. It helped build the Suva Civic Centre, which is hosting parts of the Pacific Islands Forum this week, and schools, highways and stadiums across the region – some of which have been criticised for poor construction work, safety issues and high levels of debt.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in Suva, Conroy said there was a real sensitivity around some of the infrastructure projects delivered in the Pacific being chosen for the cheapest price, delivering poor quality outcomes.

“And then secondly, that there isn’t enough focus on including local labour in these projects,” he said. “They’re two criticisms that are particularly heard of Chinese projects.”

Asked about Conroy’s comments at her press conference with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the afternoon, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that, while Australia was “open to collaboration with all partners”, any projects had to meet key criteria for transparency and come with “no strings attached”.

Wong said there was “nothing in contemplation on the infrastructure point at this time” with China.

(continued)

>>16729115

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US Vice President Kamala Harris on Wednesday addressed the Pacific Islands Forum and pledged to deliver $900 million in fisheries economic development aid over the next decade, along with the return of the Peace Corps to the region, a US Pacific strategy and climate change co-operation. Harris indirectly accused China of being a “bad actor seeking to undermine the rules-based order”.

“These international rules and norms have brought peace and stability to the Pacific for more than 75 years. Principles that importantly state that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected, principles that allow all states big and small to conduct their affairs, free from aggression, or coercion.”

Chinese diplomats, who were not accredited for the forum, took notes of Harris’ speech at the Grand Pacific Hotel but would not respond to requests for comment.

“I think that there’s an element of geostrategic competition to [the US announcement],” said Conroy. “There’s no use denying that because that’s a fact of life.”

Climate, China’s rising influence and COVID have dominated discussions at the leader’s meeting – which continues after the last-minute withdrawal of Kiribati – a small island nation increasingly linked with Beijing. Kiribati said on Monday it had withdrawn from the meeting after determining that Micronesian voices were not being heard by Pacific leaders.

Conroy said Australia had offered to fly Kiribati’s President Taneti Maamau to Fiji. “If Kiribati wanted to get to the Pacific Island’s meeting, we would be very happy to facilitate that,” he said. Conroy confirmed Australia flew three Micronesian leaders to Suva in June to sign off on the Suva agreement – a deal that allowed the forum’s secretary-general Henry Puna to stay in power, while guaranteeing Micronesian leaders a greater say in the summit, a compromise that has been threatened by the withdrawal of Kiribati.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will meet Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Wednesday afternoon. The Solomons leader has been the leading advocate for greater Chinese government influence in the region and advocated for a Pacific-wide economic and security pact to be endorsed in May after signing his own deal in April.

Conroy said he had “really positive discussions about the way forward and how we rebuild the relationship” with Solomon Islands Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele.

“I think we start by accepting the assurances of the Solomon Islands government that there won’t be a Chinese military base in the Solomon Islands,” he said.

“We’re intent on rebuilding that relationship to ensure that Australia is the security partner choice for the Pacific as well as the partner of choice on development, on climate on all those issues.”

Conroy, who was chief of staff to Greg Combet as climate change minister, said his priority at the forum was introducing the new Australian government to Pacific leaders.

“We have a very clear message that we’re listening now, we’re respecting what their priorities are,” he said. “Number two is to inform them and make sure they’re aware of our very different climate change and Pacific policies. And third is to play our part in trying to rebuild Pacific unity.”

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/pacific-minister-says-australia-is-open-to-partnering-on-chinese-projects-20220713-p5b17j.html

Defence Department silent on latest Chinese military encounter with Australian warship

Andrew Greene - 13 July 2022

Defence has cited "operational security reasons" for not discussing an Australian warship's recent encounters with the Chinese military while sailing through international waters claimed by Beijing.

Military sources claim HMAS Parramatta has been closely tracked by the People's Liberation Army over recent weeks, including being followed by a Chinese nuclear-powered submarine, a warship and multiple aircraft.

"Formal challenges have occurred, such as telling us that we're entering 'China's territorial waters'," a Defence figure familiar with the interactions said.

"The most intense activity occurred as HMAS Parramatta was in the East China Sea," the official told the ABC, speaking on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to publicly discuss operations.

Since departing Australia in late May, the ANZAC-class frigate has travelled to Vietnam and South Korea and then on to Japan via the South China and East China Seas as part of a "regional presence deployment" which has included several joint military exercises with other navies.

According to the Australian embassy in Vietnam, HMAS Parramatta arrived in the port city of Da Nang on June 5, before departing the country over a week later bound for the Busan Naval Base in South Korea.

That trip took the ship through the South China Sea and then the East China Sea past Taiwan, which include heavily militarised territory claimed by the Chinese.

During its passage, the ABC was told, HMAS Parramatta was closely tracked by Chinese military assets including a Type 052C "Luyang II" guided-missile destroyer and a Type 093-A "Shang II" nuclear-powered attack submarine.

On June 28, the Australian warship then arrived in the Port of Sasebo, in the Nagasaki prefecture, after completing naval exercises with Japan's Self-Defence Force.

Last week the ABC approached the Defence Department with a series of detailed questions about the Chinese military's interactions with HMAS Parramatta, but it declined to answer them.

"HMAS Parramatta is currently undertaking a regional presence deployment, conducting a number of navy-to-navy activities with Australia's regional partners and participating in various maritime exercises," a departmental spokesperson said.

"Regional deployments form part of Australia's longstanding contribution to an open, inclusive and resilient Indo-Pacific.

"For operational security reasons, Defence does not publicly disclose specific details of operations," the spokesperson added.

Defence Minister Richard Marles, who is visiting the United States, also declined to comment when asked by the ABC about the recent encounters.

"I won't go into details around that, other than to say that what our military does, what our navy, does in the South China Sea is routine," Mr Marles told the ABC from Washington DC.

"It's been doing it for decades, and it is focused on asserting the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea: freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, the global rules-based order, which I've been describing as being so important for our national interest.

Asked whether the government may choose to later publicly disclose the incident as it has with previous encounters with the Chinese military, Mr Marles left open the possibility.

"That may happen in the future again, but what we are focused on first and foremost is doing the activity because that's in our national interest."

"And then obviously, in terms of the management of the information around that activity, we're focused on the safety of our servicemen and women."

Last week Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) announced it had "conducted a trilateral exercise with United States Ship Dewy and HMAS Parramatta in the East China Sea to East of Okinawa" between July 4 and 6.

"The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force strengthens cooperation among JMSDF, US navy and Australian navy in order to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific," it said.

Earlier this year the Defence Department revealed a Chinese J-16 jet fighter had flown close to an RAAF P-8 maritime surveillance plane during a routine patrol in the South China Sea.

On Friday Foreign Minister Penny Wong met her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Bali, the first such face-to-face meeting at such a high level in almost three years.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-13/australian-defence-warship-tracked-by-chinese-military/101229906

https://twitter.com/Australian_Navy/status/1543837008958615552

https://twitter.com/JMSDF_SDF_ENG/status/1544899755590897665

WHO calls on countries to bring back mask rules as Covid ‘runs free’

Australia has seen a significant jump in cases and hospitalisations as new Omicron variants emerge.

news.com.au - July 13, 2022

Fresh surges of Covid infections show the pandemic is nowhere near over, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) chief has said, warning that the virus is running free.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he was worried that case numbers were shooting up, putting more strain on health systems and workers.

The number of Covid cases reported to the WHO increased 30 per cent in the past two weeks, driven by sub-variants of the Omicron strain and the lifting of control measures.

“New waves of the virus demonstrate again that Covid-19 is nowhere near over. As the virus pushes at us, we must push back,” he insisted.

He told a news conference that as transmission increases, governments must also deploy tried-and-tested measures like mask-wearing and improving ventilation.

Australia has seen a significant jump in cases and hospitalisations as new Omicron variants that can evade the protection offered by vaccines emerge.

Some health experts are calling on state governments to reintroduce mask rules to combat the spread.

“Sub-variants of Omicron, like BA. 4 and BA. 5, continue to drive waves of cases, hospitalisation and death around the world,” Mr Tedros said.

“Surveillance has reduced significantly – including testing and sequencing – making it increasingly difficult to assess the impact of variants on transmission, disease characteristics, and the effectiveness of countermeasures.”

Furthermore, tests, treatments and vaccines are not being deployed effectively.

“The virus is running freely and countries are not effectively managing the disease burden based on their capacity,” he said, both in terms of hospitalisation of acute cases and the expanding number of people with long Covid.

“Uncertain and unpredictable”

The WHO’s Covid-19 emergency committee met Friday via videoconference and determined the pandemic remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern – the highest alarm the WHO can sound.

WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan told the meeting recent changes in testing policies were hindering the detection of cases and the monitoring of virus evolution.

The committee stressed the need to reduce transmission as the implications of a pandemic caused by a new respiratory virus would not be fully understood, the WHO said in a statement Monday.

The group voiced concern over steep reductions in testing, resulting in reduced surveillance and genomic sequencing.

“This impedes assessments of currently circulating and emerging variants of the virus,” the WHO said, feeding the inability to interpret trends in transmission.

The committee said the trajectory of virus evolution and the characteristics of emerging variants remained “uncertain and unpredictable”.

It said the absence of measures to reduce transmission increased the likelihood of “new, fitter variants emerging, with different degrees of virulence, transmissibility, and immune escape potential”.

Booster boost

Meanwhile the WHO’s European office recommended a second booster shot of a Covid vaccine for older people and vulnerable groups.

Covid cases have been rising sharply since the end of May around most of Europe. The call followed the EU’s health and medicine agencies recommendation on Monday of a second booster shot for people over 60 years old.

Coronavirus cases have risen 57 per cent in Moscow over the past week, the Russian capital’s health authorities said.

“We recommend that you wear a mask in public places because the new Omicron sub-variants BA. 4 and BA. 5 spread more rapidly from person to person,” Moscow social services wrote on Telegram.

And hundreds of thousands of people were under lockdown in a small Chinese city after just one case of Covid-19 was detected, as Beijing’s strict no-tolerance virus strategy showed no sign of abating.

The steelmaking hub of Wugang in Henan province announced three days of “closed control”.

None of the city’s 320,000 people are allowed outside their homes until midday Thursday. Local authorities were to deliver basic necessities.

China is the last major economy glued to a zero-Covid policy, crushing new outbreaks with snap lockdowns, forced quarantines and onerous travel curbs despite mounting public fatigue and damage to the economy.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/who-calls-on-countries-to-bring-back-mask-rules-as-covid-runs-free/news-story/9e75b815aeffd56f9803341d0ba43846

>>16594226 (pb)

TikTok admits Australian data can be accessed in China, prompting warnings app may be compromised

Jake Evans - 13 July 2022

The federal Treasurer says he is concerned that social media platform TikTok's China-based employees are able to access Australian user data.

Responding to a letter from Shadow Cyber Security Minister James Paterson, TikTok admitted its staff in China were able to access Australian data.

"Our security teams minimise the number of people who have access to data and limit it only to people who need that access in order to do their jobs," the company's Australian director of public policy, Brent Thomas, wrote.

"We have policies and procedures that limit internal access to Australian user data by our employees, wherever they're based, based on need.

"We have never provided Australian user data to the Chinese government, we have never been asked for Australian user data by the Chinese government, and we would not provide it if we were asked."

The letter comes after reports in US media that American TikTok data was able to be accessed and had been accessed in mainland China.

Senator Paterson said TikTok's claim that Australian data cannot be compromised was not credible.

"TikTok denies they would ever hand over data to the Chinese Communist Party but this is very hard to believe given their national security laws," he wrote.

"It's time the Albanese government woke up and took action to protect the privacy of 7 million Australian users."

Treasurer Jim Chalmers told TikTok users to be careful about what they did on the platform.

"Those concerns have been there for some time, and we take advice from our various national security agencies," Mr Chalmers said.

"Australians need to be careful online and we need to recognise the risks of participating in some of those platforms."

Chinese law requires TikTok to share user data

Chinese cyber security laws require Chinese companies to store certain data and allow Chinese authorities to conduct spot checks of their operations.

The laws also compel social media companies to hand over information if requested by Beijing.

Australian TikTok data is held on servers in the US and Singapore, and its security team, which provides authorisations, is US-based.

Mr Thomas wrote that Australian data integrity was of the "utmost importance" and at the core of its daily operations.

Cyber security expert Fergus Ryan from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said the social media platform's assertion it does not share data with Beijing could not be believed.

"They can't [refuse an order for data], and even further than that, if the authorities in China sought to access any of the data that they had collected … TikTok and Bytedance, the parent company, would legally not be allowed to talk about the fact that data had been accessed," Mr Ryan said.

Mr Ryan said over the years Beijing "has demonstrated it has an insatiable appetite for data", and Australian data collected by TikTok could be used to help build "vivid" profiles of people's lives.

"It's up to individual TikTok users to decide for themselves how comfortable they are with their data being accessible from China," Mr Ryan said.

"But for TikTok users to make that decision, TikTok needs to be up-front about the fact that their data is accessible from China, and is being accessed.

"There are users of TikTok who might be teenagers now, but in a few years' time might be working in sensitive areas of the Australian government, for example."

Mr Ryan said while the federal government should not rule out banning the platform, former US president Donald Trump's attempt to do so proved bans do not always work.

Rather, the government should consider introducing regulations that require the platform to be transparent with its data, and label state-affiliated content from China.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-13/tiktok-admits-australian-data-accessible-in-china/101233320

https://twitter.com/SenPaterson/status/1546957121274621952

>>16721901

Exclusive: Robert Hughes confronted following prison release

Simon Bouda - 11 July 2022

1/2

Robert Hughes: former television star, convicted paedophile.

Last month, the 73-year-old was released from Sydney's Long Bay jail on parole.

Eight years behind bars appears to have taken its toll.

He looks every one of his 73 years.

After renouncing his Australian citizenship, Hughes was detained by immigration before being deported to the UK.

It was there where A Current Affair tracked him down last week.

For the first time in more than 10 years, the face of the man who was a TV favourite was revealed as I approached Hughes in the busy central mall in Southampton, south-west of London.

"Robert Hughes," I said as I approached him and his wife - actors' agent Robyn Gardiner.

For the briefest of moments, I noticed a small smile appear on his face.

I had the impression that perhaps he thought I was an adoring fan from his previous life.

"Simon Bouda, from A Current Affair," I continued.

With those words the smile vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"Mr Hughes, how's it feel to be free today?" I persisted.

A Current Affair tracked Hughes down in the historic English port city of Southampton.

"You enjoying your new found freedom?" I asked.

Staring dead ahead, Hughes remained silent as he continued walking - ignoring my questions and the camera in front of him.

Hughes was the star of the Australian family sitcom Hey Dad!

One of his victims included his on-screen daughter Sarah Monahan.

"You were just a child … when this all started," I asked Monahan before Hughes was granted parole.

"Yeah," she replied.

"What long term impact do you think it has had on you, because you were just a child? You were what - I think you were aged…" I continued.

Monahan completed my sentence: "I was six when I started - when I did the audition - and I left television because of him."

For the last 12 years, Monahan has been the very public face of the child sex abuse case against Hughes.

Hey Dad! was a top-rating family comedy through the late '80s and early '90s.

Behind the scenes was a terrible and dark secret.

Its star was a paedophile preying on his on-screen daughter, targeting her and abusing her.

"He would do it in front of a live audience … that's how ballsy he was," Monahan told me.

A photograph proved to be invaluable evidence - Hughes' hand hidden by a script, resting in Monahan's lap.

The look on her face said it all.

"That was a polaroid," Monahan explained.

"People kept trying to say that it was photoshopped.

"You can't photoshop a polaroid.

"That's how he got away with a lot of it, was in plain sight."

In Singapore - in 2010 - A Current Affair first confronted Hughes about the accusations.

It would be the start of our decade-long investigation.

"I am absolutely shocked at the allegations and I deny - absolutely deny - everything," Hughes told A Current Affair at the time.

It was the last time Hughes publicly spoke about the accusations.

In 2012 he was arrested in London, extradited to Australia, charged and convicted of sexually and indecently assaulting four girls.

"What about the women you were accused of assaulting - have you got anything you want to say to them?" I asked Hughes when we confronted him last week.

He continued to maintain his silence - no acceptance, no denial.

On June 14, after serving eight years of his 10-year sentence, Hughes was removed from prison by the Australian Border Force before being housed at the Villawood Detention Centre.

On June 28, he flew out of Sydney, somehow managing to avoid any media scrutiny.

He was in the wind.

(continued)

>>16729148

2/2

A Current Affair's search for Hughes began the day he was released from prison.

Over the ensuing weeks we tracked down his long term wife, Gardiner - a one-time agent to film stars including Cate Blanchett.

Gardiner lives in a modest apartment in the medieval cathedral city of Salisbury - not far from Stonehenge - and 40 minutes' drive from Southampton.

She ultimately led us to a serviced apartment block in Southampton.

We were there when the reunited couple arrived.

The unit they occupied is a far cry from the four-by-two-metre cell Hughes was used to - almost palatial, you could say.

Websites boast the apartment block has: "Everything guests will need for a comfortable stay … Southampton Common, a popular park, is a short distance from the property … this is the perfect place for guests to go for a walk, run, or enjoy a picnic."

It could not be further away from the prison exercise yard.

But the serviced apartments are only a few hundred metres from St Michael's Pre School and a few blocks from Cantell Secondary school.

The New South Wales State Parole Authority announced the decision to free Hughes in a 13-page judgement.

Under his parole conditions, Hughes was ordered to report to police in the UK within three days of his arrival.

He's also been placed on the UK Sex Offenders Register and has to report any changh of address, or if he's planning to go on a holiday.

He must also tell police if he plans to stay at an address for longer than 12 hours where a child is present.

Before his release, Monahan told A Current Affair she was concerned Hughes won't be watched closely enough.

"I feel sorry for the kids in the UK," Monahan told me before Hughes was released.

"It is kind of scary that there is that situation that he could be completely unmonitored."

"What's your greatest fear if he does get parole?" I asked her.

"That he'll hurt more kids … that he'll go over there (the UK) and he'll hurt more kids."

When we confronted Hughes, I told him Monahan still believes he's a threat - again, stony silence.

Hughes has never admitted his crimes.

Gardiner has promised that he'll seek treatment with a clinical psychologist specialising in convicted sex offenders who deny their crimes.

The couple spent the first few days in Southampton using public transport - buses and trains - seemingly to run errands.

Hand in hand - their marriage rekindled.

They often seemed lost and confused as they explored their new surroundings and visited the nearby town of Basingstoke.

But it was clear that they felt they had slipped into anonymity - looking every bit the elderly couple as they walked in the park, shopped for groceries - arm-in-arm as they shared an umbrella in a sudden British downpour.

"Mr Hughes, you always maintained you were a victim in all this - do you still maintain that?" I persisted.

"This is your chance to talk to us."

With that, the paedophile former TV favourite stalked off.

The cloak of secrecy surrounding his new life dissolved; Robert Hughes was exposed for all the world to see.

https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/hey-dad-actor-robert-hughes-found-in-uk-after-prison-release-exclusive/ec69d521-1867-496d-9534-a4a31a920654

>>16721901

>>16729148

Exclusive: Robert Hughes confronted following prison release

'A Current Affair

Jul 13, 2022

Last month, 73-year-old Robert Hughes, a former television star and convicted paedophile, was released from Sydney's Long Bay jail on parole. After renouncing his Australian citizenship, Hughes was detained by immigration before being deported to the UK. It was there where A Current Affair tracked him down last week. (Broadcast July 11, 2022)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khivjqB0Ykk

Father of former choirboy sues Catholic Church, George Pell

Adam Cooper - July 13, 2022

The father of a former choirboy who prosecutors had alleged was sexually abused by George Pell in Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral has launched civil action in an attempt to sue the cardinal and the Catholic Church.

In 2018, Pell was found guilty by a County Court jury of abusing two teenage choirboys in December 1996. However, those convictions were quashed by the High Court in 2020 and Pell was released from prison after spending more than a year in custody.

The full bench of the High Court unanimously quashed Pell’s convictions after the country’s seven most senior judges found there was a “significant possibility” an innocent person was found guilty at trial. Pell pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.

At the trial, one of the former choirboys gave evidence alleging he and his friend were abused after a Sunday mass by the church leader, who in 1996 was the Archbishop of Melbourne.

The second choirboy died in his 30s in 2014, having never made a complaint against Pell. He died from an accidental drug overdose.

The deceased man’s father, who cannot be identified, has lodged a civil case against the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Pell. The case is listed for a directions hearing in the Supreme Court on Thursday.

The father told The Age in 2019 his son became withdrawn as a teenager, had problems at school, and began using drugs. As an adult, he had stints in jail.

“Really, I do blame George Pell. I feel that he has taken my son away from me,” the father told The Age in the months after Pell was found guilty by the jury.

“And it’s not only me but it’s his sister and his mother. We’ve all missed out on him. Why? Why?”

Pell, now 81, rose from being Australia’s most senior Catholic figure to become the treasurer of the Vatican, until his court case effectively ended his tenure in the senior ranks of the church.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne has been contacted for comment.

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.theage.com.au/national/father-of-former-choirboy-sues-catholic-church-george-pell-20220713-p5b1fh.html

Father of former choirboy launches civil action against Cardinal George Pell and Catholic Church

abc.net.au - 14 July 2022

The father of a former choirboy, who prosecutors alleged had been abused by George Pell, has launched legal action against the cardinal and the Catholic Church.

In December 2018, Cardinal Pell was convicted of abusing two choirboys in the 1990s during his time as archbishop of Melbourne.

Two years later the High Court of Australia quashed the convictions in a unanimous decision, and the cardinal — who has always maintained his innocence — walked free.

One of the former choirboys died in 2014 of a drug overdose.

His father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was told by police about the alleged abuse of his son a year later.

He has now launched legal action against Cardinal Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

The father, given the pseudonym RWQ in the statement of claim lodged to the court, is suing both the cardinal and church for "damages for nervous shock" relating to finding out about allegations of sexual abuse.

RWQ and his solicitors from Shine Lawyers claim the cardinal and the Archdiocese were negligent, which resulted in injuries, loss and damage.

The claim alleges Cardinal Pell is liable for his mental injury because it is reasonably foreseeable that he would suffer nervous shock from learning of the alleged abuse.

He and his solicitors claim the Archdiocese breached a duty of care to RWQ, which caused his injury.

He is claiming general damages, special damages and seeking compensation for "past loss of earning capacity and past and future medical and like expenses". The sum he is seeking will be revealed if the matter goes to trial before a judge.

Shine Lawyers Chief Legal Officer, Lisa Flynn, said the criminal case and the High Court decision would not affect the civil proceedings.

"The High Court made some decisions in relation to the criminal prosecution against [George] Pell, our case is a civil case against George Pell and the Catholic Archdiocese. There are different paths to justice," she said.

The ABC has contacted the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne for comment.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/george-pell-father-former-choirboy-civil-action-cardinal-church/101236968

Father of former choirboy files civil claim against Cardinal George Pell and Catholic church

Civil claim brought against Pell and Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne by man alleging he suffered psychological injury

Australian Associated Press - 14 Jul 2022

The father of a deceased former choirboy is suing Cardinal George Pell and the Catholic church claiming he has suffered psychological injury after learning of allegations his son had been sexually abused.

Pell was acquitted in 2020 when the high court quashed his convictions for child sexual assault related to allegations he molested two choirboys in the late 1990s when he was the archbishop of Melbourne.

Pell has always maintained his innocence and the high court found the jury ought to have entertained a doubt as to Pell’s guilt with respect to each of the offences for which he was convicted. He served 13 months in prison before being released.

One choirboy’s father has filed a civil case in Victoria’s supreme court, seeking damages against the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and the 81-year-old Pell.

The man is not identified and is listed in court papers under a pseudonym.

He claims to have suffered nervous shock arising from learning of allegations his son had been sexually abused.

He has suffered from chronic adjustment disorder and persistent complex bereavement disorder, with mixed anxiety and a depressed mood, court documents claim.

The father also says he has lost money due to medical expenses and has lost his earning capacity.

Justice Michael McDonald asked lawyers representing the church whether they were going to rely on the Ellis defence, during a brief hearing on Thursday.

The Ellis defence, which allowed the Catholic church to deny liability to alleged sexual abuse survivors, was abolished in Victoria in 2018.

Unincorporated associations, such as churches, now have to nominate an entity able to pay damages.

However, it is unclear whether the defence could still be used in cases brought by people who claim to be secondary victims, including alleged victims’ families.

The archdiocese’s barrister, Geraldine Gray, told the court the church had not yet decided whether it would use the Ellis defence.

“If the Ellis defence isn’t going to be taken, the proceedings would go ahead,” McDonald said.

He set down a hearing for 4 August on the question of whether the Ellis defence would apply.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/14/george-pell-father-of-former-choirboy-files-civil-claim-against-cardinal-and-catholic-church

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 2:53 a.m. No.16729382 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9387

Former choirboy's father launches civil action against George Pell and Catholic Church

Serena Seyfort - Jul 14, 2022

1/2

The father of a former choirboy, who prosecutors have alleged was abused by George Pell, has lodged a civil suit against the cardinal and the Catholic Church.

The civil action, which is being facilitated by Shine Lawyers, will be heard in the Victorian Supreme Court today for the first time.

Pell had his criminal convictions overturned on appeal by the High Court in 2020 and he was released from prison.

He had earlier been found guilty in 2018 of abusing two choirboys in the 1990s.

Pell has always maintained his innocence.

One of the former choirboys Pell was accused of abusing died from a drug overdose in 2014, when he was in his 30s, having never made a complaint against the cardinal.

The deceased man's father, who cannot be identified, is behind the civil case against the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Pell.

Shine Lawyers chief legal officer Lisa Flynn spoke outside the court this morning ahead of the hearing.

"We're here for a father of a deceased son," she said.

"A son who, our client alleges, suffered sexual abuse at the hands of the church when he was a boy."

(continued)

>>16729382

2/2

Flynn said she was not able to reveal details of the case, but shared a message for abuse survivors more broadly.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say to survivors of sexual abuse that we will not stop fighting for you," she said.

"Yours is a deep pain that is caused by the darkest of evils and we will not stop fighting and seeking justice."

Flynn said while the High Court had made decisions in relation to the criminal prosecution of Pell, she was progressing a civil claim.

It is unknown as yet how Pell will respond to the civil claim.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/george-pell-former-choirboy-s-father-launches-civil-claim-against-cardinal-and-catholic-church/4eeb2bad-2e42-40bf-b2f8-5d750da61bd5

Former choirboy’s father launches civil action against George Pell

9 News Australia

Jul 14, 2022

The father of a former choirboy, who prosecutors have alleged was abused by George Pell, has lodged a civil suit against the cardinal and the Catholic Church.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yc32Qx74WU

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 2:58 a.m. No.16729394 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>2082

Cardinal George Pell And The Catholic Church Sued In Civil Case

The Project

Jul 14, 2022

Just over two years after he walked free from jail, George Pell is once again facing court action. The Cardinal and the Catholic Church are being sued in a civil case. Shine Lawyers’ chief legal officer, Lisa Flynn, joins us.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGc2nIyMKQ

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 3:07 a.m. No.16729421 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1999

Q Post #2590

Dec 12 2018 11:00:11 (EST)

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6487315/High-profile-figure-convicted-suppression-orders-prevent-publication-persons-identity.html

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/why-the-media-is-unable-to-report-on-a-case-that-has-generated-huge-interest-online-20181212-p50lta.html

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/nsw/an-awful-crime-the-person-is-guilty-but-we-cant-publish-the-story-ng-4be7ee27075d4fb302aae9989c40ad34

[Cardinal Pell]

Dark to LIGHT.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#2590

https://archive.ph/20181212163320/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-6487315/High-profile-figure-convicted-suppression-orders-prevent-publication-persons-identity.html

https://archive.ph/20181212122705/https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/why-the-media-is-unable-to-report-on-a-case-that-has-generated-huge-interest-online-20181212-p50lta.html

https://archive.ph/20181212193749/https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/nsw/an-awful-crime-the-person-is-guilty-but-we-cant-publish-the-story-ng-4be7ee27075d4fb302aae9989c40ad34

—

Q Post #2594

Dec 12 2018 11:29:43 (EST)

>He was the vatican treasurer I'm sure that carries some weight

#3 in the pecking order.

Define 'pecking' [animals].

Q

https://qanon.pub/#2594

—

Q Post #2894

Feb 25 2019 20:08:29 (EST)

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/25/australia/cardinal-george-pell-vatican-conviction-intl/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47366113

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-abuse-pell/vatican-treasurer-pell-found-guilty-of-abusing-two-choir-boys-22-years-ago-idUSKCN1QF009

Many more to come?

Dark to LIGHT.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#2894

https://archive.ph/20190301020521/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/25/australia/cardinal-george-pell-vatican-conviction-intl/index.html

https://archive.ph/20190301014904/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-47366113

https://archive.ph/20190301014445/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-abuse-pell/vatican-treasurer-pell-found-guilty-of-abusing-two-choir-boys-22-years-ago-idUSKCN1QF009

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 3:38 a.m. No.16729514 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9516

Solomon Islands PM rules out China military base and says Australia is ‘security partner of choice’

Exclusive: In his first interview since the security deal with Beijing, Manasseh Sogavare says he would only call on China if there was a ‘gap’ that Australia could not fill

Lice Movono and Kate Lyons - 14 Jul 2022

1/2

The prime minister of Solomon Islands has guaranteed there will never be a Chinese military base in his country, saying that any such deal with Beijing would undermine regional security, make Solomon Islands an “enemy” and “put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes”.

He has also said that Australia remains the “security partner of choice” for Solomon Islands and he would only call on China to send security personnel to the country if there was a “gap” that Australia could not meet.

Speaking exclusively to the Guardian, RNZ and SIBC in his first media interview since signing the controversial security deal with China earlier this year, Manasseh Sogavare said it was time for the world to “trust us”.

“Let me assure you all again, there is no military base, nor any other military facility, or institutions in the agreement. And I think that’s a very important point that we continue to reiterate to the family in the region,” he said.

News of the deal with China sparked huge concern among western countries, particularly language in the text saying China would be permitted to “make ship visits”. But Sogavare pushed back against claims it would lead to a military base in the country, which lies less than 2,000km from Australia’s east coast.

“I have said it before and I will say it again, that is not in someone’s interest, nor the interest of the region for any military base, to be established in any Pacific island country, let alone Solomon Islands,” Sogavare said.

“I think the reason is simple; the reason is regionalism, the moment we establish a foreign military base, we immediately become an enemy. And we also put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes.”

Sogavare also said that Chinese security personnel would only be invited to Solomon Islands by Solomon Islands government if Australia could not meet the requests for security assistance from the government.

“If there is any gap, we will not allow our country to go down the drain. If there is a gap, we will call on support from China. But we’ve made it very clear to the Australians, and many times when we have this conversation with them, that they are a partner of choice … when it comes to security issues in the region, we will call on them first.”

However, the assurances seem at odds with comments made by Sogavare last week, in which he praised China as a “worthy partner”, while saying relationships with some countries “at times can sour”, in an apparent reference to Australia. He also said he wanted China to play a permanent role in training police in his country and welcomed donations of police vehicles and drones from Beijing.

Sogavare has spent much of his time at the 51st Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Fiji this week allaying fears that his country would host China’s first military presence in the Pacific. He said: “We will not do anything that will put any member of our Pacific family at risk.”

“What I’ve been saying all along with the signing of the agreement between countries [is that it is a] sovereign issue of countries involved. However, we also appreciate that Solomon Islands is part of the Pacific family. So we have ensured the agreement does not in any way undermine the security of the region.”

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 14, 2022, 3:39 a.m. No.16729516 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16729514

2/2

Until now, Sogavare has not answered questions from media about the security deal, which was leaked in late March. Yet on Thursday he condemned journalists for contributing to misinformation, saying: “Our office is always open. Officials are there and I’m also accessible.”

He accused the media of “contributing to misinformation and then blow[ing] things out of proportion and said he hoped the interview would “give us the opportunity to clear the air”.

Sogavare’s reassurances come as other Pacific leaders have raised concerns about China’s attempts to divide the region, and fears that China would attempt to reintroduce a sweeping economic and security deal to the region.

The deal, which was proposed to 10 leaders during Wang Yi’s marathon tour of the region in June, was rejected, but China has indicated it will bring the deal back at a later date.

“I assumed they would never stop trying, right?” said Surangel Whipps Jr, the president of Palau, speaking on the sidelines of PIF. “I mean, if they wanted it, they’re going to keep pushing.”

Palau, which has diplomatic relations with Taiwan and not with China, was not one of the 10 countries to whom the deal was proposed, and Whipps said that by excluding some Pacific Island countries, it “weakens the agreement”.

“I think it’s an attempt to divide the Pacific again. We’ve just gotten back together, let’s stay together,” he said. “If we are truly brothers in the Pacific, let’s make sure that it doesn’t affect our peace and security and our prosperity in the future. You know, we respect people’s sovereignty, but also collectively let’s look at how this affects all of us.

Daniel Panuelo, the president of the Federated States of Micronesia, raised serious concerns about the proposed regional deal with Pacific leaders in a scathing letter that warned such a security pact could lead Pacific countries to be the “centre of future confrontation between these major powers”.

Forum partner countries like the US, China and Japan are usually invited to attend a post-forum dialogue meeting, at which they can give presentations, but this year the partner dialogue will not be held during the week of the summit. China has been asked not to participate in this year’s PIF by the forum chair Frank Bainimarama, the prime minister of Fiji.

Panuelo confirmed this was to give Pacific leaders some breathing room from the intense geopolitical tension.

“That’s absolutely the sense of our membership,” he said.

Panuelo said the regional deal had not yet been brought back to Pacific countries by China and would not be discussed by leaders at Thursday’s retreat.

“It will not be discussed. Our topics are what is in the best interest of our Pacific community, things that influence that 2050 strategy, climate change, the Suva agreement [that resolves the fracture in the PIF with Micronesian countries].”

But Panuelo anticipated it would be brought back to Pacific countries when the next partners dialogue forum would be held, which might be in September, at the sidelines of the Pacific Island Conference of Leaders.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/14/solomon-islands-pm-rules-out-chinese-military-base-china-australia-security-partner-manasseh-sogavare

>>16729133

Fears grow of possible miscalculation involving Australian military in contested South China Sea

Andrew Greene and Jade Macmillan - 14 July 2022

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Concerns are growing that a serious incident could soon occur between the Australian Defence Force and the Chinese military as strategic tensions grow in the Indo-Pacific, as Australia's Defence Minister warns the world is witnessing the biggest military build-up since World War II.

The ABC has revealed HMAS Parramatta was recently closely tracked and challenged by the Chinese military while transiting through the contested waters of the South China Sea and East China Sea.

As details emerged of Australia's latest interaction with the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a US warship conducted a freedom-of-navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea on Wednesday by sailing within the 12-nautical-mile boundary imposed by Beijing on the Paracel Islands.

Australia is yet to conduct a US-style FONOP to challenge Chinese claimed territory and features in the South China Sea, but military observers believe the tempo of ADF activity in the region is high.

In May, a Chinese jet fighter intercepted an Australian surveillance aircraft in the South China Sea, first firing flares and then cutting in front of the P-8 Poseidon and releasing a bag of chaff.

Professor Don Rothwell — an international law expert at the Australian National University — warns the prospect of a miscalculation in the South China Sea involving Australia and China is growing.

"I think it's becoming increasingly difficult because it is clear that there is a pattern associated with Australia's activities now [that is] very much aligned with the way in which the United States conducts similar activities," Professor Rothwell told the ABC's Afternoon Briefing.

"It needs to be accepted that Australia is often sailing through those waters on their own without a lot of back-up, in the way that the US navy would often have."

"Australia, to a degree, is isolated and, yes, the risk of miscalculation is one that is very live."

Professor Rothwell's concerns are backed by Nationals MP Darren Chester, a former minister for veterans' affairs and defence personnel.

"What concerns me is there's more likely to be some incident at a future point resulting from a level of misadventure or miscalculation or mistake being made than an actual act of aggression," Mr Chester said.

"We need to be very careful and need to make sure we are working closely with our allies. I think it is really important that we try and de-escalate these situations wherever possible.

"At the same time, we have every right to be there. The Australian navy is incredibly professional, incredibly well-trained and incredibly capable and they are just doing their job."

(continued)

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The Defence Department has declined to comment on the recent interactions between HMAS Parramatta and the Chinese military, but Defence Minister Richard Marles said encounters with foreign militaries were not unexpected.

"What we anticipate is interactions with other militaries. We anticipate interactions with the PLA. None of that is a surprise," Mr Marles told the ABC during an interview in Washington DC.

"What we seek is that those interactions are done in a professional and safe manner."

Defence Minister warns of 'most dangerous' period

Mr Marles used a meeting with his US counterpart at the Pentagon to discuss growing anxiety about China’s military expansion.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the shared vision of Australia and the United States, for a free and open Indo-Pacific, was being challenged.

"China's disruptive and destabilising actions threaten to undermine our values, our interests and our shared conviction that all states should be free to choose their own paths without coercion or intimidation," he said.

Mr Marles had earlier opened a Washington office of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), which has been criticised by Beijing as an anti-China think tank.

Also in attendance were the heads of Australian security agencies the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), the Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS), the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) and the Office of National Intelligence (ONI).

"This is probably the most-dangerous period that I've lived through," Mr Marles said.

"The idea that, right now, we are witnessing the biggest military build-up since the end of the Second World War: That’s a big thing to observe. That's a big thing to be happening.

"What's the conclusion to that? What have the conclusion to military build-ups of that kind been in the past? Have they ended with happy endings?

"That's what keeps me awake at night."

Mr Marles is on a four day visit to Washington and previously argued the US-Australia alliance needed to avoid "a catastrophic failure of deterrence" in the Indo-Pacific.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/possible-miscalculation-australian-military-in-south-china-sea/101236626

https://twitter.com/US7thFleet/status/1547073807336312833

https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1547351516931039233

GT Voice: Can real improvements be made in China-Australia trade?

Global Times - Jul 14, 2022

The overall trade of goods between China and Australia reached $19.20 billion in June, up 2.34 percent month-on-month, but down 4.69 percent year-on-year, according to data released on Wednesday by China's General Administration of Customs. In the first half of 2022, bilateral trade shrank 3.1 percent year-on-year.

Compared with the overall 10.3 percent growth rate of China's foreign trade in the first half of this year, the underperformance of bilateral trade certainly adds to the frustration among both the Chinese and Australian business communities, but may also fuel their expectation for easing trade tensions between China and Australia, especially at a time when China-Australia relations showed certain positive signs of thawing recently.

On Friday, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which was the first meeting between Chinese and Australian foreign ministers in three years.

Yet, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's response after the meeting indicated that Australia's internal voice toward China remain complicated. And the complexity will only make it harder to resolve trade issues between the two countries.

The crux of the difficulties surrounding bilateral trade is Australia's political interference based on ideological values. It is not surprising that the two sides have different views on some issues, but Australia must be pragmatic on economic and trade issues. The so-called human rights, democracy and security issues cannot be used to disrupt normal economic and trade.

Since Albanese was sworn into office, Australian officials have appeared increasingly keen to restore trade relations to where they were before, which may be because of the economic pressure faced by the Albanese government.

China, too, has shown a willingness to improve trade relations with Australia, as evidenced by the recent foreign ministers' meeting.

Indeed, there are increasing positive signals foreboding the possibility of easing trade tensions between the two countries. But the question is: to what extent can the positive signals be translated into actual improvement in bilateral trade relations? If Australia is really sincere about resolving some trade issues, it cannot just talk about its concerns and ignore China's.

For instance, Australia is the first country in the world to ban Huawei and other Chinese suppliers from providing 5G equipment, which is the starting point of this round of trade frictions between China and Australia. It is necessary for Australia to discuss about the lifting of the ban on Huawei and other suppliers.

Likewise, talks on lifting the ban on products from Xinjiang is also essential for bilateral trade. It is completely groundless for Australia to attack China over the Xinjiang issue.

Moreover, it is also necessary for the two countries to discuss the tariffs under the China-Australia free trade agreement. About 95 percent of imported goods from Australia enjoy zero tariffs based on the free trade agreement, the Chinese embassy in Australia said in December, 2020. By comparison, the Australian government launched 25 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations against Chinese products during the period from 2016 to 2020, according to media reports.

It should be noted that Australia's trade and investment relationship with China has long been in the shadow of the US, which apparently doesn't want to see positive signals in China-Australia trade relations. The US and Australia just announced a "net zero technology acceleration partnership," which was aimed at reducing dependence on China for a clean energy and critical mineral supply chain, The Guardian reported on Tuesday. While reducing reliance on China may seem like a selling point to cater to the hostile atmosphere within Australia toward China, the US itself is facing problems in its own clean energy supply chains. It is questionable how much it can really help.

Australia needs to learn from the past lessons of asking Americans for help in solving economic problems. Let the China-Australia trade pie stay away from the US finger.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270478.shtml

Scott Morrison says Covid-19 and national cabinet hurt his election chances in first post-poll speech

SIMON BENSON - JULY 13, 2022

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Scott Morrison says there was a damaging political cost to his government’s response to the pandemic, admitting that he as leader took an unavoidable “hit for the mission” in the creation of the national cabinet and trying to manage the federation during the crisis.

He also admits that when things inevitably went wrong, as leader “you just have to cop it”.

But the former prime minister maintains there had been no alternative and will tell an international forum on Thursday that his government’s management of the Covid pandemic ranked among the most successful in the world despite the frustrations endured by many Australians.

In his first official public appearance since the May 21 election loss, Mr Morrison will on Thursday deliver an address to the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul, mapping out how Australia had outperformed most other countries in both health and economic outcomes.

“The results we were able to achieve were no accident. It was ‘no fluke’ as we like to say,” he will say in his speech, given exclusively to The Australian.

“Australia’s results do tell a proud story. One of the lowest fatality rates, highest vaccination rates and strongest economic performances of any developed country in the world.

“Australia has the third lowest mortality rate in the OECD at 401 deaths per million population. This can be compared with Canada at 1106 per million, the UK at 2688 per million and the US at 3031 per million. During the pandemic, we estimate that when compared to the average fatality rates of OECD countries, Australia’s response saved an estimated 40,000 lives.

“More than 95 per cent of the Australian adult population have had two vaccine doses, and we have already commenced fourth doses.

“Likewise, since December 2019, when the pandemic first struck, Australia’s economy has grown by 4.5 per cent. This compares to 3.9 per cent in Korea, 2.7 per cent in the US, and less than 1 per cent in the UK, Canada and France, while the Japanese and German economies remained in negative territory.

“Australia’s success was partly achieved by limiting the scale of our economic decline during Covid,” Mr Morrison will say.

In his speech, the former PM will explain the rationale for the creation of the national cabinet, which has been adopted unaltered by the Albanese government, despite the inevitable political cost in deliberately parking normal domestic politics for the good of the country.

(continued)

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Addressing the annual dialogue, which is also hosting former US first lady Michelle Obama and former US vice-president Mike Pence, Mr Morrison will admit there’s been a price to pay for Australia’s successes. “Frustration with the national cabinet was actually frustration with the nature of our Constitution and federation,” he will say in the speech.

“But in a crisis, this was no time to engage in a political debate about our federation, nor as the national leader to pick fights with provincial leaders.

“Leadership often requires you to take the hit for the mission you are engaged in.

“This was certainly the case when it came to managing our federation during the pandemic.

“A crisis demanded that you curb your natural defensive domestic political instincts to focus on the bigger job and bigger picture. It could not be politics as usual.

“That said, for all its critics, the national cabinet proved its worth in the outcomes we were able to achieve together. And I am yet to hear of a better alternative.”

“As prime minister, I chaired 57 meetings of the national cabinet over a two-year period.

“At no time in our history had state and federal leaders met as often, as extensively and with such candour as during this time.

“But we didn’t always agree, especially when it came to issues where the medical advice was not consistent such as state borders, school closures or vaccine mandates.

“As the pandemic evolved, it became more difficult to keep uniformity in the various restrictions employed by each state as the experience of the virus was no longer uniform.

“When we disagreed, this caused great frustration among the public. While such disagreement was inevitable, many Australians found it difficult to understand why the prime minister could not just make the decisions.

“Some even mistakenly believed that the establishment of the national cabinet had devolved federal powers to the states. This was untrue. The states had always had these powers.”

On the sidelines of the first day of the conference in Seoul on Wednesday, Mr Morrison held meetings with former US vice-president Mike Pence and former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Mr Pence in his address on Wednesday praised Australia’s role during the pandemic and its leadership of the geopolitical issues in the Indo-Pacific.

Mr Morrison in his speech will say that, on reflection, the key to managing the pandemic was to be across the detail.

“As I look back on those times now, there are many takeouts, especially from a leadership perspective,” he will say. “One of the most important is that in a crisis leaders must be across the detail.

“You quickly become the central point of all information, communication and decision making.

“You set the pace, tone and direction of the national response. Attention to detail matters critically, especially when it comes to process.

“Events move very quickly in a crisis. Sound process provides the guardrails to get things as right as you can, and the mechanisms to fix them quickly when you don’t.

“The flow and source of your information and advice, the decision-making process, your accountability and follow-up mechanisms, implementation plans – it all matters.

“This should not be confused with becoming a control freak, wanting to be hands-on in implementing all aspects of your response. That is a recipe for disaster,” he will say.

“You must be able to trust and delegate, understanding that you and your team will not get everything right. And you must reconcile yourself to the fact that when it does go wrong (which it certainly will at some point) and events conspire against your best-laid plans and advice, as the leader you will just have to cop it.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/scott-morrison-says-covid19-and-national-cabinet-hurt-his-election-chances-in-first-postpoll-speech/news-story/01c509319ce9a23003109cf3b9dfd447

>Mission forward.

Prominent Australians have rallied in Sydney for Julian Assange. What's the latest on his case?

Actor Michael Caton was among the speakers at a rally outside the Sydney Opera House, calling for the government to intervene in the Wikileaks founder's impending extradition to the US.

Amy Hall - 15 July 2022

Prominent Australians have reiterated calls for the federal government to intervene in Julian Assange's impending extradition to the United States, during a rally in Sydney on Friday.

United Kingdom Home Secretary Priti Patel last month approved the Wikileaks founder's extradition to the United States where he is wanted on 18 charges, including espionage and hacking.

If convicted, lawyers for the 50-year-old Australian have said he could face a jail term of 170 years. US lawyers said he would more likely face four to six years in jail.

Actor Michael Caton said Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese needed to urgently step in.

"The only thing Julian Assange is guilty of this revealing to the world the scale of the atrocities committed by the United States in Iraq and elsewhere," he said on Friday.

"He has been unduly pursued and harassed for eight years. Enough is enough.

"It's time for Albanese to get on the phone to his mate Joe Biden, and insist this Australian be returned to us."

Mr Albanese has said he doesn't see the purpose of the "ongoing pursuit" of Mr Assange.

But he said he also wouldn't be pressured into publicly intervening in the case, instead opting to deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

"There are some people who think that if you put things in capital letters on Twitter and put an exclamation mark, that somehow makes it more important. It doesn't," Mr Albanese said.

Filmmaker James Ricketson, who was wrongfully imprisoned in Cambodia for 15 months on espionage charges, said he's doubtful a softer approach will work.

"Quiet diplomacy didn't get Kylie-Moore Gilbert out of jail or Peter Greste out of jail," he said.

"As much as I appreciate the prime minister saying that quiet diplomacy may work in this case, I have my doubts.

"I hope that I'm wrong, but even if I am wrong, I think it's necessary for all of us to place as much pressure as we possibly can on the government; not just the Australian government, but also the UK government and the US government."

The rally comes a week after former attorney-general George Brandis said Australia had no legal grounds to intervene in Mr Assange's extradition.

"Australia wasn't a party to the proceedings and had no standing to intervene in the proceedings," Mr Brandis told the ABC.

"It was legal proceedings in a British court between the government of the United States and a private citizen. We would not intervene in those proceedings."

Independent MP Andrew Wilkie rejected those claims, saying politicians have to "stop hiding behind the excuse of the Julian Assange matter being a legal matter".

"It has always been an intensely political matter," he told AAP.

Former CIA engineer convicted in WikiLeaks espionage case

A former CIA programmer was found guilty in New York federal court on Wednesday of the 2017 leak of the Central Intelligence Agency's most valuable hacking tools to WikiLeaks, two years after his initial prosecution ended in a mistrial.

Joshua Schulte worked for the US spy agency's elite hacking unit when he quietly took the "Vault 7" tools it uses to break into target computer and technology systems and, after quitting his job, sent them to the anti-secrecy group.

Vault 7 was a collection of malware, viruses, trojans, and "zero day" exploits that, once leaked out, were available for use by foreign intelligence groups, hackers and cyber extortionists around the world.

The leak, which stunned the CIA in March 2017, was called one of the most damaging losses of classified material ever experienced by the organisation.

It spurred the government to consider tough action against WikiLeaks, which then-CIA director Mike Pompeo called a "hostile intelligence service".

The US government then moved to indict Mr Assange on espionage charges.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/prominent-australians-have-rallied-in-sydney-for-julian-assange-whats-the-latest-on-his-case/rrwf4juv2

>>16345934 (pb)

>>16346016 (pb)

Kevin Spacey set to face June trial in UK after pleading not guilty to sex offence charges

Reuters / AP - 15 July 2022

Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey will go on trial in London next year after pleading not guilty to accusations of sex offences dating back almost 20 years.

Mr Spacey is accused of five offences in Britain — four counts of sexual assault by touching, and a more serious charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.

Prosecutors say Mr Spacey forced a man to have oral sex.

Speaking clearly, the 62-year-old American actor and producer, whose name was given as Kevin Spacey Fowler, said "not guilty" when each of the charges were put to him at London's Old Bailey Central Criminal Court on Thursday.

Wearing glasses and a light blue suit, he sat impassively in the dock during the 20-minute hearing as a trial date of June 6 next year was agreed.

It is likely to be at the Old Bailey, the venue for Britain's highest-profile criminal trials, and will last between three to four weeks.

The judge continued the actor's unconditional bail, and said another pre-trial hearing would be held early in 2023.

"Thank you, my Lord," he told the judge at the end of the hearing.

He made no comment as he left court and was ushered through a crowd of photographers and camera crews into a chauffeur-driven car.

Spacey's lawyer previously said the actor "strenuously denies" the allegations.

If found guilty of sexual assault, Mr Spacey could face a six-month prison sentence or an unlimited fine, while the more serious offence carries a maximum punishment of life imprisonment.

Police said the alleged assaults occurred between March 2005 and April 2013 — four in London and one in Gloucestershire, in the west of England. They involved one man who is now in his 40s and two men now in their 30s.

Once one of Hollywood's biggest stars, Mr Spacey has largely disappeared from public view since being accused of sexual misconduct five years ago.

The 62-year-old, who won Oscars for best actor in American Beauty and best supporting actor in The Usual Suspects, was dropped from the TV show House of Cards and removed from the movie All the Money in the World after the accusations came to light.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-14/kevin-spacey-faces-uk-court-hearing-on-sex-assault-charges/101240098

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/kevin-spacey-set-to-face-june-uk-trial/13974374

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 15, 2022, 4:50 a.m. No.16736623 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6632

China increasingly expected to drop ban on Australian coal as nation's economic woes deepen

Bill Birtles - 15 July 2022

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Expectations that China's leader Xi Jinping will reverse his unofficial ban on Australian coal imports are growing as the country's economic problems continue to mount.

There is no official sign from China's Ministry of Commerce that it will dump the ban, but analysts in China say the mounting cost of coal imported from other countries is hurting both steelmakers and the energy sector.

One Beijing-based analyst who declined to be named due to the political sensitivity of the issue said the high price of imported coking coal was causing huge pain for the country's steel sector.

He said allowing Australian shipments to return would likely lower production costs, although the analyst was unaware of any plans to do so.

Bloomberg earlier reported that a proposal to resume Australian coal imports was being submitted to senior leaders in China, amid fears European restrictions on Russian exports would push up global prices even further.

Australia exported close to $14 billion of coal to China in 2019 — most of that coking coal for steelmaking, but the thermal coal market for electricity generation is also extremely tight.

Reports say China's leadership is worried about a repeat of electricity shortages last year that occurred when high global thermal coal prices made electricity generation unprofitable for many coal-fired power plant operators.

In recent years China has dramatically scaled up its domestic thermal-coal production, with imports only playing a minor role.

Mr Xi's ban on Australian imports, while not the main cause of the electricity shortages, nonetheless played a role in exacerbating the problems last year.

His bans on Australian shipments in late 2020 were never formally announced or confirmed by the Chinese side, and they initially caused huge problems for shipping crews stuck on bulk carriers loaded with Australian coal waiting off Chinese ports.

The bans did not, however, achieve the apparent desired effect of economically coercing the Morrison government to change its approach to China.

China reports worse economic growth figures than expected

The election of the Albanese government, plus high global commodity prices caused by sanctions due to Russia's war on Ukraine, appears to have prompted Beijing to change its approach.

A recent "ice breaker" meeting between Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, and China's Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, may have set the conditions to allow a walk back of the coal policy.

At that meeting, Mr Wang said China was willing to "recalibrate" its relationship with Australia, although he still set four requirements of the Australian side to improve ties.

Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting told a regular press briefing on Thursday that it was hoped that Australia would "sum up the past, look to the future" and "uphold the principle of mutual respect" to improve bilateral economic and trade relations.

"The healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations is in line with the fundamental interests and common aspirations of the two peoples, and is also conducive to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region," Ms Shu said.

(continued)

>>16736623

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The speculation about coal came as China's government reported far worse economic growth figures for the second quarter than expected.

Officially, China's economy grew 0.4 per cent more between April and June compared to the year before, falling short of expectations of about 1 per cent.

But some independent analysts doubt the economy grew at all given China's biggest city, Shanghai, was locked down for some of that time and other cities were plunged into on-again, off-again restrictions for COVID-19 outbreaks.

Domestic consumption is also weak, with imports in June officially only 1 per cent higher than the same time last year.

"Rising unemployment, declining household income and unending COVID lockdowns have squeezed domestic consumption," Beijing-based economist Michael Pettis wrote on Twitter.

"When weak domestic consumer demand is an economy's biggest problem, lower inflation and surging trade surpluses are not indicators of success," he wrote, responding to claims by a government official that China was not battling soaring inflation like Western countries because of its "superior" political system.

Disgruntled buyers refusing to pay mortgages

Over the past few weeks, home buyers have been threatening to not start paying their mortgages again until developers resume construction of pre-sold homes.

Some major Chinese banks say these troubled loans are manageable, but the government is holding crisis talks.

The movement, which appears to be gaining traction, poses a danger to a nascent recovery in the property sector and could trigger government intervention.

"The event will likely spread, and it shows there is still a lot of froth in the real estate market," Yuan Yuwei, hedge fund manager at Water Wisdom Asset Management, said.

"People are worried this may hurt bank loans and affect other, not-in-trouble projects," Steven Leung, executive director of institutional sales at brokerage UOB Kay Hian in Hong Kong, said.

The movement had spread to many Chinese provinces and involved more than 100 property projects, real estate consultancy CRIC said in a comment cautioning against "systemic risks".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/china-increasingly-expected-to-drop-ban-on-australian-coal/101242670

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 15, 2022, 5:11 a.m. No.16736715 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6718

Pacific leaders to declare 'climate emergency' in PIF statement, praise Australia's move to lift emissions reduction target

Stephen Dziedzic - 15 July 2022

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Australia looks set to sign up to a joint statement from Pacific Islands Forum leaders that is expected to declare a "climate emergency" and calls for rapid and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming.

The communique — endorsed by all Pacific leaders after their meeting in Suva — has not yet been published but is also set to back Vanuatu's push to secure a request from the United Nations to ask the International Court of Justice to issue an advisory opinion on the legal consequences of climate change.

It praises the Albanese government's move to lift Australia's emissions reduction target but gives only a brief mention of its push to host a United Nations climate change conference with Pacific Island nations, with Pacific leaders welcoming the idea.

In a press conference after the forum, Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said he would "love to see a COP [UN climate conference] come to the Pacific" but added the negotiations were "defined far more by what they produce than … where they are held".

The Pacific Islands Forum has also released its 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which strikes an urgent tone on climate change and repeatedly calls for accelerated and drastic action to reduce emissions.

Mr Bainimarama also earlier sent a clear message to Australia, saying on social media that he had urged Mr Albanese to introduce more ambitious targets consistent with limiting warming to 1.5 degrees.

"Throughout every meeting and discussion I've held this week, I have been clear and consistent in asking for more ambitious climate commitments," he said after the leaders' meeting.

But Mr Albanese said the Pacific had overwhelmingly welcomed Labor's promise to ramp up ambition by trying to cut emissions by 43 per cent by 2030, and said none of the leaders he had met with had pressed him to phase out new oil and gas projects.

"Not one person today raised those questions in the meeting, nor was it raised in any of the meetings that I held," he said.

"What you have to do is to have a real plan with a real timetable. That is what we have."

The Prime Minister also pointed out that the final forum communique would say that leaders welcomed Australia's renewed commitment to cutting emissions, calling it a clear endorsement of his government's position.

"It was also reflected in every single one of the person-to-person dialogues I had with prime ministers and other leaders from our Pacific Island neighbours," he said.

(continued)

>>16736715

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Continued attempts to mend PIF rift

All Pacific leaders at the meeting also signed up to the Suva Agreement, designed to restore political unity within the forum after a damaging rift opened up over Micronesia's failed bid for the secretary-general position.

Kiribati dealt the forum a blow when it announced over the weekend that it would not sign the Suva Agreement and would quit the body immediately.

Pacific leaders including Mr Bainimarama spent days trying unsuccessfully to reach the President of Kiribati to convince him to change his mind.

Mr Albanese said there had been a breakthrough on Thursday afternoon when Mr Bainimarama managed to speak on the phone with President Taneti Maamau, who indicated he was still open to reconsidering his decision.

Hints to China's diplomatic push in region

There are not expected to be any specific mentions of China in the final communique. However, Mr Albanese said the document would make clear references to the importance of making sure that the Pacific had key responsibility for its own security, and would make it clear that deals bringing in several Pacific countries should not sideline the Pacific Islands Forum.

That is partly a reference to China's contentious push to sign a sweeping security regional pact with 10 countries during a visit to the region by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in May.

China was forced to shelve the agreement after Pacific nations complained they were not properly consulted ahead of time, with some leaders suggesting the deal should be routed through the Pacific Islands Forum instead.

The secretary-general of the forum, Henry Puna, made a rare direct criticism of Beijing after the leaders' meeting, when he suggested China's approach had been misguided.

"There is a distinct difference with the approach that was taken by China through their Foreign Minister when he came here a couple of months ago. They came here with their own prepared outcomes document," he said.

"And it was that that our members have reacted against. Because, the thing is, if anybody knows what we want, what we need and what our priorities are, it's not other people, it's us.

"So, it was on that basis that the region did not accept that approach. And I'm sure you would agree that has to be the way."

In a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Albanese suggested that China's influence might have been diminished in the Pacific in recent days when he was pressed on the subject by journalists.

"Well, look, it's up to others to comment about other countries' influence. What I would say about our influence is that Australia's influence — which historically has been a country of great significance to the region — has been enhanced by this meeting and that's important," he said.

"I'd rather not comment on someone else's influence, but these things are all relative. If Australia is increasing its influence, then — by definition — that has an impact."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/pacific-leaders-declare-climate-emergency-in-joint-pif-statement/101239362

https://twitter.com/FijiPM/status/1547186861453737984

https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1547490869892169728

>>16729627

Scott Morrison accuses Xi Jinping of steering China down a more autocratic path in Seoul speech

SIMON BENSON - JULY 15, 2022

Scott Morrison has accused President Xi Jinping of steering Beijing down an autocratic path, saying if Indo-Pacific countries, including Australia, failed to stand their ground, further Chinese incursions into the region would be made.

While arguing that the world had not faced a more unstable environment since the 1930s, the former prime minister said conflict in the Indo-Pacific was not an inevitable outcome of the geopolitical tensions.

Speaking to the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul on Thursday, Mr Morrison suggested the world had failed to act as China took over disputed territory in the South China Sea and such activity would continue unless the region stood firm.

In his first official public engagement since the May 21 election loss, Mr Morrison defended his tough stance on Chinese aggression during his time in office, claiming Australia’s position had never been to provoke Beijing, but to defend the sovereignty of Australia and other countries subjected to economic coercion.

Asked whether conflict in the region was inevitable, Mr Morrison said “No, I don’t. While I do think the world hasn’t seen such an unstable time since the 1930s in the Indo-Pacific, I don’t think it will end the same way,” he told the conference after his address.

“I think there are many things that have been learned since then; I think the rules-based inter-national order is critical to that.”

However, he said Mr Xi was responsible for taking the Chinese government down a more aggressive foreign policy path. “We have no quarrel with the Chinese ¬people. We have a deep relationship. There are over a million Australians of Chinese descent in Australia. We celebrate Chinese culture, we celebrate China’s massive economic success, we have played a huge role in that with our resources industry and other things,” he said.

“But there has been a very different tone under the most recent Chinese leadership, under President Xi. There has been a more autocratic tone to this leader of this government. That is not necessarily a statement about a Communist Party regime – there is a Communist Party regime in Vietnam and we enjoy a very good relations with Vietnam.

“(But) the current leadership of the Communist Party in China has taken a much more assertive tone and Australia’s response and my response was not seeking to provoke but to simply stand firm and to stand our ground. And I think this is very important because if you don’t, further incursions are taken

“We were talking before about what happened some years ago in the South China Sea as islands turned into airports. Nothing happened, so further ground was taken. So now we find ourselves in a situation which we would prefer wasn’t the case.

“So I think standing your ground on your values shouldn’t be seen as aggressive or in any way provocative. I think it is just seen as a country respecting itself and seeking to respect others.”

Mr Morrison agreed that Australia needed to engage with China and did not support a policy of isolation against Beijing or a containment approach to the country’s rise. “I believe we need to engage China,” he said, adding: “I suspect it will long remain our biggest trading partner.

“That is not the point; what has changed over the past five, six, seven years, is a more assertive China seeking to assert its presence and influence over sovereign countries in the region, including Australia.

“I would agree we must engage and not isolate, but that engagement comes with rules and global rules and the respect for those rules, respect for the sovereignty of each other’s country and not interfering in their democracy.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/scott-morrison-accuses-xi-jinping-of-steering-china-down-a-more-autocratic-path-in-seoul-speech/news-story/85a89d357033c21fdaf51bfe63c4085f

>>16729572

The ball is in Australia's court when it comes to mending relations with China

Global Times - Jul 14, 2022

A day after the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group of the US Navy entered the South China Sea, ABC News on Thursday cited military observers that the tempo of Australian Defense Force activity in the South China Sea is high. And "there is a pattern associated with Australia's activities now [that is] very much aligned with the way in which the United States conducts similar activities." The report said that "Concerns are growing that a serious incident could soon occur between the ADF and the Chinese military."

"Australia's new government obviously hopes to continue to support, cooperate with, and follow the US in increasing its provocative military activities in the South China Sea, and challenge China's legitimate claims on the islands and reefs in the region," Xu Shanpin, an adjunct research fellow at the China University of Mining and Technology, told Global Times, "It is worth noting that Australia will not only continue to ramp up its political and diplomatic involvement in the South China Sea, but also increase its military involvement there."

USNI News on Tuesday reported that Richard Marles, Australia's deputy prime minister and defense minister, said that Australia is developing long-range strike weapons, remains intent on building a nuclear powered submarine force and is ramping up its area access denial capabilities in cooperation with the US as it watches China "trying to shape the world around us."

"This once again demonstrates that the Albanese government's China policy is not fundamentally different to that of the Morrison government, especially in terms of coordinating with the US' strategy in containing China. It is anticipated that Australia will continue to pursue a reckless China policy, particularly in conjunction with the US' Indo-Pacific Strategy to contain China," according to Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator.

Australia's defense and foreign policies lack of independence and autonomy, they only follow the US' lead and, playing a supporting role. In this context, whoever is elected as the head of the Australian government cannot escape the restraint of the US, or the influence of domestic populist trends. "Today, Australia's right-wing is rampant within Australian society, triggering a grave populist trend across the entire population, especially in terms of anti-China sentiment, which echoes the US," said Song. Australia's policy under both the Morrison and Albanese governments is actually to implement the global hegemonic strategy of the US and maintain the US-led global order.

In terms of the difference between Wong and Marles when talking about China, Xu said it does not indicate that there are fundamental divergences between the two ministers in their China policies. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is in competition with the Ministry of Defense for discourse power and political status within their Party. As a result, there are some differences in their rhetoric toward China. Yet this does not mean a major difference between the two departments on how to deal with China.

According to Song, the Australian foreign and defense ministries are play the roles of good cop, bad cop. Wong's seemingly mild remarks are out of the importance she attaches to the Chinese market. China is Australia's largest market. Her predecessor's lost share in the Chinese market has caused extensive damage to Australia's exports.

If Australia genuinely wants to ease its ties with China, it must change its course and discard coordinating with the US' anti-China strategy. This will be difficult for Australia. During the Morrison government, China-Australia relations sank to a record low. In regard to whether bilateral ties can be reset is now in Australia's court. But judging from its recent response, Australia's new government wants to reap benefit from Chinese market while seeking to contain it at the same time. This is daydreaming, the Chinese expert said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270574.shtml

>>16705051

Labor states, unions turn on Anthony Albanese over new Covid crisis

ROSIE LEWIS, GREG BROWN and EWIN HANNAN - JULY 15, 2022

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Anthony Albanese will convene an emergency meeting of national cabinet on Monday as his government is accused by state ALP leaders and union bosses of delivering mixed messages on the Covid-19 pandemic and withdrawing support measures at the worst possible time.

The Prime Minister bowed to pressure to hold the snap cabinet meeting after he returns from the Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji following calls by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk for an update from chief medical officer Paul Kelly on the increasing number of Covid cases.

There is growing dissent within the labour movement over Mr Albanese’s refusal to reinstate pandemic leave payments and extend free RATs for pensioners, as more than 310,000 Australians recover from Covid and millions more are expected to catch the virus in coming weeks.

Mr Albanese on Thursday faced calls from NSW Labor leader Chris Minns and one of his own MPs, backbencher and paediatrician Mike Freelander, to extend Covid-19 support.

Health Services Union national secretary Lloyd Williams said Mr Albanese was being “too stubborn” and needed to reinstate the measures for at least six weeks as cases are expected to peak.

“The timing couldn’t be worse. The public health system is being overwhelmed and the projections we’re hearing from health experts (are) quite dire,” Mr Williams told The Australian.

A spokesman for the Queensland Premier told The Australian Ms Palaszczuk was confident an extension of Covid welfare policies would be looked at by national cabinet.

And the Andrews government in Victoria also said it was “as important as ever” people isolated when they had Covid and any measures to support that should be continued.

Earlier on Thursday, Ms Palaszczuk said Dr Kelly needed to give premiers more information on hospitalisations and rising cases as soon as possible.

“We’re just getting a bit of mixed messages at the moment. I think the country just wants to know how this wave is going,” she told Nine’s Today show.

Despite surging cases and hospitalisations across the country, state governments have resisted restrictions such as mask mandates to stop the winter wave.

The AFL on Thursday also removed compulsory vaccinations for its players, just a day after NSW removed the need for visitors to nursing homes to have had anti-coronavirus jabs.

The Prime Minister and his cabinet ministers have doubled down on their decision to keep the Coalition’s time frame to stop the Covid support measures, while the New Zealand government offered free masks and rapid antigen tests to its citizens in a bid to relieve pressure on the country’s health system.

“The former government made the decision that this support would stop on the first of July. That was foreshadowed a long while in advance. We’ll continue to address these issues based upon the health advice,” Mr Albanese told the Nine Network. “I have spoken with state and territory premiers and chief ministers in the last week about a range of issues … We’ll continue to monitor what’s necessary and we’ll take what action is necessary.”

Mr Williams said the government should put budget concerns aside to tackle the latest spike in Covid-19 cases by reinstating pandemic leave payments, warning that emergency and essential workers had run down their personal leave to the point where they had none left. “The decision (to cut payments) clearly has been taken because of the government concern about the budgetary mess they’ve been left but this is a public health issue and … they should revisit,” he said.

(continued)

>>16736936

2/2

In the first breakout from within the new Labor government over its handling of the pandemic, Dr Freelander called on the Prime Minister to reconsider stopping $750 payments for self-isolating Australians who can’t work due to Covid. He said free RATs for concession card holders would also help slow the spread of the virus.

“It would help our health systems cope,” Dr Freelander, the Labor member for the southwestern Sydney seat of Macarthur, told The Australian.

“They are already under enormous pressure, particularly in southwestern Sydney. I’d like Anthony Albanese, when he gets back from the Pacific Islands conference, to reconsider.”

Mr Minns also demanded an “urgent rethink” on the pandemic leave payments, which had been available until last month. The RATs scheme is due to end this month. “This (pandemic leave disaster) payment is probably the price that we need to pay in order to deal with living with Covid over the next 12 months,” he said.

“It’s a difficult decision and I understand it is hotly contested by the federal government, but we have to make sure we make commonsense decisions.”

Under mounting pressure to reverse the cuts, Health Minister Mark Butler said the government was using its “best weapons” to fight the third Omicron wave of Covid – an expanded vaccine program, easier-to-access antivirals and funding for state hospitals.

“People are trying to frighten people that they’re not going to be able to get tested free of charge … And that is complete rubbish, it will continue right on,” Mr Butler told 2GB radio.

“In some states, you can get access to a big group of RATs. In others, if you have Covid symptoms or if you’re a close contact, you can go into a station and get free RATs or get a PCR test, all free … nothing changes there.”

Mr Williams suggested the government could make the scheme more targeted at essential healthcare workers and said free RATs should be available for concession card holders until at least spring. “Make a pragmatic decision that’s based on good health policy. There’s nothing wrong with revisiting the decision based on the emerging circumstances.”

The ACTU highlighted ABS data, released on Thursday, showing 776,000 people missed work due to illness in June, the second-highest on record, narrowly behind the record set in May.

“We are seeing a record level of people missing work due to illness, and all indications are that it is getting worse,” ACTU assistant secretary Liam O’Brien said.

“This is not the time to be pulling supports like the disaster leave payment and free RATs that allow workers to keep themselves and their communities safe.”

United Workers Union national secretary Tim Kennedy said the phasing out of paid pandemic leave was “really shortsighted” and would have been slammed by Labor as “crazy” if the ALP were still in opposition.

He said there had not been any real consultation with unions about the issue and, given the budget was a trillion dollars in debt, the cost of extending the payments was a “rounding error”.

“There’s no evidence there’s been a decision made on health advice, on workforce participation analysis, it seems to be all on the fact that Treasury said, ‘no, that’s enough, we’re stopping’,” he told The Australian.

“This is the wrong time to pull the payment. It puts the burden again on people least able to wear it and just exacerbates the inequality of who wears the difficulty of this pandemic. It hasn’t gone away.”

WA Premier Mark McGowan warned case numbers and hospitalisations would almost certainly continue to rise, but said he did not support Mr Minns’s call for a reinstatement of Covid support payments. “I’ll just leave that to the commonwealth. We have our program in place to support people who don’t receive support elsewhere, and those programs are continuing,” he said.

Acting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s spokesman accused the government of delivering confusing messages after Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said Dr Kelly had indicated the best use of money to fight Covid was on vaccinations and antiviral treatments in aged care.

Asked if he’d received any advice from Dr Kelly on pandemic leave disaster payments, Mr Butler responded: “No.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-states-unions-turn-on-anthony-albanese-over-new-covid-crisis/news-story/af09871f98c20dadfe619025c3e794e9

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 15, 2022, 6:19 a.m. No.16737054 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9428

>>16716514

Peter Dutton questions Labor’s commitment to AUKUS

ADAM CREIGHTON - JULY 15, 2022

Peter Dutton said he feared Labor might be crab walking away from parts of the AUKUS security pact as he rejected Defence Minister Richard Marles’ declaration that climate change was the greatest threat to the Pacific.

The Opposition Leader, a former defence minister in the Morrison government, also said Labor would need to make provisions for Australia’s defence spending to go “well north” of 2 per cent of GDP, otherwise “all the rhetoric we’re hearing from the government wouldn’t be matched by action”.

“I hear the words of commitment from the government to AUKUS but I don’t yet see them put into action, they seem to be making a lot of excuses,” he told The Australian, referring to the nuclear submarine component of AUKUS which is expected to cost well over $100bn.

Mr Dutton, who said the government was on track to have new submarines “well before the 2040s”, was speaking on the sidelines of the Australian American Leadership Dialogue in Washington, where he and Mr Marles, who was separately wrapping up a four-day trip to Washington, were among the high-profile attendees.

He said the October budget would be a key test of the government’s resolve to follow through with the spirit and text of the AUKUS agreement with the US and UK, which provided 18 months from September for the to work out how Australia could acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines. The cost, timeline and manufacturing details, including location, remain unknown.

As he headed for the airport Mr Marles, who had earlier met US defence secretary Lloyd Austin, said the process to acquire the submarines was “on track”, a day after suggesting the first submarine might not arrive until the 2040s owing to the “mess” the Coalition had left.

“We are looking at announcing in the first quarter of next year what sub we are pursuing and when we will be able to have one in the water,” Mr Marles said, after earlier suggesting cost would be a critical factor in the final decision.

Amid speculation from Australian Strategic Policy Institute that they could cost in excess of $170 billion, Mr Marles, who has backed a defence spending target of 2 per cent of GDP, had said it was a “completely reasonable question” to ask whether the submarines might be too expensive.

“If the government’s unable to take up what was a gift pass then they have many questions to answer, the process was well underway,” Mr Dutton said in an interview on Thursday (Friday AEST), also taking issue with Mr Marles’ claim that climate change was a bigger “existential” threat to the Pacific than China.

“It’s a very significant consideration for Pacific island nations and we respect that, but the bigger threat is the prospect of China basing military assets in the Indo-Pacific. That would be catastrophic for the security of our nation and the region,” he said.

Their comments came as the government, which has ruled out nuclear energy to produce electricity, seeks to legislate a 43 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 amid surging inflation and energy prices throughout the developed world.

“To lock us into a position that’s legislated I think shows a reckless disregard for cost of living pressure and management of the Australian economy,” Mr Dutton said, urging the government to consider nuclear energy, which remains outlawed in Australia under a 1998 law.

“We’re very keen to have a discussion on nuclear energy (for electricity) and it seems inconceivable to me you can’t be allowed to talk about small modular reactors when you are hearing from Germany, France, the UK that they can’t meet their emissions targets without the blended mix of nuclear”.

Mr Dutton said also China’s cyber warfare capabilities had reached a point where Beijing could shut down critical infrastructure throughout the developed world, including in Australia.

“Short of kinetic strike China could impose significant economic costs, sow political discontent … it’s a question in my mind of when, not if,” he said, stressing the mounting threat China posed in the Indo-Pacific.

“China continues to amass nuclear weapons, and is producing more on a tonnage basis out of their navy every 18 months than Australia has in her entire fleet”.

In his speech on Tuesday Mr Marles promised to boost the power of Australia’s military to avoid a “catastrophic failure of deterrence” in the Indo-Pacific, and undertook to play a more active role in repelling Chinese influence in the Pacific, where China has sought to grow its economic and security alliances with small island nations.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/peter-dutton-questions-labors-commitment-to-aukus/news-story/571206a21e0bf9c8e98e1f0064a9f8b4

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 15, 2022, 6:34 a.m. No.16737166 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

George Pell not ‘fit and proper’ to be archbishop or priest, lawsuit claims

David Estcourt and Adam Cooper - July 15, 2022

Lawyers acting for the father of a former choirboy have claimed the former senior Catholic cleric was not a fit and proper person to be a priest or the archbishop of Melbourne because of his knowledge of other instances of abuse inside the church.

Documents filed in August last year and publicly released on Friday also allege that Pell was “prepared to use opportunities afforded to him to act upon his sexual proclivities towards boys under 16 years of age” and that they would introduce evidence to that effect.

Prosecutors previously alleged that two former choirboys were sexually abused by Pell in Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral. Pell was in 2018 found guilty by a County Court jury of abusing them in the cathedral after a Sunday Mass in December 1996. Those convictions were quashed by the High Court in 2020 and Pell was released from prison after more than a year in custody.

The documents list several allegations of abuse that have been made against Pell since the early 1960s and also allege that he was not a “fit and proper person to serve as a priest, nor as Archbishop of Melbourne”.

“[Pell] became aware of allegations and instances of sexual abuse and other sexually inappropriate conduct by members of clergy … [Pell] failed to properly consider and take appropriate action in relation to sexual abuse by members of the clergy,” the statement of claim, lodged by lawyers acting for the father, listed with the court under the pseudonym RWQ, says.

“[Pell] took steps to avoid sexual abuse and sexual misconduct by the clergy becoming known … [Pell] failed to report or prevent sexual abuse by members of the clergy.”

The plaintiff’s lawyers cite examples that Pell was aware of multiple cases including that of Doveton parish priest Father Peter Searson and Father Nazareno Fasciale, which they suggest he should have acted upon.

In 2020, the full bench of the High Court found there was a “significant possibility” an innocent person was found guilty at trial. Pell pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence.

At the County Court trial, one of the former choirboys gave evidence alleging he and his friend were abused after a Sunday Mass by the church leader, who in 1996 was the archbishop of Melbourne.

One of the former choirboys died in his 30s in 2014 from an accidental heroin overdose, having never made a complaint against Pell. That man’s father has lodged a civil case in the Supreme Court to sue the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne and Pell.

In September last year, Pell’s legal team filed a request for more specific information in the legal claim.

On Thursday Pell’s lawyer, Nicholas O’Bryan, said the cardinal “absolutely denies the allegations and will be defending the claim”. Specific details of Pell’s defence were not released by the court on Friday.

Pell, now 81, is a past archbishop of both Melbourne and Sydney and rose from being Australia’s most senior Catholic figure to become the treasurer of the Vatican, until his criminal case in effect ended his tenure in senior ranks of the church.

In May 2020 the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found Pell knew nearly 40 years ago that notorious paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale was being moved out of a small, Victorian country parish to protect the Catholic Church from scandal. Pell, however, has denied that he knew.

The case will return to court on August 4.

If you or anyone you know needs support, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/george-pell-not-fit-and-proper-to-be-archbishop-or-priest-lawsuit-claims-20220715-p5b1zh.html

https://qanon.pub/#2594

Space Tacticians Course incorporates FVEY members to enhance global space operations

Tech. Sgt. Luke Kitterman - 13 JUL 2022

VANDENBERG SPACE FORCE BASE, Calif. – Members from the Five Eyes (FVEY) alliance collaborated during a Space Tacticians Course here, June 21 – 30, 2022, aimed at enhancing current global space operations through effective planning.

Hosted by Space Delta 5’s 55th Combat Training Squadron (55 CTS), the 8-day course consisted of 39 total personnel, 19 students and 20 instructors, from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, U.K. and U.S.

“The intent of the course is to train Guardians and Airmen how to plan space operations at the tactical and operational level,” said U.S. Space Force Capt. Richard Davis, 55 CTS weapons and tactics flight commander. “As U.S. Space Force's only command and control organization our people have to understand how to bridge the planning divide between tactical and operational.”

According to Davis, this was the first-ever FVEY tactician course of its kind by incorporating multiple allied nations. Previous venues typically focused 10 years into the future staying at the strategic level where as this course maintained a tactical level aimed specifically at identifying planning gaps across the coalition.

“We normally run the Combined Space Operations Center (CSpOC) Tacticians Course as a way of giving younger Guardians and Airmen a crash course in planning,” explained Lt. Col. Forrest Poole, 55 CTS commander. “For this iteration, we invited our FVEY partners and focused on operational planning across the allies. We want to bring allied space professionals together and have them create a Coalition space plan to support a terrestrial operation.”

During the course, each nation provided insight to its own sovereign capabilities and planning methodologies, allowing for the meshing of ideas and concepts between one another.

“The mixture of knowledge and experience within the student cohort benefitted a successful course delivery,” said Sqd Ldr James Slevin, U.K. Space Operations Centre executive officer. “The importance of individual nations corroborating on space matters can’t be over emphasized towards supporting each other in the international fora such as the UN.”

With each nation providing a different perspective on the conduct of space operations, the course will immediately benefit those handling day-to-day operations by bringing awareness to each nations’ individual efforts to be responsible users of space.

“Our legacy of fighting as an alliance provided the jump start to coalition space operations and greatly enhances each nation’s space capability just as it does in the terrestrial domains,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Jordan Norrish, member of the Australian Defense Space Command. “Space operations prove the whole coalition is greater than the sums of the individual national parts.”

https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3090885/space-tacticians-course-incorporates-fvey-members-to-enhance-global-space-opera/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 15, 2022, 8:43 p.m. No.16742221 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6266

Carving a Home in the Community: MRF-D and the Northern Territory

Capt. Joseph DiPietro - 07.11.2022

DARWIN, AUSTRALIA. – The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) calls the Northern Territory home and has for over ten years now. MRF-D 22 is working to build on the strong foundation in the local community from past rotations.

“I’ve been on a few deployments and been to a few countries, and I can say with confidence I have never received a warmer welcome than coming to Australia,” said MRF-D commanding officer Colonel Chris Steele, who leads the 11th rotation of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). “We truly feel like a part of this town and will work to ensure that same experience applies to our follow-on rotations.”

One of MRF-D 22’s MAGTF priorities includes enhancing and building on alliances and partnerships with Australia and other Indo-Pacific nations. An important part of any alliance is the cultural relationship between countries. MRF-D has a history of community interaction and support for the local Darwin population, and this year’s rotation works to build on that strong cultural connection.

“The Marines aren’t just here to train, they are truly a part of the Darwin community,” emphasized Brigadier Nick Foxall, the commanding officer of the Northern Territory-based 1st Brigade, and close friend of MRF-D 22. “We greatly enjoy not only working with and training alongside MRF-D, but living alongside them as part of the NT family.”

MRF-D is honored by the local community with opportunities to support local events, such as the ANZAC Day parade, sporting events, and school support activities throughout the rotation. MRF-D personnel also take part in local entertainment and hospitality during the dry season such as local markets, concerts, and museum interaction.

"We are always looking for ways to support the local community and want to ensure we are reciprocating the kindness of Australia in everything we do,” said Lieutenant Commander Kevin Wilkinson, the MRF-D 22 Chaplain. “We know we are guests in this country and in Darwin and want to treat our hosts with the same courtesy they provide us during the rotation."

MRF-D’s presence in Darwin supports the local community in many ways. Darwin, a city of approximately 150,000 people, gets over a 1% population increase every year when the MAGTF comes to town. This increase supports local businesses in addition to the personal impacts Marines and Sailors have in the Northern Territory.

The relationship spans far beyond defense-based ties as well. This last week, MRF-D hosted an Independence Day cookout to celebrate the nation’s birthday, and due to the close ties with the community, significant Darwin leaders joined the event. The Northern Territory Chief Minister, the Member of Parliament for Solomon, and a large group of both Australian Defence Force members and local leaders joined in the festivities to not only celebrate independence, but also the close relationship between MRF-D and the community.

“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the MRF-D Independence Day BBQ, or as they call it, cookout. The event was the perfect opportunity to share some bevvies and have a yarn with our Marine colleagues and closest security ally,” said Australian Army Captain Jen Hogan, who is a critical support component to MRF-D 22. “Being part of such a patriotic day was a highlight of this posting, and I look forward to seeing the relationship between Australian and American forces grow stronger in the future.”

In addition to ceremonies, MRF-D 22 participated in multiple demonstrations, displays, and community showcases during the rotation. Over the last two weeks, the MRF-D 22 aviation combat element (ACE) supported multiple air shows for the Australian community utilizing the MV-22 Osprey. The ACE also played a significant role in the community engagement days built into both Exercise CROCODILE RESPONSE in May and Exercise DARRANDARRA in June, where Marines and Sailors with MRF-D along with ADF soldiers spent time with local families as part of the combined exercises.

“Being out here and sharing our aircraft is really cool. We are constantly working to keep the aircraft up and running, flying missions, and using our spare time to study,” expressed ACE crew chief Sergeant Juan Gutierrez. “Seeing the smiles that this aircraft brings to people’s faces is priceless, and it really gives purpose to what we do.”

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/424840/carving-home-community-mrf-d-and-northern-territory

Marines, Australians hone logistics skills they’ll need to deploy from Down Under

SETH ROBSON, STARS AND STRIPES - July 12, 2022

A three-week exercise in northern Australia is testing U.S. and Australian forces’ ability to move troops and equipment across hundreds of miles in the event of a regional crisis or humanitarian disaster.

Exercise Koolendong, which runs through Aug. 2, kicked off Monday in the Northern Territory. The U.S. Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, the Australian Army’s 1st and 13th brigades and the Royal Australian Air Force’s 36th, 37th and 75th Squadrons are simulating a crisis response, Australia’s Defense Department announced Monday.

The exercise allows Australian forces and the Marines to practice combined arms littoral combat, Australian Army Col. Marcus Constable, commander of Headquarters Northern Command, said in the statement. Littoral combat takes place close to or on shore.

“We are deploying significant forces by land, air and sea to training areas in both [Western Australia] and the [Northern Territory] including Mount Bundey Training Area, RAAF Base Curtin and Yampi Sound Training Area,” Col. Christopher Steele, who leads the Marines in Darwin, said in the statement.

The entire 2,200-strong Marine rotational force is taking part; it began a six-month rotation to the Northern Territory in March, according to Capt. Joseph DiPietro, a spokesman for the force.

The drills call for moving troops and vehicles 650 miles from Darwin to Broome, 1,000 miles north of Perth in Western Australia, he said in a telephone interview Tuesday

“The distances that we are exercising in Koolendong replicate the long distances and austere environments we might operate in throughout the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Koolendong is likely a test of the logistics behind deploying units such as the newly formed Marine Corps littoral regiment to defend archipelagos in the Indo-Pacific region, Ross Babbage, a former Australian assistant defense secretary, said in an email Tuesday.

“This would probably involve company-sized units (100-120 troops) inserted with real or simulated anti-shipping and shorter-range anti-aircraft missile systems together with all of the situational awareness systems … that would be required to make the concept work,” he said.

The vast Australian exercise areas are particularly useful for this type of test, he said.

The exercise prepares troops to respond to a security crisis or major natural disaster in Southeast Asia, including the South China Sea, in which Australian and American forces deploy from Darwin, according to Carlyle Thayer, an emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales and lecturer at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

“The most logical forward base for these forces would be in the Philippine archipelago,” he said in an email Tuesday.

The U.S. Army’s Logistics Support Vessel-3, the Gen. Brehon B. Somervell, will move vehicles and troops from Darwin to Broome, DiPietro said.

The rotational force’s MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft are also moving personnel beyond the range of the Marines’ helicopters, he said.

“This is important tasking and there is a lot to test and sort out to ensure that it can be made to work,” Babbage said.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/marine_corps/2022-07-12/marines-australia-koolendong-6624676.html

Exercise Koolendong 2022: Joint military exercise pits soldiers against fictional enemy, harsh terrain, unseasonable cold

Vanessa Mills - 15 July 2022

A large military exercise involving Australian and US troops is underway in the West Kimberley for the first time.

Exercise Koolendong occurs annually in the Northern Territory but this year is also operating out of Yampi Sound Training Area and RAAF Base Curtin, both near Derby.

More than 2,200 marines, soldiers and airwing are testing their ability to outwit a fictional enemy nicknamed Murphy 22 across rugged terrain in the Kimberley and NT.

"One of the key components … is being able to train as you would fight," Captain Joe DiPietro, of the US Marine Rotational Force, said.

"Having a thinking enemy that can move and can build defensive positions or move into different ambush areas and being able to combat that is a critical component of Koolendong 22."

But an unexpected challenge has been the unseasonably cold nights, with temperatures at Yampi Sound dropping below 4 degrees Celsius regularly this month.

"We definitely got some requests to bring some extra warming layers for forces because of the cold," Captain DiPietro said.

"We all got [to Darwin] around February-March when it was extremely hot and humid. So the transition from that to what they're operating in right now has been a big change."

Moving equipment without roads and communicating in areas far beyond mobile phone reception was also part of the test.

"There's a lot of logistics challenges that we face. But we have a really good team here," Captain DiPietro said.

"The Australians, both in defence and civilian, have been able to help us with civilian barges, shipping, military, shipping aircraft, so utilising different resources and different assets to get across those wide ranges is a key part of this exercise."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-15/joint-military-exercise-koolendong-22-far-north-west-australia/101242334

>>16343646 (pb)

>>16343649 (pb)

Xi Jinping visits China's Xinjiang region amid criticism of mass detention

ABC/wires - 16 July 2022

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has visited China's Xinjiang region, where his government is widely accused of oppressing predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities.

It is his first visit to the region since 2014, when three people were killed in an attack before the start of a mass detention campaign against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities.

Mr Xi showed no signs of backing down from his policies, which have come under harsh criticism from the US and many European countries.

He stressed the full and faithful implementation of his ruling Communist Party's approach in the region, highlighting social stability and lasting security as its overarching goals, the official Xinhua News Agency said Friday.

While no exact figure has been released, analysts say hundreds of thousands and likely a million or more people have been detained in the camps over time.

An Associated Press investigation in May found nearly one in 25 people in a single county in Xinjiang had been jailed on terrorism-related charges — the highest known imprisonment rate in the world.

Critics have described the crackdown, which placed thousands in prison-like indoctrination camps, as cultural genocide.

The US and others have imposed visa bans on some officials for their part in extralegal detentions, separation of families and incarceration of people for studying abroad or having foreign contacts.

Mr Xi, on what was described as an "inspection tour" from Tuesday to Friday, said that enhanced efforts should be made to uphold the principle that Islam in China must be Chinese in orientation, Xinhua said.

While the needs of religious believers should be ensured, they should be united closely with the Communist Party and the government, the official news agency quoted him as saying.

He called for educating and guiding people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their identification with the Chinese nation, culture and Communist Party.

The Chinese leader called Xinjiang a "core area and a hub" in China's program of building ports, railways and power stations, connecting it to economies reaching from Central Asia to Eastern Europe.

The US has blocked some imports of cotton and other products from the region over reports of forced labour.

Mr Xi met with leaders of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, a supra-governmental body that operates its own courts, schools and health services under a military system imposed on the region after the Communist Party took power in China in 1949.

Xinjiang borders Russia, Afghanistan and volatile Central Asia, which China has sought to draw within its orbit through economic incentives and security alliances.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-16/xi-jinping-visits-xinjiang-human-rights-concerns/101244666

https://english.news.cn/20220716/350f54053f1247e2a95fbd4176e381e5/c.html

>>16736936

COVID-19 support payments reinstated following national cabinet meeting

Savannah Meacham - Jul 16, 2022

Two COVID-19 support payments will be reinstated to ensure Australians who catch the virus and cannot work are financially protected.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with state and territory leaders during national cabinet on Saturday and the group decided to restore the pandemic leave payments until September 30.

The payments support workers, especially casual employees who do not receive sick leave, to have a $750 payment while isolating with COVID-19 to subsidise loss of income.

States and territories will also share the cost 50-50 with the federal government.

"I want to make sure that people aren't left behind, that vulnerable people are looked after and that no one is left with the unenviable choice of not being able to isolate properly without losing an income and without losing put in a situation that is difficult," Albanese said.

"We will reverse the decision we inherited from the former government to reinstate this payment."

Albanese also announced crisis payments during the national health emergency will be restored until September 30.

This is a one-off payment for Australians who also receive support payments, study living allowances, or in severe financial hardship.

Albanese said reinstating the support payments is expected to cost around $780 million to split with states and territories.

Payments will be available from Wednesday morning and eligible Australians can apply online through Services Australia.

He warned COVID-19 case numbers are expected to peak in August which is why support payments will go through until the end of September.

Furthermore, leaders agreed for the Commonwealth to introduce a new telehealth option to assess Australians who have COVID-19 for eligibility to receive anti-viral treatments.

"We want to make sure that antivirals can be administered where appropriate and in order to do that, this temporary telehealth facility is appropriate," Albanese said.

Albanese added states and territories will work to introduce consistent health messaging around mask wearing indoors, testing, and working from home orders.

"There will be less spread if people take action," Albanese said.

"If more people wear masks, if more people get vaccinated, if people take more action.

"We will encourage people to follow health advice and take precautions."

Albanese was asked whether the isolation requirements would be changed from seven days for COVID-positive people, he responded that "now is not the time".

"Now is not the time to change the advice but that is something that will continue to be monitored and will come from the health experts and people will listen to that," he said.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/anthony-albanese-announces-pandemic-leave-payments-return-national-cabinet-meeting/eb74125d-d7d9-418c-ac5b-df2a7361963d

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrSF0z3y_b4

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 17, 2022, 3:12 a.m. No.16749428 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>9434

>>16737054

Dutton: We can't talk while China amasses nukes

JESS MALCOLM - 17 July 2022

Peter Dutton says the government must hold China to account over human rights abuses and call for it to wind back its rapid military expansion if bilateral relations continue to thaw, as he argued Australia is facing the “most precarious” set of strategic circumstances since World War II.

The Opposition Leader also rejected comments from Deputy Leader Richard Marles who argued climate change was a greater threat to the Pacific than Chinese military aggression, saying Mr Marles' position was in “complete defiance” of intelligence.

“If the government has a dialogue and it's a productive dialogue then of course it should be pursued … but we need to ask China to explain the military build-up, human rights abuses," Mr Dutton told Sky News.

“The Australian government needs to be serious in its discussion, and we need to ask China to explain the human rights abuses and to explain what’s happening in relation to their military build up.

“We can’t continue to talk while China continues to amass nuclear weapons.”

Mr Dutton, who is also the former defence minister, completely rejected the notion that the Alliance was being threatened by the decline of the US ahead of the conclusion of hearings into January 6 due this week.

Speaking from Washington, Mr Dutton said briefings this week had been the most sober and confronting he had ever been privy to over the past six years, and called on the government to “step up” and support regional partners to stamp out aggression and ensure “hard fought” peace continues.

“I completely dismiss this idea that the US is on the decline … I think the reliance is here, as are the institutions, the systems and the strength of civil society," Mr Dutton said.

“I think we need to be frank and honest about the biggest security issue: China and their acts of aggression."

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/politicsnow-live-anthony-albanese-warns-of-new-covid19-case-spike-amid-backflip-on-support-payments/live-coverage/a88b630668dc054ca9b6ef2f1071ec84#64139

>>16749428

Dutton backs China talks on proviso Beijing takes 'concrete actions'

Sky News Australia

Jul 17, 2022

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the government resuming talks with China is fine so long as Beijing indicates there will be no repeat in its behaviour that puts Australian Defence Force personnel at risk.

Mr Dutton said it was not unreasonable to ask China to take concrete actions to demonstrate it is not heading down the path "the rest of the world believes them to be heading down".

In February, a Chinese Navy vessel aimed a military-grade laser at a RAAF P-8A Poseidon aircraft, which had been monitoring the ship from above over the Arafura Sea.

"Their own rhetoric in relation to Taiwan, their own actions in relation to the assaults on our military personnel – as I say the P-8 was put in a very precarious position – had that plane gone down we'd be having a very different discussion."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCnepsP2MSg

ScoMo speaks of ‘God’s plan’ for him, anxiety in Margaret Court church sermon

Scott Morrison has spoken about “God’s plan” during a church sermon, but it was one line about “trust” that really stuck out.

Courtney Gould - July 18, 2022

Scott Morrison says God has a plan for him, characterised anxiety as “Satan’s plan” and called for people to put their faith in Christ over governments in a sermon at a church founded by Margaret Court.

The former prime minister returned to Perth at the weekend to mark the 27th birthday of the controversial tennis champ’s Pentecostal Victory Life Centre church.

It’s the first time Mr Morrison has visited Western Australia since his election defeat, partly thanks to a major swing from voters in the west.

But he told the congregation that his loss was all part of God’s plan for him – referencing his now infamous 2019 victory speech.

“Do you believe that if you lose an election that God still loves you and has a plan for you?” he asked to applause and laughter.

“I do. I still believe in miracles. God has secured your future, all of it. Yeah, even that bit.”

It’s the second time since Mr Morrison lost the election that he has appeared before churchgoers. In his final hours as prime minister, he choked back tears while addressing his Horizon church in south Sydney.

Former WA premier Richard Court, the brother of Mrs Court’s husband, fellow Liberal legend Barry Court and former federal MP Vince Connelly were in attendance for the Sunday sermon.

Mr Morrison said he made the appearance in a private capacity following Ms Court’s invitation.

The tennis great has been a staunch supporter of Mr Morrison and led a prayer for him to remain as prime minister in February.

Mr Morrison dedicated much of his Sunday sermon to rising rates of mental illness in Australia, an issue he said was a high priority for him as prime minister.

While he noted there were “biological issues” or “brain chemistry” that resulted in clinical disorders, he sought to link the everyday anxieties to a spiritual deficit.

Mr Morrison declared that if people gave into their worries, they were giving into “Satan’s plan”.

“God knows that anxiety is part of the human condition,” he said.

He drew parallels between God’s “engagements” and how counsellors address mental health before declaring if you had faith in God’s plan you didn’t need to worry.

“No matter how (secular people) might seek to deny it, or even dismiss it, the truth of God stands up and shines,” he told the crowd.

But a declaration that people should put their faith in Christ over “fallible” governments drew the ire of social media users, including the dean of Yale’s Episcopal seminary.

“We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust in United Nations, thank goodness,” Mr Morrison said.

“We don’t trust in all of these things as fine as they might be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I’ve worked in it.

“But as someone who’s been in it, if you are putting your faith in those things, like I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake, they are fallible.”

Professor Andrew McGowan likened Mr Morrison’s comments to a “dog whistle”.

“Scott Morrison is once again free to be himself, praise the Lord (with dog-whistle pandering to UN conspiracy theorists in the funds world),” he wrote on Twitter.

During his address, Mr Morrison also took aim at “safe spaces” that he said had been “taken out of so much context” that they no longer meant a place between someone and God.

“Don’t get me started,” Mr Morrison said.

https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/scomo-speaks-of-gods-plan-for-him-anxiety-in-margaret-court-church-sermon/news-story/9ce0f13ce2d4270ff26c2c79f7aa2a95

https://twitter.com/Praxeas/status/1548860585407700992

>>16755888

‘Don’t trust in governments’: Scott Morrison delivers Pentecostal church sermon

Lisa Visentin - July 18, 2022

Former prime minister Scott Morrison has urged churchgoers not to trust in governments, warning it would be a mistake to do so based on his experience in the upper echelons of power.

In a sermon to Perth’s Victory Life Centre, the Pentecostal church run by controversial former tennis champion Margaret Court, Morrison encouraged the congregation to put their faith in God rather than the government.

“We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust in United Nations, thank goodness,” Morrison said in the Sunday sermon.

“We don’t trust in all of these things, fine as they might be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I’ve worked in it, and they are important.

“But as someone who’s been in it, if you are putting your faith in those things, like I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake. Firstly, they are fallible. I’m so glad we have a bigger hope.”

Morrison attended the service at the invitation of Court to mark the church’s 27th birthday. Also in attendance were former federal Liberal MP Vincent Connelly and former WA premier Richard Court, whose older brother is married to Margaret Court.

In the 50-minute address to the congregation, the member for Cook touched on the Coalition’s election defeat, telling the crowd he believed God had a plan for him.

“Do you believe that if you lose an election that God still loves you and has a plan for you?” I do. Because I still believe in miracles,” he said to applause from churchgoers.

For the majority of the sermon, he talked about anxiety, which he defined as everyday worries that the “oil of God” could assuage.

“All of this anxiousness, all of this anxiety … all of this feeling about the bills that are pouring in, all of this feeling about the anxiety, and then the oil of God, the ointment of God, comes on this situation and releases you, if you will have it, and receive His gift,” he said.

Succumbing to anxiety was “Satan’s plan”, he said.

“We cannot allow these anxieties to deny us that. That’s not His plan. That’s Satan’s plan.”

He drew a distinction between anxiety and mental illness, saying the latter had “very real causal factors”, such as biological issues, which required professional clinical treatment.

In a joking reference to the 10 Plagues of Egypt in the Old Testament, Morrison told an anecdote about attending a meeting with former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is Jewish, after the nation had grappled with fires, floods, a mice plague and the ongoing pandemic.

“One day, it was the National Security Committee meeting of cabinet [with] Josh Frydenberg, [my] great friend. I turned to him, and I said: ‘Josh, I think it’s time we let your people go’,” Morrison said.

In the book of Exodus, the God of Israel inflicts plagues on Egypt to convince the pharaoh to set the Hebrews free from slavery.

At the end of Morrison’s address, Court took to the stage, telling the congregation: “The Lord certainly has a life for you after politics.”

Half a dozen Liberal MPs, including acting Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, declined to comment.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/don-t-trust-in-governments-the-un-scott-morrison-delivers-pentecostal-church-sermon-20220718-p5b2i2.html

Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial begins hearing closing submissions after 100 days of testimony

Jamie McKinnell - 18 July 2022

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Ben Roberts-Smith's barrister has told a judge the war veteran was an exceptional soldier who was subject to a sustained campaign from newspapers to create a belief he was a war criminal.

After more than 100 days since it began, closing submissions have started in the Victoria Cross recipient's defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times, and three journalists.

He claims he was falsely portrayed in 2018 articles as a war criminal, a bully and a perpetrator of domestic violence.

The veteran's barrister, Arthur Moses SC, began by telling Justice Anthony Besanko the proceedings had been called "a great many things", including the "trial of the century", a "proxy war-crimes trial" and an "attack" on press freedom.

"It is none of these," Mr Moses told the Federal Court in Sydney.

"This has been a case about how Mr Roberts-Smith, the most decorated Australian soldier, and a man with a high reputation for courage, skill and decency in soldiering, had that reputation destroyed by the respondents".

Mr Roberts-Smith served in the SAS between 1996 and 2013, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan.

Ben Roberts-Smith's barrister has told a judge the war veteran was an exceptional soldier who was subject to a sustained campaign from newspapers to create a belief he was a war criminal.

After more than 100 days since it began, closing submissions have started in the Victoria Cross recipient's defamation case against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times, and three journalists.

He claims he was falsely portrayed in 2018 articles as a war criminal, a bully and a perpetrator of domestic violence.

The veteran's barrister, Arthur Moses SC, began by telling Justice Anthony Besanko the proceedings had been called "a great many things", including the "trial of the century", a "proxy war-crimes trial" and an "attack" on press freedom.

"It is none of these," Mr Moses told the Federal Court in Sydney.

"This has been a case about how Mr Roberts-Smith, the most decorated Australian soldier, and a man with a high reputation for courage, skill and decency in soldiering, had that reputation destroyed by the respondents".

Mr Roberts-Smith served in the SAS between 1996 and 2013, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan.

"As the evidence demonstrated, Mr Roberts-Smith was an exceptional soldier — highly organised, a leader, resourceful and exceptionally brave," Mr Moses said.

Mr Moses said Mr Roberts-Smith was competent in battle, effective in killing anti-coalition militia, and never sought a defence honour or recognition.

"What he did not expect was that having been awarded the Victoria Cross, he would have a target on his back," the barrister continued.

"The publications of the respondents were based on rumour, hearsay and contradictory accounts from former colleagues who were, some, jealous, and/or obsessed with Mr Roberts-Smith."

(continued)

2/2

Publisher Nine Entertainment has relied chiefly on a defence of truth and called dozens of current and former SAS soldiers.

Mr Moses took aim at the evidence of three SAS witnesses for Nine: Person 7, Person 14 and former-soldier-turned-politician Andrew Hastie.

He said journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters reported what these sources told them as "matters of fact".

"What is apparent is that both journalists have mounted a sustained campaign to unfairly create a belief that Mr Roberts-Smith had committed war crimes in Afghanistan, including during the course of these proceedings."

Mr Moses said the journalists were willing to write "sensationalist accounts", "presumably to obtain accolades".

He also criticised Nine for refusing to make any concessions even when confronted with evidentiary problems, which he said would become relevant to the question of aggravated damages.

"The purpose of these proceedings is the vindication of Mr Robert-Smith's reputation."

Another barrister acting for Mr Roberts-Smith, Matthew Richardson SC, said Nine had pleaded that the war veteran was complicit in a murder in Syahchow in October 2012.

He said after an ex-colleague, Person 66, gave evidence in March it was clear there was no evidence to support the allegation, however it remained in their pleadings when it should have been removed.

Person 66 was not compelled to give evidence about the mission in question.

Mr Richardson said there was a "carelessness" in which the respondents made and maintained allegations.

He noted that in Nine's written closing submissions, there was a footnote that acknowledged the publisher was not able to discharge its onus in relation to the truth defence with respect to that allegation, due to Person 66 not being compelled.

Mr Richardson said that was a "sophistry".

"There should have been a further amended defence that removed that allegation," Mr Richardson told the court.

Nicholas Owens SC, for Nine, began his own closing address by repeating what he said more than a year ago while opening his clients' case — that the judge would be presented with a "stark choice between effectively irreconcilable accounts".

He said that meant the judge was confronted with a "dilemma" that "someone is lying".

Mr Owens said Mr Roberts-Smith was not arguing that Nine's witnesses were "deliberately dishonest".

He outlined what he said was the "framework" within which the case should be decided, including the civil standard of proof: the balance of probabilities.

"No matter how grave the allegation, Your Honour is only required to find it more probable than not," he said.

Mr Owens also argued the nature of the fact-finding the judge will need to complete is of an "interrelated nature".

"This really comes down to the proposition that the honesty of all these witnesses is fundamental," he said.

"And if Your Honour makes a finding contrary to Mr Roberts-Smith's case in relation to a murder, we say … the effect on Mr Roberts-Smith's credibility at that point will be devastating."

He said this created an "inevitable flow-on effect" regarding other aspects of the evidence.

Each side has been allocated four days for a closing address.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-18/ben-roberts-smith-closing-statements-heard-in-defamation-case/101246784

‘Reviled as a murderer’: Roberts-Smith closes case against Nine with fiery speech

PERRY DUFFIN - JULY 18, 2022

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Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial is at the beginning of the end with his lawyers accusing Nine newspapers of a “sustained campaign” to falsely smear the Victoria Cross recipient as a war criminal, bully and domestic abuser with unfounded articles and a contorted court case.

The newspapers have claimed, in their final address, that Mr Roberts-Smith and his mates “calculated” and lied to hide the truth about brutal killings by the SAS.

Two full weeks of closing submissions are now underway in what has variously been called the trial of the century, a proxy war crime trial and an attack on the free press.

But Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawyers, on Monday, said their lawsuit is nothing but an attempt to clear the name of one of Australia’s most venerated soldiers.

Behind the endless discussions about damages and defamation law is “a case about a human being”, one of Mr Roberts-Smith‘s barristers told the court on Monday.

“A human being who has suffered, who was once known as a hero but now, thanks to (Nine) is a man widely reviled as a murderer and an abuser of women,” Matthew Richardson SC said.

The barrister quoted Mr Roberts-Smith, in his evidence a year ago, who said “it was traumatising” to be at the centre of war crime accusations.

“I served with honour and distinction and I always followed the laws of armed conflict,” Mr Roberts-Smith told the court.

“These people, using smears from people who don‘t like me, have written articles that suggest I’m a war criminal.”

Mr Roberts-Smith said he was sent to Afghanistan at the behest of the Australian government and he always did the correct thing - even when those things were horrific.

“What is the legacy of my family now because of those articles?” he asked rhetorically.

“It‘s something that crushes me, crushes my soul, because I gave so much to that job and it’s all lies.”

Mr Roberts-Smith launched legal action against the publishers and journalists behind a series of articles in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers in mid-2018.

The articles claimed Mr Roberts-Smith killed or was complicit in the murder of six unarmed prisoners on the battlefields of Afghanistan during his deployment with the SAS.

The articles further alleged Mr Roberts-Smith bullied other soldiers and physically abused a woman he was dating while back in Australia.

Mr Roberts-Smith emphatically denies every allegation made by Nine while the newspapers mounted a truth defence when the elite soldier sued them for defamation.

After more than 100 days of evidence, legal teams for Mr Roberts-Smith and Nine have begun summarising their cases to Federal Court Judge Anthony Besanko.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s main barrister, Arthur Moses SC, began his closing address with a blistering denouncement of Nine’s conduct, claiming the newspapers had refused to back down from errors in their stories, even in the face of contradictory evidence, and instead used the court to launch more unfounded allegations.

“This is not about a path home to victory, as (Nine) have at one time put their case,” Mr Moses said.

“Rather this is about (Nine) using the processes of this court to make allegations of murder which will have national and international repercussions the applicant and other members of the Australian Defence Force who they have accused of murder.”

Nine’s barrister, Nicholas Owens SC, painted the case very differently.

He said it was no coincidence that his reluctant and disconnected witnesses all gave sworn evidence that pointed to Mr Roberts-Smith’s guilt, particularly on a crucial mission from 2009 known as Whiskey 108.

Nine claims the SAS found two Afghans hiding in a tunnel and detained them before Mr Roberts-Smith executed one and forced a junior soldier to execute the second.

The SAS soldiers, on the ground at Whiskey 108, have given totally contradictory evidence about the raid.

(continued)

>>16755934

2/2

Some claimed they witnessed the killings while others claimed the tunnel was empty so there could be no executions.

Mr Owens claimed Mr Roberts-Smith’s witnesses are all close mates who spent years cooking up a story “calculated to deny the presence” of Nine’s key witnesses.

“Each witness has a motive to lie,” Mr Owens said.

“(They) are a very close unit of people, communicating regularly and with an obvious affection for each other.”

One of those witnesses, Mr Owens said, has the additional motive to lie because he stands accused of jointly ordering one of the two executions at Whiskey 108.

The court has heard from numerous soldiers who have been implicated by Nine’s reporting of war crime allegations – many fiercely denied they carried out executions, others refused to testify on the grounds of self-incrimination.

But Mr Moses said that, even when the evidence came up short, Nine refused to withdraw grave allegations against Mr Roberts-Smith.

He pointed to an allegation Mr Roberts-Smith shot dead a teenage boy during one mission outside the legal rules of war.

“As the evidence revealed, there was no 13 to 14-year-old boy involved in any incident, nor was there any killing without justification. This allegation was baseless and should not have been persisted with,” Mr Moses said.

“Presumably it was persisted with to damage Mr Roberts-Smith in aid of the other allegations propounded in this matter.”

Mr Moses told the court Nine’s “sensationalist” stories stemmed from bitter and jealous SAS insiders who were trying to tear down Mr Roberts-Smith.

Federal MP Andrew Hastie is one of the SAS witnesses who, according to Mr Moses, was “obsessed” with Mr Roberts-Smith but had failed to provide evidence to back up Nine’s claims of murder.

Mr Hastie, an SAS veteran who deployed briefly alongside Mr Roberts-Smith in 2012, gave evidence for Nine about one mission in the region of Syahchow.

Nine claimed Mr Roberts-Smith ordered a junior soldier, known as Person 66, to execute an Afghan captive during the mission.

Mr Hastie was at Syahchow that day and told the court he saw a dead body with an AK-47 assault rifle and saw Person 66 looking uncharacteristically uneasy.

The MP claims Mr Roberts-Smith walked past and said “just a couple more dead c***s”.

Mr Hastie also told the court he had “dreams” about Mr Roberts-Smith in which they had killed an Australian troop and “covered it up”.

The MP said he believed the dream was a metaphor for a “deep truth” about “what we had done to ourselves” in Afghanistan.

Person 66 refused to testify about Syahchow on the grounds of self incrimination.

Nine said his evidence would have been a potential “path to victory”, but Justice Besanko refused to order Person 66 to testify about Syahchow.

Mr Moses, on Monday, said there was simply no evidence to support Nine’s claim of murder at Syahchow but the allegation remains in their court documents.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s legal team have never publicly revealed how much money they want in terms of damages for Nine’s articles.

But, if Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawsuit succeeds, the payout could dwarf any other in defamation history because of the seriousness of multiple war crime murder allegations, his prior good name, previous business successes and the “avalanche” of publicity that has continued through the court case.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/sensationalist-ben-robertssmith-case-closes-with-fiery-speech/news-story/dde02ac7c9bac4ce35e9cc9f5c747566

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 18, 2022, 3:49 a.m. No.16755948 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

Former Tenison College student claims abuse at hands of Marist Brother Gerard McNamara in court documents

A former student of Mt Gambier’s largest private school has accused a former teacher of historic sex crimes. The Marist Brothers are accused of knowing the now-convicted paedophile was a risk.

Mitch Mott - July 17, 2022

A former student of a Mount Gambier Catholic school has made bombshell claims of sexual abuse at the hands of a Marist Brother whom she alleges was a known risk to children.

The woman, who is identified by an alias in court lists, attended Tenison College in the late 1970s, when she was a teenager, and was taught by Brother Gerard McNamara – who has since been jailed over crimes against children committed in Victoria.

She launched action in the NSW Supreme Court Common Law division claiming the Marist Brothers, who ran the school until it amalgamated with a primary school in 2001 to become Tenison Woods College, failed in a duty of care to her.

Tenison Woods College is now run by lay staff and is not a party to the lawsuit.

The victim was in year 11 and 12 when she was claims to have been approached by McNamara, who then abused her “during school hours and at various locations”.

Court documents allege the majority of the abuse occurred at Marist House, where McNamara and the other brothers were housed.

The victim claims that at least two other Marist Brothers – including the then-principal of the school – knew McNamara was “spending lengthy periods of time in a closed room” with the underage girl during school hours.

In a statement of claim lodged in the South Australian Supreme Court, which is now hearing the case, the woman claims McNamara was sent to the “National Pastoral Institute in Melbourne” in 1977.

“The National Pastoral Institute was an organisation where Catholic priests and brothers were sent when they were known to have a propensity to sexually abuse children,” the victim alleges in her statement of claim.

“Prior to the sexual abuse of the plaintiff by Gerard McNamara, the (Marist Brothers) knew, or ought to have known that he had a propensity to sexually abuse children.”

McNamara, who was known to students as “The Rat”, has since been jailed for abusing more than 15 students while headmaster at St Paul’s Catholic College in Traralgon, Victoria between 1970 and 1975. He has not been convicted in relation to the latest victim.

He abused the victims under the guise of sports massage and admitted in court to targeting one victim more than 30 times.

McNamara has been sentenced four times in the past 16 years for his crimes against students at the college.

The Marist Brothers have already paid out more than $4m in compensation to McNamara’s numerous victims.

Previously, it has been reported that complaints about McNamara’s behaviour towards students stem back to 1959.

In their defence lodged with the court, the Marist Brothers deny most of the allegations.

Specifically, the religious order says they owned the land on which the school was operated, but the day-to-day functioning of the college was run by a board of governors.

They also deny that they are liable for any misconduct committed by McNamara while he was teaching at the school.

The Marist Brothers specifically state they do not admit any misconduct by McNamara.

Tenison Woods College principal David Mezinec declined to comment, saying it would be inappropriate to say anything while the matter was before the courts.

A lawyer for the Marist Brothers also declined to comment on behalf of his clients.

The case continues before the Supreme Court.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/former-tenison-college-student-claims-abuse-at-hands-of-marist-brother-gerard-mcnamara-in-court-documents/news-story/fa3175ddaa015feb84f1da5b316554d3

Liberal warriors don’t want a China reset

The raucous opponents of the Albanese government resetting the relationship are playing a dangerous game with Australia’s foreign policy and ambitions for a peaceful, prosperous and stable region.

Craig Emerson - Jul 18, 2022

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China’s statement following the first meeting between foreign ministers Penny Wong and Wang Yi has been denounced as “China’s four demands”. One such “demand” is that the two countries seek common ground. Oh, the effrontery!

The other three speak of Australia regarding China as a partner rather than a rival, of positive and pragmatic social foundations, and of avoiding being controlled by any third party.

Do we really insist on being a rival, on having negative social foundations with China or being controlled by a third party?

Such is the depth to which the Australia-China relationship has plunged in the past few years that conservative commentators and media organisations treat what ordinarily would be considered a positive statement from China’s foreign minister as outrageous demands.

Some critics do not want the relationship to be reset; they thrive on the tensions between our two countries. And they insist the breakdown is all China’s fault.

With so much fault in the deteriorating relationship between Australia and China under the previous Coalition government, there’s plenty to share around.

Onto China’s plate can be ladled its military build-up in the South China Sea, its trade sanctions on Australian barley, wine, coal and other commodities, and the imprisonment of two Australian citizens on national security grounds with no clear explanation of the allegations against them.

Australia’s plate is laden with; anti-dumping duties on steel and aluminium that might well contravene global trading rules; the Morrison government’s blocking of a Chinese company’s bid to buy a Japanese-owned dairy and drinks manufacturer in Australia (surely not on national security grounds); Morrison’s mimicking of former US president Donald Trump in his criticisms of China’s developing-country status at the World Trade Organisation; and the Morrison government’s decision to go it alone in pushing for an independent international inquiry into the outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan.

Proven track record

The Liberals have form when it comes to demonising outsiders. If it wasn’t the “commos” coming down through Vietnam to attack us in the 1960s, it was “too much Asian immigration” in the late-1980s, the asylum seeker boats of the 2000s allegedly carrying terrorists, the African gangs preventing Melburnians going to restaurants in 2018, and the asylum seekers in 2019 who would kick Aussies off hospital and public housing waiting lists if they were medically evacuated from Christmas Island.

The Liberals, who before this year’s election accused Labor of being soft on China, and deputy leader Richard Marles of being a Manchurian candidate, claim they were not criticising Chinese Australians. Those voters didn’t agree: the Morrison government lost five seats with sizeable Chinese-Australian voting populations: Reid, Bennelong, North Sydney, Chisholm, Kooyong and Tangney. And they nearly lost Menzies.

Morrison is complaining that China is buying wheat from Russia as war rages in Ukraine, but has no problem with India massively ramping up its oil purchases from Russia.

Wong’s face-to-face meeting with Wang was the first in three years between the two countries at the foreign minister level. It was a genuine breakthrough.

(continued)

>>16755986

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Trade Minister Don Farrell has proposed talks with China in an effort to resolve our trade disputes. Both countries are taking the other to the World Trade Organisation to rule on the disputes. The problem is that the US has gutted the Appellate Body by refusing to appoint new judges as the terms of existing judges expired. It will not be revived until at least 2024.

As the Albanese government is pressured to maintain a hostile attitude towards China, the Biden administration is negotiating to reduce some of the Trump tariffs on imports from China.

China’s proposal is to put the past behind us and make a fresh start. That doesn’t require sacrificing our sovereignty or kow-towing to China. Nor does it require Australia to support China on any of the matters about which we disagree. At least if we resumed talking, we might have a better chance of getting the two Australians out of prison.

There are sound economic, social and moral reasons for Australia restoring dialogue with China. Among the economic reasons is that China’s economy is bigger than the rest of Asia’s combined, and our exports to China exceed the total of those to our next eight biggest markets.

The raucous opponents of the Albanese government resetting the relationship between our two countries are playing a dangerous game with Australia’s foreign policy and ambitions for a peaceful, prosperous and stable region.

Craig Emerson is Director of the APEC Study Centre at RMIT University, visiting fellow at the ANU, adjunct professor at Victoria University’s College of Business and chair of the McKell Institute.

https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/liberal-warriors-don-t-want-china-reset-20220718-p5b2cu

—

Craig Emerson

Craig Anthony Emerson (born 15 November 1954) is an Australian economist and former Australian Labor Party politician. He served as the Australian House of Representatives Member for the Division of Rankin in Queensland from 1998 until 2013. Emerson also served as Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research and Minister for Competition Policy, Small Business and Consumer Affairs in the Rudd and Gillard Governments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craig_Emerson

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 18, 2022, 4:10 a.m. No.16755998 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6001

>>16493387 (pb)

>>16755986

OPINION - Australia can safely improve its relations with China. Here’s how

Bob Carr - July 18, 2022

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In 2012, the then-prime minister of Vanuatu Sato Kilman, was passing through Sydney Airport. Without warning, the Australian Federal Police swooped and arrested his Australian secretary on charges of tax evasion. Kilman was furious a staffer had been “kidnapped” and, back in Port Vila, threatened to tear up the agreement under which Australia trained his police, and invite China to take over.

As foreign minister, I was relieved when our intelligence reported the Chinese had considered this offer but declined. They had calculated Vanuatu (population 250,000) could offer China little compared with the trade and diplomatic opportunities with rich Australia, population 25 million.

Chinese wariness about offending us was vindicated in 2015 when then-prime minister Tony Abbott presided over the apogee of Australia-China relations by ratifying a free trade agreement, joining the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank and praising Xi Jinping for his reference to democracy in a speech to the Australian parliament.

Since then, China became the world’s biggest economy. It has become more authoritarian and assertive. All Western nations had to reassess their relations with Beijing. But from 2017, Australia deliberately swung behind hardening US attitudes hostile to China’s rise. Peter Dutton, defence minister in the Morrison government, even implied war was coming.

Australia became unique among American allies in not having any official contact. Being able to pick up the phone to Chinese leaders, as the US does and as we can now manage, is an improvement.

“Stabilising the relationship”, to quote Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, is the goal: perhaps to the point at which China would pull back from its Pacific adventurism because it would threaten a more substantial relationship with us.

Here are three notions for the next steps. None sacrifices our values.

First, both sides should focus on trade. Canberra should propose that Trade Minister Don Farrell visit Shanghai to talk to Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao about lifting the barriers applied in 2020 to $20 billion in Australian exports.

In return, we can review the anti-dumping actions we initiated against China. We can also say, like New Zealand, we won’t block China’s entry to the sprawling trade pact (the CPTPP) that has taken the place of the Trans-Pacific Partnership the US originally sponsored but now won’t join.

Saying his farewells, Farrell can hand over a letter from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to President Xi Jinping proposing we follow this “win-win” on trade with the quiet release of the two Australian hostages, Dr Yang Hengjun and Cheng Lei.

Farrell flies home to Adelaide to wave off the first crates of wine sent to China since 2020 with barley, coal, beef, dairy and seafood to follow.

(continued)

>>16755998

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Second, we re-tool our rhetoric, or at least some of it. Continue the language used up until now criticising the mistreatment of Uighurs and the end of Hong Kong’s legal autonomy. These are the formulae used by all Western countries anyway. Likewise on the South China Sea. China should not expect anything else.

But continue to shun the primitive “drums of war” rhetoric of Peter Dutton and department head Mike Pezzullo. Note the interesting fact that Chinese-background voters punished this overkill by delivering Labor four seats and majority government.

On the other hand, don’t apologise for excluding Huawei. Just say it was done for “the security and resilience of our network” not defining it, as Malcolm Turnbull did, as a pro-alliance gesture to impress the US.

Neither side should make diplomacy through headlines or get tripped-up by them.

This month Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s four points were a moderate restatement of Chinese positions. In fact, they represented a retreat from “wolf-warrior” boilerplate. And they came on top of the Chinese ambassador Siao Qian last month disassociating himself from the earlier 14 Chinese grievances about Australia that had come from his predecessor.

Still, a journalist asked our prime minister his response to Chinese “demands.” The next headline had Albanese “rebuffing” the Chinese. “Demands” and “rebuffs” were media shorthand. Neither country used the language. Both sides need to levitate above media caricature. Wong’s formula about having “no intention of amplifying differences” might have been useful.

Three, Australia should pursue creative middle-power diplomacy on Taiwan – as if our lives depended on it.

Taiwan is not Ukraine. The west “acknowledges” China’s claim that Taiwan is a province of China, not an independent country. Ukraine, by contrast, is recognised as a sovereign state.

Asked about Taiwan, we can resort to good, all-weather diplomatic words. We can say we welcome the fact senior US security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member Yang Jiechi have had hours of talks.

This US-China diplomacy is about peace and security. Among other things, it is laying down guard rails to avoid war over the Taiwan Strait. We can add that with all of Asia, Australia supports a return to a cross-strait status quo, like the one that preserved the peace for 60 years.

An Australian diplomatic campaign to avoid war can engage friends like Japan, New Zealand, Canada and the 10 ASEAN states. War over Taiwan, as Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University Hugh White argues, carries a serious possibility of the US being defeated. This is not in Australia’s interests, especially if it means a US retreat from Asia or, 57 years after Hiroshima, a danger the war becomes nuclear.

In the panic and terror of its opening phase we can barely guess which missiles would be flung where. But US facilities in Australia would be almost certain targets. The blast zones and lethal plumes of fallout carried by high-altitude winds would put an end to our national story in a flurry of radioactivate destruction.

Winston Churchill once urged “jaw jaw” as an alternative to war. All sides might ponder that the creative words and boring talk of diplomacy were invented to give peace a chance.

Bob Carr is the longest-serving premier of NSW and a former foreign minister of Australia

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-can-safely-improve-its-relations-with-china-here-s-how-20220717-p5b261.html

Richard Marles as bad as ‘extremely anti-China’ Peter Dutton claims Beijing

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 18, 2022

Beijing has accused Richard Marles of becoming indistinguishable from his “extremely anti-China” predecessor Peter Dutton and warned that Australia’s new Defence Minister was imperilling the future of the Australia-China relations.

In a bombastic editorial, the party-state masthead Global Times said “Marles did not only degrade himself, but actually belittled the whole of Australia” during his recent trip to Washington.

The Beijing mouthpiece said the Australian Defence Force was becoming a “plug-in of the US” and warned that China would see Australia as a “forward base of the US military”.

Only a month after Mr Marles met PRC Defence Minister Wei Fenghe on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Global Times said Beijing’s image of him was “becoming blurred”.

“The Australian Defence Minister has become one of Canberra’s most aggressive actors against China,” the party-state masthead wrote in its lead editorial on Monday.

“From Tokyo to New Delhi to Washington, Marles’ string of comments on the so-called China threat make it increasingly difficult to distinguish him from his extremely anti-China Liberal predecessor Peter Dutton.

“In less than two months, Marles has rushed to reverse the outside world’s impression of him as being ‘rational’ toward China, and it has also raised more doubts about the willingness of the new Australian administration to improve relations with China,” it wrote.

The comments underline the huge structural tension in the relationship that continues despite the Xi administration’s claims that all problems in the relationship were the fault of the Morrison government.

Beijing’s party state media attacks began days after the new Australian government was elected, but have become increasingly personal and vitriolic.

This was the Global Times second editorial personally criticising Mr Marles and came days after the masthead said “anti-China forces” were manipulating Prime Minister Albanese.

Three weeks ago, the Chinese party-state’s other English language masthead China Daily accused Mr Albanese of a “lack of diplomatic nous and poor grasp of political realities”, after he made a link between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Beijing’s threats to Taiwan.

China’s Foreign Minister — President Xi Jinping’s second most senior envoy — met his Australian counterpart in Bali in early June, ending his almost three-year communication freeze.

Mr Wang told Foreign Minister Penny Wong that China was now willing to “re-examine and recalibrate” the bilateral relationship “based on mutual respect”.

He also gave her a list of four requirements to improve the relationship: Australia must treat China as a “partner rather than a rival”; the two countries must seek “common ground while shelving differences”; Australia must reject “manipulation by a third party”; and both countries must build “public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism”.

Following that meeting, rumours spread among Chinese financial commentators and industry that Beijing was preparing to end its unofficial black-listing of Australian coal.

“No further information is out yet, but the trajectory is towards it,” one industry source in China told The Australian.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has encouraged China to end the suspension.

“The removal of sanctions is a critical part of restoring relations between Beijing and Canberra,” he said on Sunday.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton said he welcomed China’s resumption of dialogue with Australia, but said he wanted to see “concrete evidence Beijing is sincere”.

China’s coal industry has been summoned for a meeting in Beijing on Friday. The industry – a big employer with strong political leverage – has benefited from the Australia ban, which has allowed further mining of lower quality coal.

Chinese steel and energy industries have been lobbying for the end of the ban, which was the major strike in Beijing’s more than $20bn-a-year trade campaign against Australia.

On Friday, China reported its weakest economic performance since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/richard-marles-as-bad-as-extremely-antichina-peter-dutton-claims-beijing/news-story/ca4aa8af0e00b28e7db38de2bf2853e8

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 18, 2022, 4:22 a.m. No.16756027 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6028

>>16756024

Willing to be a US plug-in? Canberra plays a very dangerous game: Global Times editorial

Global Times - Jul 18, 2022

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Last week, Richard Marles paid his first visit to the US as Australia's deputy prime minister and defense minister. In the four-day visit, he repeatedly advocated that Australia and the US should work together to contain China. Marles also said that Australia and the US will "move beyond interoperability to interchangeability. And we will ensure we have all the enablers in place to operate seamlessly together at speed." Marles' remarks suggest that he is ready to serve as a "forward theater commander" of the US.

Judging from the strengths of Australian and US forces, the so-called interoperability or interchangeability will undoubtedly be a one-way "operation" of the US to the Australian military, and the result will be a greater integration of the Australian military into the US global military system, driven by Washington. Just as some Australian media noted, Marles did not only degrade himself, but actually belittled the whole of Australia, which is tantamount to surrendering Australia's sovereignty to the US. The Australian Defense Force would then become a plug-in of the US, while Australia would become a forward base of the US military.

Even when Washington reluctantly maintains that it has "no intention to have a conflict with China," Australia hardly hides its intention of regarding China as its biggest imaginary military enemy and has even repeatedly acted more aggressively than Washington.

In this process, the Australian defense minister has become one of Canberra's most aggressive actors against China. Marles' image as the new defense minister is now becoming blurred. From Tokyo to New Delhi to Washington, Marles' string of comments on the so-called China threat make it increasingly difficult to distinguish him from his extremely anti-China Liberal predecessor Peter Dutton. In less than two months, Marles has rushed to reverse the outside world's impression of him as being "rational" toward China, and it has also raised more doubts about the willingness of the new Australian administration to improve relations with China.

Since the new Australian administration took office, there have been many discussions in both countries about a possible "thaw" in bilateral relations. Some departments have also been gradually reaching out. However, the continuity of the two defense ministers Dutton and Marles in regarding China as a "imaginary enemy" is sufficient to indicate that the US' influence over Australia, particularly the Australian military, is very deep, which reflects the complex challenges for improving China-Australia ties.

(continued)

>>16756027

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On the one hand, as a member of the Five Eyes alliance, Canberra gets much of its intelligence on the so-called China threat from Washington, which means that a large amount of intelligence containing Washington's "conspiracy theories" inevitably affects Canberra's perception of Beijing. On the other hand, it is not easy to change this system given that Canberra's defense procurement, intelligence services and cooperation with allies have been shaped in recent years to counter the so-called China challenge. Moreover, the Australian military, which has special ties to Washington, clearly does not want to see the easing of China-Australia tension, which it considers to be a move against Washington's Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Since the Cold War, Canberra's perception is that Australia benefits from "great and powerful friends." Therefore, it is easy to understand that Canberra sees maintaining, consolidating and strengthening the US-Australia alliance as its national interests. Australia also relies on how well it acts as the US' "deputy sheriff" in the Asia Pacific to judge its "value." The problem now, however, is that Canberra's obsession with "a great and powerful friend" is unnecessarily creating "a great and powerful enemy."

That the US is Australia's main geostrategic ally is a matter between Australia and the US. But it is also undeniable that China will remain Australia's leading economic partner for the foreseeable future. This means that it is in Australia's national interests to avoid a conflict with China. The Morrison government has severely led Australia in the wrong direction with a serious tilt in the balance between security and economy. At moments like this, Australians should remember former Prime Minister John Howard's admonition that "hostility to and containment of China is not only harmful but dangerous."

Some of the first signs of danger are already emerging. Amid the former defense minister's constant warmongering, a Lowy Institute poll released in June showed that 75 percent of respondents believe China is "very" or "somewhat" likely to become a military threat to Australia. Moreover, following Washington's lead, Canberra's increasingly frequent "freedom of navigation" operations in the South China Sea, including close-in reconnaissance on China, have led insightful people, including politicians, business elites, intellectuals and members of the public in Australia, to increasingly worry about the risk of misfire.

To put it bluntly, Australia has turned itself into a strategic asset for Washington, leaving its comfortable position in the safe zone for the frontline of geopolitical conflicts. Will this make it more important or more secure? If Canberra is really looking out for its own national interests, it should truly recognize, as Marles himself said before, that "it would be a profound mistake to define China as an enemy," and that "the talk of a new cold war was silly and ignorant."

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270760.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 18, 2022, 4:48 a.m. No.16756108 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6147

>>16729144

Calls to ban social media app TikTok over concerns it is harvesting data used by Beijing

DAVID PENBERTHY - JULY 18, 2022

There are calls to ban the Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok in Australia, with a report warning that the video app harvests vast and unnecessary amounts of personal data that could be used by Beijing for intelligence purposes and cyber hacking.

The report, prepared by the joint Australian-US cyber security firm Internet 2.0, shows that the app is almost unique in the level of information it seeks from its unwitting billion-plus users worldwide.

This includes device mapping to monitor all other apps running on a user’s phone, hourly checks of their location, constant access to the user’s calendar, access to the user’s contacts and the ability to pinpoint detailed information about the specifications of the user’s phone.

The report’s authors note that much of the information being sought is not required to make the app work, raising questions as to why the data is being collected.

“The application can and will run successfully without any of this data being gathered,” the report states. “This leads us to believe that the only reason this information has been gathered is for data harvesting.

“It is also notable that the device only needs to ask the user for permission to perform each of these actions once and then follow the user’s preferences.

“In our analysis, the TikTok mobile application does not prioritise privacy.”

Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Claire O’Neil said the federal government had received the Internet 2.0 report and previous governments “have been well aware of these issues for some years”.

She said more should have been done previously to address privacy concerns involving apps such as TikTok. “They are complex and difficult and don’t just relate to TikTok,” she said.

“The ACCC Digital Platforms Inquiry asked the then-government to undertake work in this area three years ago, which they did not progress; that is regrettable.

“Australians need to be mindful of the fact that they are sharing a lot of detailed information about themselves with apps which aren’t properly protecting that information. I hope it concerns Australians because it certainly concerns me.”

TikTok is owned by Chinese company ByteDance and its inventor, Zhang Yiming, has a personal wealth estimated at more than $40bn, much it fuelled by the runway success of TikTok, which had been downloaded 3.5 billion times worldwide as of January.

The findings in this report reflect similar concerns identified by Internet 2.0 about the private data being collected via the WeChat app, also owned by China.

Internet 2.0 director, former SA trade and innovation minister Tom Kenyon, said the findings about TikTok showed it was wrong for people to regard the app as nothing other than harmless fun. “It’s time to recognise the role Chinese tech apps are playing in data collection for the Chinese Communist Party and its security agencies,” he said.

“TikTok collects far more data from users than it needs to. The only logical conclusion is that it is data harvesting.

“WeChat has shown it too plays its role in data collection and propaganda dissemination. WeChat has been used by political candidates to reach voters of Chinese descent in Australia and it is possible the Chinese government has been involved in that.”

Mr Kenyon said the close relationship between Chinese companies and the Chinese government meant Australia needed to act against both the TikTok and WeChat apps.

Opposition cyber security spokesman Senator James Paterson urged the Albanese government to act on the report.

The Internet 2.0 report is set to make international headlines and will be presented to the US Senate hearing on TikTok on Monday.

The US Senate has been examining the app’s links to the Chinese government amid rising alarm in the West over cyber attacks and the use of personal data.

In a bipartisan move against TikTok’s parent company, Democrat senator Mark Warner and Republican Marco Rubio issued a call this month for the US Federal Trade Commission to investigate ByteDance due to “repeated misrepresentations” over its handling of US data.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/calls-to-ban-social-media-app-tiktok-over-concerns-it-is-harvesting-data-used-by-beijing/news-story/974615b3915cca4303e019841e417169

>>16729144

>>16756108

TikTok’s ‘alarming’, ‘excessive’ data collection revealed

Max Mason - Jul 18, 2022

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Viral video-app TikTok collects “excessive” amounts of data, according to new analysis of its source code, raising alarm about the volume of information and its security following an admission that staff in China can access the data of millions of Australian users.

TikTok checks device location at least once an hour, continuously requests access to contacts even if the user originally denies, maps a device’s running apps and all installed apps, and more, according to a white paper by Canberra-based cybersecurity and intelligence firm Internet 2.0.

“The TikTok mobile application has been built with a culture that does not place privacy as a principle as most of the permissions and device information being collected are above necessary for the application to function,” the report said.

Internet 2.0 analysed source code of TikTok on Android statically and dynamically. On iOS it only performed static analysis due to limitations making it hard to study. Dynamic analysis tests and evaluates as the app is running, while static analysis tests and examines the code without running the app.

The firm’s analysis said the iOS version “had a server connection to mainland China.” It did this by studying data flow.

TikTok rejected the assertion when provided with the IP address: “The IP address is in Singapore, the network traffic does not leave the region, and it is categorically untrue to imply there is communication with China. The researcher’s conclusions reveal fundamental misunderstandings of how mobile apps work, and by their own admission, they do not have the correct testing environment to confirm their baseless claims.”

However, Internet 2.0 responded and said that while TikTok was specific that user data was stored in Singapore and the US, its analysis found many subdomains in the iOS app resolving all around the world including: Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, New York City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Jose, Monrovia, Cambridge, Kansas City, Dallas and Mountain View in the US, Utama and Jakarta in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, Paris, Singapore and Baishan in China.

“During analysis we could not determine with high confidence the purpose for the connection or where user data is stored. The China server connection is run by Guizhou Baishan Cloud Technology, a cloud and cybersecurity company. The subdomain connected to the China server connection resolved in multiple locations around the world including in China,” Internet 2.0 said.

“The IP address resolving to locations records in China regularly changed, however, connectivity to Guizhou was visible across a number different IP addresses. This was confirmed through the use of a number of security products and methods, including virus total, Metasploit, security trails and sandboxing.”

Internet 2.0 said they did not find any direct server connections with mainland China in the Android app.

On Android, TikTok collects all other running and installed applications on the phone, which Internet 2.0 said “is an unnecessary function. Theoretically, this information can provide a realistic diagram of your phone.”

‘Persistent, endless harassment’

The analysis also found TikTok queries Android device GPS location at least once an hour and found that TikTok requests access to user contacts. If the user denies the request, Internet 2.0 said the user is continuously asked on a loop until access is granted.

“It is normal for an application to initially request access to contacts but TikTok’s persistent, endless harassment for user contacts access is abnormal. It reflects a culture that does not prioritise privacy or a user’s preferences for privacy,” the report said.

Internet 2.0 labelled TikTok’s access to a device’s calendar excessive because it had persistent access to read and modify when it only used the calendar for special circumstances like a live event.

It also requests access to external storage: “This is a standard command for a social media application to store video and images. The aspect we list as excessive is TikTok doesn’t just retrieve the ability to see folders, it retrieves a list of everything available in the external storage folder,” Internet 2.0 wrote.

(continued)

>>16756147

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TikTok said in response: “The TikTok app is not unique in the amount of information it collects, which is less than many popular mobile apps. In line with industry practices, we collect information that users choose to provide to us and information that helps the app function, operate securely, and improve the user experience.

“Also like our peers, we constantly update our app to keep up with evolving security challenges and encourage our users to download the most current version of TikTok.”

The analysis, which has been circulated among Australian and US lawmakers in the past week, will spark tough questions as TikTok faces scrutiny following its admission to US Republican senators that China-based employees can access US user data. Over the weekend, TikTok announced its global head of security, Roland Cloutier, is stepping down effective September 2 and moving into an advisory role, as the company faces intensified scrutiny in the US.

‘Frankly alarming’

Social media apps, in general, collect huge amounts of data, much deemed unnecessary by many privacy experts, largely to profit from driving further engagement and selling targeted ads. For example, Facebook Messenger was signalled out by OpenDemocracy for its excessive data collection, which included name, email, location, user ID, iMessage, photos and videos, health and fitness, and more.

However, the admission that Australian user data can be accessed by employees in mainland China has raised concerns by politicians and security experts about the safety of that information due to reports and research on the links between ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, and the Chinese Communist Party, and the spreading of propaganda and censorship.

“TikTok user data is stored in Singapore and the US, and we have been clear and vocal about employing access controls like encryption and security monitoring to secure user data, with the access approval process overseen by our US-based security team,” TikTok said.

”We continually encourage legitimate researchers to help validate our security standards, including industry-leading experts through reputable programs like HackerOne to help us test our defences.“

China’s National Intelligence Law of 2017 requires organisations and citizens to “support, assist and co-operate with the state intelligence work”.

Even though TikTok’s Australian executives stress that it had never provided, nor had been asked for and would never provide Australian user data to China, even if asked, governments around the world are also concerned that this legislation means an employee who has access to user data could be compelled to provide it to Chinese authorities without the company being aware.

“It was already worrying enough to recently learn user data is being accessed in mainland China. It is frankly alarming to discover exactly what data is being collected from TikTok users, and how much of it is unnecessary,” Liberal Senator James Paterson said.

“It’s hard to think of an innocent reason excessive data is being collected especially given it is obtainable by the Chinese government. The Albanese government must stop sitting on its hands and act to protect Australians cybersecurity and privacy.”

TikTok’s Australian executives have also been grilled about comments made by the then-chief executive of ByteDance, Zhang Yiming, in 2018 regarding technology needing to be guided by “core socialist values”.

The revelation about Australian user data came in a letter to Senator Paterson from TikTok last week, revealed by The Australian Financial Review, after he wrote to TikTok about his concerns.

Last week, the Financial Review revealed Senator Paterson wrote to Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security Clare O’Neil, asking her to “investigate the full range of regulatory responses necessary to protect the private information of Australians who use this platform.”

The US Senate Intelligence Committee wrote to the Federal Trade Commission last month asking it to open an investigation about whether TikTok had mislead lawmakers about China-based employees being able to access US user data.

https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/tiktok-s-alarming-excessive-data-collection-revealed-20220714-p5b1mz

https://internet2-0.com/whitepaper/its-their-word-against-their-source-code-tiktok-report/

>>16729144

>>16756147

TikTok users warned the platform is harvesting personal data

abc.net.au - 18 July 2022

A new technical analysis by Australian company Internet 2.0, has found the Chinese-owned company requests almost complete access to the contents of a phone while the app is in use.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-18/tiktok-users-warned-the-platform-is-harvesting-personal-data/13977370

>>16742221

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post

July 18, 2022

To train under the Southern Cross is a unique honor for MRF-D 22, since over half the MAGTF joined from the Blue Diamond.

General Vandegrift led the newly formed 1st Marine Division into battle 80 years ago under this star formation. Alongside our Australian allies, our joint partners, and other coalition support, the Blue Diamond proved to be “no better friend, and no worse enemy” in ferocious campaigns such as Guadalcanal.

We honor those heroic Marines and Sailors, and our teammates, through the symbols in our crests and the never-ending effort to perfect our warfighting craft.

#mrfd

#usmc

#adf

#theoldbreed

#freeandopenindopacific

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/408829204612902

https://www.facebook.com/1stMarineDivision

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Marine_Division

Victorian government asks school students to wear masks in class as state's COVID-19 cases spike

abc.net.au - 19 July 2022

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Students over the age of eight are being asked to return to wearing masks in class as the number of daily COVID-19 cases across Victoria continues to hover around 10,000.

A joint letter to parents from bodies representing Victorian public, independent and Catholic schools has asked school students aged eight and over to wear masks in class.

While mask wearing in schools is not being mandated by the government, the letter from the Department of Education, Independent Schools Victoria and the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria did not say mask wearing remained optional.

"We are asking all students aged 8 and over and all staff in all schools across Victoria to wear masks when in class (except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication) from now to the end of winter," the letter reads.

"We are asking for your support in explaining to your child or children the importance of this simple step that will help keep our schools as safe as possible."

Students will not be required to wear masks outdoors, and school activities such as sport, music and performances will continue.

The group is also asking children wear masks on public transport.

The Victorian government said the request did not signify a change in policy regarding masks in the education system.

Education Minister Natalie Hutchins said the broader education sector was consulted about the request.

"What we are doing is taking the fresh advice that's come from the Health Minister, and we're making sure that we're doing what we can to make schools as safe as possible in the current environment," she said.

"We're in the midst of winter. We know that the pandemic is on the rise."

Opposition blast mask 'mandate by stealth'

Shadow Education Minister David Hodgett said the move was "mandate by stealth" and would leave parents confused.

"Here today again we're hearing, 'You should wear a mask, oh but we're not going to make you, but we're strongly recommending, but we're not going to mandate it'," he said.

"I think it's clearly enforcing a mandate by stealth and I don't think parents, when they wake up this morning and hear media reports or read media reports are going to be very happy with this at all."

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas rejected the opposition's claims, stating mask use would remain at the discretion of parents and schools.

"These are decisions that will be taken by families and indeed by schools. No child will be disadvantaged as a consequence of not wearing a mask, I want to be very clear about that," Ms Thomas said.

"The advice is that masks are effective in a school setting and therefore it's entirely appropriate that the government provide this advice that masks be worn."

Ms Thomas said mandating mask use was unnecessary across the state given the length of the pandemic.

"In our third COVID winter, Victorians know what to do. They don't need to be mandated to do this," she said.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 19, 2022, 3:23 a.m. No.16761464 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16761459

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Deakin University epidemiology chair Catherine Bennett said understanding how the virus was spreading would help form an assessment of whether focusing on school children wearing masks would be effective.

"It really is important when we're doing public health interventions that they're evidence-based and we use that same evidence, then, to reinforce the messaging with that," she said.

"It would be really great to see what we are learning about the virus in the community – which groups are at risk — and using that same information to target the groups that we really get those messaging out to and using the data to reinforce those measures as well."

She said it would be helpful for daily data to be released showing the age of those being infected with COVID, to help paint a picture of where transmission was occurring in the community.

Professor Bennett said public health measures should only be in place for as long as the benefits clearly outweighed any potential disadvantages.

"We've had two-and-a-half years of pandemic to know that we can safely say to parents, 'your child won't be disadvantaged wearing a mask and infection rates are going up in children, therefore we're encouraging this really strongly now'," she said.

"That's a different message to just putting it out there without backing it with evidence."

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Tony Blakely said the move was "sensible and proportionate" while COVID-19 cases were surging.

He said workplaces should also be encouraged to enforce mask-wearing.

"We need to be doing things across the board to take the heat out of the surge," he said.

Omicron puts state's health system under pressure

The mask request comes as Victoria sees increased pressure on the state's health services due to a rising number of Omicron cases.

The state reported reported 12,201 new COVID cases and 25 deaths on Tuesday.

There are 897 people hospitalised with COVID, including 34 in intensive care.

Victoria's health department said there had been a 99 per cent increase in Victorians in hospital with COVID-19 since June 22.

ICU admissions due to COVID-19 have grown by 60 per cent in that time, and there has been a 47 per cent increase in healthcare workforce furlough.

It is expected the third wave of Omicron cases will peak in August.

Yesterday, the Victorian government announced the expansion of a virtual emergency department program in a bid to free up ambulances and hospitals which are under increasing strain.

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department was set up at the Northern Hospital in October 2020. It allows patients to have a consultation with a doctor or nurse without having to be taken to hospital by ambulance.

It has already treated more than 28,000 patients.

Premier Daniel Andrews said 71 per cent of its patients avoided going to hospital after receiving advice and instructions via video conference.

"That means there are less trips, less transport, more ambulances freed up to attend to the next triple-0 emergency or next lights-and-sirens emergency," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-19/victorian-schools-recommend-masks-in-class/101249096

Fresh COVID warning ahead of virus spike

Andrew Brown and Tess Ikonomou - July 19 2022

The chief medical officer has issued a fresh warning about the increase in COVID-19 cases across the country, urging Australians to help slow the spread of the virus.

Ahead of the government reintroducing the pandemic leave payments, Professor Paul Kelly has urged eligible Australians to get a third or fourth COVID vaccine, ahead of the predicted peak of the third Omicron wave.

Prof Kelly said the latest rise in cases was set to place additional pressure on hospitals.

"Due to the number of cases, we may also see a rise in the number of people dying with COVID-19, particularly among those who are at higher risk of severe disease," he said.

"We cannot stop this wave of infections, but we can slow the spread and protect the vulnerable. We have done this before and we can do it again."

The chief medical officer has also urged employers to review health and safety risks in light of the increase in infections, as well as allowing employees to work from home if possible.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the third Omicron wave was concerning.

"There were 300,000 cases or thereabouts reported over the last seven days, and I think (the chief medical officer) and I are pretty confident that the real number is likely to be double that," he told reporters in Canberra.

"The other difference obviously between the situation we confront today and in January is that hospitals are also grappling with flu and a range of other respiratory illnesses and the usual surge in hospital activity that we see during winter."

Since the eligibility widened for a fourth vaccine dose, more than 560,000 have been administered in the first week of the expanded rollout, with most being between 50 and 65-years-old.

That's compared with 180,000 doses of a second booster the week before.

However, Mr Butler wanted a greater take up of a third dose, with just 50,000 first boosters administered in the past week.

It comes as pandemic isolation payments for eligible workers will resume from Wednesday until September 30.

However, Government Services Minister Bill Shorten said employees would have to show they were not able to financially cover the impact of being off work in order to be eligible for the $750 payment.

"If you have sick leave, you have to use your sick leave first but I stress, not your holiday leave," Mr Shorten told the Seven Network's Sunrise program on Tuesday.

"Also, if you have more than $10,000 in the bank … so it's not a means test but if you've got liquid assets, then you are not eligible."

More than 50,500 new cases and 75 deaths have been recorded nationwide on Tuesday.

There are more than 348,000 active coronavirus cases Australia-wide, with more than 5200 patients in hospital care.

LATEST 24-HOUR COVID-19 DATA:

NSW: 13,554 cases, 26 deaths, 2205 in hospital with 60 in ICU

Victoria: 12,201 cases, 25 deaths, 897 in hospital with 34 in ICU

Northern Territory: 671 cases, no deaths, 63 in hospital with one in ICU

Queensland: 9992, 18 deaths, 983 in hospital with 24 in ICU

ACT: 1221 cases, no deaths, 170 in hospital with six in ICU

WA: 6815 cases, three deaths, 455 in hospital with 20 in ICU

SA: 4172 cases, three deaths, 282 in hospital with 11 in ICU

Tasmania: 1642 cases, no deaths, 184 in hospital, two in ICU

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7824747/fresh-covid-warning-ahead-of-virus-spike/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 19, 2022, 3:35 a.m. No.16761498 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3219

Mexican president's plea to Joe Biden over Julian Assange as he renews asylum offer

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he delivered a letter to the US president in which he backed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

SBS / AFP - 19 July 2022

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador says he interceded with United States President Joe Biden on behalf of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, insisting that he had committed no serious crime.

Mr Lopez Obrador renewed an offer of asylum for Mr Assange, who is fighting extradition by the United Kingdom to the United States, where he could face decades in jail for allegedly violating the US Espionage Act.

Mexico's leftist leader delivered a letter to Mr Biden when he visited Washington last week "explaining that Assange did not commit any serious crime," he told reporters on Monday.

"He did not cause the death of anyone, did not violate any human right and exercised his freedom," Mr Lopez Obrador said.

Imprisoning the 51-year-old Australian publisher would amount to an "affront to freedom of expression," he said, adding that he had yet to receive a response from Mr Biden.

Mr Assange could face up to 175 years in jail if found guilty of violating the US Espionage Act by publishing military and diplomatic files in 2010 related to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars.

The UK government last month approved his extradition to the US, prompting an appeal.

Supporters portray Mr Assange as a martyr to press freedom after he was taken into UK custody and put in a high-security prison having spent seven years at Ecuador's embassy in London.

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/mexican-presidents-plea-to-joe-biden-over-julian-assange-as-he-renews-asylum-offer/mo034mpvc

One key question in Roberts-Smith defamation ‘trial of the century’

PERRY DUFFIN - JULY 19, 2022

Nine newspapers’ final attempt to defeat a mammoth defamation lawsuit, launched by venerated SAS soldier Ben Roberts-Smith, can be distilled to one single question and one single moment in the remote and dusty hills of Afghanistan one decade ago.

How could a group of illiterate Afghan villagers, and an elite SAS soldier, all recount the same harrowing details of an alleged war crime murder if it never happened?

The Federal Court, in Sydney, is in the final stages of the defamation trial of the century between the Victoria Cross recipient and the media company.

Justice Anthony Besanko has heard evidence from dozens of SAS veterans over more than 100 days of evidence.

One soldier, known as Person 4, emerged as perhaps the most critical witness in the trial.

Person 4 refused to testify on one allegation that he executed a prisoner on Mr Roberts-Smith’s orders in 2009.

But he did testify about a mission in 2012, in the town of Darwan, where he claimed Mr Roberts-Smith kicked a detained shepherd, named Ali Jan, off a cliff.

Person 4 claimed he watched the handcuffed Afghan tumble down the slope, his head hitting a rock “exploding” a tooth from his mouth, before the badly injured man came to rest in a dry creek bed.

The SAS soldier claimed a third soldier, his best mate known as Person 11, then executed the Afghan while Mr Roberts-Smith watched on.

Person 4’s evidence, Nine claims, lines up with what three villagers from Darwan told the court on a videolink from Kabul.

Nine’s barrister, on Tuesday, cast the evidence from Person 4 and the Afghans as an undeniable consistency that points only to Mr Roberts-Smith’s guilt.

“(The Afghans) all spoke of being in that final compound set, seeing a tall soldier wet from the waist down, seeing someone kicked off a cliff all at the exact same time, the exact same date, in the exact same location, that Person 4 described,” Mr Owens told the court.

“There is no attempt (from Mr Roberts-Smith) to explain how it is that the evidence of Person 4, a soldier on this side of the world, could correspond so closely with the evidence of the three Afghan witnesses on the other side of the world.”

Mr Owens claimed one of the villagers correctly described the SAS’ military working dog, the number of ADF helicopters, the movements of troops, “the cliff kick” – all in line with what SAS witnesses later told the court.

The details offered up by the villagers could not be “cunningly” inserted or “manufactured” unless they were true Darwan locals and true witnesses to the raid, Mr Owens told the court.

Mr Owens’ comments come at the very end of the trial, 10 years since the SAS raid on Darwan and four years since Nine newspapers first published war crime allegations against Mr Roberts-Smith.

Those articles prompted Mr Roberts-Smith to sue for defamation – he denied every single allegation while Nine mounted a truth defence.

The newspapers ultimately claimed, in their case, that Mr Roberts-Smith either pulled the trigger or ordered his patrol mates to execute six unarmed and detained Afghan men.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s barristers, on Monday, urged Justice Besanko to see the case as an attempt to restore the good name of a war hero and a human being who has been falsely accused of murder.

“A human being who has suffered, who was once known as a hero but now, thanks to (Nine) is a man widely reviled as a murderer and an abuser of women,” barrister Matthew Richardson SC said.

The closing submissions continue.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/one-key-question-in-robertssmith-defamation-trial-of-the-century/news-story/e0ac468366a17016d44f838e967a90d5

Afghan villagers and soldiers told the truth about Ben Roberts-Smith, defamation trial told

Michaela Whitbourn - July 19, 2022

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The only plausible explanation why three illiterate Afghan villagers and two former elite soldiers all implicated Ben Roberts-Smith in the alleged murder of an Afghan prisoner was that all were telling the truth, the Federal Court has heard in the final days of the war veteran’s defamation case.

The court is hearing closing submissions in the case brought against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. The decorated former soldier claims the newspapers wrongly accused him of being complicit in war crimes and the media outlets are seeking to rely chiefly on a defence of truth.

On Tuesday, the newspapers’ barrister, Nicholas Owens, SC, focused on two of the media outlets’ centrepiece allegations. The first was that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of two Afghan men in 2009 at a compound called “Whiskey 108”, an alleged incident Owens said pointed to “a culture of silence within the SAS”.

The second was that Roberts-Smith had kicked an unarmed and handcuffed villager off a cliff in Darwan on September 11, 2012, before the man was shot dead.

A former Special Air Service comrade, Person 4, told the court he saw Roberts-Smith kick the cuffed man off a cliff before he heard shots fired, and saw a second soldier, Person 11, with his rifle raised in a firing position. Another former soldier, Person 56, said that either Person 4 or Person 11 disclosed after the Darwan mission that “an individual had been kicked off a cliff and … shot”.

Three Afghan villagers told the court via audiovisual link from Kabul that the man killed was Ali Jan, a Darwan farmer who was not connected to the Taliban, and that a “big soldier” kicked him off a cliff.

Owens submitted to the court on Tuesday: “How is it that three illiterate Afghan villagers on the other side of the world with no connection whatsoever to Person 4 have given evidence which in all material respects corresponds with what Person 4 says happened?

“They all spoke of … seeing someone kicked off a cliff, all at the exact same time, the exact same date and the exact same location that Person 4 described.

“There is no explanation for how it is that the evidence of those two completely unconnected groups of witnesses could possibly correspond to the extent it does.”

Owens said “a second powerful source of corroboration for Person 4 is found in the evidence of Person 56”.

Roberts-Smith told the court there was “no cliff” and “no kick”. The man in question was not a farmer but a suspected Taliban “spotter” reporting on the movement of coalition forces, he said, and both he and a soldier dubbed Person 11 lawfully fired shots at the man in a cornfield. Person 11, a friend of Roberts-Smith, supported this account.

(continued)

>>16761530

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Earlier on Tuesday, Owens referred to an allegation that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of two Afghan prisoners during an SAS mission on Easter Sunday, 2009. The newspapers allege two Afghan men were pulled from a tunnel on that day in the compound dubbed Whiskey 108 and taken prisoner.

The mastheads called seven witnesses in support of the allegation that men were found inside the tunnel and that Roberts-Smith executed one of them after directing a “rookie” soldier, dubbed Person 4, to kill the other man as a form of “blooding” or initiation.

Roberts-Smith and four of his former comrades maintained no men were found in the tunnel. He told the court that two insurgents were killed lawfully by SAS soldiers outside Whiskey 108, including one by him.

“There’s no doubt about the fact that the men were killed,” Owens said. “The only debate is about the circumstances in which they were killed.”

Owens submitted that if Justice Anthony Besanko accepted the newspapers’ witnesses, who told the court that up to three men were taken from the tunnel, “it follows almost inevitably that your Honour would disbelieve Mr Roberts-Smith’s entire case about Whiskey 108”.

He added that if Besanko accepted the evidence of a serving SAS soldier dubbed Person 41, who told the court he saw Roberts-Smith execute one of the men and direct Person 4 to kill the other man, “again it follows that Mr Roberts-Smith must be lying”.

Owens said Person 41’s explanation that he did not report the alleged murders because there was an “unwritten rule” that “you just go along with whatever happens” was plausible and consistent with him being a truthful witness. He submitted Besanko would find there was “clearly a culture of silence within the SAS”.

“People were willing to turn a blind eye to the most despicable and egregious breaches of the laws of war,” he said. “That does not … reflect well on anyone. But it is, with respect, a humanly understandable flaw in a person who has worked very hard to achieve something where there is a culture that says, ‘don’t rock the boat’.”

The trial has been running for more than 100 days and has cost the parties an estimated $25 million in legal costs. Final submissions, which started on Monday, are slated to run for eight days.

Owens told Besanko on Monday that the court faces “a stark choice between effectively irreconcilable accounts” of alleged events in Afghanistan. While the newspapers bore the onus of establishing alleged war crimes occurred on the balance of probabilities, Owens said Besanko was effectively being asked to decide “who is lying” in the case.

Roberts-Smith is suing the newspapers over a series of articles in 2018 that he says portray him as a war criminal who was complicit in the unlawful killing of unarmed Afghan prisoners. Under the rules of engagement that bound the SAS, prisoners could not be killed. The former SAS corporal maintains any killings happened lawfully in the heat of battle.

The newspapers are seeking to rely on a defence of truth and allege in a written defence that Roberts-Smith was involved in six unlawful killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

But it was revealed in court that the newspapers accepted in written submissions they could not prove one of those murders because a former soldier they submitted was crucial to establishing the allegation, dubbed Person 66, objected to giving evidence on the grounds of self-incrimination. Roberts-Smith’s lawyers have said the allegation ought to have been withdrawn after Person 66 was not compelled to testify.

The trial continues.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/sas-soldiers-turned-blind-eye-to-war-crimes-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-trial-told-20220719-p5b2oh.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 19, 2022, 3:55 a.m. No.16761553 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7745

>>16446109 (pb)

>>16702135

Former Sydney councillor tells ICAC inquiry Chinese developer paid for his escort

Housnia Shams - 19 July 2022

A former Sydney councillor has told a corruption inquiry a Chinese property developer paid for his escort in China and secretly filmed him with the woman to "blackmail" him.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry is investigating whether former Hurstville and Georges River councillors Vincenzo Badalati, Philip Sansom and Constantine Hindi accepted kickbacks to favour developments between 2014 and 2021.

The inquiry on Tuesday was shown videos of Mr Badalati and Mr Sansom at a dinner with escorts in China in March 2013.

The videos were secretly recorded by property developer Ching Wah (Philip) Uy, whose company was the builder of a $29 million Treacy Street project in Hurstville — an 11-storey mixed-use apartment block.

In the video, Mr Badalati is seen holding hands with a woman in green pants as they enter a restaurant.

The councillor told the inquiry he believed Mr Uy paid for the escort as he could not recall paying himself.

He said he believed the developer recorded the videos to use against him in future.

"Having seen [the videos] I believe it was a blackmail tool," he said.

"And possibly used against you to influence your vote in planning decisions?" Counsel Assisting the Commission Zelie Heger said.

"Yes," he responded.

"I take it that … if this video had been shown to your family you would've been embarrassed about that," Ms Heger said.

"Absolutely," he responded.

Last month, Mr Badalati told the probe he accepted bribes of $70,000 from Mr Uy in exchange for his support of the Treacy Street project and another $100,000 for the Landmark Square development — a complex of 19-storey residential buildings.

The councillor voted in favour of Mr Uy's developments in 2016, against the recommendation of council staff.

Today, the inquiry was told Mr Badalati and Mr Hindi flew to China in April 2016 and attended a signing ceremony with property developers Wensheng Liu and Yuqing Liu that was related to one of the developments.

Mr Badalati said he was misled about the trip and believed they were in China to tour a waste energy plant but began to get suspicious the agreement was in relation to the Landmark Square development.

"You formed a suspicion you'd been invited to Tangshan, so that it looked like the local government supported this agreement?" Ms Heger asked.

"I didn't really think of that, but now I believe I was used for that," Mr Badalati responded.

Yesterday, Mr Sansom told the probe he should have disclosed a conflict of interest regarding his relationship with Mr Uy when he voted in favour of the Treacy Street development.

The inquiry has previously heard the councillors regularly met with Mr Uy in China for "boys' weekends", with the developer often paying for their flights and hotel accommodation.

Mr Samson yesterday said he reimbursed Mr Uy for the flights.

The inquiry continues.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-19/icac-sydney-councillor-escort-paid-by-chinese-developer/101251486

>>16756024

Australia urged to reshape approach to China, act to improve bilateral ties: FM

Global Times - Jul 18, 2022

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday urged Australia to seize the opportunity in bilateral relations and take concrete action to improve trade ties, in response to the Australian treasurer's call for easing coal trade relations with China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Monday said that China's position on practical cooperation with Australia and other countries has always been clear.

It is hoped that Australia can seize the opportunity to correct its approach to China-related issues, deal with China-Australia economic and trade relations based on mutual respect and benefits, and create favorable conditions for the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations.

The remarks came after Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers called for a removal of the "coal restriction" on Australia on Sunday, saying that any move by China to "relax restrictions" on Australian coal exports to China would be a key step in restoring ties between the two nations, Bloomberg reported earlier.

Australia's previous two governments adopted a hardline and even hostile approach toward China, which worsened bilateral relations.

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Chinese officials were studying a "potential shift" to import more Australian coal due to a "supply fear" at home.

Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Monday that from a market perspective, whether a shift is made or not won't affect the behavior of traders.

"China is not dependent on coal imports from Australia. As the price of Australian coal, which follows the global market, is much more expensive than that of domestically produced coal, Chinese traders are not likely to import (expensive) coal from Australia," Lin said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270795.shtml

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on July 18, 2022

AFP: The Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers said in an interview yesterday that a key step to restoring Australia-China ties would be to lift the ban on Australian coal imports. What’s China’s response to this comment? Is there any plan to allow coal shipments again?

Wang Wenbin: I would like to reiterate that China’s position is consistent and clear on practical cooperation with all countries, including with Australia. We hope the Australian side will seize the opportunities in our bilateral relations, take concrete actions, shape up a right perception of China, handle China-Australia economic and trade relations under the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit, work with China in the same direction to reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving bilateral relations, and create enabling conditions for the sound and steady development of economic and trade ties.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220718_10723039.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 19, 2022, 4:34 a.m. No.16761686 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1700

Alan Dershowitz’s Accuser Virginia Giuffre Reveals When Trial Might Begin — and She Intends to Testify

ADAM KLASFELD - Jul 18th, 2022

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One of Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent survivors revealed in a filing on Monday that she and Alan Dershowitz may go to trial next year — and she intends to take the stand against the retired Harvard law professor.

Attorneys for Virginia Giuffre say that she and Dershowitz want a target date for trial in March 2023.

If agreed upon by Senior U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska, the schedule would call for fact discovery to close on Nov. 30, 2022 and expert discovery to wrap by Feb. 15, 2023.

“Plaintiff understands the Court had previously indicated a desire to have a trial in the Fall of this year, but neither party now believes that is possible; and indeed, we believe a March trial is optimistic and aggressive for the following reasons,” Giuffre’s counsel Charles J. Cooper wrote in a letter filed with the court on Monday.

Giuffre has alleged that she was instructed to have sex with Dershowitz. She sued him for defamation in 2019, after he responded to those allegations by calling her a “certified, complete, total liar.” Dershowitz filed a countersuit later that year, and their litigation stagnated amid the COVID-19 pandemic and furious activity on the Epstein docket.

Since Giuffre first filed her case, Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in the Southern District of New York. The disgraced financier, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008, was found dead in his jail cell months later. Epstein’s associate Ghislaine Maxwell would later be tried and convicted of the same conspiracy, and she recently received a 20-year sentence.

On the road to trial with Dershowitz, Giuffre filed and settled a separate lawsuit against the U.K.’s Prince Andrew.

With other Epstein-related matters settling down, Giuffre’s wrangling with Dershowitz continues to accelerate. Giuffre is expected to resume a deposition via Zoom from Australia, where she lives, later this month on July 26. Dershowitz’s deposition will take place in Boston, Mass., on Aug. 30 and 31.

(continued)

>>16761686

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Guiffre’s lawyers say that they identified three affirmative expert witnesses, but they may call others if Dershowitz continues to claim physical, emotional, and mental damages.

“We currently anticipate submitting expert testimony from an expert on sex trafficking, a forensic psychologist, and an expert on the dissemination of Defendant’s defamatory statements over the internet,” her letter states.

At the top of Giuffre’s list of anticipated fact witnesses is herself. Her attorneys David Boies, Sigrid McCawley, Brad Edwards and Paul Cassell are also on the list. So is Anousaka de Georgiou, a woman described as Epstein’s first British victim. (Edwards and Cassell previously settled a lawsuit with Dershowitz; New York Supreme Court records say Dershowitz’s defamation case against Boies is active.).

In 2009, Giuffre reached a $500,000 confidential settlement with Epstein, which was unsealed earlier this year. She was invited to provide a victim impact statement against Maxwell, though she did not testify at her trial.

“I want to be clear about one thing: without question, Jeffrey Epstein was a terrible pedophile,” Giuffre wrote in her prepared remarks. “But I never would have met Jeffrey Epstein if not for you. For me, and for so many others, you opened the door to hell. And then, Ghislaine, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you used your femininity to betray us, and you led us all through it.”

Dershowitz, who represented Epstein, vehemently denies wrongdoing, and he never has been charged with a crime. His attorney Arthur Aidala did not immediately respond to Law&Crime’s email requesting comment.

https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/alan-dershowitzs-accuser-virginia-giuffre-reveals-when-trial-might-begin-and-she-intends-to-testify/

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/14945220/giuffre-v-dershowitz/?order_by=desc

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.513818/gov.uscourts.nysd.513818.498.0.pdf

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.513818/gov.uscourts.nysd.513818.499.0.pdf

https://qanon.pub/?q=Welcome%20aboard.

https://qanon.pub/#2659

American MV-22 Ospreys move to Australian ship for RIMPAC exercise

Megan Eckstein - Jul 19, 2022

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OFF THE COAST OF OAHU, HAWAII — Two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey aircraft are embarked on an Australian amphibious ship for the duration of the 2022 Rim of the Pacific exercise, advancing efforts to integrate the two nations’ amphibious forces for operations in the southwest Pacific.

The aviation detachment comes from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 363, stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. This squadron has previously operated in northern Australia as part of the Marine Rotational Force-Darwin. That integration testing and relationship-building have made this RIMPAC pairing possible, HMAS Canberra Commanding Officer Capt. Jace Hutchison told reporters aboard the ship July 13.

Canberra will operate in the biennial international exercise as part of an amphibious task force that includes American ship Essex, Korean ship Marado and Mexican ship Usumacinta.

Hutchison said RIMPAC 2016 featured some early interoperability testing between American MV-22 aircraft and the Australian helicopter landing dock. The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin deployments — with more than 2,000 U.S. Marines on the ground for six months of the year — have allowed for further testing and cross-decking on Canberra and sister ship Adelaide in the years since.

This year, “it’s an opportunity for us to now develop in an enduring manner by having two U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 aircraft embarked for the entire sea phase. That’s something that’s not happened before in the Australian context,” Hutchison said. “We’re really looking forward to expanding the way that we operate those aircraft within the constraints of our platform.”

The captain said Canberra would embark about 275 ground forces from Australia, the U.S., Tonga, Sri Lanka and Malaysia, and the ship would push those ground forces back ashore for an amphibious landing using aircraft that include the pair of Ospreys.

Hutchison said this aviation integration work help clarify the limitations of the ship, the aircraft and the combination of the two.

“Being able to understand the left and right of arc allows you to then plan what sort of operations you can do together in the future. And that’s what we’re trying to do in these three weeks: we’re trying to understand what is the minimum we’re able to do, what is the maximum we’re able to do, and, both countries, what are we authorized to do. And then within that, we’ll work out what our integration really looks like,” the captain said.

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Lt. Sam Laidlaw, a flight control officer on the ship, told reporters during the visit the ship takes a more conservative approach to operating with foreign aircraft, as a kind of safety bubble for the ship crew and the aircrew as they aren’t as familiar with each other and how the wind and sea states affect behavior.

Marines had sent some CH-53E heavy lift helicopters to Canberra earlier in the week, Laidlaw said, for familiarization and deck landing procedure training.

“Whenever we do international operations, the most challenging thing tends to be communications,” he said. “We do briefs beforehand; before any aircraft come across here, we sit down and do a face-to-face brief with them. If we can’t do that, we have a PowerPoint presentation we put together where we try and spell out all those little differences.”

The day the CH-53s flew out to the ship, the Australian and American teammates discovered one fundamental issue as the aircraft were on approach: the Australian ship crew was giving its position in true north, and the American pilots were expecting to receive it in magnetic north. The ship was pointed about 10 degrees off from what the Marine pilots were expecting.

“This is the reason why we have more conservative helicopter operating limits, because we don’t all do things all exactly the same way,” Laidlaw said.

Hutchison said Canberra had landed American CH-53s, MV-22s and MH-60 Seahawks, as well as the Japanese variant of the Seahawk, and that he hoped to cross-deck with a few more countries before RIMPAC ends.

“When we operate together in either a peacetime, non-warlike, [humanitarian assistance and disaster relief] scenario, or even in time of conflict, it’s much better to be able to form a partnership and be able to use compatible equipment and compatible forces to create a more efficient outcome,” the captain said.

The Marine Rotational Force-Darwin will participate in the Talisman Sabre exercise in 2023. Hutchison said he expects those forces to continue working on integration between the Canberra-class amphibs and the American MV-22s.

Asked whether there might eventually be a full deployment with U.S. Marines on Canberra or Adelaide, Hutchison said the pairing makes sense if they can work through technical integration issues.

U.S. Marines operate out of Darwin for six months of the year, but there typically aren’t any American amphibious ships nearby to support them.

Canberra and Adelaide have in the past been tasked with responding to natural disasters throughout Oceania and the southwest Pacific. Given that disaster relief is within both countries’ authorities and priorities, “that’s the perfect partnership for us to take out into those regional areas and support as a collective,” Hutchison said.

“There’s no reason why we couldn’t see MRF-D and their aircraft embarking an Australian ship while they’re in Australia,” the captain said, “and in fact we would probably want that to occur just as a continuing development of that partnership.”

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2022/07/18/american-mv-22s-move-to-australian-ship-for-rimpac/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 20, 2022, 3:12 a.m. No.16767607 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1296

Australians urged to work from home as winter Omicron wave swamps hospitals

Renju Jose - July 20, 2022

SYDNEY, July 20 (Reuters) - Australians admitted to hospitals from COVID-19 neared record levels on Wednesday as authorities urged businesses to let staff work from home and recommended people wear masks indoors and get booster shots urgently amid a major coronavirus outbreak.

Australia is in the grip of a third Omicron wave driven by the highly transmissible new subvariants, BA.4 and BA.5, with more than 300,000 cases recorded over the past seven days. Authorities say the actual numbers could be double that total, and Wednesday's 53,850 new cases was the highest daily tally in two months.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is resisting pressure to reinstate tough curbs to halt the spread of the virus, including making masks mandatory indoors, though he encouraged people to wear it.

"The truth is that if you have mandates, you've got to enforce them," Albanese told reporters on Wednesday. "Whilst there are mandates on public transport … not everyone is wearing a mask."

Albanese said businesses and employees must decide together on any work-from-home arrangement, as unions called for employers to do more for their staff.

Employers must go beyond the government's pandemic leave payments and provide paid leave at full pay for workers who need to isolate, and offer free rapid antigen tests, Australian Council of Trade Unions President Michele O'Neil said.

"No worker should have to decide between putting food on the table or isolating with COVID," O'Neil said.

Last week, Australia reinstated support payments for casual workers who have to quarantine.

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly predicted the number of people ending up in hospital will soon hit a record high, and urged businesses to let more staff work from home.

Australia could see "millions" of new cases over the coming weeks, authorities have warned.

About 5,350 Australians are currently in hospital with COVID-19, not far off the record 5,390 recorded in January during the BA.1 outbreak, official data showed. Numbers in the states of Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia are already at their highest since the pandemic began.

Many frontline health workers are also sick or in isolation, further straining the health system.

Australian doctors said masks must be made mandatory in indoor venues.

"We don't have optional seat belts, we don't have optional speed limits. There's a lot of limits on our freedoms that we accept because it's the right thing to do," Australian Medical Association President Omar Khorshid told radio station 2GB.

Authorities have also warned of a lag in people taking their booster shots.

So far, 95% of people above 16 have had two doses, helping keep Australia's total COVID-19 cases just under 9 million and deaths at 10,884, far lower than many countries. But only about 71% have received three or more doses.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australians-urged-work-home-winter-omicron-wave-swamps-hospitals-2022-07-20/

Ben Roberts-Smith prepared to 'lie under oath', judge told in defamation trial

Jamie McKinnell - 20 July 2022

War veteran Ben Roberts-Smith's credit as a witness in his defamation case has been seriously — if not irretrievably — damaged because he has "shown himself prepared to lie under oath", a judge has been told.

The submission was made by Nine Entertainment's barrister Nicholas Owens SC, on a third day of closing addresses in the Federal Court in Sydney.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing Nine over several 2018 newspaper articles in The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times, which he claims falsely painted him as a war criminal, a bully and a perpetrator of domestic violence.

Nine claims one alleged unlawful killing occurred during an October 2012 mission in Khaz Oruzgan, where Mr Roberts-Smith is accused of ordering, via an interpreter, a member of the Afghan Partner Force to shoot a local man being questioned.

The allegation, which Mr Roberts-Smith denies, created a dispute about whether the Afghan soldier, codenamed Person 12, was present because outlines of proposed evidence from the veteran and four of his SAS witnesses suggested otherwise.

The documents contained varying versions of the suggested reason why; that Person 12 was removed from the team months earlier, after he shot a dog and a ricocheting bullet injured an Australian soldier.

The four witnesses who raised the suggestion were Person 27, Person 32, Person 35 and Person 39.

Person 27 conceded in court his outline of evidence contained an error, while Person 32 said he had always been "under the assumption" the dog shooter was Person 12, and maintained that.

Person 35 admitted during his evidence that he had "remembered incorrectly" after being showed documents in closed court.

Person 39 told the judge he was informed during a briefing that Person 12 was the culprit.

Mr Roberts-Smith's legal team denied collusion.

Mr Owens today made submissions about possible inferences to be drawn from the "lie", including impacts upon the credit of the witnesses.

He said the impact on Person 35 and Person 32's credit was "devastating".

"One then starts to build, well what is the probability of multiple people having the same assertedly innocent but wholly implausible false recollection?" he said.

"We say that the sheer improbability of one person having it is one thing, but once multiple witnesses start to have the same demonstrably false recollection, that leads squarely, as the most probable inference, to both deliberate dishonesty and collusion between them."

The barrister said Mr Roberts-Smith's credit was "seriously damaged, if not irretrievably", because his "false" evidence can only be seen as an attempt to corroborate two of his ex-colleagues.

"Mr Roberts-Smith has shown himself prepared to lie, under oath, on matters squarely relevant to the substantive issues in these proceedings," Mr Owens said.

Mr Owens said Mr Roberts-Smith was "either the architect or the knowing beneficiary of the collusion" and outlined why Justice Anthony Besanko could use the issue as a basis from which to infer a "consciousness of guilt".

Mr Roberts-Smith denies all wrongdoing and earlier this week, his barrister told the judge he was the victim of a "sustained campaign" from Nine to unfairly create the belief he committed war crimes.

Arthur Moses SC said the stories were based on rumour, hearsay and contradictory accounts from former colleagues, some of whom were "jealous" or "obsessed" with the veteran.

Closing submissions are expected to continue for another week.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-20/ben-roberts-smith-lied-under-oath-court-hears/101254038

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 20, 2022, 3:24 a.m. No.16767627 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7630

Roberts-Smith told ‘deliberate lie’ to conceal killing, court hears

Michaela Whitbourn - July 20, 2022

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Ben Roberts-Smith told a “deliberate lie” to conceal his involvement in the alleged execution of an unarmed prisoner in Afghanistan, the war veteran’s defamation case has been told.

The Federal Court is hearing closing submissions in the defamation suit brought against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. The decorated former soldier claims the newspapers wrongly accused him of being complicit in war crimes and the media outlets are seeking to rely chiefly on a defence of truth.

The newspapers allege Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of five Afghan prisoners, including by directing an Afghan soldier working with Australian forces to order one of his subordinates to shoot an unarmed prisoner in October 2012. The media outlets say Roberts-Smith’s direction was relayed by the Afghan soldier, dubbed Person 12, and the man was shot dead by a second Afghan soldier.

Nicholas Owens, SC, acting for the newspapers, alleged on Wednesday there had been a “concerted effort” by Roberts-Smith and four of his witnesses to give “false evidence” about the alleged incident, but their efforts were “frustrated” when the Defence Department produced “a large volume of contradictory material” last year.

Person 14, a serving SAS soldier who gave evidence for the newspapers, has told the court he witnessed the alleged execution, but Roberts-Smith and a series of his witnesses have said Person 12 was not there on the day in question. Roberts-Smith has also denied giving any such direction.

Two of Roberts-Smith’s witnesses later admitted to making mistakes about the presence or otherwise of the Afghan soldier, but another former soldier said he was told in July 2012 that Person 12 had been “stood down from command” after an “incident”. Another witness for Roberts-Smith said the incident in question was that Person 12 had shot at a dog and unintentionally injured a soldier.

Roberts-Smith conceded in court on June 11 last year that, based on material produced by the Defence Department on the eve of the trial, his explanation in a written outline of evidence about Person 12 being stood down for shooting a dog was wrong. However, he maintained the Afghan soldier was not there.

Owens alleged Roberts-Smith’s claims about Person 12 were “a deliberate lie … which evidences a consciousness of guilt”. He submitted that Person 12 was present on the day in question “beyond a shadow of a doubt”, and the evidence of Person 14 was honest and accurate.

The “dog-shooting story” was “calculated to undermine the evidence” of Person 14, Owens said, and “remove Person 12 from the … mission”. The most probable inference that arose from multiple witnesses having the same “demonstrably false recollection” about Person 12 was “dishonest collusion”, he said.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 20, 2022, 3:25 a.m. No.16767630 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

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Roberts-Smith’s credit was “seriously damaged, if not irretrievably” so, Owens said, because he had shown himself willing to swear false evidence “on matters squarely relevant to the substantive issues in these proceedings”.

He suggested Roberts-Smith was “afraid” that admitting Person 12 was there would make his guilt more probable, and there was “ample evidence” that it was a lie to claim the Afghan soldier was not there.

The newspapers also allege Roberts-Smith shot a young Afghan prisoner in 2012 and boasted to a fellow soldier, dubbed Person 16, that it was “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen”. Person 16 told the court he saw the “baby-faced” prisoner and recounted Roberts-Smith’s alleged boast. But Person 11, one of Roberts-Smith’s friends, denied the prisoner was shot, and Roberts-Smith has said the prisoner was released.

Owens said on Wednesday that Person 16’s evidence ought to be believed. It was not a plausible explanation to assert Person 16 had imagined the incident, he said.

“Mr Roberts-Smith was admitting to the very thing we say he did,” Owens said.

Bruce McClintock, SC, one of Mr Roberts-Smith’s barristers, dismissed the allegation in his opening address to the court and described the alleged boast as “the sort of thing that would be said by an ostentatious psychopath”. But Owens said the question wasn’t whether the alleged comment was “lurid”, but whether it was said.

Roberts-Smith is suing the newspapers over a series of articles in 2018 that he says portray him as a war criminal who was complicit in the unlawful killing of unarmed Afghan prisoners. Under the rules of engagement that bound the SAS, prisoners could not be killed. The former SAS corporal maintains any killings happened lawfully in the heat of battle.

The newspapers are seeking to rely on a defence of truth and alleged in a written defence that Roberts-Smith was involved in six unlawful killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

But the court has heard the newspapers accepted in written submissions they could not prove one of those murders because a former soldier they submitted was crucial to establishing the allegation, dubbed Person 66, objected to giving evidence on the grounds of self-incrimination. Owens accepted on Wednesday that “we have lost that part of the case”.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/roberts-smith-told-deliberate-lie-to-conceal-killing-court-hears-20220720-p5b33s.html

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews apologises after IBAC investigation finds 'extensive misconduct' by Labor MPs

Leanne Wong - 20 July 2022

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has apologised for what he has described as "absolutely disgraceful behaviour" by Labor MPs detailed in a report by the state's anti-corruption watchdog.

The report, released by Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog on Wednesday, uncovered "egregious" and "extensive misconduct" by Victorian Labor MPs, including rampant nepotism, widespread misuse of public resources and a culture of branch stacking dating back decades.

Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) held public hearings in October and November 2021 into the misuse of taxpayer funds and community grants in the Victorian branch of the ALP.

Addressing the findings, Mr Andrews said he took "full responsibility" for the conduct detailed in the report.

"The report tabled today shows … absolutely disgraceful behaviour, behaviour that does not meet my expectations or the expectations of hardworking members of the Victorian community," he said.

"As the leader of the party and the leader of our state, I take full responsibility for that conduct — that is what the top job is about — and I apologise for it."

Mr Andrews was among dozens of witnesses also ordered to privately give evidence over cultural failings in the Labor Party.

Known as Operation Watts, the joint investigation between IBAC and the Victorian Ombudsman was prompted by an expose by The Age and 60 Minutes in 2020, which aired allegations of industrial-scale branch stacking levelled at former state minister Adem Somyurek.

Mr Somyurek was sacked from cabinet in the wake of the claims, while his former factional allies Marlene Kairouz, Luke Donnellan and Robin Scott resigned.

Potential prosecution of misconduct limited by weak laws

The IBAC said while the identified misconduct was considered to be "egregious", the watchdog was hampered by weak laws around parliamentary accountability.

"We criticise a legislative framework that provides few, if any, consequences for abusing public resources and that allows such conduct to continue unchecked," IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said.

"The difficulties in proof and the state of the law are such that we cannot recommend prosecution."

Mr Redlich said numerous examples of unethical behaviour within the party were put forward at IBAC hearings.

"The evidence, both public and private, painted a compelling picture of jobs on the public purse according to factional loyalties, and widespread misuse of public resources for political purposes," he said.

Government accepts all recommendations of IBAC report

The report made 21 recommendations, including the establishment of a Parliamentary Ethics Committee and a Parliamentary Integrity Commissioner, and reform of parliament's privileges committee to reduce the dominance of the majority party.

"There's a suite of reforms here that we would like to see implemented and not cherry-picked, but taken as a package. They would address what we see as the broad corruption that was exposed by this case," ombudsman Deborah Glass said.

"Despite the findings of this report we consider most members of parliament, despite their party affiliation, genuinely seek to advance the public interest. We encourage them to demonstrate this by supporting these reforms."

Mr Andrews said the government would accept all 21 recommendations.

He said the government would go further by introducing legislation barring major political parties from receiving public funding unless they properly policed party memberships, including by ensuring memberships were paid by traceable means and photo ID checks were carried out for new members.

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Corruption 'deeply damaging' says IBAC

The anti-corruption watchdog said the investigation also did not uncover examples of "traditional" corruption, with decision-making said to fall within the zone of "grey" corruption that benefited MPs' associates, but did not amount to criminal conduct.

However it warned the corruption could have a "deeply damaging" effect on public confidence in democracy and its institutions.

The report highlighted how little had changed since the ombudsman's 2018 report into the so-called "red shirts" scandal, which saw Labor campaign organisers employed as electorate officers in the lead-up to the 2014 election.

"Allegations of bad behaviour by our elected representatives still generate a disproportionate number of media headlines," the report found.

The opposition's David Davis said the report showed Labor had learnt nothing from the red shirts saga.

"I don't believe the community can have confidence that Labor is the party to take them into the future," he said.

Ombudsman rejects further investigations

Despite the findings of the report, Ms Glass said did not see value in pursuing further investigations into the issues unearthed.

"I would have thought it's time for parliament to get its house in order in relation to its own integrity rather than to launch further investigations," she said.

"These should not be matters for the ombudsman or matters for IBAC, or necessarily matters for the police, these should be matters for parliament to be concerned about ethical standards and obligations."

Branch stacking is used by party factions to recruit members, often by paying for their membership, to amass internal political power and influence candidate pre-selection.

The practice is not illegal, but is against Labor Party rules.

In a draft report leaked in April, IBAC found an unethical culture was embedded in the party, and had been condoned by its leaders for years.

Mr Somyurek has denied all allegations of branch stacking, but admitted to IBAC's inquiry in 2021 that he hired factional operatives to work in his electorate office.

In the report, one electorate officer described occasions where Mr Somyurek engaged in "bullying and intimidatory tactics" to achieve his goals, but the former minister said he felt "liberated" by the report.

"I'm happy, I'm relieved, I feel exonerated," Mr Somyurek said.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass rejected that conclusion.

"I think we are very clear that the conduct here is egregious and there is no shadow of a doubt," Ms Glass said.

"I would not describe this report as an exoneration."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-20/victorian-labor-ibac-releases-operation-watts-report/101252886

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 20, 2022, 4:08 a.m. No.16767717 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7721

>>16767649

Operation Watts report: Andrews apologises, but Guy claims Labor not fit to govern

Paul Sakkal and Sumeyya Ilanbey - July 20, 2022

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Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has apologised and said he takes full responsibility for the conduct of Labor MPs that prompted a scathing report from two of the state’s political watchdogs.

He also vowed to adopt the 21 recommendations made by the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) and Victorian ombudsman to prevent corruption, branch stacking and unethical behaviour in the backrooms of Spring Street.

However, the state opposition says cultural failings and the misuse of taxpayer funds inside Victorian Labor makes the party unfit to govern.

Operation Watts, a joint investigation by IBAC and the ombudsman, published a report on Wednesday detailing “rampant nepotism, forging signatures and attempts to interfere with government grants to favour factionally aligned community organisations”.

“The report tabled today shows absolutely disgraceful behaviour,” Andrews said, noting there were no adverse findings of him personally.

“Behaviour that does not meet my expectations or the expectations of hard-working members of the Victorian community. As leader of the party and leader of our state, I take full responsibility for that conduct. That is what the top job is about, and I apologise for it.”

Andrews said he has told the leaders of the integrity agencies he was committed to cleaning up Victoria’s political system. He also said the government would implement all 21 recommendations and would “go further” by establishing new legislation to prohibit any political party from receiving public funds if they did not have thorough internal rules.

The premier said these new laws would make it even more difficult for individuals to breach the party’s internal rules, as dumped Victorian Labor MP Adem Somyurek did.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the findings show “a Labor government mired in corruption, cover-ups and political games at the expense of Victorians”.

“[It] has exposed a political party unsuitable to hold office,” he said.

“Victoria needs a premier and a government totally focused on ending the health crisis and supporting communities to recover and rebuild.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was questioned about the report on Wednesday morning, but said he had not seen it at that time. He asserted Labor had cleaned itself up after reforms triggered by allegations of branch stacking against Somyurek.

The prime minister said he spoke to Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews by phone the night The Age and 60 Minutes revealed the allegations against Somyurek and his allies.

The pair agreed on the “strongest possible action” to dissolve the Victorian branch, remove members’ voting rights and make it more difficult to sign up members improperly.

“I intervened two years ago,” Albanese said, adding he had witnessed branch stacking in his career.

“I’m pleased [with] the work that [former Labor MPs] Jenny [Macklin] and Steve [Bracks] have done to clean up the branch here in Victoria.”

Albanese insisted the behaviour demonstrated in the report was no longer taking place. The dissolution of the Victorian branch also served to diminish the power of Albanese and Andrews’ enemies in the Victorian branch and boost the influence of their allies.

(continued)

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Following the release of the final report, which found he had led the unethical activities, Somyurek said on social media he felt “good to be liberated”.

“I thank the useful idiots otherwise known as the integrity bodies for having the decency of not planting evidence when they could not find anything after wasting millions of dollars of taxpayer funds.”

While weak laws governing taxpayer-funded staff meant the watchdog agencies did not recommend criminal charges, Ombudsman Deborah Glass argued Somyurek’s behaviour was “egregious”.

“I would not describe this report as exoneration,” she said.

While the report was damning about widespread cultural practices within Labor, it made no adverse findings against the premier or any of the other MPs and staffers it named, with the exception of Somyurek and Kairouz.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Glass and IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said the monitoring of ethical standards in Victoria’s parliament was weaker than in other states.

Glass said the issues investigated in Operation Watts would not typically be looked at by integrity agencies.

She called on a series of reforms to strengthen parliamentary oversight and encouraged the Privileges Committee – a powerful committee of MPs who can punish misbehaving politicians – to assess whether Somyurek should be disciplined.

“These should not be matters for the ombudsman or IBAC … these should be matters for the parliament to be concerned with ethical standards,” she said.

IBAC commissioner Robert Redlich said the saddest feature of the investigation was listening to young people who had aspired to start a career in politics, but then “discovered that the only pathway to that objective was by engaging in this unethical factional behaviour”.

“These young people start their career with a distorted moral compass,” he said.

Labor’s Victorian president Susie Byers wrote to party members on Wednesday afternoon, saying Labor took immediate action when The Age and 60 Minutes aired the branch stacking allegations, and would “take the findings of Operation Watts extremely seriously”.

Byers conceded the party’s response had denied members their usual voting rights, saying Labor would soon launch a new membership system.

“Genuine members of the branch have been asked to sacrifice a great deal – including the ability to vote in internal Labor elections – while the branch is rebuilt,” she said.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/ibac-report-guy-claims-labor-not-fit-to-govern-but-pm-says-problems-fixed-20220720-p5b307.html

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/Operation_Watts_Special_Report_FINAL_XbLt4JnB.PDF

>>16767649

Daniel Andrews’ secret rort testimony to IBAC revealed

DAMON JOHNSTON - JULY 20, 2022

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For seven years, Daniel Andrews has belligerently dodged and deflected questions in parliament and from the media about Labor’s “red shirts” rort.

The formidable micro-manager has maintained he was unaware during the 2014 election how Labor’s plot to use electorate office staff as political campaigners was funded.

In extracts of his evidence to IBAC’s Operation Watts published in Wednesday’s 236-page report, the Victorian premier doesn’t explicitly admit to knowing about the artifice conceived by Labor MP John Lenders that would siphon at least $388,000 from the public.

But the extracts do represent the premier’s most detailed concession since the scandal broke in 2015, confirming he was aware of the essence of the scheme organised by Lenders, his chief 2014 campaign strategist.

Wednesday’s report is telling for another reason; it suggests when questioned in a secret anti-corruption examination about the rort, the premier’s trademark defence began to look a little brittle.

In rambling answers, the premier appears to be treading very carefully with his choice of words while testifying under oath before the private hearing.

Asked about his recollection about former Labor MP Adem Somyurek’s claim that he alerted Andrews to the rort in 2014, the premier said: “I had a very brief encounter with Mr Somyurek at the end of a caucus meeting. I have detailed this I think not long after or, sorry, at an earlier point when this was a matter of media inquiry. It was a very brief encounter and I referred him to John Lenders.

“That is my – that’s my recount, my recall of that particular encounter, brief and really only an issue of referral, and I don‘t believe that he raised anything other than he didn’t – he raised – I don’t even know that he raised concerns, other than that, you know, he might have gone on to raise concerns with me, but I directed him to Mr Lenders.”

Somyurek has repeatedly claimed that during this post-caucus interaction, he alerted the then opposition leader to the funding rort, prompting him to snap; “Do you want to win an election or not?”

Andrews, according to the IBAC report, disputes this account, saying: “I don’t believe so. I have a clear recollection, given the brevity of the encounter, and I‘m not – that’s not language that I use. I think people who know me would not see me speaking in those terms, would not describe me as someone who speaks in those terms.”

(continued)

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Asked by Commissioner Robert Redlich, QC, if he had an understanding of the essence of the “red shirts” scheme, Andrews responded: “I probably did. I had no concerns at that time given, you know, I wasn’t acting to stop him doing it. But this issue of whether I spoke in those terms or essentially justified or was unconcerned with serious issues of probity and integrity that Mr Somyurek raised with me, that is not my recollection of that conversation and nor is that the evidence that he provided to the privileges committee at the time. A very brief encounter and I referred him to John.”

Andrews is asked if he was aware of what Lenders was proposing in a general sense.

“Yes,” he responds.

Andrews is then asked if he was aware it involved electorate officers doing party-political work.

“I’m not sure whether it was – well, I was aware that it was about engaging staff to be involved in campaigning,” he said.

“My recollection is that at no point did I have a sense that what was being proposed was not in accordance with the rules or advice from Parliamentary Services.

“My memory of it is that it was – pooling arrangements have been part of parliamentary parties for quite some time, our party and others. I expect I viewed it in those terms …”

IBAC’s final report, released on Wednesday, concludes that a short conversation did occur between Andrews and Somyurek during which the “red shirts” scheme was discussed, before it goes on to find “that no particular concerns were raised; and that the premier referred Somyurek to Lenders.”

Unfortunately, IBAC has chosen not to release the full transcript of the premier’s private Q&A session. This is a shame. The public has every right to read every word of his secret testimony.

But the twists in this saga aren’t finished. The report reveals the Somyurek-Andrews “red shirts” conversation will be the “subject of consideration” in a separate investigation by the Ombudsman sparked by another referral by the Legislative Council.

This is uncomfortable timing for Labor, with the election just five months away. During the 2018 election, the “red shirts” scandal was raging, but voters didn’t care, and backed the premier in with a smashing majority.

Four years on, the “red shirts” zombies are up and about again. The premier will be hoping nothing has changed among voters. But integrity is widely judged to be a factor in the defeat of the Morrison government. Integrity is far from the Andrews’ government’s strong suit.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/daniel-andrews-secret-rort-testimony-to-ibac-revealed/news-story/7353a7b880c3a2328a8ab3f59a2ff3e1

>>16761553

Bribes, blackmail, lies and escorts: Former councillor confesses

Harriet Alexander - July 20, 2022

A former Sydney councillor says his judgment was corrupted on decisions he made about two developments in Hurstville after he accepted $170,000 in cash from the property developer and believes the developer planned to use video footage of him with an escort to blackmail him.

Vince Badalati, a former Hurstville and Georges River councillor, told the Independent Commission Against Corruption on Wednesday that he was motivated by greed when he accepted $170,000 from property developer Philip Uy, who had also paid for his flights, accommodation and escorts on trips to China. Only later did it dawn on him that he would be expected to make decisions favourable to the developer, he said.

“Shortly after I received the money … a week or month after that, I came to realise that I was on the hook and I had to go along with what was wanted by Mr Uy,” Badalati said.

The ICAC is investigating whether Badalati, along with former Hurstville and Georges River councillor Con Hindi and former Hurstville councillor Philip Sansom, sought or accepted benefits in exchange for favouring the interests of property developers between 2014 and 2021. It is also investigating whether Hindi, Badalati and Sansom deliberately failed to declare conflicts of interest arising from their relationships with those developers.

The developers – Uy, Yuqing Liu and Wengsheng Liu – proposed to build a 75-unit apartment block at Treacy Street and 357 residential units and a 200-room hotel at Landmark Square in Hurstville.

On Tuesday, Badalati was shown footage of himself in the company of escorts provided by Uy during trips to China in 2013.

He told the inquiry that he did not know Uy was filming him at the time, and now believed that the footage was being compiled to use against him in the future and possibly influence his vote on planning decisions.

“I believe it was a blackmail tool,” Badalati said. However, Uy did not ultimately use it to blackmail him.

Badalati sued The Sydney Morning Herald in 2019 over an article that reported he had accepted flights and accommodation from Chinese developers. He claimed that he had paid for those items himself. The matter was settled for an undisclosed amount and the Herald published an apology to Badalati.

But Badalati sensationally reversed his position while giving evidence to ICAC in June this year, and agreed that Uy had paid for his flights and accommodation to China, in addition to paying him $170,000 over two separate payments in 2015. Uy gave him the first $70,000 in $100 bills, which were wrapped up inside a bag that he pulled out of the boot of his car in Paterson Street, Kingsgrove.

He said his fellow councillor Hindi told him that he had also been paid by Uy.

He told the ICAC this week that he lied in his statement of claim against the Herald and had been planning to lie to the Supreme Court if his defamation suit had proceeded to litigation.

He said on Wednesday that he had decided to tell the truth to avoid dragging in his daughters, who had been called to give evidence to the ICAC about cash deposits he had made into their accounts.

Hindi and Uy dispute Badalati’s account.

Uy’s barrister, Gary Patterson, asked Badalati why he would have jeopardised his good reputation as a three-time mayor by accepting cash from developers, given that he had recently received a substantial superannuation payment from Qantas.

“[You had] no apparent need to be on the take?” Patterson asked.

“Apart from greed,” Badalati replied.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bribes-blackmail-lies-and-escorts-former-councillor-confesses-20220720-p5b31m.html

Beijing praises Penny Wong, indicates Australian coal ban to end

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 20, 2022

Beijing has praised Penny Wong for “positive elements” in her recent remarks on China, as the Xi administration indicated it will soon end a two-year ban on Australian coal.

The new comments by China’s foreign ministry — delivered days after a state media outburst at Defence Minister Richard Marles — appeared to be an attempt to reframe a recent meeting between the Foreign Minister and her Chinese counterpart, coverage of which has focused on a list of four points Beijing said were required to improve the relationship.

“China has noted the positive elements of the statement of the Australian side,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday night.

“China-Australia relations are presented with both challenges and opportunities. We hope the Australian side can seize the opportunities, shape up a right perception of China, stay committed to seeking common ground while putting differences aside when getting along with China, and take concrete actions to build more positive dynamics for improving bilateral relations.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman’s comments were delivered along with a party state media editorial that indicated Beijing is preparing to end its unofficial black-listing of Australian coal, which it has mostly blocked since mid-2020.

But the China Daily, an English language masthead often used by Beijing to speak to foreign governments, said while the coal ban would likely soon end, volumes were not expected to return to their pre-2020 levels.

“Chinese importers may not have as strong an appetite to import Australian coal as before,” the party state masthead said.

David Lamont, chief financial officer of resources giant BHP, said he hoped Beijing would end all its trade bans.

“Not only for coal but for other commodities that they’ve actually banned,” Mr Lamont told The Australian’s Strategic Business Forum on Wednesday.

“I will just say — consistent with the theme of this (forum session) around resilience — I think that when those bans came in place it did show the resilience across the Australian economy that we were able to find other markets for the commodities that we produce,” he said.

Beijing’s signalling comes as the Chinese economy has been hit by elevated resource prices and restrictions from President Xi Jinping’s signature “Covid zero” policy.

The praise of Senator Wong’s “positive elements” was in reference to comments made a week earlier on Australian breakfast television.

In an interview, Senator Wong challenged the media characterisation of the four points in the official Chinese summary of her meeting with her counterpart Wang Yi.

“I’m not sure I would describe what was put out as a four-point plan. Those are, essentially, the points that the Chinese have made for some time. They’re reasonably high-level rhetorical points and they’re reasonably unsurprising,” she said.

The reporter at the People’s Daily, the Communist Party’s mouthpiece, described them as a “four-point plan put out by China” in a vetted question to the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman on Tuesday.

Natasha Kassam, a former Beijing-based Australian diplomat now at the Lowy Institute, said China was attempting to “turn down the temperature” in the bilateral relationship.

“The post-Bali statement was essentially restating China’s position on ties with Australia, and they probably didn’t anticipate the subsequent headlines around the four points,” said Ms Kassam, the director of Lowy’s Public Opinion and Foreign Policy Program.

“It seems as though Beijing’s couched messages about positivity are an attempt to extend that window of opportunity. However, the positive tone doesn’t change the fundamental tensions in the relationship, and likely won’t shift any policy positions in Canberra,” she said.

The four points listed in Mr Wang’s statement were that Australia must treat China as a “partner rather than a rival”; the two countries must seek “common ground while shelving differences”; Australia must not “not target any third party or be controlled by any third party”, which may include Canberra’s advocacy for other countries to block Chinese telco Huawei from their 5G networks; and both countries must build “public support featuring positiveness and pragmatism”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/beijing-praises-penny-wong-indicates-australian-coal-ban-to-end/news-story/934e2504d0db8fda597c4748cc873e53

>>16767765

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s Regular Press Conference on July 19, 2022

People’s Daily: Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong touched on Australia-China relations in a recent interview saying that “it’s in the interest of both nations for the relationship to be stabilized and if both parties wish to do that, then there’s a way forward.” She added that the four-point plan put out by China are “reasonably unsurprising” and that “We will deal with China diplomatically and in a considered way.” What is China’s comment?

Zhao Lijian: China has noted the positive elements of the statement of the Australian side.

The sound and steady development of China-Australia relations meets the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples. It is also good for safeguarding peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. China-Australia relations are presented with both challenges and opportunities. We hope the Australian side can seize the opportunities, shape up a right perception of China, stay committed to seeking common ground while putting differences aside when getting along with China, and take concrete actions to build more positive dynamics for developing bilateral relations. China is ready to act in the spirit of mutual respect, work together with the Australian side and advance bilateral relations along the track of comprehensive strategic partnership for steady development and for the benefit of the two peoples.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220719_10723456.html

>>16424776 (pb)

>>16434739 (pb)

New US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy to arrive on Friday

SAM KING - JULY 20, 2022

US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy has furthered her government’s commitment to climate action and security in the region ahead of her arrival in Australia on Friday.

In a video shared by the US embassy, the only surviving daughter of former US president John F. Kennedy gave particular attention to the two countries’ military history. “I know that our countries are the strongest of allies, and that our parents and grandparents fought side by side for more than 100 years,” the author and attorney said.

“Their sacrifices have made it possible for us to live in two of the world’s greatest democracies, countries that share a commitment to individual freedom, the rule of law and economic opportunity.

“None of us expects to be the one to have to fight for freedom, but we each must be prepared to stand up for what we believe in if we want to pass these precious values on.”

The comments come in the wake of the Pacific Islands Forum, where the influences of China and the US were the subject of debate.

“No one is more committed to advancing peace and stability, fighting climate change and increasing American economic engagement in the region than the Biden-Harris administration.”

“I look forward to working closely with Prime Minister (Anthony) Albanese, Foreign Minister (Penny) Wong and the government to advance our shared democratic values, strengthen our commitment to a healthy, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, and advance the transition to a green energy world.”

Ms Kennedy said her appointment was continuing her family’s longstanding relationship with Australia. “My father wanted to be the first sitting president to visit Australia, so I’m honoured to carry that legacy forward in my own small way,” she said.

“I’m eager to learn all I can about First Nations Australians and their culture and traditions, Australia’s modern multicultural society, the incredible natural environment and abundant natural resources.”

In May, the 64-year-old was confirmed as ambassador to Australia. She previously was ambassador for Japan in the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017.

At her swearing-in in June Ms Kennedy declared Australia a “vital ally”.

“I am grateful to President (Joe) Biden for his leadership and for giving me the chance to represent America to our vital ally Australia,” Ms Kennedy said on social media.

She succeeds Arthur Culvahouse, who left the position shortly after former US president Donald Trump left office in early 2021.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/new-us-ambassador-to-australia-caroline-kennedy-to-arrive-on-friday/news-story/702e086cd4baffacf6c1271075c98a3b

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1549524383529840640

Caroline Kennedy ‘honoured’ to carry on JFK’s Australian legacy

Andrew Tillett - Jul 20, 2022

Caroline Kennedy invoked the legacy of her father, former US president John Kennedy, in a welcome message before she arrives on Friday as the new US ambassador to Australia.

Saying her appointment comes at a crucial time, Ms Kennedy said she looked forward to working with the Albanese government to advance democratic values, strengthen the commitment to a peaceful and prosperous region and to make the transition to clean energy.

“This is a critical time in the history of our two countries,” she said in a video message released by the US embassy on Wednesday. “What we do together in the next two years will determine the fate of our region and the planet, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The US ambassador role has been vacant for 18 months after Arthur Culvahouse resigned as Joe Biden became President, succeeding Donald Trump.

Ms Kennedy, who was ambassador to Japan under the Obama administration, said she had been a long-term admirer of Mr Biden from the 1970s, noting he had worked with her “uncle Teddy” on healthcare and “economic justice” for working families.

“No one is more committed to advancing peace and stability, fighting climate change and increasing American economic engagement in the region than the Biden-Harris administration,” she said.

Australia and the US are the “strongest of allies” whose parents and grandparents fought side-by-side for more than 100 years, Ms Kennedy said, drawing upon her father’s experience in the Pacific in World War II.

“In 1943, my father’s PT boat was sunk by a Japanese destroyer. If not for the help of two Solomon Islanders and an Australian coast watcher, he and his crew would not have survived,” she said.

“He wanted to be the first sitting president to visit Australia, so I’m honoured to carry his legacy in my own small way.”

Ms Kennedy said her father had inspired a generation of people into public service. She said in her way own she had hoped to make “democratic ideals accessible to new generations” by authoring books on the US Constitution.

Ms Kennedy said she first visited Australia 36 years ago on her honeymoon and that she returned in 2014 with her husband, Ed, for a family holiday.

She said she was eager to learn about Australia’s First Nations people and multicultural society, the environment and natural resources, sports, snacks, “southern skies and oceans”.

While Ms Kennedy had celebrity status because of her family, she was the best credentialed US ambassador appointed to Australia in decades given her experience as a former envoy in Tokyo, said Mike Green, head of Sydney University’s US Studies Centre.

That was crucial given the increasing closeness of the trilateral relationship between Australia, the US and Japan that drives policy and the response to China in the Indo-Pacific.

“She has star power, but she also brings experience managing a major alliance,” Dr Green said.

Dr Green, who got to know Ms Kennedy when she was in Tokyo, said she was a good listener, modest and down-to-earth.

“She has carefully managed her public persona her entire life,” he said.

“I wouldn’t look for the big splashy announcements. Her style is to listen and develop personal relationships and trust.”

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/caroline-kennedy-honoured-to-carry-on-jfk-s-australian-legacy-20220720-p5b30l

—

Q Post #703

Feb 10 2018 03:33:29 (EST)

“Rest in peace Mr. President (JFK), through your wisdom and strength, since your tragic death, Patriots have planned, installed, and by the grace of God, activated, the beam of LIGHT. We will forever remember your sacrifice. May you look down from above and continue to guide us as we ring the bell of FREEDOM and destroy those who wish to sacrifice our children, our way of life, and our world. We, the PEOPLE.”

Prayer said every single day in the OO.

JFK - Secret Socities.

Where we go one, we go all.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#703

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 20, 2022, 4:54 a.m. No.16767873 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

An Introduction Message from Ambassador Caroline Kennedy

U.S. Embassy Australia

Jul 20, 2022

Caroline Kennedy is the 27th U.S. Ambassador to Australia.

Ambassador Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013 – 2017. She played a critical role in the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, culminating in the historic visits of President Obama to Hiroshima and Prime Minister Abe to Pearl Harbor. She advanced realignment of the U.S. forces in Okinawa, promoted women’s empowerment in Japan, and increased student exchange. In 2017, she founded the International Poetry Exchange Project to connect students virtually in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the Bronx through the power of spoken word. In November 2021, she was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, the highest honor for which foreigners are eligible, for her efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.

Prior to her time in Japan, Kennedy was at the forefront of education reform efforts in NYC, creating public-private partnerships to promote arts education, school libraries, and performing arts spaces. She served as CEO of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at the NYC Department of Education (2002-2004), Vice Chair for the Fund for Public Schools (2002-2011), and on the Board of New Visions for Public Schools.

An attorney and author, Kennedy has published 11 New York Times best-selling books on law, civics and poetry. She is Honorary President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. She served as a Trustee of numerous non-profit organizations, including the Carnegie Corporation, International Rescue Committee and NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as Co-Chair of the Harvard Institute of Politics, and as a Director of the Boeing Company. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIGPdmN1P3U

Beijing launches major strike in attempt to sink AUKUS pact

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 21, 2022

Beijing has launched the latest strike in its global campaign to sink Australia’s AUKUS submarine agreement with its allies America and the UK.

In a new 32-page report that has the backing of China’s foreign ministry, Beijing has claimed Australia’s agreement to get nuclear-powered submarines may be a furtive attempt to develop nuclear weapons.

“The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines collaboration will set a dangerous precedent for the transfer of weapons-grade nuclear materials from nuclear-weapon states to a non-nuclear weapon state,” argue the Foreign Ministry-affiliated China Arms Control and Disarmament Association.

The new report — titled “A Dangerous Conspiracy” — has been widely publicised across Chinese state media.

At a press conference in Beijing on Wednesday evening, a Xi administration official said it provided “detailed statistics and facts” and “further evidence” for China’s campaign against the defence technology pact.

AUKUS has bipartisan support in Australia and was a signature policy of former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The new Albanese government has angered Beijing by committing to the project.

The new report is a major development in China’s campaign against AUKUS, with which President Xi Jinping has personally been involved.

Beijing has signalled it will take its opposition to the pact to a United Nations non-proliferation conference in New York, which is scheduled for August 1.

That conference — the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons — will be the setting of a major diplomatic showdown between Beijing and the US, UK and Australia.

“The report is further evidence that the international community’s concerns over the AUKUS nuclear submarine co-operation are well founded,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

“The US, the UK and Australia need to respond to the concerns of the international community, faithfully fulfil their non-proliferation obligations and revoke the erroneous decision of nuclear submarine co-operation,” he said.

Beijing has been lobbying against the AUKUS pact almost since it was announced in September 2021.

The Australian government — in the Morrison era and the new Labor government — have repeatedly denied that AUKUS would lead to submarines with nuclear weapons.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/beijing-launches-major-strike-in-attempt-to-sink-aukus-pact/news-story/9ce5a22bbd947651df0ec8cde265ac8c

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 2:11 a.m. No.16773027 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3030

Beijing warns AUKUS submarine project sets a 'dangerous precedent' and threatens non-proliferation

Stephen Dziedzic - 21 July 2022

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China's government is ramping up its campaign against Australia's push to build nuclear-powered submarines with the United States and the United Kingdom, publishing a new report which declares the project is a grave risk to non-proliferation and warns that Australia may be intent on developing nuclear weapons.

Two Chinese "think tanks" — the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy — held a press conference in Beijing yesterday with a host of state media outlets to launch the report, which is titled: A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS.

The lengthy report berates Australia, the US and the UK for setting a "dangerous precedent" with AUKUS because it would allow nuclear states to transfer weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear state for the first time.

"In addition, it ferments potential risks and hazards in multiple aspects such as nuclear security, arms race in nuclear submarines and missile technology proliferation, with a profound negative impact on global strategic balance and stability," the report reads.

Richard McGregor from the Lowy Institute said both think tanks were "part of the broader fabric of the Chinese party-state" — rather than independent entities — and that the report was part of an orchestrated campaign against AUKUS by the Chinese government.

"The [Chinese government] has long been campaigning on this and this report simply tries to flesh out their argument, add weight to it, and give them a document they can distribute to any country they want around the world to make their case," he said.

"Any roadblocks they can put in the way of AUKUS, they will put them there. We should expect this thing to happen for the next decade or so. China won't let up."

Australia has already boosted resources in both Canberra and Vienna to help bolster its diplomatic defences against Russian and Chinese campaigns against the project.

However, Mr McGregor said the "uncomfortable fact" for Australia was that China "had an argument to make" when it pointed out that AUKUS would set a new precedent.

"I don't doubt Australia will strictly follow rules on non-proliferation [and] that nuclear grade material will be locked up inside the submarines for the life of the vessels and won't be used to make nuclear weapons," he said.

"But the Chinese can argue that once the US and the UK can do this for Australia, then any other nuclear country — say Russia — could say, 'OK, we can transfer similar material to, say, Iran for use in their submarines'," he said.

"Now we might rightly trust Australia to handle this material correctly, but would we trust Iran to use it according to global rules? And there might be a different answer to those two questions."

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 2:12 a.m. No.16773030 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16773027

2/2

Claims Australia wants nuclear weapons

The Chinese government report also makes more-outlandish claims that Australia remains intent on acquiring nuclear weapons, citing the federal government's "obsessive pursuit" of the technology back in the 1950s and 1960s under the Menzies government.

"Given the fact that Australia already has a body of nuclear weapons-related knowledge accumulated historically and that it will get into its hands nuclear-capable delivery systems, once the country takes the desperate step to develop nuclear weapons again, the lead time to a nuclear breakthrough will be too short for the international community to respond effectively," the report says.

It also says that nuclear weapons advocates in Australian academia have "resurged" recently, but only cites two recent articles to support that claim.

One of the two articles quoted does not even directly advocate for Australia to acquire nuclear weapons.

Mr McGregor said the suggestion that there was a serious push within official and academic circles for Australia to acquire nuclear weapons was "obviously not true" and that the report's authors had "picked through" articles and the historical record to present a distorted narrative.

"We can't even manage to get a consensus about having nuclear energy reactors. The idea we are going to rapidly become a nuclear weapon state is not credible," he said.

He also said it was worth noting the report was silent on China's rapid expansion of its own nuclear weapons arsenal.

"You're not going to get a balanced debate out of think tanks which are effectively arms of the Chinese party-state," he said.

"We shouldn't be surprised by that and we shouldn't expect it.

"China complains relentlessly about the military build-up of other countries, say Japan for example, while its own military build-up dwarfs that of every other country around them."

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said there were "numerous incorrect assertions" in the report.

"Australia, the US and the UK will implement the strongest possible non-proliferation standards to maintain the strength and integrity of the global nuclear non-proliferation regime in relation to nuclear-powered submarines," they said.

"The government has been very clear that Australia does not and will not seek nuclear weapons.

"Australia's decision to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines is something we are pursuing openly and transparently."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-21/beijing-warns-aukus-nuclear-submarine-nonproliferation-weapons/101257714

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 2:17 a.m. No.16773036 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3037

AUKUS sub deal could involve transferring tons of weapons-grade nuke material: Chinese report

Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan - Jul 20, 2022

1/2

China on Wednesday released a research report entitled The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS, the first report published by Chinese academic institutes to objectively analyze the serious risks of nuclear proliferation and multiple hazards caused by the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration through detailed data and case studies.

Under AUKUS, the US and the UK are anticipated to provide Australia with eight nuclear-powered submarines involving the transfer of tons of weapons-grade nuclear materials which are enough to manufacture nearly a hundred nuclear weapons, experts warned.

Jointly released by the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) and the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy (CINIS), the report said that the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration has seriously violated the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), marking a blatant act of nuclear proliferation.

The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration obviously serves a military purpose, making it a direct violation of the Statue of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the report said.

The proposed AUKUS collaboration also has other baneful effects, including having higher nuclear security risks and fueling a potential arms race in nuclear submarines, plus weakening the existing international missile export control regime because of the transfer of Tomahawk cruise missiles, according to the report.

On the announcement of AUKUS, the three countries emphasized that the US and the UK would not only assist Australia in building nuclear-powered submarines, but also provide it with long-range precision-strike capabilities including Tomahawk cruise missiles. The Tomahawk is an offensive nuclear-capable weapon developed by the US and has been deeply marked by US militarism since its inception. The deal this time will involve the latest version of the Tomahawk, with a range of 1,700 kilometers, far exceeding the maximum limit of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), despite the US, the UK and Australia being members and major advocates of the MTCR.

The report called on the international community to take joint actions to safeguard the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.

(continued)

>>16773036

2/2

AUKUS is a new political and military alliance jointly created by the US and a few countries following the Five Eyes Alliance and the QUAD serving the US' "Indo-Pacific Strategy," which aims to provoke regional confrontation and splitting-up. It is engaged in a geopolitical zero-sum game, bringing new destabilizing factors to the international and regional situation, said Zhang Yan, president of the CACDA, at a press conference for the release of the report on Wednesday.

AUKUS involves a major and highly sensitive issue, which is the transfer of weapons-grade nuclear materials, Zhang said.

Weapons-grade nuclear materials are the basis for nuclear weapons. Both the US and the British nuclear-powered submarines use weapons-grade highly enriched uranium, Li Chijiang, CACDA vice president and secretary-general, told the Global Times on Wednesday at the press conference.

According to experts' analyses, the US and the UK will build eight nuclear-powered submarines for Australia, involving the transfer of tons of weapons-grade nuclear materials enough to manufacture nearly a hundred nuclear weapons, marking the first time since the NPT came into force that nuclear-weapon states will transfer a large amount of weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear-weapon state, setting a bad example and creating a serious risk of nuclear proliferation, Li said.

The AUKUS collaboration will damage the global strategic balance and stability, encourage other countries to join the nuclear arms race, escalate geopolitical tensions and bring the Asia-Pacific region to a wrong path of confrontation and splitting-up, completely opposite to the common appeal for development and prosperity by countries in the region, Li said.

"It is our hope that this report will facilitate China and the international community to accurately and comprehensively understand the situation, and communicate from an academic perspective the concerns of Chinese think tanks and scholars over nuclear proliferation risks and their commitment to safeguarding world peace and stability," said Pan Qilong, chairman of the CINIS, at the press conference.

The US, the UK and Australia should respond to the concerns of the international community, carry out international obligations of nuclear nonproliferation, and cancel the wrong decision for the collaboration on nuclear-powered submarines, said Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at a routine press conference on Wednesday, commenting on the research report.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1270985.shtml

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2022

Hubei Media Group: This morning, the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and the China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy issued a research report on the nuclear proliferation risk of AUKUS cooperation on nuclear submarines. Since China has been following the US-UK-Australia nuclear submarine cooperation, do you have any comment on this latest report?

Wang Wenbin: I have noted the report. This is the first research report issued by Chinese research institutes which focuses on the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation. According to the report, the nuclear submarine cooperation between the three countries will set a bad precedent of nuclear-weapon states transferring tons of weapons-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear-weapon state, which poses heavy proliferation risks. With detailed statistics and facts, the report provides in-depth analysis on how the three countries’ nuclear submarine cooperation seriously violates the purposes and principles of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), directly breaches the Statute of the IAEA and challenges the IAEA’s safeguard and monitoring mechanism. The report also looks into the way the cooperation undermines global strategic stability, impacts the international non-proliferation system, intensifies arms race and damages peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. The report is further evidence that the international community’s concerns over the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation are well founded. The US, the UK and Australia need to respond to the concerns of the international community, faithfully fulfill their non-proliferation obligations and revoke the erroneous decision of nuclear submarine cooperation.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220720_10725182.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 2:22 a.m. No.16773050 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3057

CACDA Successfully Held the Press Conference about the Research Report on the Nuclear Proliferation Risk of AUKUS Collaboration on Nuclear-powered Submarines

Arms Control Association - 2022-07-20

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On July 20, 2022, the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association (CACDA) and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy (CINIS) jointly held a press conference about the Research Report, A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS. H.E. Zhang Yan, President of CACDA, and Pan Qilong, Chairman of CINIS, attended and addressed the event. Li Chijiang, Vice President & Secretary General of CACDA hosted the press conference. Experts introduced the main content of the report and answered questions from media. Experts and scholars from CACDA, CINIS, Strategic Research Center of China Academy of Engineering Physics, Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, China Institute of Atomic Energy, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, Tsinghua University, Peking University and other institutions, as well as media representatives from China and Asia-Pacific region attended the conference.

Zhang Yan said that following the Five Eyes Alliance and the QUAD (The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue between the United States, Japan, India and Australia), the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia announced the establishment of the enhanced trilateral security partnership (known as “AUKUS”) in September 2021. The AUKUS is a new political and military alliance jointly created by the US and a few countries. It serves the Indo-Pacific Strategy led by the US, which aims to provoke regional confrontation and split-up, engaged in geopolitical zero sum game, bringing new destabilizing factors to the international and regional situation. Under the AUKUS framework, three countries have announced a high-profile collaboration on nuclear-powered submarines, which involves a major and highly sensitive issue – the transfer of weapon-grade nuclear materials. This will be the first time since the entry into force of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), that nuclear-weapon states transfer tons of weapon-grade nuclear materials to a non-nuclear-weapon state, enough to manufacture nearly a hundred pieces of nuclear weapons. It sets a bad example and creates serious nuclear proliferation risk.

Zhang Yan pointed out that the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines collaboration seriously violates the international obligations undertaken by the three countries and will bring multiple hazards, including violating the objectives and purposes of the NPT, contravening the Statute of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), impacting on the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, undermining global strategic stability and balance, inducing nuclear arms race, and endangering peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. As the Tenth Review Conference of NPT is about to be held soon, the US, the UK and Australia should seriously respond to the concerns of the international community, earnestly fulfill their obligations under international law, abandon their double standards on nuclear non-proliferation issues, and immediately stop and completely discard such collaboration. At the same time, the international community should continue to take decisive actions, and use multilateral platforms such as the NPT Review Conference and the IAEA Board of Governors meeting to urge the three countries to cancel their erroneous decisions so as to maintain the integrity, authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

(continued)

>>16773050

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Pan Qilong introduced the background of the research report, and emphasized that the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration sets a dangerous example of illegal transfer of weapon-grade nuclear materials from nuclear-weapon states to non-nuclear-weapon states. It is a blatant act of nuclear proliferation, which has aroused widespread concern and criticism from international community. He said that as authoritative organizations in conducting arms control research and professional think tanks in the nuclear field, CACDA and CINIS have regularly brought together domestic experts and scholars in the field of arms control and nuclear non-proliferation to conduct in depth research from political, legal and technology angles, to analyze the nuclear proliferation risk and serious hazards caused by the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration. It is our hope that this report will facilitate China and the international community to accurately and comprehensively understand the situation, and communicate from an academic perspective the concerns of Chinese think tanks and scholars’ concerns over nuclear proliferation risks and their commitment to safeguarding world peace and security.

This is the first research report that Chinese academic institutes have publicly released on the AUKUS Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration. The report consists of 8 chapters in about 12000 Chinese characters. Through detailed data and case studies, the report objectively analyzes the serious nuclear proliferation risks and multiple hazards caused by AUKUS Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration and makes relevant recommendations. The main contents of the report include: The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration seriously violates the objectives and purpose of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and constitutes a blatant act of nuclear proliferation; The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration is obviously for military purposes, which is in direct violation of the IAEA’s Statute; The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration poses great legal and technical challenges to the IAEA's safeguards system; The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration seriously undermines nuclear-weapon-free-zone treaties; in view of its past nuclear ambition, Australia may seek to develop nuclear weapons again in the future; The AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine collaboration will cause other adverse effects, including undermining the global strategic stability and balance, posing serious nuclear security risks, triggering potential arms race in nuclear-powered submarines, and weakening the current international missile export control regime; The international community should take actions to urge the AUKUS countries to revoke their wrong decision, and jointly safeguard the integrity, authority and effectiveness of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

At the press conference, President Zhang Yan, Chairman Pan Qilong and Secretary General Li Chijiang were interviewed by CCTV, CGTN, Shenzhen TV, the People’s Liberation Army Daily, Global Times, and other media, respectively. After the conference, other scholars and experts exchanged views with reporters on related issues.

http://cacda.org.cn/a/ENGLISH/Activities/2022/0720/4405.html

http://cacda.org.cn/a/ENGLISH/Activities/2022/0720/4406.html

—

A Dangerous Conspiracy: The Nuclear Proliferation Risk of the Nuclear-powered Submarines Collaboration in the Context of AUKUS.

China Arms Control and Disarmament Association

China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy

July 2022

(English)

http://cacda.org.cn/ueditor/php/upload/file/20220720/1658303877747462.pdf

(Chinese)

http://cacda.org.cn/ueditor/php/upload/file/20220720/1658303878139039.pdf

Ukraine making China rethink when, not if, on Taiwan invasion: CIA chief

AFP - JULY 21, 2022

China appears determined on using force in Taiwan, with Russia’s experience in Ukraine affecting Beijing’s calculations on when and how — not whether — to invade, the head of the CIA said on Wednesday.

Appearing at the Aspen Security Forum, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns said that China likely saw in Ukraine that “you don’t achieve quick, decisive victories with underwhelming force.”

He played down speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping could move on Taiwan after a key Communist Party meeting later this year but said the risks “become higher, it seems to us, the further into this decade that you get.”

“I wouldn’t underestimate President Xi’s determination to assert China’s control” over self-ruling Taiwan, he said.

Burns said that China was “unsettled” when looking at Russia’s five-month-old war in Ukraine, which he characterised as a “strategic failure” for President Vladimir Putin as he had hoped to topple the Kyiv government within a week.

“Our sense is that it probably affects less the question of whether the Chinese leadership might choose some years down the road to use force to control Taiwan, but how and when they would do it,” Burns said.

“I suspect the lesson that the Chinese leadership and military are drawing is that you’ve got to amass overwhelming force if you’re going to contemplate that in the future,” he said.

China also has likely learned that it has to “control the information space” and “do everything you can to shore up your economy against the potential for sanctions,” he said in a live interview with NBC News correspondent Andrea Mitchell.

Burns, in line with previous US assessments, said that the United States does not believe that Beijing is offering military support to Russia despite rhetorical backing.

He said China has stepped up purchases of Russian energy but appears careful about not incurring Western sanctions.

‘Peaceful reunification’

China’s defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing the mainland’s civil war. The island has since developed into a vibrant democracy and leading technological power, but China claims it as its territory.

Speaking before Burns at the forum in the Rocky Mountains, China’s ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, said that Beijing still preferred “peaceful reunification.”

But he accused the United States of supporting “independence” forces in Taiwan, where President Tsai Ing-wen has asserted the island’s separate identity.

“No conflict and no war is the biggest consensus between China and the United States,” Qin said.

But the United States is “hollowing out and blurring” its stated policy of only recognising Beijing, he said.

“Only by adhering strictly to the One-China policy, only by joining hands to constrain and oppose Taiwan independence, can we have a peaceful reunification,” he said.

Under a law passed by Congress when Washington switched recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, the United States is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence.

President Joe Biden said in May that the United States was ready to use force to defend Taiwan from a Chinese attack, appearing to shed the long-held US ambiguity on whether it would engage militarily, although the White House quickly walked his comments back.

A number of US delegations have visited Taiwan, mostly of former officials, but Beijing recently warned against a reported trip plan by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who is third in line to the presidency.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/ukraine-making-china-rethink-when-not-if-on-taiwan-invasion-cia-chief/news-story/9c9e32c747c662eda1f97856ccc0ac9a

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 3:08 a.m. No.16773162 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3164

>>16767765

GT Investigates: Australia urged to take practical action in easing tensions with China as coal, wine and oat grass companies look to mend frayed ties

Coal, wine, oat grass exporters aspire to sell to huge Chinese market: experts

GT staff reporters - Jul 20, 2022

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Exporters of coal, wine, lobsters and oat grass in Australia are calling for normalized trade ties with China, their major destination market, amid growing expectations for improved bilateral relations after frequent high-level meetings between government officials, with the Chinese side stating openness for dialogue and cooperation.

There is growing hope for bilateral trade to get on normal track at the earliest time, following the disruption in most trade activities during the previous Morrison administration, which took a hostile policy toward China.

With Australian producers and traders bearing the brunt of the disruption, industry representatives and experts take a wait-and-see approach pending practical action from Canberra.

Experts said since it is the Australian side that caused relations to deteriorate in the first place, it is also up to Australia to take the initiative to bring bilateral relations back to normalcy.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin on Monday urged Australia to seize the opportunity in bilateral relations and take concrete action to improve trade ties.

Wang said that China's position on cooperation with Australia and other countries has always been clear, and it is hoped that Australia can seize the opportunity to correct its approach to China-related issues, deal with China-Australia economic and trade relations based on mutual respect and benefits, and create favorable conditions for the healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations.

Several companies that are in bilateral trade reached by the Global Times on Tuesday and Wednesday said that they have noted a possible shift toward improved ties, but stressed they are waiting for a turning point.

Yancoal, an Australia-based coal producer and developer, is among those that suffered from the deteriorating bilateral relations.

While Yancoal has managed to diversify its customer base and re-direct cargoes to alternate buyers, China remains a potential key market, given the significant share that the Chinese market took in the company's revenue, the Global Times learned.

Previously, China generated around 17 percent of Yancoal's sales revenue, Matthew Gerber, general manager of corporate affairs of Yancoal Australia, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Coal was Australia's third-largest export to China after iron ore and liquefied natural gas, with the average annual export value around A$13 billion ($1.60 billion), of which the average annual export value of coal to China was more than A$4 billion, accounting for one-third of the country's total, according to media reports.

Gerber said that the company is hopeful of a relaxation of Australian coal shipments to China, "but we do not anticipate any resolution to the current issues in the short term."

(continued)

>>16773162

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A senior industry insider who participated in several trade talks in cross-border coal deals told the Global Times on condition of anonymity that "some foreign media speculated about the coal trade relaxation, but that only reflects the eager mindset of the Australian side."

China went through the hardest time late last year when coal supply became inadequate, but the market supply at the moment is stable, with ramped-up production from domestic mines and increased imports from Mongolia and Russia.

"There is no rush for us to import Australian coal, especially as the thermal coal market is cooling down amid weakened global demand and China's aggressive carbon reduction efforts," the insider said.

Feng Dongbin, an analyst from China-based Fenwei consultancy, told the Global Times that chances are small for Australian coal to get into the Chinese market in the short term, since the domestic market is not short of coal now, and Australian coal is more expensive, amid shrinking global market demand.

With China buying around one-third of everything Australia exports on a value basis, producers and traders swallowed the pain from the deadlock in bilateral relations - a result of the Morrison administration's hostile approach to China.

In 2021, Australia's exports to China increased by 21 percent year-on-year to reach $133 billion, with the growth partly attributable to China's continued demand for iron ore, which reached record high prices, according to a report released by China Briefing.

But outside of growth in iron ore, many Australian exports to China declined, with goods including coal to wine, timber, seafood, beverages and even oat grass seeing the steepest decline.

Take Australian wine, for example. In 2021, Australian wine exports to China fell by about $700 million, a 97 percent drop year-on-year, following an announcement by China's Ministry of Commerce in March last year to impose anti-dumping duties.

With the winds of eased bilateral relations blowing in recent days, Australian traders in the wine business are observing the situation and not in a rush to respond.

A dealer who used to import Australian wine but has since "shifted country" amid the wine trade dispute told the Global Times that Australian wine producers are eager for normalized trade.

"I have looked at my contact lists, my partners are still there, and their wine cellars are ready. A year of disturbance has caused some damage but after assessment the damages are controllable," the dealer said. "The wine import business can be restarted if the duties are lifted."

The dealer himself is in no big hurry to take such a move as he has found other import sources.

An oat grass trader who used to be in the Australian trade business said that there is a general expectation among Australian grass farmers to be able to export to China, their major export market.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271034.shtml

>>16755888

Albanese ‘astonished’ by Morrison’s anti-government comments

Fleta Page - July 21, 2022

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has criticised his predecessor’s use of a “nonsense throwaway conspiracy line” about the United Nations in a church sermon on the weekend, suggesting it was unhelpful as he tries to rebuild Australia’s international standing.

Scott Morrison used an address on Sunday to Perth’s Victory Life Centre, the Pentecostal church run by controversial former tennis champion Margaret Court, to urge the congregation not to put their trust in governments or the United Nations, warning it would be a mistake to do so based on his experience in the upper echelons of power.

Speaking on ABC Radio on Thursday morning, Albanese said he was taken aback by the former prime minister’s comments.

“I just thought: ‘Wow. This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had that great honour of leading the government’. And I found it quite astonishing.

“It provides some explanation perhaps of why, in my view, clearly he didn’t lead a government that was worthy of the Australian people. I find it astonishing that in what must have been, I guess, a moment of frankness, he has said he doesn’t believe in government.

“And the idea that he’s out there and pressing the United Nations button again, I’ve spent the first two months since our election … trying to repair our international relations. And that sort of nonsense throwaway conspiracy line about the United Nations, I think isn’t worthy of someone who led Australia.”

In his first months in office, Albanese attended a Quad meeting in Japan, led a trade mission to Indonesia, addressed a NATO summit in Madrid, and met French President Emmanuel Macron to repair the relationship with the country in the wake of a cancelled submarine contract. He also visited war zones in Ukraine and signed a formal pledge to the United Nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent by 2030.

When Morrison addressed the congregation, he said they would be “making a mistake” to trust governments or the international body dedicated to maintaining international peace and security.

“We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust in United Nations, thank goodness,” Morrison said.

“We don’t trust in all of these things, fine as they might be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I’ve worked in it, and they are important.

“But as someone who’s been in it, if you are putting your faith in those things, like I put my faith in the Lord, you are making a mistake. They are earthly, they are fallible. I’m so glad we have a bigger hope.”

Albanese said he believed governments did play a role in people’s lives and living standards.

“I say to young people all the time, get involved, because government will impact on the quality of your life, whether you get healthcare when you need it, what sort of education opportunities you have access to, what your standard of living looks like.”

Morrison declined to comment on Thursday.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-astonished-by-morrison-s-anti-government-comments-20220721-p5b3g6.html

>>16755888

Anthony Albanese slams former prime minister’s sermon where he pedalled ‘conspiracy theories’

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has shot down “astonishing” claims made by the nation’s former leader in a church sermon.

Samantha Maiden - July 21, 2022

Anthony Albanese has savaged Scott Morrison for pedalling “conspiracy theories” about the United Nations in a speech the Prime Minister described as “astonishing”.

Mr Albanese has revealed he couldn’t believe what he was listening to after his predecessor delivered a sermon over the weekend at the Pentecostal Victory Life Centre church.

In a declaration that people should put their faith in Christ over “fallible” governments, Mr Morrison said he didn’t trust in the institution that he led just a few months ago.

“We trust in Him. We don’t trust in governments. We don’t trust the United Nations, thank goodness,” Mr Morrison said.

“We don’t trust in all of these things as fine as they might be and as important as the role that they play. Believe me, I’ve worked in it.”

Mr Albanese said the remarks were unworthy of a former national leader.

“I just thought, ‘Wow’,’’ he told ABC Melbourne.

“This guy was the prime minister of Australia and had that great honour of leading the government and I found it quite astonishing.

“It provides some explanation perhaps of why, in my view, clearly he didn’t lead a government that was worthy of the Australian people.

“I find it astonishing that in what must have been, I guess, a moment of frankness, he has said he doesn’t believe in government. I believe that the government does play a role in people’s lives and our living standards,” he added.

Mr Albanese said he was appalled by the reference to the United Nations.

“And the idea that he’s out there and pressing the United Nations button,’’ he said.

“Again, I mean I have spent the first two months trying to repair our international relations.

“That sort of nonsense, throwaway conspiracy line about the United Nations, I think isn’t worthy of someone who led Australia.”

In the speech, Mr Morrison said God had a plan for him and also characterised anxiety as “Satan’s plan”.

“Do you believe that if you lose an election that God still loves you and has a plan for you?” he asked to applause and laughter.

“I do. I still believe in miracles. God has secured your future, all of it. Yeah, even that bit.”

It’s the second time since Mr Morrison lost the election that he has appeared before churchgoers.

In his final hours as prime minister, Mr Morrison choked back tears while addressing his Horizon church in south Sydney.

Mr Morrison dedicated much of his Sunday sermon to rising rates of mental illness in Australia, an issue he said was a high priority for him as prime minister.

While he noted there were “biological issues” or “brain chemistry” that resulted in clinical disorders, he sought to link the everyday anxieties to a spiritual deficit.

Mr Morrison declared that if people gave into their worries, they were giving into “Satan’s plan”.

“God knows that anxiety is part of the human condition,” he said.

“No matter how (secular people) might seek to deny it, or even dismiss it, the truth of God stands up and shines.”

During his address, Mr Morrison also took aim at “safe spaces” that he said had been “taken out of so much context” that they no longer meant a place between someone and God.

“Don’t get me started,” Mr Morrison said.

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albanese-slams-former-prime-ministers-sermon-where-he-pedalled-conspiracy-theories/news-story/6dd48b3624a89339cf15b16ce3fbd564

Witness in Ben Roberts-Smith trial threatened with 'bullet in his head', judge hears

AAP - Jul 21, 2022

One of the most impressive witnesses to be called out of dozens in the defamation trial launched by Ben Roberts-Smith was threatened with a "bullet in his head" by the war veteran, a judge has been told.

Barrister Nicholas Owens SC said in his closing address for the media outlets being sued that Australia's most decorated soldier savagely bullied the still serving SAS soldier dubbed Person One.

In 2016, Roberts-Smith allegedly hit him in the back of the head multiple times, spat in front of him and regularly slammed doors in his face.

But most seriously was the threat to his life, Owens said.

"(He said) words to the effect: 'If your performance doesn't improve in the next patrol you're going to get a bullet in the back of the head'," Person One said in evidence.

"It made me fearful for my own personal safety. It made me lose more confidence. It made my performance worse."

Owens said on Thursday that Person One "interpreted those words as meaning that Roberts-Smith was going to shoot him in the back of the head".

The barrister submitted that Person One "was one of the most impressive witnessed to be called … on either side," due to him openly admitting his failings during his first four weeks of deployment in Afghanistan in 2006.

The incident dredged up from 15 years ago was a source of "enormous embarrassment" to the soldier given his illustrious and distinguished career that followed, including "uniformly glowing appraisals," since he left Roberts-Smith's patrol.

Person One testified that he failed to bring machine gun oil on one mission, which led to "stoppages" of his weapon not firing, and in extreme circumstances admitted this could have led to deaths of his comrades.

Owens also pointed to the credibility of Roberts-Smith's alleged mistress who says the Victoria Cross recipient punched her in a hotel room after she was drunk at a Canberra function and "embarrassed him" in March 2018.

Roberts-Smith's lawyers submit the woman is a liar and a fantasist and repeatedly point out that she is married, independently wealthy and has a prestigious job.

"The fundamental point seems to be that because she is capable of intelligent thought, because she was wealthy, educated and able to make decisions for herself, her conduct in the aftermath of the incident is so inconsistent with an assault having occurred that Your Honour would find it did not occur," Owens said.

"The implicit suggestion seems to be that wealthy educated people would act in a particular way, if they were a victim of assault.

"We respectfully submit that line of argument goes absolutely nowhere."

Roberts-Smith is suing The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald - owned by Nine, the publisher of this website - and The Canberra Times over 2018 reports claiming he committed war crimes in Afghanistan including murder, and acts of bullying and domestic violence.

The 43-year-old denies all claims of wrongdoing, while the mastheads are defending them as true.

Earlier, Arthur Moses SC, on behalf of Roberts-Smith, submitted the media waged a sustained attack on the war hero based on rumour, hearsay and contradictory accounts from jealous and obsessed former colleagues.

Moses said it shattered his reputation and even if vindicated in what was often described as the trial of the century, it would take years for it to fully recover.

The trial continues.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/ben-roberts-smith-defamation-trial-media-outlet-barrister-nicholas-owens-closing-address/8c5ee08a-76ee-4342-a54e-d950504bd709

>>16761498

Assange's wife welcomes Mexico offer

Australian Associated Press - July 21 2022

The wife of Julian Assange has expressed her gratitude to Mexico's president after he repeated an offer of asylum for the WikiLeaks founder.

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gave a letter to US President Joe Biden earlier this week in defence of Julian Assange, who is being held in Belmarsh prison in London after mounting what has become a lengthy battle to avoid being extradited.

President Lopez said Mexico has renewed a previous offer of asylum to the Australian-born Assange.

Stella Assange told the PA news agency: "I am very grateful to President Lopez Obrador for advocating for Julian's liberation with President Biden.

"Leaders must call out countries who take political prisoners. International pressure is what ultimately led to apartheid South Africa freeing Nelson Mandela. It is time for President Biden to end this madness."

Assange lived in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven years from 2012 before being dragged out and taken to Belmarsh.

He fears a life sentence if extradited to the United States.

https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/7828289/assanges-wife-welcomes-mexico-offer/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 3:53 a.m. No.16773283 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

Church cleans up its act after financial scandals

TOM KINGTON, THE TIMES - JULY 20, 2022

The Vatican has made sweeping changes to the way it manages its vast wealth after a mishandled investment in a Chelsea property lost millions and led to the prosecution of a cardinal.

Investments run secretly by Vatican departments will be managed by a central authority and must be “of a productive nature, ruling out any designed to be speculative in nature”, the Vatican announced.

Ed Condon, the editor of Catholic news site The Pillar, said: “When they use the word ‘speculative’ they have Chelsea in mind and they really don’t want to see that happen again.”

Ten people, including financial advisers, former Vatican officials and Angelo Becciu, an Italian cardinal, are on trial at the Vatican accused of financial crimes after a 350 million euro investment in luxury flats in Sloane Avenue, west London, lost millions.

The rules also ban investments based on short selling, high frequency trading and highly leveraged financial products, and bar sinking cash into countries potentially involved in money laundering or funding terrorism.

Also banned are investments involving pornography and prostitution, gambling, the defence industry, abortion clinics and “pharmaceutical companies that manufacture contraceptive products and/or work with embryonic stem cells”. Investments in the oil, mining and nuclear industries, and alcohol companies are to be “generally avoided”, the Vatican said.

Instead, cash from donations and the church’s property portfolio should help to push the “principles of Catholic teaching and upholding the common good”, the Vatican said, meaning companies involved in clean energy, biodiversity and “eradicating poverty”.

The second key aspect of the new rules is the closure of all investment accounts held by Vatican departments and the transfer of funds to the Vatican’s bank, where they will managed by the Holy See’s property manager.

The Vatican’s secretariat of state, which managed the Chelsea deal, was stripped of its power over investments in 2020. The move should put paid to the jealous guarding of investments by priests running Vatican departments.

Cardinal George Pell, a former Vatican economy minister, claimed in 2015 he had stumbled across “hundreds of millions” of euros kept off the books by Vatican departments run by prelates he claimed would “lurch along, disregarding modern accounting standards”.

Condon said he welcomed the new rules, but added: “Catholics might be surprised to discover the Vatican had not already centralised its investments.”

Nevertheless he called the rules “a massive sea change and a big centralisation of power involving departments that have often seemed like a loose confederation of warring tribes, with one department, Propaganda Fide, sometimes appearing to be wealthier than the Vatican itself”.

The proof of the Vatican’s good intentions would be measured by the speed with which it gathered its investments under one roof, Condon said. “When Pope Francis stripped the secretariat of state of its investments it took months because they dragged their feet.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/the-times/church-cleans-up-its-act-after-financial-scandals/news-story/a43a8c38f40f07a06b187dd2c60d732b

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 4:06 a.m. No.16773332 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>3343

Cardinal George Pell reflects on celebrating (and not celebrating) the Mass

“There is certainly a correlation, probably a causality, when the liturgy is poor in the true spiritual sense then almost certainly the Christian life of the parish is poor.”

Paul Senz - July 20, 2022

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George Cardinal Pell has been a priest for nearly 60 years, and served as Archbishop of Melbourne and Archbishop of Sydney, as well as Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, and a member of Pope Francis’ Council of Cardinals. Throughout his many decades of priestly and episcopal ministry, he has gained an ever-increasing appreciation for the importance and role of the Daily Mass in the life of the priest.

His widely-publicized (and unjust) imprisonment threw a wrench into his consistent celebration of Mass.

He kept a journal throughout his trial and imprisonment, which is a remarkably fascinating and engaging read, and will surely become a classic work of Catholic spirituality. It has been published in three volumes by Ignatius Press. Something that stands out is the fact that Cardinal Pell was forbidden to celebrate Mass during this time. The celebration of the Mass is one of the primary responsibilities and privileges of the priest, so to be denied the Mass was heartbreaking.

Cardinal Pell gave a talk recently at the Sacra Liturgia Conference, held in San Francisco from June 28-July 1, 2022.

Catholic World Report: You’ve come to San Francisco to give a talk at the Sacra Liturgia conference called “The Daily Mass in the Life of a Priest: Reflections after 406 Days Without It”. What was it like going so long without celebrating Mass?

George Cardinal Pell: Well, it was a radical change of program for myself. It was very different. But I didn’t feel abandoned by God. I kept up a daily routine of prayers. I realized that I just couldn’t say Mass. And so that was the way it was. And so I just got on with where I was and made the most of it.

CWR: And you couldn’t say Mass. You also didn’t attend Mass during that time, right?

Pell: I attended five Masses.

CWR: Five Masses in 406 days.

Pell: That’s right. A young priest came in twice when I was in Melbourne. And then an older priest, a friend of mine, came three times when I was down in Barwon.

CWR: What role does celebration of the liturgy play in the life of a priest? Or rather, what role should it play?

Pell: First of all, for a parish priest, the priest has to celebrate Mass for his people. But as well as that, I am one of that school that thinks that daily Mass is one of the hallmarks of a priestly life. It’s an explicit act of worship, and thanksgiving, and adoration. It’s the best prayer we have available. And it’s a very ancient custom, daily Mass, going back to the first centuries. And I think it should be one of the hallmarks of priestly devotion.

CWR: You mentioned that it was your practice that even on your day off, you would still personally celebrate Mass.

Pell: Yes, that was my practice. And is my practice.

CWR: It can be easy for parish priests in particular to get bogged down in administration and other issues like that and the celebration of the sacraments to come almost as an afterthought. Is it important for priests to focus on dispensing the sacraments?

Pell: Yes. And I think also to help focus on the sacraments, or to properly order the priorities in a priestly life, you’ve got to pray outside Mass: pray the breviary and perhaps devotions; certainly try to meditate regularly. Without prayers outside Mass, it is difficult to focus on the central things, and it’s not too difficult to become distracted. I think Eugene de Mazenod, who founded the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, said it’s not impossible for a priest to live day to day life like that of an agnostic. And the remedy for that, certainly, a daily prayerful celebration of Mass helps. But on top of that, the breviary and meditation and regular devotions are a great amount of help.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 21, 2022, 4:08 a.m. No.16773343 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16773332

2/2

CWR: You’ve been a priest for 55 years now, is that right? Nearly 56.

Pell: That’s correct.

CWR: And a bishop for 35 and a cardinal for 18. Has your experience of, and your appreciation of the liturgy — in particular daily Mass — changed or developed over that time?

Pell: That’s certainly the case. I always appreciated the importance of daily Mass. But after a period of priestly life that became even clearer to me and as a bishop and as I moved around and as I looked at a little bit of work in liturgical circles, and as I started to read the writings, perhaps particularly of Cardinal Ratzinger on the liturgy, I realized just how closely related good, prayerful liturgy is to vitality in parish life. There is certainly a correlation, probably a causality, when the liturgy is poor in the true spiritual sense then almost certainly the Christian life of the parish is poor.

CWR: But as you took on more responsibilities as a bishop, an archbishop, and then a cardinal, was it challenging to maintain this rhythm of prayer in Daily Mass and your divine office and everything?

Pell: It was always a challenge. And when I was busy, as I was certainly as an archbishop and later, in a way that I’m not busy now, I found it was important to get to do your praying early in the morning, because often, as the day went along, you had many good reasons not to pray. So it meant that your life had to be organized and with a pattern of life and with prayer in the morning, particularly.

CWR: There are many valid and licit expressions of the liturgy. Many today speak of the need for a uniformity in the liturgy. But what good does this variety of liturgical expression do for the Church?

Pell: We’re the Catholic Church — which means universal. And the different nationalities around the world, different classes of people, different levels of education are attracted in somewhat different ways to different forms of prayer. So I think the variety of rites is part of the Catholic genius. This has to be balanced around unity, of course, but unity does not have to mean uniformity or the suppression of traditional and established and indeed beautiful forms of worship.

CWR: Is there value in the variety of liturgical traditions within the Roman Rite?

Pell: I think there is, simply because many people like to pray according to the vetus ordo, and I think they’re just too many and too numerous to be ignored. So I think the situation will slowly develop within the organic unity of the Church and peace will return in some form or other.

CWR: What advice would you give to priests — and laypeople, for that matter — who might not appreciate the value of of the daily Mass?

Pell: Well, I think it’s recommended by the Church today. Certainly, Pope Benedict has spoken about it was explicitly; while it isn’t absolutely commanded by canon law, the official writings encourage us to celebrate each day. It gives praise to the good God, is the source and summit of the Christian life. And I think it’s a good anchor for daily priestly life. So I would urge any priest who is not celebrating daily, in fact, to do so. And I think it will enrich his devotional life.

https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/07/20/cardinal-george-pell-reflects-on-celebrating-and-not-celebrating-the-mass/

https://qanon.pub/?q=Pell

https://qanon.pub/?q=pecking

https://qanon.pub/?q=cardinal-george-pell

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 3:25 a.m. No.16779737 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

Ben Roberts-Smith legal counsel says witnesses who gave evidence against the war veteran are liars

Jamie McKinnell - 22 July 2022

Witnesses who gave evidence against Ben Roberts-Smith in his defamation case have been labelled liars, perjurers and gossips during a closing address by the war veteran's counsel.

The long-running trial is in its final stage, where barrister Arthur Moses SC is making closing submissions to the Federal Court in Sydney.

He took aim at the truth defence of publisher Nine Entertainment, which is being sued over newspaper stories published in 2018, and said its case was built on imprecise testimony, contradictory evidence, conjecture and speculation.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing over what he says are false allegations published in the stories, including that he committed war crimes in Afghanistan, was a bully to SAS colleagues, and was a perpetrator of domestic violence.

An SAS witness called by Nine, Person 14, previously claimed in court he witnessed Mr Roberts-Smith direct, via an interpreter, an Afghan soldier to execute an unarmed local man during a 2012 mission.

Another witness, Person 7, made allegations Mr Roberts-Smith used unnecessary force on Afghan civilians and claimed to have once heard him speak about a desire to "choke a man to death with my bare hands".

Mr Moses said the two were "plain and simple liars and perjurers".

"Person 14 repeatedly lied to Your Honour over at least 15 pages of his evidence. The lies were dripping from the pages," Mr Moses said.

That was, Mr Moses said, until the notes of Chris Masters were produced, detailing what Person 14 had told the journalist, which prompted his lies to unravel.

Mr Moses dismissed Person 7's testimony as "quite frankly embarrassing".

"Person 7 is a man possessed and obsessed with Mr Roberts-Smith's Victoria Cross, to the point of his partner telling him to stop talking about it, on his own admission," Mr Moses said.

He said Person 7 was not an eye witness, but "a gossip".

"He would even make Mrs Mangel from Neighbours blush, in respect of his amount of gossiping concerning Mr Roberts-Smith," he said.

Another witness, Person 24, previously told the court he saw Mr Roberts-Smith execute an Afghan man with a machine gun during the 2009 raid of a Taliban compound known as Whiskey 108.

"That man is a liar," Mr Moses said, pointing to the "inconsistent versions" the soldier had previously supplied.

"That witness subscribed to the unjudicial dictum of 'it's not a lie if you believe it', with apologies to George Costanza from Seinfeld," Mr Moses said.

Mr Moses told Justice Anthony Besanko that Nine had not established any of the "grave allegations" it propounded, and said the "vice" of its truth defence was its opacity and lack of precision.

Mr Roberts-Smith was accused in Nine's defence case of committing or being complicit in six murders in Afghanistan, but Mr Moses said the details of some of them had evolved over time.

"It has been truly a shifting sands approach to how they allege certain murders occurred, who was involved, or why they occurred," he said.

"A sliding factual substratum which they have impermissibly sought to adapt to whatever argument might advance their case, in a desperate bid to justify their unjustifiable publications."

The closing submissions are expected to last until Wednesday.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-22/ben-roberts-smith-witnesses-liars-and-gossips-court-hears/101261392

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 3:28 a.m. No.16779745 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1861

Media outlets ‘haven’t proven murder’, Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case told

Michaela Whitbourn - July 22, 2022

A trio of media outlets being sued for defamation by Ben Roberts-Smith have not proved the war veteran was complicit in the murder of Afghan prisoners, his barrister has told the Federal Court.

The court is hearing closing submissions in the defamation suit brought by the decorated former soldier against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. Roberts-Smith claims the newspapers wrongly accused him of war crimes in Afghanistan, bullying fellow soldiers, and an act of domestic violence against a former lover.

The media outlets are seeking to rely on a defence of truth but Arthur Moses, SC, acting for Roberts-Smith, told the court on Friday that “the evidence in this case does not establish any of the grave allegations which have been propounded” by the newspapers.

“Just because you say it doesn’t make it true. Just because you believe it doesn’t make it true,” Moses said. “Facts are stubborn things.”

He said the newspapers and their reporters “went big with their allegations as they attempted to paint themselves as pseudo war crimes investigators” but they had “come a cropper in this case”.

Moses told the court that “you should not label a person a war criminal who has not been charged, let alone tried in a court of law”, and his client “was, and is, entitled to the presumption of innocence, which the respondents ignored by alleging and convicting him of multiple murders in their publications”.

Nicholas Owens, SC, acting for the newspapers, submitted during his closing address earlier this week that “a culture of silence” existed within the Special Air Service which led to Australian soldiers failing to report war crimes in Afghanistan.

In a reference to the famed military courtroom drama, Moses retorted on Friday that “this is not A Few Good Men” and there was “no evidence” such a culture existed.

He opened his closing address by quoting from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Sign of Four: “How often have I said to you that, when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth?”

Those words, Moses told the court, “were said by Sherlock Holmes to his friend Dr Watson” and had been cited in British and Australian judgments. He accused the newspapers of urging the court to adopt the “unjudicial” approach of the fictional detective.

“They want the court to accept a fanciful and salacious case theory based on conjecture, speculation and imprecise testimony,” he said. “The case, with all due respect, is a nonsense, and quite frankly embarrassing.”

Moses said the newspapers’ defence was “more like a Walter Mitty production”, in a reference to the fictional fantasist created by James Thurber, “than an attempt to mimic Sherlock Holmes”.

Roberts-Smith, a former SAS corporal, is suing the newspapers over a series of articles in 2018 that he says portray him as a war criminal who was complicit in the unlawful killing of unarmed Afghan prisoners. Under the rules of engagement that bound the SAS, prisoners could not be killed. The former SAS corporal maintains any killings happened lawfully in the heat of battle.

The newspapers are seeking to rely on a defence of truth and alleged in a written defence that Roberts-Smith was involved in six unlawful killings in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

However, Owens has said the newspapers accepted they could not prove one of those murders because a former soldier the media outlets submitted was crucial to establishing the allegation, dubbed Person 66, objected to giving evidence on the grounds of self-incrimination.

Moses said the newspapers “haven’t proven murder”, and made submissions on one of the newspapers’ centrepiece allegations, namely that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murder of two unarmed Afghan prisoners in 2009 at a compound dubbed Whiskey 108.

“There were no murders at Whiskey 108,” Moses said. There was “no evidence” that any bodies had been exhumed or had been the subject of forensic examination, he said, or that ballistics evidence had been examined.

He also took aim at the newspapers for failing to call a senior Afghan soldier dubbed Person 12, whom the media outlets allege was directed by Roberts-Smith to order a second Afghan soldier to kill an unarmed prisoner in 2012.

“Is there an apprehension that he may not support their case?” he said.

The trial continues.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/media-outlets-haven-t-proven-murder-roberts-smith-defamation-case-told-20220722-p5b3sg.html

Scout leader set to ‘die in jail’ after abusing boys for decades

Jenny Noyes - July 22, 2022

A former Scouts leader who sexually abused multiple boys over decades while running programs in Sydney’s northern suburbs – and went on to commit further abuse after his first stint in jail – is now expected to die behind bars after a second group of abused boys came forward.

Roderick Corrie, 79, was sentenced on Friday to 14 more years in jail, with District Court Judge John Pickering telling the life-long abuser, “you’re not going to get out, in reality, before you die”.

Corrie’s abuse of boys he accessed through Scouts Australia began in the early 1960s, the judge said, and he had committed brazen, violent acts against children as young as seven “in nearly every decade” since – “a fairly extraordinary breadth of offending”.

He pleaded guilty in April to 41 offences committed between 1963, when he was 20, and 1980, when he was 37. The charges covered a range of acts Corrie inflicted on eight boys aged seven to 17.

Many of the offences occurred when Corrie was driving boys in his car, while camping or sleeping over in Scout halls – including in North Sydney, Killara, Neutral Bay, Wollstonecraft, Pennant Hills and Terrigal – or when invited into the boys’ homes and trusted to babysit them. Many acts were brazen assaults on boys while other boys were sleeping nearby.

In one incident, Corrie molested an 11-year-old boy overnight while babysitting him and his younger brothers. The next morning he pointed to a gun rack and said, “you’re not going to tell anyone, and if you do I’ll hurt your mother”.

He continued to abuse the same boy until he was 17.

While the grey-haired man seated in the dock of the Downing Centre courtroom was now a “frail older male”, the judge said that, for half a century, he had lived a lie and been a “menace” to many young men who were entrusted to his care – nor had his offending stopped when he grew older.

In 2000, Corrie was sentenced for sexual abuse he committed against 10 other Scouts boys between 1968 and 1982. He was released on parole in May 2005, aged 62.

Despite his “advanced age”, his time in jail, and his placement on the child sex offenders register, Corrie “infiltrated a family in which sadly he had an opportunity to sexually assault children again”, the judge said. For his later crimes, in 2019, he was sentenced to 6½ years in jail with a non parole period of four years and six months.

“He would be getting out fairly soon … if it wasn’t for the eight victims who came forward in this matter making sure that didn’t happen,” the judge said, thanking the men for their courage.

One of those men, David*, said Corrie had imposed a “life sentence” in a “mental jail” the day he began abusing him. He believes there are many more victims who have not come forward.

While he’s relieved to know Corrie is unlikely to get out of jail again, David said he felt annoyed that his abuser showed “no remorse”, and closed his eyes for the duration of the sentencing.

Given what is now known about Corrie’s propensity to reoffend, the judge said “I think if I let him out today he’d try to offend as quickly as he could.”

Pickering took into account that Corrie would most likely die in jail, he said, telling him, “You do not deserve to be a part of our community. We have minimum standards to exist in free society and you have breached them.”

If he is still alive by November 2030, Pickering said “in theory” he would be eligible for parole then. However, there would be “no certainty of parole given your issues of constant reoffending”.

*Name changed to protect victim’s identity.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

https://www.1800respect.org.au/

Crisis support can be found at Lifeline: (13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/scout-leader-set-to-die-in-jail-after-abusing-multiple-boys-for-decades-20220721-p5b3gw.html

Caroline Kennedy plans to uphold 'family legacy' in her role as US ambassador to Australia

AAP / SBS - 22 July 2022

United States ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, daughter of former US President John F. Kennedy, said wants to use her Australian trip to uphold her "family legacy".

Ms Kennedy arrived in Sydney on Friday morning after her ambassadorship was unanimously confirmed by the US Senate in May and she was sworn in on 10 June.

"My family legacy is something I'm really proud of, and I try to live up to," she told reporters after landing.

"I think the fact that it means something to people around the world makes me really proud and I want to be worthy of it and do what I can, to continue the values that my father lived by."

The new ambassador pledged to focus on regional security, economic engagement and climate change in the face of a more assertive China.

"Everybody is so excited about working together in the Quad and in the Pacific," she told reporters after landing.

"China certainly has a big presence here in the region but our partnership is what I'll be focused on. There's a big agenda and I can't wait to get started."

'Big focus' on Indo-Pacific

Despite the US ambassador post to Australia remaining vacant for around 18 months, Ms Kennedy said the US is putting a renewed focus on the Pacific.

"It's certainly a big focus now. This is a critical area in the region," she said.

"The US needs to do more. We're putting our embassies back in, and the Peace Corps is coming and USAID is coming back.

"We haven't been there for a while but that's all tremendously positive. The US and Australia working together will make a big, big impact."

When taking questions, Ms Kennedy chastised a male reporter for speaking over a female reporter.

"Did you just talk over the woman?" she asked, which was followed by a chorus of laughs.

Ms Kennedy will formally present her credentials to the governor-general on Monday.

Security challenges

The ambassador's arrival coincides with a national address by a former US national security agency chief.

Former admiral Michael Rogers will address the National Press Club about cyber-security and the threat posed by Russia and China in the cybersphere as well as how the trilateral AUKUS security alliance can respond to the emerging challenge.

The retired four-star admiral also headed the US Cyber Command under presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Ahead of the address, Mr Rogers told the ABC that Australia and the US were intent on the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarine through the trilateral AUKUS security alliance as soon as possible.

"The good news is that clearly is the intent of both the US government, the Australian government, we want to aggressively meet the timeline," he said.

Mr Rogers added that shifting priorities has also resulted in a renewed pivot to the Indo-Pacific.

"For a long time, particularly the post 9/11 environment, the US was dealing with a counterterrorism challenge that was not centred in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

"That focus took resources, time, attention, leaders' decision bandwidth. We shifted that focus.

"But we have to acknowledge circumstances have changed. The Indo-Pacific region remains a cornerstone for the future for this world and we need to be fully integrated."

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/caroline-kennedy-plans-to-uphold-family-legacy-in-her-role-as-us-ambassador-to-australia/g8h3xp726

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 4:09 a.m. No.16779828 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1265

US Ambassador Kennedy arrives in Australia

Sky News Australia

Jul 22, 2022

The new US Ambassador to Australia, Caroline Kennedy, has landed in the country and is on her way to Canberra.

Ms Kennedy spoke in Sydney on her arrival, sharing her excitement to be in Australia.

She aims to strengthen the US-Australia relationship and help address China’s growing influence in the region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ7eIiQpqTI

'The US-Australia partnership is really my focus': Caroline Kennedy

Sky News Australia

Jul 22, 2022

US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy says the US-Australia partnership is her focus.

“I think the US-Australia partnership is really my focus and the work that we do together in the region, security, economic engagement, climate change, health security, all of those things,” she said during a media conference on Friday following her arrival in Australia.

“So I think that China certainly is a big presence here in the region, but I think our partnership is what I’ll be focused on.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuduKJYXyBI

AUKUS needs to be game changer: US chief

Dominic Giannini - July 22 2022

A former US national security agency chief has called for an expansion of shared technology with Australia amid a power shift and a more assertive China.

The US, UK and Australia need to use the trilateral AUKUS alliance to create a fundamental shift in the nations' capabilities as America's technological supremacy lags, former four-star admiral Michael Rogers says.

"We are not optimised for the world of the 21st century. The structures in the US we created all reflect the time when the US was the leader in technology," Mr Rogers told the National Press Club on Friday.

"AUKUS is about much more than just acquisition.

"We need to make AUKUS an engine for innovation. We should not be using this to reinforce the status quo. We should be using this as a vehicle to enhance a better outcome potential using different approaches."

Mr Rodgers, who headed the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command under presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, also called for greater technology sharing in light of Canberra's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS.

"The undersea domain is the one area arguably, from the US perspective, where we believe we have and can sustain supremacy," he said.

"We have been very careful about sharing technology within that environment because we think that's a core warfighting and operational advantage for us.

"If we're willing to share that kind of technology with Australia, could you explain why we have all these other restrictions on things that are much lesser to me in terms of risk?"

Ahead of the address, Mr Rogers told the ABC shifting priorities had also resulted in a renewed Indo-Pacific pivot.

"For a long time, particularly the post 9/11 environment, the US was dealing with a counterterrorism challenge that was not centred in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

"That focus took resources, time, attention, leaders' decision bandwidth. We shifted that focus.

"But we have to acknowledge circumstances have changed. The Indo-Pacific region remains a cornerstone for the future for this world and we need to be fully integrated."

Earlier on Friday, US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy told reporters in Sydney she would focus on regional security, economic engagement and climate change in the face of expanding Chinese influence.

"Everybody is so excited about working together in the Quad and in the Pacific," she said after landing.

"China certainly has a big presence here in the region but our partnership is what I'll be focused on. There's a big agenda and I can't wait to get started."

Despite the US ambassador post to Australia remaining vacant for around 18 months, Ms Kennedy said the Pacific has drawn the focus of Washington.

"It's certainly a big focus now. This is a critical area in the region," she said.

"The US need to do more. We're putting our embassies back in, and the Peace Corps is coming and USAID is coming back.

"We haven't been there for a while but that's all tremendously positive. The US and Australia working together will make a big, big impact."

Ms Kennedy will formally present her credentials to the governor-general on Monday.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7829755/aukus-needs-to-be-game-changer-us-chief/

National Press Club of Australia

Admiral Michael Rogers - FORMER U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY CHIEF

Russia and China: geopolitics and the new global cyber challenge

22 July 2022

Admiral Michael Rogers, Former U.S. National Security Agency Chief, will make his Address to the National Press Club of Australia on 'Russia and China: geopolitics and the new global cyber challenge'.

Admiral Rogers headed the US National Security Agency (NSA) and commanded US Cyber Command as a four-star Admiral under both President Obama and President Trump.

Admiral Rogers has a unique understanding of the world’s most advanced cyber technologies and practices, an intimate knowledge of threat actor behaviours and motivations, and deep insights into how current and emerging geopolitical trends will impact public and private organisations.

In his address to the National Press Club of Australia, Admiral Rogers will be sharing his insights on a range of issues, including cyber war lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war, the China challenge in cyberspace, and the how the AUKUS security pact can be best leveraged on cyber capability.

Michael Rogers retired from the U.S. Navy as a four-star Admiral in 2018, after 37 years of service. His career culminated with a four-year stint serving as Commander, U.S. Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency.

In those roles, Admiral Rogers worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defence, U.S. Intelligence community, and international cyber security agencies from around the globe. He has been instrumental in helping shape cyber, intelligence and technology policies within the U.S. and globally, including work within the finance, telecommunications and technology sectors.

Admiral Rogers now supports companies in the private sector as a member of corporate boards and as an international senior advisor, including serving as a member of CyberCX’s Global Advisory Board.

https://www.npc.org.au/speaker/2022/1044-admiral-michael-rogers

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_S._Rogers

>>16779929

IN FULL: Former US National Security Agency Chief addresses threats from China and Russia

ABC News (Australia)

Jul 22, 2022

Admiral Michael Rogers, a former US National Security Agency Chief, will make his address to the National Press Club of Australia on 'Russia and China: geopolitics and the new global cyber challenge'.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WSB_r1gqhc

https://qalerts.app/?q=Adm+R&sortasc=1

https://qalerts.app/?q=rogers&sortasc=1

https://qalerts.app/?q=NSA&sortasc=1

Former US spy chief questioned over Julian Assange's future

When asked about calls for the Australian government to intervene in the case of Julian Assange, former US National Security Agency head Admiral Michael Rogers said nations shouldn't feel "constrained" to act in their best interests.

SBS / AAP - 22 July 2022

1/2

United States' former national security agency chief has faced questions about calls for the Australian government to intervene in the impending extradition of Julian Assange.

United Kingdom Home Secretary Priti Patel last month approved the Wikileaks founder's extradition to the US where he is wanted on 18 charges, including espionage and hacking.

If convicted, lawyers for the 50-year-old Australian have said he could face a jail term of 170 years. US lawyers said he would more likely face four to six years in jail.

The Albanese government has faced calls to intervene in the case to prevent Mr Assange from being handed over to the US.

Speaking at the National Press Club on Friday, former four-star Admiral Michael Rogers - who headed the National Security Agency and US Cyber Command under presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump - was asked about his view on making such a request of an ally.

"There's a group of federal MPs across the government, the opposition, and the crossbench who are calling for the Australian government to formally ask the US to drop the charges against Julian Assange," SBS World News Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson said.

"What is your view of the risks and challenges associated with that, for a foreign government to make that request of an ally? And, do you think that at this point, the US would entertain considering that, given your background?"

Admiral Rogers said that allies "should not necessarily feel constrained".

"If you make the determination that it is in the best interests of your nation, you shouldn’t necessarily feel constrained," he said.

"We went to the United Kingdom, for example, and said, look, we [The United States] believe he should be extradited. They could have said, 'this is problematic for us'. Or, they could have said, 'why are you asking me?' … That’s not what happened. We made the request. It went through their process."

Admiral Rogers added he believed that "every individual is afforded the due process of the legal framework".

"That is true for him. And I accept that. I believe that, because I think that makes us stronger as a society.

"But I also believe in the importance of accountability. So he should get his time to make his argument. And we'll see what a court believes."

(continued)

>>16780026

2/2

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said he doesn't see the purpose of the "ongoing pursuit" of Mr Assange.

But he said he also wouldn't be pressured into publicly intervening in the case, instead opting to deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

"There are some people who think that if you put things in capital letters on Twitter and put an exclamation mark, that somehow makes it more important. It doesn't," Mr Albanese said last month.

Former attorney-general George Brandis has also said Australia had no legal grounds to intervene in Mr Assange's extradition.

AUKUS needs to be an 'engine for innovation'

Speaking to National Press Club on Friday, Admiral Rogers said the US, UK and Australia need to use the trilateral AUKUS alliance to create a fundamental shift in the nations' capabilities as America's technological supremacy lags

"We are not optimised for the world of the 21st century. The structures in the US we created all reflect the time when the US was the leader in technology," he said.

"AUKUS is about much more than just acquisition.

"We need to make AUKUS an engine for innovation. We should not be using this to reinforce the status quo. We should be using this as a vehicle to enhance a better outcome potential using different approaches."

Admiral Rodgers also called for greater technology sharing in light of Canberra's acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines through AUKUS.

"The undersea domain is the one area arguably, from the US perspective, where we believe we have and can sustain supremacy," he said.

"We have been very careful about sharing technology within that environment because we think that's a core warfighting and operational advantage for us.

"If we're willing to share that kind of technology with Australia, could you explain why we have all these other restrictions on things that are much lesser to me in terms of risk?"

Ahead of the address, Admiral Rogers told the ABC shifting priorities had also resulted in a renewed Indo-Pacific pivot.

"For a long time, particularly the post 9/11 environment, the US was dealing with a counterterrorism challenge that was not centred in the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

"That focus took resources, time, attention, leaders' decision bandwidth. We shifted that focus.

"But we have to acknowledge circumstances have changed. The Indo-Pacific region remains a cornerstone for the future for this world and we need to be fully integrated."

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/former-commander-of-nsa-under-trump-obama-questioned-about-julian-assanges-future/f49pr7y9g

>>16779960

China needs to ‘pay a price’ if it doesn’t change: ex US spy chief

Andrew Tillett - Jul 22, 2022

China should not be treated as an adversary, but Western nations need to convince Beijing it will feel a “measure of pain” to remind the Communist Party regime it needs to change its behaviour and stop trying to undermine the international order, a former top US intelligence official says.

Former National Security Agency chief Michael Rogers also wants the AUKUS pact to be a catalyst for sharing a wider range of sensitive defence equipment, given the precedent set by the US and Britain’s willingness to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, regarded as the most secret of technologies.

In a wide-ranging address to the National Press Club on Friday, Mr Rogers said WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should face a US court, despite pressure from Australian MPs for the charges against him to be dropped and the Albanese government saying the case needed to be resolved.

Mr Rogers, a 37-year navy veteran, was head of the NSA between 2014 and 2018, serving under presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, and now works as an adviser to a number of cybersecurity firms.

The NSA is responsible for collecting information and data for domestic and foreign intelligence, as well as for cybersecurity, but is a frequent target of criticism from civil libertarians for its mass surveillance.

Mr Rogers praised the Turnbull government for taking the lead in locking out Chinese technology companies such as Huawei from participating in the rollout of the 5G communications network – a debate he took part in from the American perspective.

He said he was comfortable with China being strong and having a large economy, given its historical position, but China’s behaviour was concerning and needed to change.

“I view China as a competitor. I do not want us to get to a position where they become an adversary or an enemy,” he said.

“That is not a good place for us to be. Not a good place for them to be.

“If we don’t change the trends, that’s the direction we’re going. We got to figure out how we continue to compete but also, quite frankly, how we change behaviour.

“The reason we’re going in this negative direction, in my opinion, is because of some of the behaviours that we’re seeing. It is activity and actions that we should highlight is unacceptable.”

Asked how China could be persuaded to change its behaviour, Mr Rogers said, “Number one, we show there’s a price to pay for unacceptable behaviour”.

“That’s exactly what you’re seeing in Ukraine with Russia right now: collectively, the broader world said, ‘This is totally unacceptable, we’re not going to sit here. We’re prepared to respond and support the efforts to ensure that you fail in this illegal, immoral and unlawful invasion.’

“So there’s a component of how do you commit to, in some parts, creating a measure of pain to show, ‘Look, we’re just not going to support it, put up with it.’ ”

Collaboration beyond nuclear subs

With China lobbing a fresh salvo against the AUKUS pact, claiming it breached nuclear non-proliferation rules, Mr Rogers said it was important to remember the agreement went beyond nuclear submarines.

“The undersea domain is the one area arguably from the United States’ perspective where we believe we have and can sustain supremacy in that environment,” he said.

“If we’re willing to share that kind of technology with Australia, could you explain to me why we have all these other restrictions on things that are much lesser to me in terms of risk?”

From a cybersecurity perspective, Mr Rogers said AUKUS was an attractive target for state-sponsored hackers.

Mr Rogers, who became head of the NSA after the Edward Snowden disclosures, said Mr Assange should face court.

“I believe in the importance of accountability. So he should get his time to make his argument, and we’ll see what a court believes,” he said.

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/china-needs-to-pay-a-price-if-it-doesn-t-change-ex-us-spy-chief-20220722-p5b3qh

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 5:41 a.m. No.16780173 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0176

US probes Chinese telecom giant Huawei over potential capture of American military information

Reuters - 22 July 2022

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The Biden administration is investigating Chinese telecoms equipment maker Huawei over concerns US mobile phone towers fitted with its gear could capture sensitive information from military bases and missile silos that the company could then transmit to China, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Authorities were concerned Huawei could obtain sensitive data on military drills and the readiness status of bases and personnel via the equipment, one of the people said, requesting anonymity because the investigation is confidential and involves national security.

The previously unreported probe was opened by the Commerce Department shortly after Joe Biden became US President early last year, the sources said, following the implementation of rules to flesh out a May 2019 executive order that gave the agency the investigative authority.

The agency subpoenaed Huawei in April 2021 to learn the company's policy on sharing data with foreign parties that its equipment could capture from mobile phones, including messages and geolocational data, according to the 10-page document seen by Reuters.

The Commerce Department said it could not "confirm or deny ongoing investigations".

It added: "Protecting US persons' safety and security against malign information collection is vital to protecting our economy and national security."

Huawei did not respond to a request for comment.

The company has strongly denied US government allegations that it could spy on US customers and poses a national security threat.

The Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to the specific allegations.

In an emailed statement, it said: "The US government abuses the concept of national security and state power to go all out to suppress Huawei and other Chinese telecommunications companies without providing any solid proof that they constitute a security threat to the US and other countries."

Reuters could not determine what actions the agency might take against Huawei.

Eight current and former US government officials said the probe reflected lingering national security concerns about the company, which was already hit with a slew of US restrictions in recent years.

If the Commerce Department determines that Huawei poses a national security threat, it could go beyond existing restrictions imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the US telecoms regulator.

Using broad new powers created by the Trump administration, the agency could ban all US transactions with Huawei, demanding US telecoms carriers that still relied on its gear to quickly remove it or face fines or other penalties, a number of lawyers, academics and former officials said.

The FCC declined to comment.

Previous bans on 5G tech

In 2018, Australia became the first nation in the so-called Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network to ban Huawei from involvement in its 5G network due to "security concerns".

The move to ban Huawei's 5G equipment was later followed by the US, the UK, New Zealand and, most recently, Canada, which issued a ban in May this year.

Huawei argued that with or without it being involved in the 5G rollout in Australia, the technology would be made in China, and banning it would slow the rollout and lower competition.

Huawei has long been dogged by US government allegations it could spy on US customers, though authorities in Washington have made little evidence public.

"If Chinese companies like Huawei are given unfettered access to our telecommunications infrastructure, they could collect any of your information that traverses their devices or networks," FBI director Christopher Wray warned in a speech in 2020.

"Worse still, they'd have no choice but to hand it over to the Chinese government, if asked."

Reuters could not determine if Huawei's equipment was capable of collecting that sort of sensitive information and providing it to China.

"If you can stick a receiver on a [phone] tower, you can collect signals and that means you can get intelligence. No intelligence agency would pass an opportunity like that," Jim Lewis, a technology and cybersecurity expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington DC-based think tank, said.

(continued)

>>16780173

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Towers near missile silos

Phone towers equipped with Huawei gear that are close to sensitive military and intelligence sites have become a particular concern for US authorities, according to the two sources and an FCC commissioner.

Brendan Carr, one of the FCC's five commissioners, said mobile phone towers around Montana's Malmstrom Air Force Base — one of three that oversee missile fields in the United States — ran on Huawei technology.

In an interview this week, he told Reuters there was a risk that data from smartphones obtained by Huawei could reveal troop movements near the sites: "There's a very real concern that some of that technology could be used as an early warning system if there happened to be, God forbid, an ICBM missile strike."

Reuters was unable to determine the exact location or scope of Huawei equipment operating near military facilities. Individuals interviewed by Reuters pointed to at least two other likely cases in Nebraska and Wyoming.

New powers against foreign adversaries

Rick Sofield, a former Department of Justice official in the national security division who reviewed telecoms transactions, said the Commerce Department probe could give additional bite to the FCC's crackdown but there was nothing new in targeting Huawei.

"The US government's concerns regarding Huawei are widely known so any information or communications technology company that continues to use Huawei products is assuming the risk that the US government will come knocking," Mr Sofield, who represents US and foreign companies facing US national security reviews, said.

He said he had not worked for Huawei.

The Commerce Department is using authority granted in 2019 that allows it to ban or restrict transactions between US firms and internet, telecom and tech companies from "foreign adversary" nations including Russia and China, according to the executive order and related rules.

The two sources familiar with the Huawei investigation and a former government official said Huawei was one of the Biden administration's first cases using the new powers, referred to Commerce in early 2021 by the Justice Department.

The Justice Department referred requests for comment to Commerce.

The subpoena is dated April 13, 2021, the same day that Commerce announced a document request was sent to an unnamed Chinese company under the new powers.

It gives Huawei 30 days to provide seven years' worth of "records identifying Huawei's business transactions and relationships with foreign entities located outside of the United States, including foreign government agencies or parties, that have access to, or that share in any capacity, US user data collected by Huawei".

Noting that the "focus of this investigation is the provisioning of mobile network and telecommunications equipment … by Huawei in the United States", it also asks Huawei for a complete catalogue of "all types of equipment sold" to "any communications provider in the United States", including names and locations of the parties to the sale.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-22/us-probes-chinese-huawei-over-capture-of-military-information/101259672

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 5:50 a.m. No.16780196 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6365

China campaigns against AUKUS as Joko Widodo prepares to visit Beijing

Eryk Bagshaw - July 22, 2022

Singapore: Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to raise the AUKUS deal when he meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Beijing next week, as China ramps up its campaign against the nuclear submarine agreement.

Widodo will be the first major leader to visit Beijing since Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the Winter Olympics in February. China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday confirmed Widodo would arrive on Monday for two days of meetings to discuss COVID-19, economic investment and regional security.

China released a report by two of its state-backed think tanks on Thursday criticising the deal between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, warning it could lead to nuclear proliferation in the region. Those claims were rejected by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs, but officials are now preparing for an ongoing international campaign against the AUKUS deal which will not deliver submarines until at least the 2030s.

Indonesia, which is hosting the G20 in Bali this year, is seen as a key ASEAN powerbroker and a vital economic partner for China as it looks to expand its influence in South-east Asia. Malaysia has been forthright in its criticism of the deal, warning it could lead to a nuclear arms race in the Indo-Pacific, but Indonesia has been more cautious, with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto arguing he understands the need for countries to protect their national interests.

Wang Yiwei, the vice president of the Academy of Xi Jinping Thought, said he expected AUKUS to be on the agenda at the meeting between Xi and Widodo. Despite recent overtures by the Chinese government aimed at stabilising relations with Canberra, Wang said Beijing remained sceptical of Australia’s security and military intentions.

“This friendly, cute and honest neighbour from afar has suddenly changed. Five eyes, AUKUS, the Quad, Australia is everywhere,” said Wang, who is a professor of international relations at Renmin University. “The question I get asked the most is what’s wrong with Australia?”

Wang said South-east Asian nations had questioned why Australia needed nuclear submarines. “Who is a threat to Australia in the South Pacific?”

China has at least 60 submarines in its fleet, including six nuclear-powered attack vessels. Australia has six ageing diesel-powered submarines.

But the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy report claimed the AUKUS deal would set a “dangerous precedent” because it would give non-nuclear states such as Australia access to weapons-grade nuclear materials for the first time. “[This would] have a profound negative impact on global strategic balance and stability,” the report said.

The Australian government has reiterated that nuclear materials would only be used to power the vessels and Australia has no plans to acquire nuclear weapons.

“We are not a nuclear power. There are nuclear powers in this region but Australia is not one of them,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in Malaysia last month. “What we are doing is replacing an existing capability with a new capability and that is nuclear-powered submarines.”

Opposition defence spokesman Andrew Hastie on Friday said, “authoritarian powers are on the move” and it was time to bolster Australia’s security in the Indo-Pacific.

Hastie said Australia should be open to either the US or the UK providing the submarine technology. The AUKUS deal committed the three nations to cooperating on the vessels, but it remains unclear whether Australia will lock in the US Virginia class or the UK’s Astute-class as their preferred model for the $170 billion project. The US has six times as many submarines as the UK.

“There’s a lot of symmetry with the United Kingdom that we share, and so I just want to UK to have a good bid, and that means a good public discussion in Australia that doesn’t exclude them, and we only just talk about the United States,” he said.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-campaigns-against-aukus-as-joko-widodo-prepares-to-visit-beijing-20220722-p5b3u9.html

Buzzes from rumormonger ASPI over Xinjiang can’t drown out the truth

Global Times - Jul 21, 2022

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A new study released Wednesday by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) claimed that China is using "social media and a disinformation campaign to project its preferred narratives about Xinjiang and influence unwitting audiences around the globe." This is the latest attempt by the Canberra-based think tank at attacking the Chinese government over its Xinjiang policy.

ASPI has been "concerned" about the situation in Xinjiang for years. It has played a significant role in spreading lies about Xinjiang in the international public opinion arena. Since 2018, the organization's Xinjiang Data Project has already published at least 167 "reports," "investigations," and "essays" based on the lies regularly concocted by the institute.

After analyzing one of ASPI's Xinjiang-related reports, Australian scholar Jaq James has found numerous lies and fallacies in many of ASPI's claims. "The ASPI report was not a work of scholarly analysis, but rather a piece of strategic disinformation to exact harm," she wrote in a report.

At the same time, the Australian think tank published work of anti-China "scholars," such as Adrian Zenz, who has been an enthusiast forger of lies. It can be said that the organization has long lost its academic integrity.

Moreover, all ASPI Xinjiang reports are deeply ideologically biased against China and use pre-determined political stances to attack and smear the Chinese government.

According to Ning Tuanhui, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, if ASPI was considered a conservative think tank or a right-wing think tank in the past, it now has completely transformed into an anti-China vanguard in the West. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has also repeatedly criticized ASPI for being excessively "enthusiastic about cooking up and sensationalizing anti-China topics."

Behind ASPI's disinformation campaign stand Washington and Canberra. The think tank's 2021 Annual Report shows that 69.2 percent of its annual revenue comes from funds of the Australian government, including the country's Department of Defense, and defense industries, while 18.3 percent comes from foreign government agencies. The two biggest funding payments from overseas government agencies are both from the US Department of State. Among them, one funding serves the purpose of setting agenda on such issues as Xinjiang human rights.

As the West increases its confrontation with China, ASPI has already become a megaphone for the West, especially the US and Australia, to promote an anti-China disinformation campaign and motivate more countries to confront China. In general, ASPI's clear values-oriented approach has made it even more difficult to believe the organization's claims.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 6:22 a.m. No.16780310 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7582

>>16780305

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In recent years, ASPI has already made up various Xinjiang-related claims, including those concerning "forced labor," "forced sterilization of Uygur women," "mass internment camps," and "cultural genocide." Now ASPI suggests that China uses its "state propaganda" to silence governments, businesses, and civil society over Xinjiang-related issues.

The recent ASPI Xinjiang report found out the silence of governments mostly comes from "Muslim-majority and non-Western countries." It said 55 of the 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had not condemned China for its policies in Xinjiang, an example of the success of the so-called Chinese propaganda.

The "rumormonger" ASPI, apparently, is inverting both cause and effect. There is silence in the Islamic world not because those countries were "brainwashed" by China. Instead, it is because with a majority of the Muslim population, they have a far more realistic and objective knowledge of Xinjiang than most Western nations. They understand there is nothing wrong with China's Xinjiang policy, so they don't jump on the West-led Xinjiang-smear bandwagon.

Some Western elites keep labeling China's reasonable rebukes over Xinjiang-related smears as "propaganda" and those silent countries as "victims of China's propaganda." They only want to see what they want to see and completely refuse to hear China's voice. This has been proven by the West's constant efforts to mute China from voicing its stance on Western social media, a flat contradiction to the freedom of speech that the West has always advocated.

However, it is expected that disinformation about Xinjiang will gradually lose its market in the future. "As Xinjiang keeps developing and the international community knows more about the reality of Xinjiang, smears on China's Xinjiang policy will only become less and less convincing, and those unfamiliar with Xinjiang will no longer be easily influenced by such nonsense," said Ning.

We cannot anticipate lie-spreaders, such as ASPI, to stop smearing China. But as their claims are proven wrong again and again, hopefully, their buzzes will soon be completely ignored by the whole world.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271145.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 6:30 a.m. No.16780335 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0357

>>16343646 (pb)

>>16343649 (pb)

>>16780305

China’s information operations are silencing and influencing global audiences on Xinjiang

Albert Zhang and Tilla Hoja - 20 Jul 2022

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The Chinese Communist Party is using social media and disinformation campaigns to project its preferred narratives about Xinjiang and influence unwitting audiences around the globe. Instead of improving its treatment of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities, the CCP is responding to critiques of its human rights record by coordinating its state propaganda apparatus, security agencies and public relations industry to influence and even silence governments, businesses and civil society at home and abroad.

For our new ASPI report, Assessing the impact of CCP information operations related to Xinjiang, we collected and analysed a vast amount of multi-language data, including Chinese government documents and speeches, government statements made to the UN Human Rights Council, corporate responses to Chinese state-affiliated consumer backlashes (regarding Xinjiang-related forced labour), 613,301 Facebook posts, 6,780,809 tweets and retweets, and 494,710 media articles.

The findings come on the back of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Xinjiang—his first since 2014. Despite almost a decade of repressive and discriminatory policies, including the arbitrary detention, mass sterilisation and cultural degradation of minorities in Xinjiang, reporting from Xi’s visit showed Uyghurs and other Muslim minority residents apparently waving and cheering the draconian policies they have been forced to live under.

Our research reveals that CCP information operations are successfully silencing governments, businesses and civil society organisations globally and deterring them from criticising the CCP’s humans rights record and actions. CCP online information operations deny, distract and deter voices critical of CCP policies by flooding social media with positive depictions of Xinjiang and whitewashing evidence of human rights abuses. These activities are coordinated with other coercive tactics such as state-affiliated trolling campaigns, cyber surveillance operations and offline harassment.

Xinjiang-focused CCP propaganda and information operations were more effective on Facebook than on other platforms such as Twitter. For example, of the top 400 Facebook posts with the most interactions (including reactions and shares), 60.3% were posted by Chinese state media and diplomats. Of the top 1,000 tweets with the most interactions (including likes and retweets), only 5.5% were posted by Chinese state media and diplomats, and 4% were from accounts suspended by Twitter for platform manipulation.

Social media data collected in this report also confirmed that the CCP and state-affiliated entities are likely deploying coordinated inauthentic accounts to amplify their online public diplomacy and disseminate disinformation. In the top 400 Facebook posts mentioning Xinjiang, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of comments posted by non-CCP Facebook accounts compared to posts from CCP-affiliated accounts with similar numbers of total interactions. Facebook posts by CCP-affiliated accounts tended to have fewer comments than posts by other accounts with a similar number of interactions. One explanation for this could be that CCP-affiliated accounts (such as those of Chinese diplomats and state media) are being inauthentically amplified.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 22, 2022, 6:35 a.m. No.16780357 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16780335

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News articles in different languages varied significantly in the tone of their reporting about Xinjiang and reflected differences in global public opinion about the CCP’s policies in the region. Of 494,710 articles analysed in more than 65 languages, Chinese-language articles were more likely to convey positive assessments of Chinese state policy and action in Xinjiang. Statistically similar results came from analyses of articles published in Urdu, Japanese, Thai and Turkish.

Our analysis of government statements at UNHRC sessions that found most countries that have supported CCP policies were based in Africa or the Middle East, which are emerging markets for US-based social media companies, while countries that have condemned CCP policies were mostly democratic nations in Europe and elsewhere. Most notable is the silence of governments in Muslim-majority and non-Western countries. Of the 57 member states forming the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, only Albania and, more recently, Turkey have condemned the CCP for its policies in Xinjiang.

The impact of these operations isn’t widely understood, and the international community—including governments and social media platforms—have failed to adequately respond to the global challenges posed by the CCP’s rapidly evolving propaganda and disinformation operations. The CCP’s public diplomacy is bolstered by covert and coercive campaigns that impose costs and seek to constrain international entities—be they states, corporations or individuals—from offering evidence-based critiques of the party-state’s record on human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong and other sensitive issues.

CCP information operations—including those targeting Xinjiang narratives and human rights abuses—should be countered now to mitigate the party’s global campaign of transnational repression and information warfare. Achieving that will require governments and civil society to work more closely with social media platforms and broadcasters to deter and expose propaganda organisations and operatives.

Governments must lead this policymaking process in coordination with allies and partners with shared interests. We recommend expanding economic sanctions regimes that target the perpetrators of serious human rights violations and abuses to include the distributors of disinformation and foreign propaganda who silence, intimidate and continue the abuse.

Albert Zhang is an analyst and Tilla Hoja is a researcher at ASPI’s International Cyber Policy Centre.

https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/chinas-information-operations-are-silencing-and-influencing-global-audiences-on-xinjiang/

Assessing the impact of CCP information operations related to Xinjiang

https://ad-aspi.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/2022-07/CCP%20information%20operations.pdf

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 23, 2022, 6:11 a.m. No.16787498 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7502

As the Roberts-Smith case nears its end, barrister returns to where he began: ‘Someone is lying.’

Deborah Snow - July 23, 2022

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Closing the long arc of the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case this week, Nicholas Owens, SC, barrister for Nine’s newspapers The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, returned to the stark proposition he’d put at the beginning of hearings a year ago: that “someone is lying”.

So irreconcilable were the differences between the version of events put forward by Nine’s witnesses, and those of Roberts-Smith’s backers, they could not be explained away as “honest or innocent or otherwise unwitting differences in perception or recollection”, he said.

Indeed, Owens argued, not just one but multiple witnesses on the Roberts-Smith side had colluded, stitching up a false version of events to protect their friend, the once-storied war hero – a charge hotly denied by the soldier’s legal team.

If there seemed to be an air of deja vu about the proceedings this week, that was the point. This was the summing up, a last chance to press home the case for each side before the judge retires to consider the verdict, which may not come for many more months.

Owens held centre stage for much of the week, speaking – with barely a reference to notes – for hours each day, hands in constant motion as he methodically drew the threads of Nine’s case together, weaving back and forth across evidence elicited from more than 40 witnesses.

In the absence of a jury, this was about technical and forensic skill, not flights of oratory. The case in Sydney’s Federal Court will be determined by one man – presiding justice Anthony Besanko, who’s remained inscrutable throughout.

As ever, Roberts-Smith sat watching silently from the back of the court, with his parents once again in attendance.

Nine has set itself the task of proving the truth of its allegations. If Owens succeeds it will forever brand the Victoria Cross recipient a bully, a man capable of hitting a woman, and a murderer or facilitator of the murder of unarmed prisoners of war and therefore a war criminal.

Arthur Moses, SC, for Roberts-Smith, began an indignant counter-attack on Friday and will continue into next week seeking to demolish, piece by piece, Nine’s allegations.

The key contention of the soldier’s legal team remains that the media’s stories are the product of “years of character assassination by disgruntled members” of the SAS, who “fed” information to Nine’s investigative journalists Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters. The pair were not qualified war crimes investigators, Moses said. Nine instead carelessly portrayed Roberts-Smith as a “homicidal psychopath” through advancing a “fanciful and salacious case theory based on conjecture, speculation and imprecise testimony”.

Nine originally laid six killings at the feet of Roberts-Smith. Owens conceded this week that one of those murders (said to have taken place near the village of Siah Chow) can no longer be made out, owing to Besanko’s decision not to compel a key witness – Person 66 – to testify, because the man believed he might incriminate himself.

Owens had previously maintained that proving the Siah Chow murder alone would have given him an “independent path home to victory”.

That leaves five other killings which Owens is resting the murder allegations on.

These include the much-publicised allegation that Roberts-Smith kicked an unarmed villager named Ali Jan off a cliff in the village of Darwan in September 2012 before conspiring with another soldier, Person 11, to kill the man and plant a radio device on him, falsely branding him a spotter for the Taliban.

Also given top billing by Owens are the events which took place at an Afghan compound designated Whiskey 108 on Easter Sunday 2009. There, the media outlets say, Roberts-Smith was responsible for the slaying of two unarmed Afghan prisoners, machine-gunning one himself and ordering the shooting of another. One of the prisoners possessed an artificial leg, which was later bizarrely re-purposed by the SAS as a drinking vessel.

The fourth and fifth killings are alleged to have taken place at the villages of Fasil and Chenatu (also known as Chenar Tu) in Afghanistan in late 2012.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Owens says because it is a civil case he only has to prove that, on the balance of probabilities, the events occurred as Nine has described.

But Moses has warned “it will not be good enough for the media to point to the evidence and say ‘we nearly got there’.”

(continued)

>>16787498

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Among the strongest elements of Nine’s defence are the military eye-witnesses its legal team produced in relation to several of the deaths, corroborating details from other soldiers who were nearby at the time. Moses has sought to depict two of these military witnesses as liars.

In relation to the Ali Jan killing, Nine’s legal team secured evidence from three Afghan villagers who testified by video link from Kabul, just days before the capital fell to the Taliban last year.

That testimony, given through an interpreter, was “littered” with detail that could only have come from people who were there on the day, Owens said. And key details were backed up by a soldier known as Person 4, and to a lesser extent, a second soldier known as person 56.

How was it, Owens asked, that Afghan villagers “on the other side of the world” could have provided detail that matched, in so many respects, what Nine’s military witnesses said took place? Moses claims this is because the villagers had been contacted by an intermediary for Nine before the case began.

Similarly, at Whiskey 108, Nine’s case relies heavily on alleged eyewitness testimony from fellow SAS members, including evidence from five different soldiers that a handful of Afghan prisoners were initially discovered hiding in a deep tunnel in one of the compound’s courtyards. Roberts-Smith and his backers have flatly denied that any Afghan males were found in the tunnel at all.

Owens put it to the judge that “if your Honour accepts … men [came] out of the tunnel, it follows almost inevitably that your Honour would disbelieve Mr Roberts-Smith’s entire case about Whiskey 108”.

Time and again, Owens made one overarching observation as he wove the threads of evidence together this week – that each of the military witnesses Roberts-Smith called were close friends.

Owens led the judge through an intricate timeline of clandestine meetings and communications between members of the group, sometimes using burner phones, which he said had so “impossibly contaminated” their evidence that they could not be relied upon as corroborators of each other’s stories.

By contrast, Owens insisted, Nine’s witnesses were “honest” and “independent”, with no motivation to lie. Indeed, many of the soldiers called by Nine had been reluctant to give evidence at all.

In response, Moses says there was nothing improper in the fact that the soldier and his friends would seek to discuss the allegations being made against him.

Roberts-Smith had also repeatedly sought to suppress or hide evidence, Owens said, including through efforts to “suborn” three SAS members whom he suspected were briefing against him or were co-operating with a secret probe into war crimes allegations being conducted by the Inspector General of the defence force.

The former soldier enlisted a private investigator to (unwittingly) send anonymous threatening letters to two of those soldiers, and orchestrated an unjustified police raid on a third, Owens said. These were attempts at intimidation which provided “forceful presumptive indicators of a consciousness of guilt” on the part of Roberts-Smith.

Evidence to support Nine’s claim that Roberts-Smith had obsessively bullied a more junior trooper over many years was also laid out in forensic detail, as was the media outlets’ claim that he had assaulted his former mistress, known as Person 17, in a hotel room in Canberra during a clandestine extramarital affair.

Owens said attempts by the soldier’s legal team to undermine the woman’s credibility – on the basis that the way she acted after the alleged assault was inconsistent with her status as a “wealthy and intelligent” individual – were based on “thoroughly outmoded and outdated and discredited stereotypes”.

Owens and the two barristers assisting him, Lyndelle Barnett and Chris Mitchell, have given this final pitch their all. Should they fail, the damages Roberts-Smith will seek will likely run into the millions, on top of costs estimated at $25 million thus far.

Another of Roberts-Smith’s barristers, Matthew Richardson SC, asked the judge to remember that “this case is about a human being, a human being who has suffered, who was once known as a hero”. The question to be settled is whether through his deeds, Roberts-Smith brought that suffering on himself.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/as-the-roberts-smith-case-nears-its-end-barrister-returns-to-where-he-began-someone-is-lying-20220721-p5b3i8.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 23, 2022, 6:24 a.m. No.16787552 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7557

>>16779960

AUKUS ‘much more than subs’: ex-US security chief Mike Rogers

GREG SHERIDAN - JULY 22, 2022

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The AUKUS agreement could transform Australian hi-tech and defence technology but nuclear-powered submarines may take longer than expected to produce, former US National Security Agency chief Mike Rogers says.

The retired admiral and senior US intelligence figure – who is visiting Australia this week – suggests Canberra may need to look at interim capabilities before the nuclear subs arrive.

“I think the acquisition of nuclear submarines is powerful, both in its war-fighting capability and in the signals it sends,” Admiral Rogers told The Australian in an exclusive interview. “I applaud Australia’s willingness to make that sort of commitment and to speak about it so frankly.”

However: “Nuclear submarines are incredibly complex platforms. We’re talking about a unit that’s configured for Australia’s needs, it’s not like we’ll just pull a Virginia (class sub) off the production line. Our experience with nuclear-powered submarines is they’re not inexpensive, and often they take longer than you expect. So we must aggressively ask: How can we accelerate this?

“If (you Australians) see the units will arrive late, creating an unacceptable risk, you have to engage the question: Are there alternatives in the interim?”

Admiral Rogers, visiting Australia as part of the advisory board of Cyber-CX, would not be drawn on whether Australia might need new conventional subs as a bridge to the nukes. But he cited the delay in the F35 Joint Strike Fighters, which led Canberra to buy Super Hornets to bridge the gap. He nominated alternative capabilities – “autonomous vehicles, robotics, sensors, situational awareness technologies”. He believes AUKUS is about “much more than submarines”.

The US system is surrounded by bureaucratic walls, dating from when it totally dominated hi-tech fields and wanted to guard its advantage.

“AUKUS represents an agreement to share US technology in the one contemporary war-fighting capability where we believe we still retain clear superiority. So why should the US put restrictions on other things that represent much less risk? We need to use AUKUS to drive change.”

This will have profound economic as well as strategic consequences.

Admiral Rogers nominates quantum computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, all aspects of cyber, telecommunications networks, optimising data, biomedical developments and nanotechnologies as areas where the US and its allies must have world-best capabilities.

(continued)

>>16787552

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Admiral Rogers was simultaneously head of NSA (under presidents Obama and Trump) and US Cyber Command.

He will address the National Press Club on Friday about cyber lessons from the Russia/Ukraine war. Ukraine has pioneered a new way to build cyber resiliency: “Most people think cyber attack means catastrophic disruption and visible impact,” he said.

In fact, Russia has made massive cyber efforts to disable Ukrainian civilian and military infrastructure. It has mostly failed because of the way Ukraine has mounted cyber defence.

“Ukraine went out to the wider world and said if you have cyber capability and you would like to be a cyber defender, we have a place for you. Ukraine also went to the private sector outside of Ukraine – look at how Microsoft and others have responded.”

Ukrainians understood that the Russians were effective at penetrating and damaging other nations’ cyber systems which have low levels of defence, or static defence systems. Ukrainians constantly change their cyber systems and as a result have produced resilience that neither the Russians, nor the West, foresaw.

Admiral Rogers believes Beijing is studying the Russia/Ukraine conflict closely. If it embarked on an invasion or other military action against Taiwan it would want to achieve a much higher degree of cyber disruption at the start of a conflict.

He says Chinese and Russian approaches to cyber developed differently. The Russians initially used cyber for espionage but also to hit an adversary’s infrastructure. They also invested intensively in using cyber as part of disinformation campaigns within the US and similar societies: “They use social media and our hyper connectivity to divide us.”

China on the other hand focused on using cyber intrusion to gain intellectual property for commercial and defence development, as well as more traditional espionage. It was also focused on cyber military applications. Initially, the Russians were probably technically superior, but the Chinese had more resources.

But the Chinese have become ever better technically, Admiral Rogers says. The West, led by the US, has been singularly ineffective in getting Beijing to reduce any of its cyber offence activities.

“China is not inherently bad or evil. But in cyber, China is engaging in a series of activities which violate international law and refuse to acknowledge accepted international norms.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/aukus-much-more-than-subs-exus-security-chief-mike-rogers/news-story/0f1b7814f34a0da36dd4368b9adcb749

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 23, 2022, 6:32 a.m. No.16787593 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

Fleet of nuclear submarines will be sent by Britain to Australia as a warning to China

DEFENCE EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL - 22 July 2022

Britain is to send a fleet of nuclear submarines to the Pacific in a decisive move to thwart Chinese aggression in the region.

The dramatic decision could see UK subs based in Australia until 2040, operating within striking distance of China.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the head of the Armed Forces, will agree the arrangement at a naval conference in Sydney next week. Assigning submarines to patrol the South China Sea will be Britain’s most assertive move yet against Beijing.

According to reports in Australia, Royal Navy submarines would be based at Perth on the country’s western coast and Australian submariners would be incorporated into British crews to improve their skills.

Basing the Royal Navy boats thousands of miles from UK shores is part of the AUKUS (Australia, United Kingdom and United States) security alliance.

AUKUS was set up last year primarily to confront Chinese military expansionism in the Indo-Pacific. Australia has become embroiled in a trade war and diplomatic stand-off with China. The deepening of defence ties with the UK is likely to cause further outrage with the Communist regime, which is vehemently opposed to AUKUS.

The Royal Navy declined to say last night how many of its submarines could be relocated to Australia, as all operational details surrounding Britain’s sub-surface fleet are classified.

The ‘Pacific tilt’ was signalled last year as part of the MoD’s Integrated Review.

The review set the target for the UK to become ‘the European partner with the broadest and most integrated presence in the Indo-Pacific’.

But given that China possesses the world’s biggest navy, some questioned the merits of such a deployment, arguing Britain’s boats would be massively outnumbered and outgunned.

Last night the MoD said: ‘It is UK policy that we do not comment on matters relating to submarine activity or operations.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11037405/Fleet-nuclear-submarines-sent-Britain-Australia-warning-China.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 23, 2022, 6:47 a.m. No.16787671 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4222

>>16499269 (pb)

>>16499308 (pb)

>>16499339 (pb)

PRGuy Tweets

TRAITOR Donald Trump “betrayed his oath” and tried to “destroy democratic institutions”, the Jan 6 Committee has heard. Trump allegedly froze when his supporters attacked America, despite pleas from his own staff and family to call off his hoards of rabid traitors.

https://twitter.com/PRGuy17/status/1550398014056845312

—

Donald Trump's legacy is a divided and weakened US. Ironically, people who genuinely believed themselves to be patriots, have brought their country to its knees, making way for the rise of China and Russia. Russia hand-picked and groomed Trump for years to destabilise the US.

https://twitter.com/PRGuy17/status/1550399001559646208

—

Q Post #1822

Aug 6 2018 18:31:41 (EST)

Psychological Projection.

Define Conspiracy.

a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.

"a conspiracy to destroy the government"

the action of plotting or conspiring.

"they were cleared of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice"

[Fake News]

Fake News collaborating and pushing knowingly false information?

Fake News ‘KNOWINGLY FALSE’ narrative pushes.

POTUS colluded w/ Russia to win the 2016 Presidential election
POTUS is puppet to PUTIN
POTUS to irreparably harm relationships w/ our allies
POTUS will collapse U.S. economy
POTUS will collapse stock market
POTUS will cause war w/ NK
POTUS will cause war w/ IRAN
POTUS will destroy the world.
On and on……..(knowingly false)

FEAR & SCARE PUSH.

They would rather see NK peace negotiations fail (WAR!) than see POTUS resolve.

Scandalous Media Bias?

Conspiracy?

Collaboration?

What are they hiding?

FAKE NEWS MEDIA IS NOT FREE AND INDEPENDENT.

FAKE NEWS MEDIA = PROPAGANDA ARM OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

Think WL list of journalists who colluded w/ HRC/DNC (2016 Pres election).

They want you DIVIDED.

DIVIDED by RACE.

DIVIDED by RELIGION.

DIVIDED by CULTURE.

DIVIDED by CLASS.

DIVIDED by POLITICAL AFFILIATION.

DIVIDED YOU ARE WEAK.

TOGETHER YOU ARE STRONG.

YOU, THE PEOPLE, HAVE THE POWER.

This movement challenges their ‘forced’ narrative.

This movement challenges people to not simply trust what is being reported.

Research for yourself.

Think for yourself.

Trust yourself.

This movement is not about one person or a group of people.

WE, THE PEOPLE.

You are witnessing a FULL PANIC ATTACK by the FAKE NEWS MEDIA & COVERT ALT MEDIA AFFILIATES (foreign gov’t).

They cannot contain or defeat what they do not understand.

Is any of this normal?

Think sealed indictments count.

Think resignations of CEOs.

Think resignations of Senators.

Think resignations of Congress.

Think termination of sr FBI…

Think termination of sr DOJ…

WATERGATE X1000

Attacks will only intensify.

Logical thinking.

Ask yourself a simple question – WHY????

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1822

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 24, 2022, 4:21 a.m. No.16794222 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4229

>>16787671

Donald Trump hits back at congressional committee

ADAM CREIGHTON - JULY 24, 2022

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A defiant Donald Trump has slammed the Congressional investigation into January 6th as a “hoax” in his first public speech since its scathing hearing revealed the former president watched television for hours in the White House during the riot, refusing repeated senior staff and family requests to try to call it off.

Speaking at a Trump rally in Prescott Valley, Arizona on Friday night (Saturday AEST), the former president waited until the end of his 90-minute speech to acknowledge the eighth hearing, televised in prime time the night before, which cast the president’s behaviour in a highly unfavourable light.

Mr Trump, facing potential criminal charges over his role in the assault on the Capitol to derail the certification of Joe Biden as president, ignored the crux of the hearing’s revelations, disputing only the allegation he wrestled with his driver in a presidential car in a failed attempt to go to the Capitol Building at the start of the riots.

“It’s a made-up story, total fiction,” he said in a speech that once again described the 2020 election as “rigged and stolen”, mocking how he could manhandle strong secret service agents.

“If I announced I was not going to run for office the persecution would immediately stop, but I can’t do that,” he told the large crowd on Friday night (Saturday AEST), after earlier teasing “we may have to do it again”.

Mr Trump was in Arizona to endorse one of his strongest supporters, Kari Lake, a former TV news anchor, for the August 2nd Republican primary vote to run for governor of the battleground state, which Mr Trump narrowly lost in 2020, potentially because of earlier insulting John McCain, the state’s veteran senator and war hero.

Indicative of the growing split among Republicans over candidates for the Congress and support for Mr Trump, former Vice President Mike Pence, increasingly expected to throw his hat in the ring in 2024 as well, endorsed Ms Lake’s rival for the republican nomination, Karrin Taylor Robson, a few hours before in Tucson.

“In many ways the RINOs are worse than the democrats,” Mr Trump said, referring to the acronym for ‘republican in name only’.

Whatever their ultimate impact on the US voters, which polls suggest have been more focused on inflation, and illegal immigration on the southern border, the blockbuster January 6th Committee hearings have sapped the former president’s support among previous high-profile media backers.

“Character is revealed in a crisis, and Mr Pence passed his January 6 trial. Mr Trump utterly failed his,” the Wall Street Journal editorial board opined on Saturday (Sunday AEST).

“Mr Trump took an oath to defend the Constitution, and he had a duty as Commander in Chief to protect the Capitol from a mob attacking it in his name. He refused. He didn’t call the military to send help. He didn’t call Mr Pence to check on the safety of his loyal VP”.

(continued)

>>16794222

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The New York Post, which had also supported Mr Trump during his term in office, said on Friday there was “no defence for his refusal to stop the violence”. “As a matter of principle, as a matter of character, Trump has proven himself unworthy to be this country’s chief executive again”.

Sporting his usual red tie and navy suit, Mr Trump delivered a trademark speech, castigating Joe Biden’s record on inflation, immigration – describing the border with Mexico as “the most unsafe border in the history of the world” – and law and order, praising tough anti-drug dealer laws in China and Singapore.

“When I was with president Xi of China I said do you have a drug problem and he said ‘quick trial’, meaning they are executed immediately,” Mr Trump said approvingly.

“They want open borders, they want to defund the police, they don’t want voter ID,” Mr Trump said of Democrats.

The former president mocked climate change - “in 300 years from now the ocean will be one eights of an inch higher, who the hell knows” – and made personal attacks on some US political leaders, such as Democrat California Congressman Adam Schiff for having “the perfect watermelon head”.

“And so much for Larry Hogan’s presidential ambitions, all he has to do is look in a mirror and he’ll know it’s not going to work,” he said, referring to the Republican Maryland governor, a vocal opponent of Mr Trump, whose state voted on Tuesday for Trump-backed Dan Cox to square off against Wes More for Maryland governor.

Mr Trump’s speech came amid increasing speculation - and concern among some Republicans - the former president will declare his 2024 candidacy before the November midterm elections, potentially distracting voters’ attention from issues such as inflation.

Most political analysts expect Republicans to retake the House of Representatives and the Senate, as inflation in particular undermines popular support from Joe Biden and Democrats, who hold both chambers by slim margins.

“As Dems show more signs of life and Republicans nominate several problematic candidates, we‘re downgrading our House outlook from a GOP gain of 20-35 seats to 15-30 seats,” said David Wasserman, an analyst at the nonpartisan political strategy and data outfit, The Cook Report, on Thursday.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/donald-trump-hits-back-at-a-congressional-committee/news-story/85c609a95b627900ebf1cc2b06af151a

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 25, 2022, 3:40 a.m. No.16802091 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

Australia's COVID-19 cases and death rates currently among world's highest per capita

Annie Guest - 25 July 2022

Australia's COVID-19 cases and death rates were the third highest in the world per capita during the past week, and the numbers are getting worse.

The latest figures show more than 12,625 Australians have died with COVID, and more than 5,000 are in hospital with the virus, including 159 in intensive care.

Professor Mike Toole, an epidemiologist from the Burnet Institute, said Australia was probably in the worst phase of the pandemic.

"Ninety-five per cent of reported cases have been reported this year, 2022," he said.

Professor Toole has studied the latest international data and found that Australia had some of the highest COVID-19-related numbers per capita.

"In the past seven days, Australia has ranked number three in cases per million population," Professor Toole said.

"That excludes the very tiny islands like the Channel Islands and other small places.

"We [also] ranked number three for deaths per capita, so much higher than the US, UK, France, Germany."

Experts plead with public to wear masks

Australia does mandate masks in high-risk settings such as aged care, hospitals and public transport but Professor Toole said it was not enough.

"If you look at other countries, a number of countries in Europe still have stronger mask mandates than Australia, and they have a lot higher compliance," he said.

Professor Toole pointed to a Burnet Institute study that showed mask-wearing doubled when Victoria first made it compulsory in 2020.

"The messaging out there is very very confusing," he said, arguing Australians were not getting clear signals on mask-wearing and other precautionary measures.

"[We need] strong public health messaging that if you have the slightest symptoms, do a RAT test. If it's negative, go out and get a PCR test.

"The other thing they must do is get boosters. Two doses is not enough."

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly released a statement saying the advice was clear — people should wear masks in crowded indoor environments beyond their homes.

'Relentless' toll on health workers

Health workers have felt the strain perhaps more than anyone.

As the pandemic stretches on, doctors and nurses are becoming burnt out by the ongoing burden on the health system.

Kylie Ward, the chief executive of the Australian College of Nursing, said she was very concerned about health workers.

"They've been giving now for years and it's been relentless and this is our third winter," she said.

"It's not only their physical health but their emotional health and mental health and wellbeing I'm concerned about.

"I have raised concerns about moral injury and the stress that the profession is under."

She said healthcare workers deserved empathy.

"We don't have enough nurses, and those that we do have must be well over exhausted now," she said.

"So, please be patient, be kind, wear masks, wash hands and practice really good infection-control measures to minimise the spread of this infection."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/covid-19-stats-australia-death-rate-high/101266098

Myanmar junta puts four democracy activists to death in first executions in decades

Erin Handley - 25 July 2022

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Myanmar's military junta has executed four democracy activists accused of helping carry out "terror acts", the South-East Asian nation's first executions in decades.

Among those executed was former hip-hop artist and ousted MP Phyo Zeya Thaw, who has close ties to Australia and whose death has sent a ripple of shock through the diaspora community here.

Thazin Nyunt Aung, the wife of Phyo Zeyar Thaw, said she had not been told of her husband's execution.

Prominent democracy figure Kyaw Min Yu, better known as Jimmy, was also executed. The other two men put to death were Hla Myo Aung and Aung Thura Zaw, the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper said.

Sentenced to death in closed-door trials in January and April, the four men had been accused of helping militias fight the army that seized power in a coup last year and unleashed a bloody crackdown on its opponents.

Kyaw Min Yu, 53, and Phyo Zeya Thaw, a 41-year-old ally of ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, lost their appeals against the sentences in June.

The four had been charged under the counter-terrorism law and the penal code, and the punishment was carried out according to prison procedure, the paper said, without elaborating.

Previous executions in Myanmar have been by hanging.

Sydney-based activist Sophia Sarkis said Phyo Zeya Thaw was a close friend and he came to Australia for a charity event she organised in 2019.

"I didn't know that would be the last time I was going to see him," she told the ABC.

She said while he was a famous rapper in Myanmar, he chose to get into politics because he believed in justice.

She said the charges were unfounded and he had been used as a scapegoat, and she knew many in Myanmar "who are living in fear of who is going to be next".

She said his life was cut short and he was a role model for the younger generation whose legacy will live on.

"He lives in our hearts forever and we will remember him as a hero," she said.

"He will be remembered as a young and free spirit, a loving and caring person, and brave — very brave. I am so proud to know him."

Myanmar's state media reported the executions on Monday and junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun later confirmed the executions to the Voice of Myanmar. Neither gave details of timing.

"My heart goes out to their families, friends and loved ones and indeed all the people in Myanmar who are victims of the junta's escalating atrocities," the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, said in a statement.

Former rapper had political training in Australia

Phyo Zeya Thaw's connection to Australia stretches back to 2012, according to Peter Yates, a policy adviser to the Minister for International Development in the former Labor government.

After his election but before he was sworn in, he was brought to Australia on AusAid funds for a political advisers' course, and he met then-prime minister Julia Gillard during the trip.

"Australia has supported this really important democracy activist who has now been executed," he said.

"It's symbolic of the situation in Myanmar at the moment, where not only are the extrajudicial killings going on by the junta, but obviously now, judicial killings going on too," he said, adding the military had crushed a decade of hope for a democratic future.

He added Australia could do more to support Myanmar's people, including sanctions, which have been Penny Wong flags possible sanctions against Myanmar junta.

Australia has imposed no new sanctions on Myanmar's military generals since the coup, despite steps from the US, the UK and Canada.

The new government has been repeatedly urged to take a stronger stance due to the ongoing detention of Australian economist Sean Turnell.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has been contacted for comment.

(continued)

>>16802131

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Mr Yates said Phyo Zeya Thaw had also met with Barack Obama and was a hard-working MP for his constituents in Nay Pyi Taw.

"It's definitely shocking. I think we'd all hoped that the death sentence was a political act by the junta, rather than something they were going to follow through with … [I'm] so deeply saddened and shocked by this horrible decision," he said.

Myanmar's National Unity Government (NUG), a shadow administration outlawed by the ruling military junta, condemned the executions.

"This is the signal and trigger to international community," NUG's Australian representative Dr Tun Aung Shwe.

"Under the military regime, there is no law … the Myanmar judicial system under military regime is just for show.

"Our commitment is getting stronger than before because of their sacrifice … They sacrificed their lives."

More than 2,000 extrajudicial killings since coup

The sentences drew international condemnation, with two UN experts calling them a "vile attempt at instilling fear" among the people.

The Assistance Association of Political Prisoners (AAPP) said Myanmar's last judicial executions were in the late 1980s.

A military spokesman did not immediately respond to telephone calls to seek comment.

Last month military spokesman Zaw Min Tun defended the death penalty, saying it was used in many countries.

"At least 50 innocent civilians, excluding security forces, died because of them," he told a televised news conference.

"How can you say this is not justice? Required actions are needed to be done in the required moments."

Myanmar has been in chaos since last year's coup, with conflict spreading nationwide after the army crushed mostly peaceful protests in cities.

The AAPP says more than 2,100 people have been killed by the security forces since the coup, but the junta says the figure is exaggerated.

The true picture of violence has been hard to assess as clashes have spread to more remote areas where ethnic minority insurgent groups are also fighting the military.

The latest executions close off any chance of ending the unrest, said Myanmar analyst Richard Horsey, of the International CRISIS group.

"Any possibility of dialogue to end the crisis created by the coup has now been removed," Mr Horsey told Reuters.

"This is the regime demonstrating that it will do what it wants and listen to no one. It sees this as a demonstration of strength, but it may be a serious miscalculation."

Elaine Pearson, acting Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said the "junta's barbarity and callous disregard for human life aims to chill the anti-coup protest movement".

"The Myanmar junta's execution of four men was an act of utter cruelty," she said.

"These executions … followed grossly unjust and politically motivated military trials. This horrific news was compounded by the junta's failure to notify the men's families, who learned about the executions through the junta's media reports."

Amnesty International regional director Erwin van der Borght called for an immediate moratorium on executions.

"The international community must act immediately as more than 100 people are believed to be on death row after being convicted in similar proceedings," he said.

"For more than a year now, Myanmar's military authorities have engaged in extrajudicial killings, torture and a whole gamut of human rights violations. The military will only continue to trample on people's lives if they are not held accountable."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/myanmar-executes-pro-democracy-activists-ousted-mp-rapper/101266802

Roberts-Smith alleged kick due to 'laugh'

Greta Stonehouse - July 25 2022

Highly trained and experienced war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith allegedly lost control and kicked an unarmed Afghan man off a cliff because he laughed at him.

In the second and final week of defamation trial closing submissions on Monday, barrister Arthur Moses SC said the Federal Court was asked to find his client's motivation for the allegation was "this man laughed at Mr Roberts-Smith twice".

"That a trained Australian soldier of the calibre of Mr Roberts-Smith and his undisputed record would so impulsively and cruelly first assault and then order the execution of an unarmed civilian in response of the slightest provocations is inherently improbable," Mr Moses said.

The Victoria Cross recipient is suing The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times over 2018 reports claiming he committed war crimes in Afghanistan including murder, and acts of bullying and domestic violence.

The 43-year-old denies all claims of wrongdoing, while the newspapers are defending them as true.

He is accused of kicking an innocent farmer called Ali Jan off the cliff and down into a river bed in September 2012 at Darwan.

The handcuffed prisoner was allegedly shot by another soldier, both alleged to be working in a joint criminal enterprise to carry out the murder.

Afghan eyewitnesses to the event were found through a middleman "fortuitously as luck would have it," and then set up with the mastheads who paid their rent, food and medical expenses for more than a year so they could give the evidence via videolink from Kabul, Mr Moses said.

"One cannot rule out the possibility this may have influenced their evidence."

He also pointed to another witness dubbed Person Seven, saying he was so obsessed that Mr Roberts-Smith was awarded the prestigious and rare medal that he sought to destroy his reputation using the media.

"To do all that he can to throw mud at (Mr Roberts-Smith) … and engaged in a war of words … in the dark and through the media.

"Person Seven heard rumours … and because of the Victoria Cross he starts hunting for war crimes."

The barrister submitted another former SAS soldier dubbed Person 14 lied to the court about a story that "flip-flopped" on numerous occasions.

"The lies drip from this man's evidence," Mr Moses said.

Person 14 testified that he observed a soldier wearing Mr Roberts-Smith's distinctive camouflage paint carrying his automatic Minimi weapon on a mission to a Taliban compound dubbed Whiskey 108 in 2009.

He said the soldier threw a figure to the ground before unloading an extended burst of Minimi fire upon them.

The barrister said notes from journalist Chris Masters dated February 2018 about his meeting with Person 14 stated that it was another soldier who shot the prisoner with a fake leg.

"But he told Your Honour that he told Mr Masters that it was Mr Roberts-Smith who shot the man with a prosthetic leg," Mr Moses said.

"He never told Mr Masters that, that would have been red hot for Mr Masters, he would have been tripping over himself to get to the editor's room.

"He contorted and twisted himself until the stage of lacking any credibility at all by the time he left the witness box."

Person 14 also told the court he saw Mr Roberts-Smith order Afghan soldiers to shoot a detained local man "or I will" during a 2012 mission in Khaz Uruzgan, something he denies.

Barrister Nicholas Owens SC on behalf of the newspapers last week said Mr Roberts-Smith colluded with several of his witnesses and good friends through clandestine meetings and swapping of evidence, and showed a guilty conscience of war crimes.

The trial is expected to resume in closed court on Tuesday.

Lifeline 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Open Arms 1800 011 046

https://www.openarms.gov.au

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7833246/roberts-smith-alleged-kick-due-to-laugh/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 25, 2022, 4:11 a.m. No.16802176 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

‘Bigger knolls at Bondi’: Ben Roberts-Smith barrister rejects cliff kick claim

Michaela Whitbourn - July 25, 2022

War veteran Ben Roberts-Smith did not kick a handcuffed Afghan prisoner off a cliff and there was no cliff at the site of the alleged incident, his barrister has told his Federal Court defamation case.

The court is hearing closing submissions in the defamation suit brought by the decorated former soldier against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times. The media outlets allege Roberts-Smith was complicit in five unlawful killings of Afghan prisoners between 2009 and 2012.

One of the newspapers’ key allegations was that Roberts-Smith kicked an unarmed and handcuffed villager named Ali Jan off a cliff in Darwan on September 11, 2012, before the man was shot dead. But Arthur Moses, SC, acting for Roberts-Smith, told the court on Monday there was “no clear contemporaneous evidence as to the geography of the area – including, importantly, the cliff … which it is said Ali Jan was kicked off”.

He said a “photo from an overwatch position, which is in evidence”, was not clear and “with all due respect, Your Honour, there is no cliff”.

“It’s more like a sandy knoll. I mean, there are bigger knolls at Bondi Beach here in Sydney or Henley Beach in Adelaide,” he told Justice Anthony Besanko, who is based in Adelaide but has travelled to Sydney for the trial.

“We say this was just part of the drama that was attached to a false story that has been circulating.”

Roberts-Smith claims the newspapers wrongly accused him of war crimes in Afghanistan, as well as bullying former colleagues and striking a former lover. The media outlets are seeking to rely chiefly on a defence of truth.

A former Special Air Service comrade, Person 4, told the court he saw Roberts-Smith kick the cuffed man off a cliff before he heard shots fired, and saw a second soldier, Person 11, with his rifle raised in a firing position.

Another former soldier, Person 56, said that either Person 4 or Person 11 disclosed after the Darwan mission that “an individual had been kicked off a cliff and … shot”.

Three Afghan villagers told the court via audiovisual link from Kabul that the man killed was Ali Jan, a Darwan farmer who was not connected to the Taliban, and that a “big soldier” kicked him off a cliff.

But Roberts-Smith told the court there was “no cliff” and “no kick”. The man in question was not a farmer but a suspected Taliban “spotter” reporting on the movement of coalition forces, he said, and both he and a soldier dubbed Person 11 lawfully fired shots at the man in a cornfield. Person 11, a friend of Roberts-Smith, supported this account.

Moses told the court the three Afghan witnesses were “entirely reliant on the financial support” of the newspapers for rent, food and medical expenses for more than a year “in a war-torn country with poverty so extreme that none of us in this courtroom could be said to experience it, let alone understand it”.

“One cannot rule out the possibility that this may have influenced their evidence,” he said. “That is one of the reasons why the court needs to approach their evidence with caution.”

The newspapers had sought to prove as part of their truth defence that Roberts-Smith was complicit in six alleged killings in Afghanistan.

However, the media outlets accepted last week that one of the allegations cannot be proven because a former soldier they claimed was central to proving the crime declined to give evidence in court on the basis of self-incrimination.

The trial continues.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/bigger-knolls-at-bondi-ben-roberts-smith-barrister-rejects-cliff-kick-claim-20220725-p5b4ao.html

Foreign Minister Penny Wong injured in surfing accident

CATIE MCLEOD - JULY 25, 2022

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has returned to Parliament House with an unusual injury for a politician.

Senator Wong was photographed at the Labor cabinet meeting on Monday with her arm in a sling.

Her office later confirmed she had injured her arm while surfing while she was on holidays.

“Thank you to those who have expressed concern,” Senator Wong wrote on Twitter.

“In short – Penny v Surfboard and Surfboard won.”

She was photographed at the cabinet meeting sitting in between Anthony Albanese and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.

The Prime Minister had convened a meeting with his senior ministers before Australia’s 47th parliament formally opens on Tuesday.

Labor has a flurry of laws it wants to pass as soon as possible and plans to introduce several Bills in the first parliamentary fortnight.

Top of the Albanese government’s agenda is its new climate change legislation, which would enshrine its 43 per cent emissions reduction target for 2030 in law.

It also plans to introduce its aged care reform Bill, as well as legislation for 10 days’ domestic violence leave, to establish the independent Jobs and Skills Australia workforce, and to abolish the cashless welfare card.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/foreign-minister-penny-wong-injured-in-surfing-accident/news-story/5d292eaef8883cdfbdd3b4db039fbb97

https://twitter.com/SenatorWong/status/1551395518504632323

>>16756266

Caroline Kennedy sworn in as US ambassador, confirms she will travel to Solomon Islands

Stephen Dziedzic - 25 July 2022

Caroline Kennedy has confirmed she will travel to Solomon Islands next week after being sworn in as the new United States ambassador to Australia.

The ambassador presented her credentials to the Governor-General on her first full day in the job.

She is expected to fly to Solomon Islands late next week — along with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman — to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The ambassador's father, former US president John F Kennedy, served as a patrol boat captain in Solomon Islands during World War II and famously helped to save the lives of US crew members after the ship sank.

Kennedy and the other survivors were later spotted and rescued from a nearby island by two Solomon Islander scouts.

The commemoration will also be a reminder of the strategic importance of Solomon Islands, which earlier this year signed a deeply contentious security pact with China.

Strategic competition has been ratcheting up in the Pacific as Beijing tries to expand its economic, police and security ties with a host of countries in the region.

The Biden administration has stressed America's historical ties to the Pacific — particularly from World War II — and has also made a series of announcements to expand its own presence, with the US Vice-President Kamala Harris unveiling plans to open new embassies and draft a new national strategy to corral US resources in the Pacific more effectively.

Ambassador yet to meet Anthony Albanese

Caroline Kennedy would not be drawn on the details of her trip to Solomon Islands when asked about the visit during a press conference in Canberra, but suggested the United States would continue to expand its footprint.

"I'm sure there will be many announcements to come in many areas, but I think that maybe we'll take this up next week," she said.

The ambassador was welcomed to Canberra in a smoking ceremony, walking through the smoke along with dozens of US embassy staff members.

She spent several minutes speaking intently to Ngunnawal elders after being gifted message sticks and handing over a copy of her book, Poems to Learn by Heart.

"You here represent the oldest civilisation on earth and I think the traditions, cultures and values you are passing on really have so much to teach the rest of us as we seek to reconcile our differences in this fractured world and face the great challenge of caring for our environment," the ambassador said.

But she only gave brief and general answers when asked about her priorities for her first meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the nuclear submarine partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom under AUKUS.

The ambassador said she was "really looking forward" to meeting Mr Albanese on Wednesday and called AUKUS a "really significant" partnership, but said she would only be in a position to talk in more detail about the issue down the track.

"There are many announcements to come in coming weeks, so I think it's best to let that unfold and then maybe we'll talk about them as they do," she said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/caroline-kennedy-sworn-in-as-new-us-ambassador-to-australia/101267386

U.S. Embassy Australia Tweet

It's official!

This morning Ambassador Caroline Kennedy met with Governor General David Hurley in Canberra to present her credentials as the United States Ambassador to Australia! Welcome Ambassador Kennedy! #USwithAUS

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1551384730704429057

>>16756266

Exclusive: Sherman, Kennedy to visit Solomons, where fathers fought and U.S. now vies with China

Humeyra Pamuk and David Brunnstrom - July 25, 2022

WASHINGTON, July 24 (Reuters) - U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy plan next month to visit the Solomon Islands, where their fathers fought in World War Two and the United States is in a modern-day battle for influence with strategic rival China.

Sherman and her delegation will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal during her Aug. 6-8 visit and meet with senior officials "to highlight the enduring relationship between the United States and Solomon Islands" and plans to open a U.S. embassy in the capital, Honiara, a senior State Department official told Reuters on Sunday.

Sherman will be just the latest senior U.S. official to visit the Pacific region as Washington steps up efforts to push back against Chinese diplomatic inroads.

As well as Kennedy - whose father, assassinated U.S. President John F. Kennedy, took part in the Solomon Islands campaign as a patrol boat captain in World War Two - Sherman's delegation will include Marine Corps Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka, deputy commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the Marine Corps commander for the Pacific, Lieutenant General Stephen Rudder.

The State Department official said the visit would also be of personal interest to Sherman, whose father, Mal Sherman, was a Marine wounded at the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began between U.S. and allied and Japanese forces in August 1942.

The six-month battle marked the start of U.S.-led offensive operations in the Pacific, showing the strategic importance of the Solomons that endures today.

In Honiara, Sherman will deliver remarks at a U.S.-organized ceremony on Skyline Ridge, site of the U.S. Guadalcanal Memorial, as well as at a Solomon Islands-hosted memorial at Bloody Ridge. She also will attend memorial events organized by the Solomon Islands and Japan, now a close U.S. ally.

"These events will recognize the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Battle of Guadalcanal, including U.S. and Allied forces, the people of Solomon Islands, and the people of Japan," the official said.

A State Department spokesperson said Washington was seeking to "significantly deepen" engagement with the Pacific islands "and embark on a new positive chapter … with increased American presence where we will commit to work with the Pacific Islands in the short- and long-term to address the most pressing issues that they face.

"The deputy secretary's trip to the South Pacific reflects the deep United States' investment in the region," the spokesperson added.

China has been seeking to boost economic, military and police links with Pacific island nations hungry for foreign investment. Washington has stressed its historical ties to the Pacific, especially shared sacrifices during World War Two, and vowed to commit more resources.

Beijing's growing influence was highlighted by its security pact with the Solomon Islands this year, a move that fanned concerns in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

In February, Antony Blinken became the first U.S secretary of State to visit Fiji in 40 years. While there, he announced a plan to open an embassy in the Solomon Islands and called the Pacific "the region for the future." Washington has yet to give a date for the opening of the embassy.

A senior-level U.S. delegation visited the Solomons in April and warned that Washington would have "significant concerns and respond accordingly" to any steps to establish a permanent Chinese military presence there.

At a four-day summit this month, Pacific island nations put the two superpowers courting them on notice, telling what are the world's biggest carbon emitters to take more action on climate change, while pledging unity in the face of a growing geopolitical contest.

Leaders at the Fiji summit also bristled at a Chinese attempt to split some of the nations off into a trade and security agreement, while Washington pledged more financial and diplomatic engagement.

https://www.reuters.com/world/sherman-kennedy-visit-solomons-where-fathers-fought-us-now-vies-with-china-2022-07-24/

>>16756266

Kennedy signals new developments on AUKUS as she plans Solomons trip

Matthew Knott - July 25, 2022

New United States ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy has flagged significant announcements about the AUKUS partnership with the US and United Kingdom will be made within weeks.

Kennedy, the daughter of slain former president John F Kennedy, officially began the role on Monday by presenting her diplomatic credentials to Governor-General David Hurley in Canberra before participating in a smoking ceremony at the US embassy.

Kennedy told reporters the AUKUS agreement - which will allow Australia to access America’s highly prized nuclear submarine technology - was a “really significant partnership between the closest of allies”.

When asked about the future of AUKUS, Kennedy said “there are many announcements that are going to be coming in coming weeks”.

Defence Minister Richard Marles has said he expects to decide by March whether Australia will purchase the British Astute-class or American Virginia-class nuclear submarines. The government also has to decide whether it needs to buy new conventional submarines before the nuclear subs arrive in the 2030s or 2040s.

Kennedy will meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for the first time on Wednesday before travelling to the Solomon Islands next week as part of an effort by the Biden administration to boost America’s presence in the Pacific and push back on China’s growing influence.

Albanese said he was looking forward with meeting Kennedy, whom he described as a “significant figure”.

“The US alliance is our most important relationship and having Ambassador Kennedy here is appropriate given the status of our relationship.”

Kennedy and Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman will open a new US embassy in the capital of Honiara during their trip, timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal in World War II.

After arriving in Australia on Friday Kennedy said: “I know there’s a lot of work to do in the Pacific. I am excited the Peace Corps is coming back into the Pacific Islands after an absence of many years in terms of the US engagement.”

She said the US and Australia have a “big agenda” to pursue together, including greater cooperation in the Pacific.

Kennedy was echoing Vice-President Kamala Harris who told the Pacific Islands Forum earlier this month that the Pacific may not have previously received enough attention from the US in recent times.

“We are going to change that,” Harris said.

Kennedy, who served as US ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration, said her first official day as ambassador to Australia was “really one of the most important days of my life”.

“The United States and Australia are the closest of allies, and we are global partners working toward peace and stability, health, security and economic prosperity in this region and beyond,” she said.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/kennedy-signals-new-developments-on-aukus-as-she-plans-solomons-trip-20220725-p5b4d9.html

Opinion: Australia’s early resolve has given us the diplomatic upper hand

Canberra’s decision to draw a line with Beijing sooner rather than later has paved the way for a stabilisation of relations.

Justin Bassi - Jul 25, 2022

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We are now seeing the reality of our bilateral relationship with China: one with tension, in which engagement occurs but is not the goal in itself, and where Australia does not concede sovereignty for economic gain.

The resumption of communication between defence and foreign ministers, and others, is in Australia’s interest because it allows for co-operation while retaining focus on irritants and concerns.

Most importantly, dialogue has recommenced on an unconditional basis, meaning Australia has not compromised on any of its foreign policy, national security and defence settings. That is, the first shift has been made by China, dropping its requirement that Australia change before engaging at the ministerial level – a positive outcome for the Albanese government and our nation.

In re-establishing dialogue without preconditions, the government has reinforced Australia’s strategic policy settings. The prime minister, defence minister and foreign minister have made it clear that Australia’s rhetoric will be carefully calibrated while policies on matters such as 5G, laws such as the counter-foreign interference legislation, and groupings including AUKUS and Quad will not only be retained but remain core to Australia’s national security posture.

The principle was set out by Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who said Australia will continue to make decisions “on the basis of our national interest, our security and our sovereignty”. It was reinforced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who responded to a new set of four conditions from China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi by saying: “Australia doesn’t respond to demands.”

Resuming dialogue without compromising any policy settings means the Australian government has gained the upper hand diplomatically.

Calibrating language doesn’t mean silence. The government has continued to appropriately identify malicious actions, security threats and human rights abuses. Consider Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles’ frank assessment at the opening of Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s office in Washington, DC, this month: “This is the most dangerous period I’ve lived through – we are witnessing the biggest military build-up since the Second World War … That’s what keeps me awake at night.”

The strategic continuity is clear. It shows the difficult decisions taken in recent years were important to ensure future governments didn’t have to make even harder and more disruptive decisions.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 25, 2022, 5:21 a.m. No.16802365 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1293

>>16802359

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China must play by CPTPP rules

Bigger tests lie ahead. For example, China desperately wants to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and some in Australia are already proposing that the Australian government should compromise in this area. This would be a critical mistake, as it would reinforce China’s practice of economic coercion, a malign tactic used against Australia and many of our partners including Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.

The CPTPP shouldn’t be a compromise to attract more positive rhetoric, or be used by Australia as a reciprocal concession for Beijing lifting its unfair trade measures; the free trade deal should be open only to countries that meet its strict standards. Meeting and upholding those standards should be required of China, just as for every other applicant, including Taiwan.

A high bar should be set for the accession of the UK, which applied before China. There would also be benefits for Beijing, as trading partners would have increased trust that China had fairly gained access. If we and the other 11 CPTPP countries allow China to join unconditionally, that would only encourage the Chinese Communist Party to continue its coercion.

As Wong has said, Australia should continue to identify ways of “stabilising” the bilateral relationship. This can and should occur without Australia ignoring the impact of China’s international behaviour. Australia has appreciated international support during our period facing coercion and, even in a more stable relationship, we should continue supporting states, such as Lithuania, that face coercion merely for making sovereign decisions.

There could be an early test, given there are signs that Beijing could lift its ban on Australian coal – a key plank in the CCP’s economic coercion campaign. This would be positive for Australian coal exports, but should not be viewed as a CCP concession that requires a reciprocal concession from us – there should be no reward for beginning to do what is right. If the coal ban ends, it will be driven by Beijing’s self-interest – alleviating supply issues resulting from Russia’s war.

Besides, we must also recognise that Beijing continues to strengthen its coercive hand in other ways. For instance, state media has announced that a new China Mineral Resources Group will help co-ordination in the steel industry, seemingly with an eye to controlling the price of iron ore, Australia’s most valuable export to China.

That’s why, even as relations “stabilise” and opportunities for co-operation are rightly identified, sunlight should continue to be poured on intimidatory behaviour. Transparency remains a key element in countering coercion, whether it is economic pressure or arbitrary detention. As ministerial re-engagement and trade improve, we must continue fighting for the release of detained Australians including Yang Hengjun and Cheng Lei.

The new Australian government has shown it can both talk and act in the national interest. All sectors should support these active principles in the name of Australian sovereignty.

Justin Bassi is executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

https://www.afr.com/world/asia/australia-s-early-resolve-has-given-us-the-diplomatic-upper-hand-20220724-p5b45a

Top US general calls Indonesia a 'key partner' on stopover in Asia-Pacific defence tour

ABC/AP - 25 July 2022

The Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive and dangerous over the past five years, a top US military officer has said while visiting Indonesia as part of a trip to the Indo-Pacific.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said the number of intercepts by Chinese aircraft and ships in the Pacific region with US and other partner forces had increased significantly, as had the number of unsafe interactions.

"The message is the Chinese military, in the air and at sea, have become significantly more and noticeably more aggressive in this particular region," General Milley said.

His comments come as the US redoubles efforts to strengthen its relationships with Pacific nations as a counterbalance to China, which is trying to expand its presence and influence in the region.

The Biden administration considers China its "pacing threat," and America's primary long-term security challenge.

In one incident, a Chinese navy ship directed a laser at an Australian patrol aircraft. In another, a surveillance aircraft controlled by Canada was intercepted by a Chinese fighter jet in international airspace.

US ships are routinely dogged by Chinese aircraft and vessels during transits, particularly around man-made islands claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea.

Meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Chief of the Indonesian National Defence Forces Andika Perkasa, General Milley said nations like Indonesia wanted the US military involved and engaged in the region.

"We want to work with them to develop interoperability and modernise our militaries collectively," he said, to ensure that they could "meet whatever challenge that China poses."

He said Indonesia was strategically critical to the region and had long been a key US partner.

Separately, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a virtual function on Monday that the South China Sea was not a "safari park" for countries outside the region or a "fighting arena" for major powers to compete in.

The South China Sea issue should be handled by countries in the region themselves, Mr Wang said in opening remarks at a virtual seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

The declaration was signed by the members of ASEAN and China in 2002.

General Milley, who spent the afternoon at General Andika's military headquarters, was greeted with a massive billboard bearing his photo and name, a military parade, and a large television screen that showed a video of his career.

At the end of the visit, General Andika told reporters that Indonesia had found China to be more assertive and "a little bit aggressive" with naval vessels in connection with territorial disputes with his country.

Earlier this year, the US approved a $20 billion ($US13.9 billion) sale of advanced fighter jets to Indonesia, and last December it signed agreements for enhanced joint naval exercises between the two nations.

General Milley's visit to Indonesia is the first by a US Joint Chiefs chairman since 2008.

China has condemned US efforts to expand its outreach in the region, accusing America of trying to build an "Asian NATO".

The US General's trip to the region is sharply focused on the China threat, with plans to attend a meeting of Indo-Pacific chiefs of defence in Australia, where key topics will be China's escalating military growth and the need to maintain security in the Pacific.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/us-indonesia-partnership-china-aggression/101266264

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 25, 2022, 5:39 a.m. No.16802445 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>2453

>>16513637 (pb)

Australian journalist Cheng Lei faces longer stay in Beijing jail as verdict is delayed

SOPHIE ELSWORTH - JULY 24, 2022

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Australian journalist and former TV anchor Cheng Lei, who has been detained in China for nearly two years after allegedly providing state secrets to foreign organisations, is facing an agonising wait to learn her fate after the final stage of her trial was delayed for the second time this year.

The mother-of-two, who has been held in a Beijing jail since August 2020, had her case heard in a secretive closed-court trial in China in March. The handing down of her verdict was initially postponed until July, and now it has been delayed a second time.

It’s understood that Chinese authorities last week decided that the verdict in the Cheng Lei case wouldn’t be announced before late October at the earliest, meaning the 47-year-old journalist will remain incarcerated in a Beijing prison at least until then.

Cheng was an anchor for the Chinese government’s English TV channel, CGTN, when she was detained by the Chinese Ministry of State Security and accused of leaking state secrets overseas.

Details of the leaks have not been publicly disclosed.

Australian consular officials in Beijing this month visited Cheng in prison, where she is sharing a cell with three other detainees. She has been unable to see any members of her family since she was arrested, including her two children, aged 11 and 13, who live in Melbourne with her mother.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman told The Australian the federal government “holds serious concerns about the welfare of Australian citizen Cheng Lei”.

“We expect all Australians detained in China to be treated with due process, procedural fairness and humane treatment, in line with international norms,” the spokeswoman said.

“We continue to provide consular assistance in line with our bilateral consular agreement with China.”

DFAT would not comment on the latest delay to the trial.

Cheng was born in China and moved to Australia to complete primary and secondary school and university studies.

She had been working as a journalist in Asia for about 20 years, including at CNBC in Singapore, before she moved to CGTN in Beijing.

The journalist’s long-term partner, Nick Coyle, who was head of the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce before stepping down from the role this month, remains optimistic Cheng will soon be reunited with her two children in Melbourne.

Mr Coyle is not the father of her two children.

“The ultimate goal is to get her home to her family and loved ones as quickly as possible,” he said.

“She’s resilient and coping as well as anyone could in the circumstances that she’s in.

“She’s mentally and emotionally very strong and I think the fact so many people care about her plight and situation gives her a lot of strength.”

(continued)

>>16802445

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It is understood Foreign Minister Penny Wong discussed Cheng’s case during a recent meeting with her Chinese counterpart.

The Labor minister also tweeted a message of support to Cheng on June 25, which said: “Our thoughts are with Cheng Lei – especially today on her birthday. Our hearts go out to her children, whose birthday messages will be passed on during a consular visit to her next Wednesday.”

Cheng was a business reporter for CGTN and her detention came during the breakdown of relations between Australia and China.

Mr Coyle was due to meet with Cheng for his birthday drinks in Beijing in August 2020, but when she failed to turn up he became concerned.

It wasn’t until the next day when he went to her apartment and discovered certain pieces of electronic equipment and personal documentation including passports and birth certificates were missing that he knew something serious had occurred.

Mr Coyle said his only contact with his partner was via consular officials but he remained confident there would be an outcome to her case soon.

“It’s obviously extremely difficult that we are almost two years now without her children being able to talk to her or see her in these formative years,” Mr Coyle told The Australian.

“She was very well known in business circles through her role with CGTN and prior to the CNBC she was an alumni ambassador for DFAT.

“She was somebody who is cared about by a lot of people and is well known.”

He said Cheng remained in a “highly restrictive environment” but was coping with the conditions as best as possible, including doing yoga and other forms of exercise.

Mr Coyle, who is now based in Australia, said he still found the whole episode difficult to fathom.

“It’s deeply shocking, it’s mystifying and it’s been difficult but I’ve always been cognisant that it’s been more difficult on Lei than anyone else,” the 42-year-old said.

“I hope the matter can be dealt with expeditiously and compassionately with an understanding that whatever decision is made impacts Lei and impacts her two children.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/australian-journalist-cheng-lei-faces-longer-stay-in-beijing-jail-as-verdict-is-delayed/news-story/d86e0959f546397007e63460c25efd30

>>16350130 (pb)

>>16350134 (pb)

>>16390500 (pb)

Nonsense to say 'Australia needs nuclear submarines to defend itself': Australian scholar

Global Times - Jul 24, 2022

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Editor's Note:

After the Albanese government took office in Australia, there have been discussions about a possible reset of China-Australia ties. Global Times (GT) reporter Yan Yuzhu talked to Professor David Goodman (Goodman), director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, about his opinions on the reason why there has been hostility in Australia toward China and possible changes in the new government regarding the China policies.

GT: A few days after the Albanese government took office in Australia, you, along with several other high-profile China Studies academics, issued an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, urging less public aggression and adjustment in approach to China. What kind of response did this open letter receive?

Goodman: There has been a bit of easing of tensions, we had a very nasty government before, and the new government coming in has had to be very careful about what it is about to do and what it would say.

I think this government is definitely more inclined to deal with sensible diplomacy with China than standing up in public and telling China why it is wrong. That's a good thing, because talk is always preferable to war.

Penny Wong is a great foreign minister, as she is listening to people and doing things. She has put a whole new working party in place to see how we can more positively deal with our foreign policy. Although I don't think they did it because we wrote our open letter, but certainly it was the spirit of the times.

There were a few people in public, not many, who criticized the open letter. There was one guy who wrote an opinion piece for The Australian, which is one of the big newspapers, and said we were traitors for two reasons, one was for writing this letter, and the other was because it was published by Xinhua News Agency exactly at the same time as it was first published in Australia. He blamed us for that, though of course we hadn't contacted Xinhua at all.

Generally, though, I think the open letter has gone fine. Even a number of people who were part of the Morrison government have not said that particular letter was wrong, even if it was a criticism of the way he was acting toward China.

GT: How do you see the prospect of a renewed China-Australia relationship? How different will the Albanese government's policy toward China be compared to that of the Morrison government?

Goodman: We just had a change in government, which has to move slowly in what it's doing. I saw no negative signs from the Australian side or the Chinese side for that matter after the meeting between the two foreign ministers, and I don't think you can do any more than that.

Of course, if you interpret what the foreign minister of China said as meaning that Australia shouldn't have an alliance with the United States, you might see that as an unreasonable demand if you were in Australia. There is a big debate in the moment about whether or not we would be better having an alliance with the US. You can imagine which side of that discussion I fall on, it's quite obvious. But it's a discussion you have to have, which we've had a little, but not a lot before.

A lot of nonsense is talked such as "Australia needs to have nuclear submarines to defend itself." It doesn't work, and there are many opinion influencers who agree with me that this is really not healthy.

Of course, we don't want to be attacked by anyone, but when you think about what it would take China to physically attack Australia, including logistic and military challenges, it will be clear that China will not do so.

But a lot of the defense officials in the past government in Australia are thinking about what we would do as Australians if China "invaded" Taiwan. How crazy. Even people who are anti-China in the UK and the US have said that kind of argument is rubbish, because it is.

What I'd like to see in the bilateral relationship is that the trade ties could ease. The previous government made some statements and criticism about Chinese trade practices which led to bad trade relations between the two countries. I'd like to see them eased. And in my opinion, China has some severe economic problems ahead. It would be in China's interests to solve them.

(continued)

>>16802540

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One way to solve, for example, is that coal imports would be put back on proper track. At the moment, we all know coal from Australia still goes to China, but it doesn't go in the simplest, cheapest way - instead, it goes through a third party, which is ridiculous and just costing more money. It's a waste of time, resources and efforts. Let's not do that.

The new government will be very different in one very important respect - its policy will be based on diplomacy and not on shouting. That's not a small thing - standing up in public and telling China what to do. Scott Morrison, the former prime minister, was at it again. He went to a conference on July 14 in South Korea, doing the same kind of thing - trying to say how good he was because he had faced up to China, which clearly doesn't work.

GT: While most countries try to maintain a balance between China and the US, Australia chose to completely stand with the US, the result of which is not in Canberra's interests. How do you think of it?

Goodman: About Australia's hostility toward China, one of the reasons is that politicians outside China prefer a threat to exist so that they can use it to mobilize support for themselves. As a result, both China and Russia become the new fashionable threats.

Besides, it is because of the US and European defense industries who fund one of Australia's leading think tank that leads the charge against China.

Arms makers of course want there to be a China threat because they can sell more. It's a logic of capitalism I'm afraid.

As to Australia's stance toward the US, there is a debate going on in Australia as I mentioned before. I don't know who the majority supports, but there is a sizable body of opinion that doesn't think that America is the answer to all our problems. There's also a lot of discussion in Australia about foreign interference and involvement in the local property market.

All countries try to create spheres of influence in other countries, which is also called lobbying or intelligence networks. So why not do something which is not underhand but quite open?

A publicity campaign, that's what the US has had for some time through Hollywood, music, sports, and all kinds of ways in which it has a better reputation. Its politics stink in Australia, but still, they have a good reputation. And China could encourage things like that if it wants to influence the government and public opinion.

GT: Against the backdrop of the negative China narrative created by the Morrison government for many years, how do you think the Australian community should enhance its understanding of China, and improve two-way communication? What are the opportunities?

Goodman: If more people know about China through education, experience and interaction, won't it be better for everybody?

For a long time, I've thought it would be good to encourage people in the same profession from China and Australia to have forums where they can meet and discuss, because I think when you bring people together who do similar things, even if they're from two different cultures, they can cooperate and begin to understand each other's country, and then they make friends.

Not only should we do it through professional organizations, we should also do it with children. Schoolchildren from Australia should go to China and vice versa, not for long periods, but for a short period at school.

What would an Australian kid do to go to school for three months in China? They have to learn Chinese beforehand, which is great. That is what I think more important to structure, which allows people-to-people relationship in real world. Let's have a long-term program and think about how we build for a future world, where people can and are encouraged to work together.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271242.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 26, 2022, 11:27 p.m. No.16840379 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0381

Defence force documents disprove allegation Ben Roberts-Smith killed teenager in Afghanistan, defamation trial hears

Former soldier’s lawyer says defence documents show teenager was released unharmed but newspapers say they are not accurate

Ben Doherty - 26 Jul 2022

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The allegation Ben Roberts-Smith murdered a teenager with his pistol in Afghanistan and boasted about it days later as “the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen” should be disregarded by the judge in his defamation trial, the former soldier’s lawyers have told the federal court.

Arthur Moses SC, acting for Roberts-Smith, said there were no witnesses to the alleged murder, and that “contemporaneous defence force documents” show the teenager was released unharmed.

But the newspapers Roberts-Smith is suing have alleged in court those documents are not accurate, and do not disprove the allegation.

The allegation of the teenager’s execution, which a a former SAS soldier anonymised before court as Person 16 claimed Roberts-Smith told him about, was one of the most dramatic testimonies of Roberts-Smith’s year-long defamation trial.

Roberts-Smith, a recipient of Australia’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross, is suing the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times for defamation over a series of reports he alleges are defamatory and portray him as committing war crimes, including murder.

The newspapers are pleading a defence of truth. Roberts-Smith denies all wrongdoing.

On 5 November 2012, Roberts-Smith conducted his final operation of his final tour of Afghanistan, to Fasil in southern Uruzgan province.

In his evidence during the trial, Person 16 told the court he was manning a road checkpoint on the mission, when he took into custody and handcuffed two of four men stopped in a Toyota Hilux, including an adolescent: “I made him out to be late teens … not a fully beard, a bit chubby, and shaking in terror.”

“He appeared extremely nervous and trembling uncontrollably.”

Person 16 told the court he handcuffed both prisoners and handed them over to Roberts-Smith. He said he did not see the two men again.

Person 16 said about 15 minutes after handing over the two men – described as PUCs, “persons under control” – to Roberts-Smith, Roberts-Smith said over the troops’ radio “two EKIA”. EKIA is an initialism for “enemy killed in action”.

In the days after the mission, Person 16 said he crossed paths with Roberts-Smith in the accommodation lines at the SAS’s Camp Russell within Australia’s Tarin Kowt base.

He told the court he asked Roberts-Smith: “What happened to that young fella who was shaking like a leaf?”

Person 16 said Roberts-Smith replied: “I shot that cunt in the head … I pulled out my 9mm, shot the cunt in the side of the head, blew his brains out. It was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Person 16 said he could not recall what he said in reply to Roberts-Smith “because I was shocked at what he’d said”. He said he did not report the conversation at the time because of a powerful “a code of silence” within the SAS.

In court, Person 16 was shown pictures of a dead Afghan male whom he identified as the teenager he had taken into custody.

The body was photographed with an AK-47 beside it, but Person 16 said the teenager was unarmed.

(continued)

>>16840379

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In his evidence to the court last year, Roberts-Smith was asked about the alleged killing of the Afghan teenager.

He said the account was “baseless”, that he never said those words, and that the event could not have happened, because he was never handed any prisoners on that mission, and never fired his pistol in combat while on deployment in Afghanistan.

“I’ve never had an engagement with my pistol,” he told the court.

Critical, too, to the newspapers’ allegation, was a photograph that was allegedly absent.

Lawyers for the newspapers told the court four people were taken from the Hilux vehicle at Fasil, but only three were photographed on their transfer to custody at the Australian base at Tarin Kowt, marked with tape on their clothing as GB1, GB3, GB4.

The missing photograph – of GB2 – was alleged by the newspapers to have been the teenager.

However, Moses told the court Person 16’s evidence was undermined – and the newspapers’ allegation disproved – by an operational summary prepared by the troops on the ground that day.

It was heard in open court that operational summary states: “The adolescent male was released.”

In closing submissions Moses said “that serious allegation … of murder that has been propounded in this case, comes with a problem for the respondents [newspapers]: there is no eyewitness who saw this alleged execution”.

“The contemporaneous defence force documents to which we’ve averted to, in our submissions, confirm the release of an adolescent male prisoner.

“And that explains why there is no photograph of him taken back at Tarin Kowt.”

No further detail of the operational summary document has been discussed in open court, nor has it been released as a publicly available exhibit.

However, Nicholas Owens SC, acting for the newspapers, told the court in earlier closing submissions that the operational summary document was unlikely to be accurate.

He said the assertion that the adolescent was neither interrogated nor photographed but simply released – but then his release documented in formal reporting of the mission, was a highly unusual and “suspicious” divergence from standard operating protocols for the Australian troops, and inconsistent with the treatment of any other person detained that day.

“By definition, a PUC (person under control) who is not taken back to Tarin Kowt is released. It is for that reason that that utterly banal fact is, on the evidence in this case, never recorded in post-mission reporting. So why, we ask rhetorically, was it thought necessary to make a specific reference in this case to something that would otherwise be assumed, namely, that a person who wasn’t taken back to Tarin Kowt was left alive on target?”

Owens said “many other PUCs” were taken that day and there is no report of them being released.

“We accept that on its face the [operational summary] is a document powerfully in Mr Robert-Smith’s favour, in the sense that it records that the adolescent was released. But we say when one looks at the probability that if that was in fact what happened, would that have been recorded in this way? We say that it would not.

“In any event, it certainly renders far more suspicious that he was not photographed when he was regarded as sufficiently important to be dealt with in the contemporaneous reporting summary.”

The trial, before Justice Anthony Besanko, will conclude this week. A judgment is not expected for several months.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/26/defence-force-documents-disprove-allegation-ben-roberts-smith-killed-teenager-in-afghanistan-defamation-trial-hears

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 26, 2022, 11:29 p.m. No.16840385 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0389

Former Nudgee College principal Stephen McLaughlin attended school celebration despite allegations of child sexual abuse

Rory Callinan - 26 July 2022

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A Christian Brother who was suspected by police of being a paedophile was able to attend a birthday party at exclusive Brisbane private school St Joseph's Nudgee College, despite his order being in negotiations to pay a settlement to one of his alleged victims.

Former college headmaster Stephen David McLaughlin, who had been the subject of unproven child abuse allegations in the 1990s and early 2000s, was photographed at the celebration for a former staff member at the school on May 31, 2017.

Some students from the college were present at an official welcome prior to the function that was then attended by McLaughlin, who had been boarding master at the school in the early 1980s before becoming College headmaster in 1988 and then leader of the Brother's Xavier province in 1996.

Nicknamed Stumpy by students, McLaughlin was investigated in the late 1990s and 2000s and in one case committed for trial on indecent dealing charges, but was never convicted in relation to allegations made by four alleged child abuse victims.

Some of the allegations revolved around the then Brother taking young children, often from single-parent families, to stay with him alone in Brisbane motels.

Investigating police found payment records showing McLaughlin paid for the motel stays using his credit card.

Two of the complainants had siblings who had attended Nudgee College.

At the time, McLaughlin denied all allegations and his legal team argued the complainants were unreliable and their statements contradictory.

But in early 2017, Brisbane solicitor Peter Deed, acting on behalf of one complainant from the late 1990s, approached the Christian Brothers seeking compensation for his client.

The complainant alleged that when he was a 15-year-old schoolboy in Brisbane he had been introduced to McLaughlin by self-confessed child molester and Nudgee old boy Dennis Norman Douglas in 1997, according to legal documents sighted by the ABC.

The complainant alleged he then took part in sexual acts with McLaughlin who became obsessed with him and gave him expensive clothing, money and promised to get him into a Sydney drama school, the documents revealed.

He alleged the sexual acts occurred between him and McLaughlin at Brisbane motels and at the Christian Brothers-owned holiday home on the Gold Coast. He was not a Nudgee College student.

As a result of the alleged interactions as a 15-year-old with the then 44-year-old McLaughlin, the complainant claimed he suffered loss, damage and injuries and may require specialist counselling and other therapy.

Mr Deed confirmed that in early May 2017 the Christian Brothers were involved in negotiations to discuss a settlement to the claim.

On July 9, 2017, both parties agreed to a six-figure settlement.

The complainant also received an apology dated August 2017 from the Christian Brothers Oceania's professional standards executive officer Shane Wall, who said the sexual and other abuses the boy allegedly suffered were "appalling".

"I sincerely hope that the resolution reached goes some way to acknowledge the harm you experienced and that your future is less burdened by such distressing memories,'' Mr Wall stated.

The Christian Brothers also provided the complainant with a statement dated August 10, 2017, saying McLaughlin had retired from the ministry and held no current position involving the supervision of children or minors.

"There is no intention by either Br McLaughlin or the Christian Brothers that he return to any ministry position involving children and or minors,'' the statement from Mr Wall said.

(continued)

>>16840385

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McLaughlin allowed back on school grounds

The complainant, who asked not to be named, said he was shocked to learn McLaughlin had been at the party.

"I'm very concerned that somebody who is at risk of sexually abusing children is allowed back on school grounds. Does he still have a blue card?'' he said.

A photo of McLaughlin at the party was published in the school's Nth Degree magazine in July, 2017.

In the picture he is seen posing with other former headmasters of the college including retired District Court Judge Brian Boulton. The ABC does not suggest Judge Boulton, who retired in 2004, or any of the other attendees, had knowledge of McLaughlin's alleged offending.

At the time of McLaughlin attending the party at Nudgee College in 2017, he was also under investigation by police over unrelated child abuse complaints involving an incident at his Brisbane home in 2015.

The abuse occurred when McLaughlin babysat a boy, then aged 12, whose father he had befriended. The boy reported the abuse to his mother that same year sparking a police investigation.

In March this year, in the Brisbane District Court, McLaughlin was convicted on two counts of indecent dealing in relation to the 2015 case.

Judge Anthony Rafter sentenced McLaughlin to two years in jail but suspended the sentence on the grounds of the now former Brother's ill health.

But McLaughlin’s lawyers said while their client was currently battling serious, life-threatening health issues, he was taking legal action to mount an appeal.

They said he believed he was the victim of a serious miscarriage of justice and intended to take whatever action was necessary to restore his good name and reputation.

College devastated to learn of allegations

A spokesman for Nudgee College said due to separation between the college and the Brothers, they were not aware of any discussions in 2017 related to claims made against McLaughlin.

"These discussions were carried out without input from the college,'' a spokesperson said.

The spokesman said the Christian Brothers' leadership team had not had any governance or executive role over the schools since 2007, when Edmund Rice Education Australia was established to take responsibility including governance of all schools run by the Brothers.

He said the college's past mothers' association had held a birthday party for a former long-term staff member in May 2017 to which McLaughlin had been invited.

"Students attended a brief ceremony to welcome the guest of honour but did not attend the function at which McLaughlin was present,'' he said.

"Our staff follow strict protocols around child protection with their focus on student wellbeing."

The college said it was devastated to learn of the allegations made by the alleged victims and acknowledged their bravery and courage in coming forward.

The statement said that since 2007, the college had been governed by Edmund Rice Education Australia.

An ABC investigation into McLaughlin has raised questions about his access to children and the Brother's and state government's handling of child abuse allegations.

In 1996, he boasted of personally foster caring for dozens of wards of the state and other disadvantaged children via an arrangement with Nudgee College and the state government.

The Queensland Children and Youth Justice Department confirmed that while McLaughlin was "not formally assessed as a foster carer" he had been treated as one and was assigned "some caring responsibilities".

A spokesperson also said the Families Department had "given permission" for him to care for children away from the school.

She said the department had an established relationship with McLaughlin as a direct result of his role as principal at Nudgee College.

"Departmental records indicate Brother McLaughlin offered a range of scholarship and supports to vulnerable children and their families, some of whom were in the care of the department at the time,'' she said.

The Christian Brothers have established an independent inquiry into issues associated with McLaughlin after the ABC put questions to the order about the allegations.

Brisbane barrister Troy Spence has been appointed to conduct the inquiry.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-26/qld-stephen-mclaughlin-christian-brother-nudgee-college/101174684

Former WA police officer jailed for decades-old sexual abuse of young girl

Georgia Loney - 25 July 2022

A District Court judge has jailed a former WA police officer for sexually abusing a child more than 40 years ago, telling the man he left his victim with a lifelong sentence.

The 67-year-old pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent dealing with a child under 14, on an unknown date between 1979 and 1984.

The man, who the ABC has not named to protect his victim's identity, insisted the offences took place before he joined the police force in 1981.

Appearing in the Bunbury District Court on Monday, he was jailed for 14 months, and will be eligible for parole.

Victim wore hidden wire

The court heard he sexually abused the child, who was aged between four and nine years old, while playing tickling games in a bedroom.

But it took decades for the abuse to come to light.

Prosecutor Alan Dungey said the victim's mother confronted the man in 2020.

"He said … 'I wondered when it would come out'," Mr Dungey said.

The victim, who is now in her late 40s, wore a covert recording device to meet with the man in Busselton in 2021, to discuss the events which took place four decades ago.

He admitted to the abuse, and detectives arrested him on June 15, 2021.

He pleaded guilty in February.

Lasting damage

The man's lawyer, Michael Devlin, said his client had insight and remorse into his behaviour, and had sought counselling for what he had done while aged in his mid-20s.

Mr Devlin said his client had been emotionally immature, and since then had lived a "blameless life".

He said he had served more than 30 years in the WA police force in various roles, before leaving in 2017.

But Mr Dungey said while the man had been able to go on to enjoy a long and successful career, his victim still suffered as a result of the abuse.

Judge David MacLean said only immediate jail was appropriate.

He referred to the victim impact statement, in which the victim said she suffered from constant shame and guilt.

"She is still attempting to come to terms with her psychological and emotional demons," he said.

"Child abuse presents a lifelong sentence for those that endure it."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-25/former-wa-police-officer-jailed-child-sex-offences-bunbury-court/101268388

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 26, 2022, 11:39 p.m. No.16840408 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0426

>>16702157

EXCLUSIVE: Ghislaine Maxwell is moved to low-security federal prison in Florida - where she can take part in an inmate talent show, continue teaching fellow inmates yoga or learn a trade like baking, plumbing or cosmetology

DANIEL BATES - 25 July 2022

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Ghislaine Maxwell has been sent to a Florida prison where she will serve her 20-year sentence for helping billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein abuse underage girls, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The disgraced socialite has been moved to FCI Tallahassee, a low-security prison in the Sunshine State, near where she committed her crimes.

The Bureau of Prisons website indicates Maxwell will be eligible for release on July 17 2037.

The choice of prison by the BOP is against the recommendation of Judge Alison Nathan, who oversaw Maxwell’s trial for recruiting and trafficking underage girls for the late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Judge Nathan asked the BOP - following a request from Maxwell’s lawyers - to send her to FCI Danbury in Connecticut.

However the BOP has ultimate authority and decided against sending Maxwell there.

Despite this Maxwell, 60, will likely welcome the news as she has complained bitterly about her treatment at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where she has been held since her arrest in July 2020.

Her lawyers have accused prison authorities of breaching her rights by shining a torch in her cell every 15 minutes and subjected her to invasive searches while filming her at all hours.

Maxwell was convicted after a trial in December in which her victims testified that she lured them to Epstein when they were as young as 14 years old.

During the sentencing Maxwell said she wanted to ‘acknowledge’ the pain of her victims but stopped short of an apology.

Her lawyers have already filed a notice saying they will appeal both the conviction and the sentence.

That Maxwell serves her sentence in Florida has a certain irony as it was there that her criminal conduct occurred.

Oxford-educated Maxwell was found guilty on five of six counts, the most serious for sex trafficking minors.

The charges stemmed from crimes committed against four women between 1994 and 2004 mostly at Epstein’s mansion in Palm Beach, a five hour drive from her new prison.

FCI Tallahassee, which opened in 1938, has a population of 755 inmates and only houses women. The FCI stands for Federal Correctional Institute.

According to the prison handbook, Maxwell will be woken up at 6am every day and be issued an inmate identification card that she must wear at all times.

Each period of the day is announced over the tannoy and includes exercise sessions and work periods.

Staff may search inmates’ cells at any time for contraband or stolen property and each prison shares a cell with one other person.

The prison handbook says that the only approved uniform is: khaki pants, khaki shirt, underwear, bra, socks, and authorized shoes.

A khaki dress is also permitted.

Maxwell will be allowed to wear a plain wedding band, however her marriage to former tech entrepreneur Scott Borgerson is over and they are thought to be in the process of divorcing.

(continued)

>>16840408

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Upon arrival, Maxwell was issued basic items like deodorant, a bar of soap, socks, bottle of shampoo, toothpaste and a towel.

While at the MDC Maxwell had already impressed other inmates by teaching them yoga and English - she will likely continue to do so in her new prison.

According to one prison consultant, Zoukis Consulting Group, yoga is available to inmates at FCI Tallahassee as well as pilates, weights, softball, flag football and frisbee - English is also taught for those who want to learn.

Maxwell will be able to keep herself entertained by taking part in the prison talent show or watching movies.

There is also a track for running - Maxwell is known to be a keen jogger.

Maxwell will be able to continue learning Russian - her lawyers have said she started doing so in the MDC to keep herself entertained - in the recreational library.

Among the apprenticeships that Maxwell can do are: electrician, baker, horticulturist and plumber, though it is not clear which local companies she would potentially work for.

Cosmetology is also offered as a trade for inmates to learn, a pursuit which may include massage. Maxwell's convictions were based on underage girls being brought to Epstein for sexualized massages.

FCI Tallahassee has suffered controversy in the past and in 2007 six guards were convicted for a sex-for-contraband scandal.

In 2021 the BOP settled a lawsuit in which 15 women alleged sexual abuse by corrections officers at the facility.

Notable inmates at FCI Tallahassee include the terrorist Colleen LaRose and Earth Liberation Front member Chelsea Gerlach.

The facility in Danbury was expected to be where Maxwell would serve her sentence after the request from her lawyers during sentencing.

During sentencing Maxwell’s lawyer Bobbi Sternheim said: ‘We request that Ms. Maxwell be designated, based on a recommendation by the Court, to the BOP facility, the women's facility in Danbury, and also a recommendation that she be enrolled in the FIT program, which is the Female Integrated Treatment program, to address past familial and other trauma’.

Judge Nathan said: ‘I recommend to the Bureau of Prisons consideration of placement in Danbury and consideration of eligibility for enrollment in the FIT program’.

The FIT program would have allowed Maxwell to be part of a ‘therapeutic community’ that will help her understand how her own abusive father shaped her life.

Workshops would have included 'Trauma in Life’ and ‘Seeking Safety’ so she could process the impact of being abused by her father, the late British press baron Robert Maxwell.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11044677/Ghislaine-Maxwell-moved-prison-Florida-life-luxury-Epsteins-Palm-Beach-mansion.html

United States Federal Bureau of Prisons - Find an Inmate

https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/

Federal Correctional Institution, Tallahassee (FCI Tallahassee)

https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/tal/

INMATE INFORMATION HANDBOOK - FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA

https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/tal/TAL_aohandbook.pdf

Federal Detention Center - Tallahassee, Florida - Admission & Orientation Booklet

https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/tal/TAL_fdc_aohandbook.pdf

FCI TALLAHASSEE COMMISSARY LIST

https://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/tal/TAL_commlist_20201117.pdf

>>16721848

Richard Marles on the attack in revival of Australian Defence Force

GREG SHERIDAN - JULY 25, 2022

Defence Minister Richard Marles wants to substantially increase the lethality and strategic strike power of the Australian Defence Force within the next five to seven years.

This is an extremely ambitious time frame which would almost certainly make the Albanese government accountable for real-time defence delivery, a nearly unique circumstance in recent Australian history.

Independently of the process to acquire eight nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement with the US and the UK, Mr Marles is determined Australia must act in the immediate future to beef up its deterrent capabilities.

“The Defence Strategic Update in 2020 was a very important piece of work which made big observations which I agree with,” the Defence Minister told The Australian.

“The setting we’d had for a long time, that if anyone wanted to do us harm we’d be given 10 years warning, no longer applied.

“Now we are observing that we are within that 10-years window,” he said.

The Albanese government wants to acquire much greater missile and drone capacity for the ADF. The previous government’s initiative to produce a domestic guided missile manufacturing program, initially announced more than two years ago, had languished and made very slow progress.

Mr Marles indicated it was a high priority for the new government: “We need a whole lot of urgency around that, and now there is that urgency,” he said.

Mr Marles confirmed that the government plans to build the eight nuclear submarines in Australia. However, it is not possible that Australia could ever build the nuclear reactor and associated propulsion system in the submarine, so every nuclear sub would be partly built in Australia and partly built in the US or the UK.

It could be that the first nuclear-powered sub is mostly built overseas and the eighth one is mostly built in Australia.

“We are going to need to develop over time the ability to build them in Australia,” Mr Marles said.

“If we are going to get the whole eight in good time, we’ll have to make our own contribution to the joint industrial base (of US, UK and Australia).”

These comments contradict the plan outlined by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, that when he was defence minister he believed he could get the first two nuclear submarines built in the US and increase the overall number from eight to 10.

Mr Marles also confirmed that the force posture review which Labor announced in opposition would now also look comprehensively at the force structure of the ADF.

This means it could recommend scrapping certain assets and programs and choosing others in their place.

Mr Marles is expected to shortly announce two independent co-chairs of this review, which he wants to report by March next year, when the separate task force working on AUKUS subs will also report.

The Albanese government, he said, was committed to 2 per cent of GDP for defence spending, and also committed to “the funding envelope around the integrated investment plan” which is scheduled to cost $270bn over 10 years.

However, the government is not committed to all the programs within that investment plan, and the force structure review would examine the plan to see if it was fit for purpose.

Mr Marles said the ADF needed to be able to defend the continent, dominate our maritime approaches, secure sea lanes, and earn Australia international respect.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/richard-marles-on-the-attack-in-revival-of-australian-defence-force/news-story/00df11f9555bc9748f23e94fef86fda7

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 26, 2022, 11:52 p.m. No.16840452 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0465 >>4234

US Strategic Command Tweet

#ICYMI: Earlier this week @usairforce B-2 Spirits from @Whiteman_AFB conducted a training mission with @AusAirForce F-35A Lightning IIs.

#FriendsPartnersAllies #FreeandOpenIndoPacific #strongertogether

https://twitter.com/US_STRATCOM/status/1551281611127365633

>>16840452

US Strategic Command Tweet

The @AusAirForce recently teamed up with @Whiteman_AFB & the @131stBombWing during a B-2 hot-pit refueling in Amberley, Australia. Hot-pit refueling cuts down on the aircraft's turn around time to take off for another mission, increasing its readiness.

#FriendsPartnersAllies

https://twitter.com/US_STRATCOM/status/1551623479409115139

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post

July 26, 2022

MRF-D heads west.

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) 22 and Australian Army soldiers with 16th Battalion, Royal Western Australia Regiment, conducted multiple air assaults, patrolling, and force-on-force maneuver during exercise Koolendong 22 in Yampi Sound, WA, Australia, July 2022.

Exercise Koolendong 22 enhanced MRF-D and the Australian Defence Force’s ability to conduct combined and joint operations, demonstrating the shared commitment to being ready to respond to a crisis or contingency in the Indo-Pacific region.

#mrfd

#usmc

#adf

#westernaustralia

#FreeandOpenIndoPacific

U.S. Marine Corps photos by Corporal Cedar Barnes and Corporal Cameron Hermanet

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/413873744108448

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 12:02 a.m. No.16840480 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0482

>>16802404

>>16802278

A fool’s errand: US attempting to sow discord in Asia-Pacific region

Global Times - Jul 26, 2022

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US high-level officials, ranging from politicians to military chiefs, kick start a new brainwashing tour in the Asia-Pacific region.

During his trip to Indonesia on Sunday, Mark Milley, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the Chinese military has become "significantly and noticeably more aggressive," because the number of interceptions by Chinese aircraft and ships in the Pacific region with the US and its allies have increased.

Also on Sunday, Western media outlets hyped that US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy planned to visit the Solomon Islands in August, with the aim to push back China's influence.

Milley's visit to Indonesia is the first by a top US general since 2008. The timing seems delicately arranged given the fact that Indonesian President Joko Widodo's China tour started on Monday. Sherman and Kennedy's upcoming visit to the Solomon Islands is filled with utilitarian mentality. For decades, Pacific islands have not received high-level diplomatic attention from Washington, but right after China signed a deal with the Solomon Islands, Americans started visiting the island country one after the other.

Be it Milley or Sherman and Kennedy's visit, they all share a single goal - that of demonizing China and if possible, turning regional countries against China. But regional countries are well aware what rhetoric such as "China becomes more aggressive" means - when the US stretches its hands too far, China's legitimate defense is portrayed as aggression, when the US goes to extremes in provoking China via tactics like close-in reconnaissance, China's justified interception is called a " threat."

When US officials travel across the Asia-Pacific region, telling people how dangerous China is, while acting as an innocent party, Washington is treating regional countries as fools. Widodo's China visit right after Milley's remarks could be a coincidence. But to some extent it shows that Indonesia is not buying the US' rhetoric, or taking the US' side.

While cozying up to ASEAN members, lately the US has also been putting more effort on the Pacific islands. When Western media covers Sherman and Kennedy's Solomon tour, they tend to highlight that the two politicians' fathers fought in World War II in the region, and the US is now in a modern-day battle for influence with strategic rival China.

This comparison is a wrong abuse of history. During the WWII, Sherman and Kennedy's fathers fought against the expansion of the Japanese Empire and the fascist Axis powers' ambitions for world hegemony. Today, US politicians abandoned their fathers' spirit and are doing the exact opposite, pursuing their own hegemony and privileges. In the case of Pacific countries, they are demanding regional countries not to accept China's assistance in local development, even when they have no ability to do it by themselves and when the US can offer zero help, Shen Yi, a professor at Fudan University, told the Global Times.

It is the US that seeks to dominate the Pacific region and even the world. In other words, the US is playing the role which Japan had once played during the WWII.

(continued)

>>16840480

2/2

China is helping the Solomon Islands and other regional countries with their development, including infrastructure construction and China would be willing to see the US participate in it. "If the US takes the islands as its own sphere of influence, it has more reasons to invest there," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator, told the Global Times. Unfortunately, the US owes them too much throughout history. The fallout of US nuclear test in the region is still wreaking havoc; The US would overthrow local regimes once they are not obedient; and when it comes to local economic and social development, the US has done nothing, according to Song.

Seeing it has less and less to compete with China, the US is getting desperate, and the most convenient tool it has left is to hype the "China threat."

The US wishes to see as much tension as possible in the Asia-Pacific region, but it has one principle when stirring up trouble - the villain must be China, not the US. That's why the Pentagon suggested that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit is "not a good idea" - if Pelosi made the visit, the villain would be the US. That does not conform to the US playbook. What other option does the US have when China is not aggressive? Demonizing China, advertising the idea across the region, attempting to turn China's neighbors against it.

But not all countries are fools. People can see that when China brings practical cooperation, all the US talks about is containing China. When China exports infrastructure commodities, the US exports weapons and wars. For quite some time, Western domination has meant poverty and stifled foreign policy for other countries.

The facts clearly show who is being aggressive and dangerous. The more the US attacks China, the more weakness and lack of confidence the world smells from the US.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271389.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 12:08 a.m. No.16840493 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0503

China calls for concrete actions after Australian PM’s remarks about ‘sanctions’

Global Times Jul 25, 2022

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Monday renewed calls for Australia to take concrete actions to improve ties to create a favorable condition for bilateral trade, after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reportedly urged China to "lift all of the sanctions" against Australia.

Albanese said in an interview with local media outlet Sky News on Sunday that China should lift all "sanctions" against Australia. "It's in China's interest to lift all of the sanctions against Australia and it's in Australia's interest for that to happen as well," Albanese said, according to news website news.com.au.

Asked about Albanese's remarks at a press briefing on Monday, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the relevant measures of Chinese authorities on Australian imports are in accordance with China's laws and regulations as well as international practice. These measures are also a responsible act for Chinese domestic industries and consumers.

China hopes that Australia will seize the opportunity arising from the relationship, take concrete actions to reshape its perception of China and deal with bilateral economic and trade relations on the principle of mutual respect and benefit, Zhao said.

A healthy and stable China-Australia relationship is in line with the fundamental interests and common aspirations of both peoples, Zhao noted, adding that Australia should move in the same direction as China, and accumulate positive energy to create a favorable environment for the healthy and stable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.

According to Chinese statistics, bilateral trade stood at $231.2 billion in 2021, an increase of 35.1 percent year-on-year. China's imports from Australia grew 40.6 percent to $164.8 billion.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271356.shtml

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s Regular Press Conference on July 25, 2022

MASTV: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an interview on July 24 that there is no justification for Chinese sanctions on Australian products and that it’s in both countries’ interests to lift all of them. He expressed the hope of cooperating with China “where we can”. Do you have any response?

Zhao Lijian: A sound and stable China-Australia relationship meets the fundamental interests and common aspiration of the two peoples. According to our statistics, two-way trade between China and Australia reached $231.2 billion in 2021, up by 35.1% year-on-year, including $164.82 billion of imports from Australia, which went up by 40.6%. As to the measures taken by Chinese authorities on imported foreign goods, they are strictly consistent with Chinese laws and regulations and established international practice and part of acting responsibly for domestic industries and consumers.

Let me reiterate that China’s position on practical cooperation with other countries, including Australia, is consistent. We hope Australia will seize the opportunities in our relations, take concrete actions, shape up a right perception of China, handle economic and trade relations with China in the spirit of mutual respect and mutual benefit, work with China in the same direction to reduce liabilities and build positive dynamics for improving bilateral relations, and create enabling conditions for the sound and steady development of economic and trade ties.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220725_10727739.html

>>16840493

Australia needs to work with China to create enabling conditions for improving bilateral relations.

SpokespersonCHN发言人办公室

Jul 25, 2022

Australia needs to work with China to create enabling conditions for improving bilateral relations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1s53BLh_vE

>>16802540

>>16802552

Chinese Consulate General in Sydney Tweet

China's growth has been an inherent part of globalization, which certainly has a positive impact on most people's standard of living around the world, an Australian sociologist has said.

https://twitter.com/ChinaConSydney/status/1551763738176491521

OPINION: Trump 2.0 poses a grave risk to the US, and Australia

Peter Hartcher - July 26, 2022

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Absorbing as they may be, the US Congressional hearings into the January 6 insurrection have told us a great deal more about something that we already knew: that Donald Trump tried to overthrow democracy in the US by fomenting a violent attack on the Congress.

While most of us have been preoccupied with his past, he’s busy working on his future. And on coming back with a vengeance.

In spite of everything, he remains the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to the presidency; the overwhelming majority of Republicans in Congress either support him or fear him; and he is the most formidable fundraiser in American politics.

And his public approval rating of minus 11 per cent is no worse than Joe Biden’s minus 12 per cent, according to the rolling poll average maintained by realclearpolitics.com.

Trump could face criminal prosecution, and he could just as likely be the next president of the US.

The former president considers himself frustrated in achieving many of his aims in his first term, betrayed by a “deep state” of public servants beyond his reach.

He plans to fix that in his second: “The most important lesson Trump took from his first term relates to who he hires and to whom he listens,” writes Jonathan Swan, a political reporter for the US news outlet Axios, in a revealing new series on the former president’s plans.

“Trump has reduced his circle of advisers and expunged nearly every former aide who refused to embrace his view that the 2020 election was ‘stolen’.”

So wilful rejection of electoral reality is now compulsory in Trumpworld. And, as Swan reveals, he’s gone much further, planning a systematic, mass-scale purge of the permanent US public service to root out the so-called “deep state”.

Unlike a Westminster democracy, the American system reserves the uppermost echelon of the public service for political appointees. In Australia, a mere handful of senior officials will be replaced by an incoming government. The entire bureaucracy is supposed to be professionally apolitical.

In the US, about 4000 of the most senior public servants are political appointees and all of them typically are replaced by an incoming administration, a time-honoured turnover.

But Trump, unsatisfied with the traction he was able to establish over the federal public service, plans an assault on many thousands more using an untested mechanism called Schedule F.

It’s a plan to “radically reshape the federal government”, to stack it with loyalists to his “America First” ideology, writes Swan, formerly a political reporter with this masthead.

“The impact could go well beyond typical conservative targets such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Internal Revenue Service. Trump allies are working on plans that would potentially strip layers at the Justice Department — including the FBI, and reaching into national security, intelligence, the State Department and the Pentagon, sources close to the former president say.”

According to Swan, a constellation of right-wing organisations are working with Trump to prepare a personnel pool of thousands ready to be tapped immediately should he win in 2024.

One of Trump’s recruiters, Andrew Kloster, has said: “I think the first thing you need to hire for is loyalty. The funny thing is, you can learn policy. You can’t learn loyalty”.

The personnel are also the policy, an echelon of ideological and policy loyalists who will deliver Trump’s agenda.

The head of one of the Trumpist talent-spotting outfits is Saurabh Sharma of American Moment. “He favours people who are protectionist on trade and anti-interventionist on foreign policy,” Swan writes. “They must be eager to fight the ‘culture war’. Credentials are almost irrelevant.”

(continued)

>>16840530

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We have been warned. These Biden years may be but a brief interregnum, a calm between two storms. And the second storm, according to these omens, would be more savage than the first.

For countries like Australia, this is a grave risk. The US alliance is founded on a shared interest in an open trading system and mutual assistance in case of war. Trump is opposed to both concepts.

Canberra will try to reassure itself on two grounds. First, it will point out that the alliance survived the first Trump presidency intact. But one of the Morrison government’s survival techniques was to emphasise dealing with a wide array of US government agencies, beyond the White House.

Australia sought to avoid the mad king in the castle by working through the saner barons and earls in Washington’s various federal fortresses. Pentagon Secretary Jim Mattis, for instance.

If Trump succeeds, there will be no more Jim Mattises. It will be impossible to avoid Trumpist America First fanatics. When Australia looks to America for help, there may be none forthcoming. That’s what America First is all about.

Second, Canberra will point out that Trump has a history of antagonism toward China. Even Trump’s America, surely, would stand with Australia in resisting Beijing’s ambitions.

Don’t be so sure. As Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, told me, Australia banned the Chinese communications champion Huawei first and Trump hesitated to follow. Why? Because Trump was holding out hope for a big trade deal with Xi Jinping.

“He was prepared to trade Huawei away for the ‘deal of the century’. Everything was on the table.” If he’d gotten the deal he sought with China, Australia would have been the only country to ban Huawei, left to face Xi’s retribution alone.

Trump would be prepared to sell out Australia’s interests in a heartbeat. And we know he has a special fondness for tyrants, Vladimir Putin, for instance. Trump recently complained that the US is spending too much to aid Ukraine.

And on Saturday, he told a Florida rally that he would not respect America’s NATO treaty in the event of an attack from Russia: “That’s right, I will not come to your defence,” he said, to the cheers of his crowd. So much for the defence of the free world.

More profoundly, Trump doesn’t believe in democracy. Disturbingly, many Americans seem resigned to a future without it. Fifty-five per cent of Democrat voters and 53 per cent of Republicans believe that “America will cease to be a democracy in the future”, according to a YouGov poll last month.

With Trump, anything is possible. Is Australia prepared?

Peter Hartcher is political editor and international editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-2-0-poses-a-grave-risk-to-the-us-and-australia-20220725-p5b485.html

—

Q Post #1867

Aug 14 2018 16:57:30 (EST)

They are in full blown panic mode.

Enjoy the show.

Each FAKE NEWS article written or attack is a badge of honor - military grade.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1867

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 2:46 a.m. No.16840826 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0832

‘Most heinous acts of criminality’: Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation trial ends

Four years after it began, the defamation trial of Ben Roberts-Smith has finally closed, with a judge now left to decide the verdict.

Perry Duffin - July 27, 2022

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Ben Roberts-Smith‘s defamation trial of the century against Nine newspapers has finished with final overtures for a court to condemn, or clear, Australia’s most venerated living soldier from allegations he committed “the most heinous acts of criminality” while serving with the SAS.

Now begins the anxious wait for the elite veteran, and his journalist accusers, as the judge retires to consider the verdict in a years-long case that has already redefined Australia‘s war in Afghanistan.

Mr Roberts-Smith‘s lawyers are hoping a finding in his favour will clear his name and land the largest defamation payout in history while a finding for Nine could be seen as vindication for their claims he killed unarmed prisoners.

The case finally closed on Wednesday after more than 100 days of evidence, more than $25 million in legal fees and two weeks of closing speeches.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s barrister, Arthur Moses SC, used is final moments on his feet to remind Justice Anthony Besanko that Nine bore the heavy burden of proving his client was a murderer.

The entirety of the evidence, Mr Moses told the court, shows Nine had no basis and no proof to publish grave claims Mr Roberts-Smith killed six unarmed Afghans.

“(Nine) published allegations and stories as fact that condemned Mr Roberts-Smith as being guilty of the most heinous acts of criminality that could be made against a member of the Australian Defence Force, and indeed any citizen,” he said.

“It depends upon recollection of events that occurred during missions more than 10 years ago… Recollections which are contradicted either by their own witnesses, our witnesses and Defence Force documents.”

“They have urged upon the court a case which is one of mere suspicion, surmise and guesswork to condemn a man, who served his nation with great distinction, as a war criminal.”

He called on the judge to reject Nine’s case “in all forms”.

Nine’s barrister, Nicholas Owens SC, closed his case without the grandiosity and colour of his opponents, instead returning to the claims and counterclaims in forensic detail.

One question that Nine has never answered, according to Mr Roberts-Smith, is what motive did he have to kill six detained Afghans when he had transported hundreds more safely back to Australian bases.

Mr Owens opened his case in June 2021 saying that even “the most brutal, vile member of the Taliban imaginable” cannot be killed once detained and “to do so is murder”.

On Wednesday, more than 12 months after speaking those words, Mr Owens returned to the question of motive saying Mr Roberts-Smith killed detainees simply because they were “enemy combatants”.

“We say that was a powerful motive that operated in relation to all of these incidents… it was a motive to kill Taliban insurgents regardless of the lawfulness of doing so,” Mr Owens told the court.

(continued)

>>16840826

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It’s not known how long it will take Justice Besanko to reach a verdict but, given the volume of evidence and documents, it is expected to take many months.

The judge thanked the lawyers for both sides as well as the legal team for the Commonwealth government, which had been on hand for every single day, primarily to keep highly classified military information out of the public sphere.

The trial itself was conducted partly in open court and partly in closed court to deal with sensitive military testimony and documents.

Very few people, as a result, know the full scope of the evidence Justice Besanko must examine to reach his verdict.

What is known is that the trial is the culmination of years of conflict within the SAS and it has a significant overlap with top-secret war crime investigations.

Mr Roberts-Smith was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour, when he stormed machine guns that had pinned down his men in the battle of Tizak in late 2010.

Over the following years the VC, and Mr Roberts-Smith’s meteoric rise to national hero, divided the SAS into two camps, the court heard.

Multiple soldiers have testified that many in the SAS backed Mr Roberts-Smith as among the best in the brotherhood, while others believed the famed Captain was a thug to his own men, and maybe even something more sinister.

It was 2016, two years before Nine’s articles emerged, that the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force began probing rumours of war crimes within the SAS.

Many of the witnesses in the trial testified at the IGADF but the Commonwealth’s legal team ensured none of their discussions could be reported.

Mr Roberts-Smith launched a defamation lawsuit shortly after Nine accused him of war crime murders in mid-2018 articles.

He continues to deny the claims while Nine dug in; defending the articles in the Federal Court by saying they are true.

As the trial has wound through the court the clandestine war crime inquiries have continued.

The IGADF ultimately concluded there was “credible information” for 39 potential murders linked to Australia’s special forces - but all the specifics are redacted in the November 2020 report.

The findings led to the creation of the Office of the Special Investigator which is using Australian Federal Police to consider criminal investigations and prosecutions.

No one has been charged with war crimes by the OSI but it was clear they, too, were closely watching the defamation trial that traversed the dustiest corners of Afghanistan to the inner fractures of Australia’s most secretive military brotherhood.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/most-heinous-acts-of-criminality-ben-robertssmiths-defamation-trial-ends/news-story/9c292d6ee433683abf754c35086cbc34

>>16500413 (pb)

MS Health push for nurses to hand out abortion pills

ALICE WORKMAN - JULY 27, 2022

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Nurses and midwives would prescribe medical abortion pills under a push by the company that imports the drug known as RU486.

MS Health — a not-for-profit subsidiary of MSI Australia, the leading provider of abortion services — will apply to the Therapeutic Goods Administration to update who has the right to administer terminations.

The Albanese government – which is still to see MSI’s plan – has said it would welcome any proposals to make abortion more accessible, amid a push to set a national standard for ending pregnancies across the states.

Under current national rules, medical abortions can be performed by doctors in the first nine weeks of pregnancy.

Less than 10 per cent of Australian GPs are registered to prescribe the two courses of pills, containing misoprostol and mifepristone (RU486).

MS Health’s Operations Manager Adam Pirie told The Australian he wanted to make abortion pills more accessible for women, particularly in regional and remote areas.

“The Risk Management Plan currently in place for MS two-Step only allows certified doctors to prescribe the medical abortion pills,” Mr Pirie said. “We are preparing a TGA application to update the plan to widen the definition of who can prescribe the medication.

“Effectively, we will be removing one roadblock that prevents nurses, midwives and other healthcare practitioners from prescribing the medical abortion pills. It will then be up to states and territories, and various regulatory bodies to define who can administer the medication.”

MS Health plans to submit its new Risk Management Plan to the TGA in coming months.

The TGA will need to assess and approve the plan, with changes to state and territory laws potentially required as prescribing of medicines in Schedule 4 of the Poisons Standard by nurses may be unlawful in some jurisdictions.

Assistant Health Minister Ged Kearney said the government has not been formally approached by MS Health but she “would welcome applications to the TGA and the PBAC that seek to remove barriers to access”.

Ms Kearney, a former nurse, has been tasked with spearheading a national plan to improve abortion access as part of the National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-30.

(continued)

>>16840898

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All eight state and territory women’s ministers told The Australian last week they were in favour of a framework that would see each jurisdiction streamline abortion legislation. Western Australia is the only state or territory in Australia where abortion remains under the criminal code.

A forum of women's ministers was held in Adelaide last Friday, weeks after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade – the court decision protecting abortion right in the US – which prompted solidarity protests across Australia.

“In light of Roe vs Wade and the changing of abortion rights in the US, I know many Australian women are concerned about access to termination,” Ms Kearney told The Australian.

“Access to affordable termination is a crucial part of healthcare for women.”

Medical abortion medication costs $42.50 under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. However, MSI Australia estimates women can face out-of-pocket costs of more than $350.

Anthony Albanese has ruled out forcing state and territory hospitals to provide abortions in public hospital, despite calls from Labor Women’s Caucus chair Sharon Claydon to look at fully funding the cost of procedures through Medicare.

Greens Senate Leader Larissa Waters said she wanted telehealth access to be made national and the gestational limit for medical abortions to be raised from nine weeks to 11 weeks.

“The commonwealth can facilitate access to medical abortions by allowing mifepristone to be prescribed up to two weeks later in gestation, in accordance with international best practice, and could also support nurse-led models of care for administering it,” Senator Waters said.

MS Health has overseen the import, distribution and management of abortion pills since 2012. Managing director Jamal Hakim welcomed the opportunity to work with the Albanese government and the TGA.

“When no other distributor or pharmaceutical agent was prepared to invest in the import, distribution and management of the pills necessary to enable universal access to medical abortion, MS Health stepped in through an investment that reached $6m by MSI Reproductive Choices,” Mr Hakim said.

Brisbane based doctor Catriona Melville said allowing nurses to prescribe abortion pills could be the first step towards ending the so-called “postcode lottery”.

“Nurse led care is something that other countries have employed, non-doctor clinicians to provide abortions, and we know looking at the World Health Organisation’s guidelines that can be very safe,” she said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/ms-health-push-for-nurses-to-hand-out-abortion-pills/news-story/2a936c90ce572bbeff0eebf396b9e9a5

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 3:25 a.m. No.16840949 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1313

‘Ignorant, racist’: Pauline Hanson blasted for Senate storm out

A fellow senator has condemned Pauline Hanson for her decision to flee the chamber during a routine morning acknowledgment.

Courtney Gould - July 27, 2022

Pauline Hanson has been branded a racist after she sensationally stormed out of the Senate during the Acknowledgement of Country.

Senate President Sue Lines acknowledged the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples as the traditional custodians of the Canberra area and paid respect to elders past and present during the opening of Wednesday’s sitting.

But before Senator Lines could finish the acknowledgment, the One Nation leader interjected.

“No, I won’t,” she yelled, adding, “I never will.”

While it wasn’t captured on the parliamentary broadcast feed, NCA NewsWire photographer Gary Ramage caught Senator Hanson fleeing the scene.

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe, a proud Djab Wurrung Gunnai Gunditjmara woman, quickly condemned the “disrespectful” move.

“Day two of the 47th parliament and racism has reared its ugly head,” she tweeted.

“Pauline Hanson disrespectfully stormed out of the acknowledgement of Country in the Senate, refusing to acknowledge ‘those people’. You want to make parliament safe? Get rid of racism.”

As is tradition, the acknowledgment is given daily after the Lord’s Prayer.

The acknowledgment was made a permanent feature of daily proceedings in 2010 after the election of the Gillard government.

Senator Hanson has been a member of the upper house since 2016. Colleagues say she has sat through years of daily acknowledgments without a peep.

In a statement, a spokesman for Senator Hanson said she would “refuse” to acknowledge country in the Senate.

“Senator Hanson considers that ‘acknowledgement of country’ perpetuates racial division in Australia,” the spokesman said.

“Like many non-indigenous Australians, Senator Hanson considers this country belongs to her as much it does belong to any other Australian, Indigenous or otherwise.

“From this point forward, Senator Hanson will refuse to acknowledge country in the Senate.”

The protest comes as the Senate is due to consider a motion to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in the chamber alongside the Australian flag.

The One Nation leader will oppose the motion on Wednesday afternoon.

“Senator Hanson considers that only one flag, the Australian national flag, truly represents all Australians,” the spokesman said.

Anthony Albanese made a point to include the flags in the backdrop of his first prime ministerial press conference after being sworn in.

The three flags are already displayed side-by-side in the House of Representatives.

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/no-i-wont-what-caused-pauline-hanson-to-storm-out-of-senate/news-story/c5ad9626f69b79e019f922f686868da8

https://twitter.com/SenatorThorpe/status/1552079144300986368

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 3:39 a.m. No.16840983 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0999

Anthony Albanese meets with US ambassador Caroline Kennedy in Canberra

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has held a “historic meeting” with a new “close friend” to Australia.

Catie McLeod - July 27, 2022

Anthony Albanese has met with the new US ambassador to Australia in Canberra.

Caroline Kennedy, the last surviving child of assassinated US president John F. Kennedy, arrived in Australia last week following her appointment earlier this year.

At their first official meeting on Wednesday, the Prime Minister and Ms Kennedy are understood to have discussed the alliance between the two nations.

The pair also talked about developments in the Indo-Pacific region and new possibilities for bilateral co-operation, including on climate change.

Ms Kennedy passed on the best wishes of US President Joe Biden and shared the White House’s “optimism” about the next chapter in bilateral relations.

Mr Albanese also briefed Ms Kennedy on parliament’s progress on the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which is an area of special interest to the ambassador.

The Albanese government has committed to implementing the statement in full, including holding a referendum on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the constitution before the next election.

The Voice is designed to be a permanent institution that will provide advice to the parliament and federal government on important issues to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Mr Albanese described his meeting with Ms Kennedy as “fantastic”, saying she was already a “close friend of Australia”.

The US Embassy said the meeting was historic.

“The United States and Australia are the closest of allies and global partners working for peace and stability in this region and beyond,” the embassy said in a post on Twitter.

Ms Kennedy had met with Governor-General David Hurley in Canberra on Monday morning to present her credentials.

In a short speech to media late on Monday after her official welcome and Indigenous smoking ceremony, Ms Kennedy described it as “really one of the most important days of my life”.

“To become officially the United States ambassador to Australia and to be here on this Ngunnawal land, and to mark this moment with a ceremony that carries so much significance, makes me feel a great deal of responsibility and strengthens my commitment to work to strengthen the bonds between our nations and our people,” she told reporters.

Mr Albanese has been invited to visit the White House and has said he is in discussions about when he will take the trip.

President Biden to due to visit Australia in 2023 for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit.

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/anthony-albanese-meets-with-us-ambassador-caroline-kennedy-in-canberra/news-story/a5b4b8a7a851ac33287991435880ebf4

—

U.S. Embassy Australia Tweet

A historic #USwithAUS moment today in Canberra - the first official meeting between Ambassador Kennedy and @AlboMP!

The United States and Australia are the closest of allies & global partners working for peace and stability in this region and beyond.

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1552103379660607489

>>16840983

Prime Minister meets US Ambassador to Australia

Sky News Australia

Jul 27, 2022

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has officially met with US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, days after her arrival.

It was a warm welcome from Ms Kennedy, celebrating the strength and next steps for the US-Australia alliance.

The conversation with the Prime Minister also canvassed greater cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and on climate.

Ms Kennedy congratulated Mr Albanese on his fast start – travelling abroad and meeting US President Joe Biden at May’s Quad meeting ahead of this week’s packed-out parliamentary schedule.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrsHGlEgGCs

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 4:03 a.m. No.16841051 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1052

How Cambodian despot Hun Sen maps out control of Australia

STEPHEN RICE - JULY 27, 2022

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Cambodian despot Hun Sen has divided Australia into seven zones, each controlled from Phnom Penh by a high-ranking military officer or official in the regime, in which Cambodian-Australians are rewarded for allegiance to the dictator or singled out for punishment as traitors.

The network is used to conduct surveillance and provide reports to the regime on local opponents of Hun Sen, and has directly threatened violence against Cambodian-Australians, including former Victorian MP Hong Lim.

The existence of this barely concealed foreign interference in Australia’s affairs is well known to security agencies, but the local Cambodian community is now pushing the Albanese government to live up to its pre-election rhetoric and ban regime officials who use the threat of violence to enforce obedience by Australian citizens to Hun Sen.

Sydney lawyer Sawathey Ek has written to Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil asking the government to refuse visas to zone commanders and their enforcers, and to invoke Australia’s foreign interference laws.

Both ministers were vocal in their demands for the Morrison government to act against Hun Sen’s excesses but have been muted since taking office.

“Here is the result of years of neglect of your own community that allows Hun Sen’s party to build its influence in Sydney,” wrote Mr Ek, who lived through Pol Pot’s genocidal reign and arrived in Australia as a refugee in 1983.

“How much time do these people spend on promoting Australian values, as they pay homage to Hun Sen’s leadership on our soil?” he asked.

More than 57,000 people in Australia have Cambodian ancestry, according to the 2021 census, the majority in Victoria (23,498) and NSW (18,821).

The Australian zones – which take in every state and territory except Tasmania – are overseen by senior regime officials who report directly to Hun Sen’s eldest son and likely successor, Hun Manet, commander of the Cambodian military and a frequent visitor to Australia.

Photographs of Hun Manet sitting in the Speaker’s chair of the NSW parliament have been widely used as propaganda by the regime.

The commander of Australia Zone 3 – the Sydney sector – is Hou Hap, a vice admiral in the Royal Cambodian Navy and an Australian citizen who once ran a seafood cafe in Five Dock, in Sydney’s inner west, but returned to Cambodia in 2005 and became a successful businessman. He was appointed a rear admiral in 2015 with no previous naval or military background, and later promoted to vice admiral.

Hap is also a regular visitor to Australia, pictured in one Sydney meeting with charts on the wall reported by one attendee to be the ID photos of pro-democracy Cambodian activists.

A meeting he conducted via Zoom from Cambodia earlier this month was attended by 700 Sydney members of the “Cambodian People’s Party Youth Team Region 3”, many dressed in the blue uniform of the CPP with a scarf and cap, which, although of a different colour, reminds many Cambodian survivors of the Khmer Rouge garb. At one point in the proceedings they sang the anthem of Hun Sen’s political party.

The president of Australia Zone 2 – the Melbourne sector, and among the most active – is Major General Lau Vann, whose family has substantial business and property holdings in Australia.

In 2015 his wife, Choeung Sokuntheavy, bought a luxury apartment in one of Melbourne’s most exclusive tower blocks, in Southbank, for $4m. Two years ago the pair bought an apartment in Sydney’s Waterloo for $3.6m.

A Senate committee into issues facing diaspora communities, chaired by the late senator Kimberley Kitching, in 2020 noted scores of examples of intimidation, interference and death threats by members of the Cambodian People’s Party, with many Cambodian-Australians “afraid to speak out publicly or freely for fear of possible recrimination for themselves personally or for their relatives in Cambodia”.

Cambodian students under Australian scholarships are vulnerable to recruitment through fear they will not get a job when they return home, though many students come from wealthy families and are already supportive of the regime.

(continued)

>>16841051

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Unlike the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to influence politicians, the Cambodian regime operates at a grassroots level – but no less effectively, says Mr Ek.

Hun Sen himself made threats before a visit to Australia in 2018 that if any protesters tried to burn his effigy, “I will pursue you and beat you in your homes”.

While no one in the Cambodian community took the boast literally, many feared it would incite violence by Hun Sen’s supporters here.

When he arrived, Hun Sen more chillingly made a direct threat against Bou Rachana, the widow of assassinated Cambodian commentator Kem Ley, now given asylum in Australia.

“Kem Ley’s wife is here,” Hun Sen said. “I don’t blame you, because you have been influenced, but you must think it over. As a mother, do you want your children alive or dead?”

Kem Ley was drinking his morning coffee at a petrol station cafe in the capital, Phnom Penh, in July 2016 when a man walked in and opened fire, killing him instantly.

Protests against the Hun Sen regime in Australia are routinely filmed and photographed by CPP members, often under the direction of government officials who travel with delegations to “provide IT support”.

Mr Ek wrote to numerous Morrison government MPs and officials in December last year, demanding to know “Why should Canberra give special privilege to dictators from Cambodia?”.

“We have in the past urged the government to declare associations promoting dictatorship on Australian soil to be in violation of foreign interference laws, yet Canberra was silent,” he wrote.

“We expect Labor to show leadership on Cambodia where the Liberal government failed.

“With this evidence of officials building and recruiting locals to serve as ‘foreign missions’ on Australian soil, we recommend revoking their visas.”

Former Victorian MP Hong Lim has endured repeated death threats for his outspoken opposition to Hun Sen, particularly after the death of his friend Kem Ley.

He has been charged with “incitement” by the regime, with his trial still pending.

He has been banned from Cambodia but believes he would face four or five years in jail if he returned.

Mr Lim said he had hoped the Albanese government would act swiftly and decisively on attempts by the Hun Sen regime to interfere in Australia’s democracy.

“They should take a very strident, very strong position because in opposition they came out all guns blazing. I am disappointed because once they’re in government they said they have to be very careful, they have to deal with ASEAN, they have to be able to work with them.

“Every time my party is in power they disappoint me more than the Coalition government. It has just broken my heart, you know, and I am angry with them.”

Home Affairs Minister Ms O’Neil in opposition supported motions to introduce “targeted sanctions such as visa restrictions and asset freezes for members of Hun Sen’s regime and their families, given the reported strong links between the regime’s key officials and Australia”.

Ms O’Neil declined to answer specific questions from The Australian about whether the government would take any action over the activities of Hun Sen’s enforcers, including denying visas to individuals or using Australia’s foreign interference laws.

A spokesperson noted that the department reserved the right to cancel visas “as a result of a non-citizen providing incorrect information in order to enter Australia, presenting a significant risk to the community or engaging in substantial criminal conduct”.

“The Australian government, law enforcement and intelligence agencies work closely together to engage with, and support, communities – including the Cambodian community – concerned or affected by foreign interference,” the spokesperson said.

If you know more please contact: rices@theaustralian.com.au

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/how-cambodian-despot-hun-sen-maps-out-control-of-australia/news-story/c08280cf22c55cbb829e0de49dd896f5

‘Time to get brutally tough, we’re going to hell fast’: Donald Trump

ADAM CREIGHTON - JULY 27, 2022

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Donald Trump has attacked the “thugs and hacks” trying to destroy him politically in a long, dark address in Washington, urging a federal government takeover of law and order to combat rising crime if Republicans take control of congress in November.

In his first speech in the US capital since leaving office in January 2021, Mr Trump dropped several hints that the growing cloud over his behaviour on January 6th wouldn’t stop him running again for president in 2024, as he painted a dire picture of a US in decline and decay under Democrat rule.

“It’s time to get brutally tough … Our country is going to hell and it’s going to hell very fast,” Mr Trump said, recounting sometimes gruesome anecdotes of murders and rapes as the US battles a surge in violent crime, arguing the nation had become a “cesspool of crime” and a “war zone” since he left office.

“They want to damage me so I can no longer work for you, and I don’t think that’s going to happen,” he added, to chants of “four more years” at a pro-Republican America First Policy Institute Summit in downtown Washington.

The former president, speaking a few hours after his former deputy, Mike Pence, delivered his own speech to the Republican faithful across town, ignored allegations from the high-powered Congressional Committee, aired last week, that he did nothing to stop the January 6th riots in a bid to overturn the 2020 election result.

“Our biggest threat remains the sick, sinister, and evil people from within our country, they‘re a bigger threat than the outside threat..,” he said, referring to ruling Democrats who have accused him of conspiracy to subvert the constitution, likening the January 6 Committee’s work to the “Russia, Russia, Russia” hoax that bedevilled his presidency.

Dozens of protesters disrupted the start of the conference, chanting “no Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA” unfurling a giant banner that read “Indict Trump” over the proceedings until security could remove them.

“I’m doing it for America, because if I don’t our nation is doomed,” he explained, adding he would be part of “an incredible comeback” and predicting a “momentous landslide” to Republicans in the November midterm elections.

Republicans worry a declaration by Mr Trump of his intention to run in 2024 could come before the November midterm elections, potentially complicating their campaign strategy that centres around inflation, immigration and school choice.

Speaking a day earlier President Biden said Mr Trump “lacked the courage to act” on January 6th, specifically naming the former president, something he has rarely done since moving into the White House.

“The police were heroes that day,” Mr Biden said.

(continued)

>>16841066

2/2

The former president, who maintains significant sway among the Republican base, slammed the 2020 election result as a “catastrophe” and “a disgrace to our country”, a claim that sparked the January 6th 2021 riot that saw the Capitol Building invaded.

“I ran the first time and I won. Then I ran a second time and I did much better. We got millions and millions more votes … We may just have to do it again,” Mr Trump teased, using a trademark phrase that stopped short of triggering restrictive US campaign finance laws that pertain to declared candidates.

Dwelling on America’s crime wave since the pandemic for the bulk of his remarks, Mr Trump praised China’s approach to dealing with drug dealers and advocated for a return of the death penalty for convicted dealers.

“You execute a drug dealer, and you’ll save 500 lives; they kill on average 500 people,” he said, suggesting the next Republican congress should pass laws to let the federal government play a bigger role in law and order across the fifty states.

Gun deaths across the US exceeded 45,000 in 2020 and 2021, the highest rate of deaths since 1995 according to federal data

“We have blood, death and suffering on a scale once unthinkable because of the Democrat Party’s effort to destroy and dismantle law enforcement … It has to stop and it has to stop now …. We shouldn’t be waiting for governors anymore,” Mr Trump said.

His speech ticked off the hot button issues that increasingly motivate the Republican base in the lead up to November’s ballot, castigating “the sickos pushing puberty blockers to young children,” “Marxist teachers unions”, and “rogue bureaucrats”.

Making little mention of President Joe Biden, who is convalescing after contracting Covid-19, Mr Trump excoriated the lax border and immigration policies of the current administration.

Mr Trump’s speech laid bare the growing divisions in the Republican party after Mr Pence earlier urged Republicans not to “give way to temptation to look back” and move on from the 2020 election debate.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the record of the Trump-Pence administration,” Mr Pence said, suggesting his only difference with his former boss was “focus”.

“I don’t know that our movement is that divided. I don’t know that the president and I differ on issues,” Mr Pence said, after a speech that was more uplifting and forward-looking, urging Republicans to support lower taxes, fiscal discipline, and a balanced federal budget.

In his remarks Mr Trump said he was the most persecuted man in American history: “Nixon didn’t even go through one impeachment”.

“I’m doing it for America, because if I don’t our nation is doomed,” he said, referring to his campaigning, which includes regular rallies around the nation, most recently last Friday in Arizona.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/time-to-get-brutally-tough-were-going-to-hell-fast-donald-trump/news-story/1e0bdec37a4d9bc7f396093d7a3eea02

>>16841066

‘Going to hell’: Trump says America is ‘unsafe’

Sky News Australia

Jul 27, 2022

Former US president Donald Trump says the United States is “going to hell very fast” as the nation is an “unsafe place”.

Mr Trump said the US needs to hire police on the streets, emphasising giving police their resources and prestige.

“Let them do their job, give them back the respect that they deserve,” he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH98m2XMp7M

>>16802404

China wants to ‘bully and dominate’ the Indo-Pacific: top US general

Matthew Knott - July 27, 2022

The United States’ top general says China has become significantly more confrontational over the past five years, indicating the rising superpower wants to bully and dominate the Indo-Pacific region rather than promote peace and stability.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who is visiting Australia to meet with fellow military leaders, also warned Beijing the US adamantly opposes the use of force in Taiwan and that any unprovoked military intervention would come at a steep humanitarian cost.

“The Chinese military activity is noticeably and statistically more aggressive than in previous years,” Milley said in Sydney at a press briefing with Admiral John Aquilino, the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, and Australian Defence Force Chief General Angus Campbell.

“The Chinese, at least their activity seems to imply that they want to bully or dominate as opposed to having a free and open [Indo-Pacific].

“I think that there’s an issue here and we’ll see where that goes in the future but the US is committed to a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Milley said Chinese aircraft intercepts - including of Australian aircraft - have “increased statistically significantly” over the past five years.

“Maritime activity by the Chinese is much more aggressive than it has been,” he added.

“We know that the Chinese are pushing the envelope in terms of the international waters in the South China Sea. We know that in the air and maritime domains their activity is much more assertive, much more aggressive, much more confrontational than it was say five years or 10 years or 15 years ago. That’s noticeable.”

In March, Australia accused the Chinese military of endangering lives when a laser was pointed towards a RAAF P-8 Poseidon sailing through the Arafura Sea.

The Albanese government said the Chinese had intercepted an RAAF plane in a dangerous manoeuvre in May.

In the same month Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Beijing’s air force of behaving in an “irresponsible and provocative” way after a Canadian aircraft deployed in Japan narrowly avoided a collision with Chinese jets.

Asked about the prospect of China invading Taiwan, Milley said: “The United States interest is for any differences between China and Taiwan to be decided peacefully… We absolutely oppose the use of military force in an unprovoked way. We think that’s unnecessary, it’s high cost - we’re witnessing that in Ukraine.”

Milley said the US military would help facilitate a trip by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Taiwan, despite President Joe Biden recently saying the military was opposed to the idea.

“If there is a decision made that Speaker Pelosi or anyone else is going to travel and they ask for military support we will do what is necessary to ensure safe conduct of their visit,” he said.

Former prime minister Paul Keating this week said Pelosi’s possible trip - which would be the first such visit by a House Speaker since 1997 - would be a “reckless and provocative act” that may “degenerate into military hostilities”.

Admiral John Aquilino, the head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, forcefully rejected Chinese claims the US was trying to foster an Asia Pacific version of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) through its AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom.

“There have been no actions by the United States with any allies or partners in this region to establish a NATO-like structure,” Aquilino said, adding that any narrative of a Pacific NATO was “just not factual”.

General Angus Campbell, the chief of the Australian Defence Force, said Australia and the US were in a “constant conversation” with each other about how to deepen their military alliance.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/china-wants-to-bully-and-dominate-the-indo-pacific-top-us-general-20220727-p5b4z7.html

China to raise concerns over AUKUS submarine deal at UN treaty meeting

Eryk Bagshaw - July 27, 2022

Singapore: China will raise the AUKUS submarine deal at the United Nations nuclear non-proliferation meeting next week and force Washington and Canberra to argue there has been no breach of the nuclear treaty.

Ambassador Adam Scheinman, the US special representative for nuclear non-proliferation, said Beijing had made a series of claims about the US, United Kingdom and Australia violating the nuclear treaty [NPT] that would be disputed in New York.

“I know that China at the NPT review conference will criticise the partnership, although I also think that what China fails to do is to recognise that it’s China’s own actions in the region that have led the partners to close gaps in our security,” Scheinman said at a US state department briefing in Asia on Tuesday night.

“There is no violation of the NPT, and we’ll be very clear about that at the NPT review conference.”

Under the deal, the US and UK will provide nuclear submarine technology to Australia to modernise its ageing diesel submarine fleet by the 2030s. But China has argued the deal sets a dangerous precedent by allowing nuclear actors to transfer technology to non-nuclear states. That argument has fuelled concern in South-east Asia, particularly in Malaysia, which raised the deal with Foreign Minister Penny Wong in June and warned it could lead to a nuclear arms race in the region.

President Xi Jinping, who met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday, was expected to raise AUKUS during their discussions. China’s statement on their meeting in Beijing did not specifically mention AUKUS, but Indonesia did “take note” of China’s Global Security Initiative and said it would strengthen “communication between the agencies in charge of maritime affairs”.

Beijing has been campaigning for months against the AUKUS deal, culminating in the release of the China Arms Control and Disarmament Association and China Institute of Nuclear Industry Strategy report last week ahead of the UN treaty meeting. The report claimed the AUKUS deal would set a “dangerous precedent” and would have a profound negative impact on “global strategic balance and stability”.

Scheinman said the US would be “very clear” that AUKUS was “a system for nuclear propulsion, not for transfers of nuclear weapons”.

“It’s also the case that Australia is a state with impeccable non-proliferation credentials,” he said. “It implements the highest standards for international safeguards agreements. It has made clear that it has no intent to pursue the fuel production capabilities that might give it some ability to produce nuclear weapons.”

Scheinman dismissed suggestions the deal could result in China sharing nuclear technology with non-nuclear states.

“I can’t imagine any reason why China would have much interest in sharing nuclear propulsion technology with any other state in the region, and I very much doubt that that is in the minds of leaders in Beijing,” he said.

China has at least 60 submarines in its fleet, including six nuclear-powered attack vessels. Australia has six ageing diesel-powered submarines.

“We’ll undertake this project in a way that reflects our longstanding support to global non-proliferation and in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Scheinman said.

But doubts have been raised by military analysts about the timeline of the AUKUS project - expected to cost more than $170 billion - as the US submarine program struggles to meet its own domestic targets under shortages and capacity constraints.

US ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy said on Monday that significant announcements about the AUKUS partnership would be made within weeks.

“The United States and Australia are the closest of allies, and we are global partners working toward peace and stability, health, security and economic prosperity in this region and beyond,” she said.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/china-to-raise-concerns-over-aukus-submarine-deal-at-un-treaty-meeting-20220727-p5b4xy.html

Trade Minister Don Farrell to launch new attempt to meet with China

Trade Minister Don Farrell has received a friendly letter from his Chinese counterpart that could be the beginning of the end of Beijing’s trade crusade against Australia.

Gabriel Polychronis - July 21, 2022

Trade Minister Don Farrell will again offer “the hand of friendship” to China in efforts to clear Beijing’s $20bn-a-year trade blockages against Australia.

In further signs the relationship between Canberra and Beijing is thawing, Senator Farrell revealed China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao congratulated him on his new role in a letter sent last week.

“I am obviously going to write back and thank him for that and make it clear that if an opportunity arises in the future … I’d love to sit down and have chat to him about some of our trade issues,” he told The Advertiser.

Senator Farrell said he had already “stuck out the hand of friendship” and offered to meet with Mr Wang on the sidelines of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) summit in Geneva last month, but the commerce minister was unable to find time.

Senator Farrell labelled the congratulatory letter – sent well over a month since he was sworn in – a “positive sign” and said he hoped to meet Mr Wang by year’s end.

Evoking assassinated US president John F. Kennedy, whose daughter Caroline is arriving in Canberra on Friday as Washington’s new ambassador to Australia, Senator Farrell said: “Never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate”.

“I think that is a pretty good idiom to live by in the trade space,” he said.

The diplomatic development comes as Chinese bureaucrats consider ending the nearly two-year trade ban on Australian coal – reports which Senator Farrell described as “rumours”.

“It’s early days in the discussions. Obviously if it turns out to be true it is very good news, but we are adopting a ‘wait and see’ attitude for the time being to see whether or not anything more comes of it,” Senator Farrell said.

China Daily, an English mouthpiece newspaper for the Chinese Communist Party, noted a “potential shift” to import more Australian coal in an editorial this week.

The paper blamed the ban on the “anti-China policies” of the “two successive Australian governments”.

Relations between Beijing and Canberra looked to take a step backwards on Monday when nationalistic Chinese tabloid The Global Times warned it was “increasingly difficult to distinguish” Defence Minster Richard Marles with his “extremely anti-China Liberal predecessor Peter Dutton”.

Senator Farrell said he wanted to lift trade blockages on wine, barley, meat and crayfish, all of which “particularly affects South Australian producers”.

“We’ve been hit hard by what now constitutes about $20bn of lost business,” Senator Farrell said.

The South Australian senator said he would be willing to drops several cases against China with the WTO if it ended trade bans.

“We’d much prefer not to have those cases, but that’s the only option China has given us at the moment to resolve these issues,” he said.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/trade-minister-don-farrell-to-launch-new-attempt-to-meet-with-china/news-story/1eb46896859c265fbeee7a4e87693a8d

>>16802359

ASPI’s ‘no compromise policy’ mirrors evil intentions to disrupt China-Australia ties

Global Times - Jul 26, 2022

Justin Bassi, the Executive Director of the Canberra-based think tank Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), claimed Tuesday that the Australian government has gained "the upper hand diplomatically" regarding relations with China. According to him, this can be proven by the fact that China's dialogue with Australia has resumed on an "unconditional" basis, meaning that Australia has "made no compromises in its foreign policy, national security and defense settings."

Bassi is described in the Australian media as a "long-serving Liberal Party adviser." He served as national security adviser to former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull and chief of staff to former foreign minister Marise Payne. After Scott Morrison succeeded Turnbull, the Australian government, under the Liberal Party, tilted more and more toward the US, showing increasingly apparent hostility toward China.

It can be said that Bassi's remarks demonstrate the typical attitude of the Australian Liberals toward improving China-Australia ties. After the Labor defeated the Liberal Party in this year's federal election, it seems now Bassi is so eager to speak up for the Liberals to implicitly warn the Labor government not to compromise with China, which would be a sign of weakness and submission to Beijing.

In bilateral relations, it is common for the two countries to negotiate and make concessions to find common ground, as long as the national interests of both sides are not undermined. Beijing has no historical problems or territorial disputes with Canberra. It just hopes the latter will adjust its China policy and stop jeopardizing China's national interests, rather than just repeating and imitating Washington's anti-China words and actions.

The ASPI chief has equated policy adjustment with compromise and then urged Canberra not to pursue this line of action. This is an attempt to set up and knock down a straw man. And it is absolutely unhelpful to the improvement of bilateral relations.

However, Bassi and ASPI may not be willing to see an improvement in bilateral ties, because the recent signs of such a positive development in the relations with China are obviously not in the interests of some anti-China forces in Australia or the US behind them.

ASPI is trying to force Canberra to continue pressuring China and show the anti-China forces at home and Washington that Australia is not "tilting toward China." It insists on creating obstacles to a better relationship with China, raising questions about whether the organization is simply an anti-China megaphone for Washington's strategic interests to produce public opinion ammunition against China.

Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University, told the Global Times that Bassi's claims about the resumption of the China-Australia dialogue on an unconditional basis are actually setting limits for a conversation between the two sides. In other words, dialogue should take place only if Canberra can maintain its previous suppression or containment measures against China.

Moreover, the Chinese scholar believes the "upper hand" rhetoric is entirely incorrect. Australia is currently on the verge of a severe economic crisis. The country is facing soaring inflation which could be at a 32-year high. Meanwhile, Canberra has vowed to increase foreign aid to Pacific island countries. Therefore, Australia is in more need of its largest trading partner China to achieve better economic and trade cooperation.

This "upper hand" rhetoric is simply an outright lie, trying to fool the Australian public and the international community. It also aims to instill blind confidence in Canberra that could mislead the Labor government's policy on China relations and allow the bilateral ties to continue to deteriorate. This would work best for the interests of ASPI and Washington.

Bassi was appointed as the Executive Director of ASPI in March by the former defense minister and hard-line China hawk Peter Dutton. He clearly has a motive to keep the relationship between China and Australia tense. Rationalists in Canberra should be wary of anti-China forces that can damage the prospects for bilateral relations.

"We hope the Australian government will treat China and its development more rationally and won't be compelled by anti-China public opinions. We are very much looking forward to the two countries meeting each other halfway or working together to strengthen the future of their bilateral ties," Chen noted.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271492.shtml

Defence Australia Tweet

#YourADF with @MrfDarwin are conducting the annual bilateral warfighting Exercise Koolendong to strengthen the Australia-US relationship, enhance interoperability and demonstrate preparedness to respond to a regional crisis.

@USMC #AlliesAndPartners

https://twitter.com/DefenceAust/status/1552187086647820288

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 27, 2022, 5:36 a.m. No.16841313 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1166

>>16840949

Atheist Senate president Sue Lines wants Lord’s Prayer ‘gone’

ROSIE LEWIS and ALICE WORKMAN - JULY 27, 2022

New Senate president Sue Lines says she would like to see the longstanding tradition of reading the Lord’s Prayer at the start of each sitting day “gone”, as she prepares to put her mark on the chamber by warning senators she’ll be tougher on those who demean their colleagues.

Senator Lines, only the second woman elected to the role of president, said as an atheist she did not want to say the prayer, which has been read by the presiding officers in the lower and upper houses at the start of each sitting day since 1901.

“On the one hand we’ve had almost every parliamentary leader applaud the diversity of the parliament and so if we are genuine about the diversity of the parliament we cannot continue to say a Christian prayer to open the day,” Senator Lines said.

“Personally, I would like to see the prayers gone. I’m an atheist. I don’t want to say the prayers. If others want to say the prayers they’re open to do that.

“Personally I would like to see them gone but again it’s not something I can decree. It’s a view of the Senate.” Senator Lines said the abolition of the Lord’s Prayer was “certainly on the agenda” and would be raised with the Senate procedure committee, which considers any matter relating to procedures referred to it by the chamber or the president.

The Senate agreed on Wednesday that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags would be displayed with the Australian flag in the chamber.

The move infuriated One Nation leader Pauline Hanson, who walked out of the Senate, declaring “no I won’t and I never will” while Senator Lines was making an acknowledgment of country, which follows the prayer reading.

The three flags are positioned next to each other on the floor of the House of Representatives for the first time, after Anthony Albanese and leader of the house Tony Burke made the change.

Senators and members are not required to be present or participate in the reading of the Lord’s Prayer.

There have been several unsuccessful attempts to change the standing orders to replace the prayers with a personal prayer or reflection, including by former Greens leader Bob Brown in 1997.

The acknowledgment of country was added to the standing orders in 2010.

It is understood the House of Representatives Speaker Milton Dick has no desire or plans to change the arrangements for the Lord’s Prayer or acknowledgment of country.

Mr Dick, 50, hails from the Anglican faith and has spoken at the parliamentary prayer breakfast. He is a known supporter of religious communities in his Brisbane electorate of Oxley.

Senator Lines said she had a particular interest in implementing the Jenkins review recommendations and making parliament a safer place to work, revealing she had been sexually assaulted when she was five.

While she has witnessed bullying and name-calling in federal parliament – having been called a “squawking seagull” – Senator Lines said she had never seen or experienced sexual harassment or assault in the building.

But she said the chamber was too accepting of bad behaviour and it was up to her and other Senate chairs to raise standards.

“The standing orders do say you can’t demean a person and I think in the past we’ve kind of let that go unless it’s been really particularly bad. We have to raise the standards as chairs, whether it’s me or the deputy president or the deputy chairs,” Senator Lines said. “We actually do (need to) start to pull people up a little more. That’s one of the areas we’ve developed too high a bar for moderating bad behaviour.”

She will push for the chamber’s hours to be brought into line with the house’s after the Jenkins review found long and irregular hours of work could exacerbate aggressiveness in the workplace.

Though Senator Lines conceded there would still be occasions when the Senate needed to sit for long periods.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/atheist-senate-president-sue-lines-wants-lords-prayer-gone/news-story/92e2be9d68dfa277b1ad458823727ac7

>Do you see what is happening?

>>16841313

Labor rules out push to end reading of Lord’s Prayer in Senate

ROSIE LEWIS - JULY 28, 2022

Labor’s Senate leadership team says the reading of the Lord’s Prayer at the start of each sitting day should continue, contradicting their colleague and the chamber’s new president, Sue Lines, who declared she’d like it “gone”.

Senator Lines sparked an outcry on Thursday after telling The Australian that as an atheist, she did not want to say the prayer, which has been read by presiding officers since 1901.

Labor’s Senate leader Penny Wong and deputy Senate leader Don Farrell responded in a joint statement, saying: “Senators Wong and Farrell share the view that the prayer should continue to be read at the commencement of each sitting day.

“Decisions about standing orders are for the Senate as a whole. Any changes should aim to unite senators rather than divide, as was demonstrated yesterday when the Senate agreed unanimously to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.”

Katy Gallagher, manager of government business in the Senate, said there was a “clear view that the Lord’s Prayer is to stay”.

“I don’t mind the prayer,” Senator Gallagher told The Australian. “I’m not a religious person but it is very much part of the Senate tradition.

“My view is how you run the chamber relies on a collegiate discussion across the chamber and there’s a clear view that the Lord’s Prayer is to stay.”

While the Coalition also rejected the change, Greens Tasmanian senator Nick McKim said the party was considering whether to try to replace the prayer with a period of reflection or silence.

“The Greens have had a longstanding position that at the start of the parliamentary day, there should be a period of reflection, a period of silence that would allow politicians of any religious persuasion and politicians of no religious persuasion whatsoever, an opportunity to reflect on our collective responsibilities to the Australian people. That remains our position,” he said.

“We’ve got it under consideration in terms of any actions we might take – like a motion or a reference to a particular committee.”

Opposition Senate leader Simon Birmingham, who like senators Wong, Farrell, Gallagher, Lines and McKim sits on the chamber’s committee that considers procedural matters, said a prayer as old as the parliament that comes from centuries of Westminster tradition should not be stopped.

“It has evolved with the appropriate addition of the acknowledgment of country and now provides for a respectful and reflective start of proceedings,” Senator Birmingham said.

“Even those of us who are not of faith can benefit from the period of reflection these commencement traditions allow for and should respect rather than unwind them.”

Despite the standing orders dictating that it is the Senate president who shall read the prayer when they take the chair each day, independent MP Bob Katter suggested the deputy president or another senator could take Senator Lines’ place.

“There is no reason why she can’t stand aside and get someone else to read the prayer out,” he said.

Queensland Liberal senator James McGrath, who also sits on the procedure committee, accused Labor of “poor priorities and pointless virtue signalling”.

“Why do the left always want to trash our traditions?” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-rules-out-push-to-end-reading-of-lords-prayer-in-senate/news-story/5a028a98409cfdd41ac8bd0b153db122

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 4:34 a.m. No.16931180 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1184

Advocates for Assange gather in Canberra

Paul Osborne - July 28 2022

Supporters of Julian Assange will rally outside Parliament House to call on the prime minister to seek the Wikileak founder's release.

The 50-year-old Australian journalist has appealed to the High Court in London to block his extradition to the US to face criminal charges.

It's the latest step of a legal battle that has dragged on for more than a decade.

Assange is wanted by US authorities on 18 counts, including a spying charge, relating to WikiLeaks' release of vast troves of confidential US military records and diplomatic cables. US officials claim the leak put lives in danger.

UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, who approved his extradition, said British courts had concluded his extradition would not be incompatible with his human rights, and that he would be treated appropriately.

Among those listed to speak at the Canberra rally on Thursday are independent MPs Andrew Wilkie and Monique Ryan, Liberal MP Bridget Archer, Greens senator David Shoebridge, filmmaker James Ricketson and Amnesty International's Christian Lambang Fonye.

Mr Wilkie, a former intelligence analyst, said the matter could be resolved quickly at a political level, through a phone call from Anthony Albanese to Joe Biden.

Mr Albanese has said he didn't see the purpose of the "ongoing pursuit" of Assange, but he insists the government will deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has written to Mr Biden to renew a previous offer of asylum for Assange.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7837410/advocates-for-assange-gather-in-canberra/

>>16931180

Doctor’s grim diagnosis for WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

The jailed WikiLeaks founder has been given a bleak outlook after undergoing extensive medical examinations inside a UK prison.

Courtney Gould - July 28, 2022

Supporters of Julian Assange have dialled up a call for the Prime Minister to intervene in the US extradition of the WikiLeaks founder.

Mr Assange, who is wanted by US authorities over the leak of classified documents, has appealed to the High Court in London to block his extradition.

The 50-year-old has spent more than a decade trying to avoid extradition from the UK.

He could die in jail in the coming months, the Australian Doctors For Assange warned.

“Medical examinations of Julian Assange in Belmarsh prison in the UK have revealed that he is suffering from severe life-threatening cardiovascular and stress-related medical conditions, including having a mini stroke as a result of his imprisonment and psychological torture,” spokesman Dr Robert Marr said.

More than 100 people gathered on the lawns outside Parliament House on Thursday to demand the government act.

Longtime supporter independent MP Andrew Wilkie said Mr Assange was a “hero, not a villain”.

“The US wants to get even and for so long the UK and Australia have been happy to go along for the ride because they’ve put bilateral relationships with Washington ahead of the rights of a decent man,” he told the crowd.

“That is just plain wrong. Please maintain the rage. If we keep the pressure up, I am confident justice will prevail for Julian.”

Independent MP Monique Ryan, Liberal MP Bridget Archer, Greens senators Jordon Steele-John, David Shoebridge and Peter Whish-Wilson also addressed the rally.

Last year, Anthony Albanese said he couldn’t see the point of keeping the WikiLeaks founder locked up.

But Mr Albanese has repeatedly refused to comment publicly on Ms Assange’s case since being elected in May.

Instead, he insisted “not all foreign affairs is best done with the loud hailer”.

https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/doctors-warn-julian-assange-could-die-while-awaiting-extradition/news-story/1d641c6cf2b01aa49af4128f8ee1a6a6

Rainbow light plans for Shrine of Remembrance draw criticism

A planned rainbow illumination of the Shrine, to honour gay and queer military members, has been criticised as “a gay billboard”.

Ed Bourke - July 27, 2022

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A plan to light up the Shrine of Remembrance in rainbow colours for the first time to honour LGBTQI+ servicemen and women has been denounced as divisive and inappropriate.

Rainbow colours will be projected on to the Shrine colonnades at dusk this Sunday following a Last Post service in commemoration of the contribution of gay and queer military members.

The event will mark the opening of the Shrine’s Defending with Pride exhibit, which will run for a year from August 1, charting the history of LGBTQI+ people’s military service.

The rainbow flag was “divisive” and was a misuse of the sacred Shrine building, 3AW host Neil Mitchell said.

“No disrespect to the gay community but the rainbow flag can be divisive,” Mitchell said.

“It’s not the role of the Shrine to be leading that debate, the Shrine should be above politics and political debate.”

Mitchell railed against Sunday’s planned light display, saying the Shrine would be “lit up like a gay billboard”.

Veterans’ advocate and former Hawthorn RSL president Lucas Moon said it was important to recognise the contribution of LGBTQI+ servicepeople but the Shrine was not the appropriate building to be lit up in rainbow colours.

“We saw the Shrine mistreated when we were locked up during Covid – for the first time, we saw it used as a protest site during the anti-lockdown protests,” Mr Moon said.

“It appears now that the Shrine, which stands well above any person or cause, is being used for political purposes.

“I don’t think the veteran community has been consulted at all, let alone the LGBTI parts of the veteran community.”

It was vital to acknowledge the shocking historical mistreatment of gay defence members, but other buildings such as Parliament House were more suitable locations to be illuminated, Mr Moon said.

“I have no doubt in the 70s and 80s there was some horrendous behaviour in Defence towards gay and lesbian members,” he said.

“But it’s 2022 and the LGBTI community in defence … it’s a non-issue.

“People forget the military was the first place to recognise defacto relationships that were same-sex.”

The Shrine was the sole building in Victoria that should not be used for political purposes, Mr Moon said.

(continued)

>>16931188

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Shrine of Remembrance chief executive Dean Lee said the rainbow projection on the colonnades was consistent with the building’s “enduring purpose” of honouring service and sacrifice.

“We use our building and our lighting to communicate stories which we feel are relevant to our purpose and relevant to the citizens of Melbourne,” Mr Lee said.

“I question whether the gay pride flag and colours continue to be divisive — the ADF has recognised gay, lesbian and bisexual members since 1992 … I don’t know that it’s that divisive within the defence community.”

RSL Victoria was not “specifically consulted” on the plans to honour the LGBTQI+ community with rainbow lighting, Mr Lee said.

“The RSL is a close partner of the Shrine and they’re aware of our programming initiatives,” Mr Lee said.

“They are aware that one of the exhibitions being promoted this year is the Defending with Pride service, but they were not specifically asked about the illumination.”

The Shrine has also been illuminated this year along with other major Melbourne buildings to honour police officers and the assassinated former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe.

Mr Lee bristled at Mitchell’s likening of the rainbow projection to displaying a McDonald’s ad on the building.

“We would never, ever allow any advertising on the building or any commercial use of the building,” he said.

Exhibition advisory group member and military historian Noah Riseman said the display recognised the selfless service of gay military members despite the oppression they faced at home.

“This exhibition highlights the service LGBTQ+ Australians gave to their country, even when the country said they were not welcome,” Prof Riseman said.

“It showcases LGBTQ+ service members’ achievements amid adversity and how, over time, the ADF has changed its tune to embrace the strengths that LGBTQ+ service members bring to the force.”

Defending with Pride curator Kate Spinks said the exhibit was an attempt to help correct a longstanding under-representation of gay people in the armed forces.

“I am honoured to have worked with the participants and advisory group to help present their stories and experiences,” Ms Spinks said.

“I am also proud that Melbourne’s Shrine is recognising and celebrating the history and service of LGBTQ+ people, something that has traditionally been absent or under-represented within Australia’s war memorials.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/radio-host-neil-mitchell-slams-rainbow-light-plans-for-shrine-of-remembrance/news-story/18027439e964907666843e4225559848

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 4:41 a.m. No.16931205 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1212

>>16767732

Watchdog finds Premier ‘immersed’ in ‘red shirts’

DAMON JOHNSTON and ANGELICA SNOWDEN - JULY 28, 2022

Victoria’s ombudsman has concluded Daniel Andrews was “involved and immersed” in the “red shirts” election campaign, but found no evidence he was aware of the $388,000 rort that funded Labor’s army.

In a new report into the political scandal tabled in parliament on Thursday, the integrity watchdog has again found responsibility for the taxpayer-funded rip-off rests with the premier’s right-hand man during the 2014 election, former Labor treasurer John Lenders.

Ombudsman Deborah Glass states the rort was the “brainchild” of the ALP veteran, who this week quit the premier’s re-election committee amid renewed controversy over “red shirts”.

“The evidence showed that Mr Andrews was involved and immersed in the Red Shirts campaign in 2014, as he necessarily would have been as party leader,” she states in the report.

“However, there was no evidence he was aware of what I described in my (2018) report as the artifice: the manner in which Mr Lenders had proposed field organisers would divide their activities and be paid in a split fashion by both the ALP and Parliament.

“Mr Lenders’ evidence (in the 2018 report) was that it was his brainchild, and that he and his electorate officer propagated and facilitated the scheme to participating MPs.”

In Thursday’s 31-page report, Ms Glass says given the evidence about Mr Lenders, which she says was confirmed by other MPs, she had “no reason” to question Mr Andrews about his knowledge of the scheme or rort.

But today’s report does reveal that in 2017, in the midst of her initial “red shirts” investigation, the ombudsman did seek evidence from the Premier about staffing arrangements within Labor, and he refused to give evidence, claiming her office had no authority over him.

“He (Mr Andrews) declined to give evidence … and referred me to Mr Lenders,” she states. “I had no reason to seek to compel him (Mr Andrews).”

The Ombudsman’s fresh investigation into the “red shirts” was triggered by a referral from the Legislative Council after dumped Labor minister Adem Somyurek claimed in parliament that Mr Andrews, as opposition leader in 2014, was aware of the rort.

In today’s report, Ms Glass reiterates her 2018 findings that the rort was “wrong” but fell short of criminal or corrupt conduct, and described Mr Somyurek’s claims as “unsupported”.

“There is no persuasive evidence the Premier designed, propagated or facilitated the scheme,” she states in her foreword.

“Is there anything else to investigate? The short answer is no.”

Later in the report, Ms Glass concludes “we cannot, or course, rule out that evidence may yet come to light … but given these events took place over eight years ago and the difficulty in proving awareness of the ‘artifice’ surrounding the scheme, I would question the expenditure of public funds in pursuing this issue further.”

Ms Glass was also highly critical of a decision by Victoria Police to conduct dawn raids and arrest 17 of the “red shirts” campaigners, concluding it was a “mistake” that raised public debate when Labor MPs were not also arrested.

“It is not clear why MPs were not treated in the same, allegedly heavy-handed, fashion as their staffers,” she found.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/watchdog-finds-premier-immersed-in-red-shirts/news-story/82ffd454f81d57ee4f968d78827e1c01

https://www.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/our-impact/investigation-reports/investigation-of-a-matter-referred-from-the-legislative-council-on-9-february-2022-part-1/

https://assets.ombudsman.vic.gov.au/assets/Investigation-of-a-matter-referred-from-the-Legislative-Council-on-9-February-2022-%E2%80%93-Part-1.pdf

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 4:43 a.m. No.16931212 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1219

>>16931205

Victorian Ombudsman releases report on Labor Party's 'red shirts rorts', won't refer case to IBAC

Bridget Rollason - 28 July 2022

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The Victorian Ombudsman will not refer the Labor Party's so-called "red shirts rorts" to the anti-corruption watchdog or police, after a fresh report into the scandal found no evidence Premier Daniel Andrews facilitated the scheme.

But Deborah Glass has criticised Victoria Police's handling of its 2018 investigation and said it should apologise to the 17 former Labor staff it arrested in dramatic pre-dawn raids.

The Victorian Parliament asked the ombudsman to consider referring the red shirts scandal to IBAC in February, after sacked Minister Adem Somyurek claimed Mr Andrews knew about the scheme in the lead-up to the 2014 election.

"It is time to end this debate," Ms Glass said.

"I cannot, of course, rule out that further evidence may yet come to light, but with the passage of time and difficulty in proof I am not prepared to spend further public resources on these matters."

In 2018, Ms Glass found Labor had misused $388,000 of public money through the red shirts rorts to campaign at the 2014 election. The party repaid the money and police did not lay charges.

Ms Glass said she did not find any significant differences in this investigation compared to the 2018 investigation.

"I concluded very clearly. I said it was wrong, I said it was an artifice, I said 21 members of parliament breached the members guide," Ms Glass told ABC Melbourne radio.

"But I never said it was criminal."

Since that report was released, the ombudsman said the only evidence that indicated Mr Andrews had any involvement in the scheme came from statements made by Mr Somyurek, who claimed Mr Andrews told him it was necessary for an election win.

"While Mr Andrews openly confirms he was aware of the scheme, there is no evidence available to me showing that he had any role in designing, propagating, or facilitating it," Ms Glass said.

Somyurek 'changed version of events'

The report said Mr Somyurek "changed his version of events" between his accounts of the conversation he had with Mr Andrews and he would not hand over emails which he said supported his claims.

Mr Somyurek also refused to provide the evidence he gave publicly to police, when he was contacted by a detective in November 2021, according to the report.

"It would be a breach of the parliamentary privilege of freedom of speech for me to question Mr Somyurek's motives or credibility," Ms Glass said.

However, she confirmed no new evidence had been presented to her and that Mr Somyurek gave conflicting testimony.

"There is no doubt his account changed. He provided several different accounts," she said.

"I refrain from comment and allow the evidence, presented in its entirety, to speak for itself."

The ombudsman found there was no evidence to justify further investigation by Victoria Police, or a referral to IBAC.

(continued)

>>16931212

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The latest report follows a damning a joint investigation by the ombudsman and IBAC last week, which found "extensive misconduct" and widespread misuse of public funds by the Labor Party.

The release of the report has devolved into mudslinging, with Mr Somyurek referring to the Ombudsman as a dog and as "Deborah Glass Jaw" in a tweet.

Ms Glass responded, saying she was accustomed to the abuse as part of her role.

"Of course I care but you have to have a pretty thick hide to be an Ombudsman," she said.

"That doesn't mean that people should get away with vile and misogynistic behaviour and I would very much hope that people will judge that for themselves and that parliament will judge it too."

Mr Andrews apologised for the "absolutely disgraceful" behaviour within his party and vowed to implement a raft of changes to stamp out corruption in parliament.

Ms Glass said until the matters were addressed with the "necessary rigour", the scandals would not be the last.

"That these issues continue to loom large in the public consciousness as an example of unpunished wrongdoing is a product of many factors, including the police operation in 2018," the ombudsman said.

"But it is also a product of the unsatisfactory state of the law in relation to the misuse of public funds, and an inadequate system for investigating and sanctioning MPs who break the rules."

Ombudsman says Victoria Police should apologise

The ombudsman did not begin her initial probe into the red shirts scandal until Victoria Police had completed its first investigation in 2015.

Ms Glass questioned why police had chosen to reopen an investigation into the matter after her 2018 report, which found criminal action was not required.

"Despite this strong hint that no further action should be necessary, in July 2018, ombudsman investigators were advised that Victoria Police intended to commence an investigation," the report said.

"In my view, given that the core evidence remained essentially unchanged since 2014, the 2018 Victoria Police operation contributed to misleading the public perception of the conduct in question."

The ombudsman said it was "a pity" senior members of Victoria Police did not intervene to stop the dawn arrests of Labor Party campaign staff in 2018 and suggested the force should apologise.

"It is not clear why MPs were not treated in the same, allegedly heavy-handed, fashion as their staffers," Ms Glass said.

"It may relieve the sense of unfairness that at least some of those arrested must have felt, if senior police command would acknowledge this and apologise to them."

Ms Glass said the "main gap" in her 2018 investigation was the lack of evidence from upper house MPs, who did not respond to ombudsman requests for information about their knowledge of the scheme.

"If I were to successfully compel the 20 MPs who did not provide evidence in 2017, to give evidence now … they could credibly claim not to remember conversations some eight years after," she said.

"I expect my ultimate findings would have remained the same, had I sought to compel members of the Legislative Assembly to give evidence."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-28/victorian-ombudsman-report-into-labor-red-shirts-rorts/101275052

School history ‘teaching national shame to our children’

NATASHA BITA - JULY 28, 2022

“National shame’’ is being taught in school history lessons, a new Centre of Independent Studies report claims.

British analyst Joanna Williams has charged into Australia’s culture wars, blaming a black-armband view of history for the rise in identity politics among young Australians.

“History classes increasingly focus on past wrongdoings rather than a more positive view of the nation state,” she writes in a report for the CIS.

“Successive generations of children have been socialised into negative feelings towards the nation. In response, we can see a rise in iconoclasm in Australia, and across the rest of the Western world, and a worrying trend of privileging the differences of identity groups above the potentially unifying notion of national citizenship.”

Ms Williams, the founder and director of libertarian British think tank Cieo, said national history was often considered a “source of shame’’ in both Britain and Australia.

“In both countries, history classes increasingly focus on past wrongdoings rather than celebrating national successes, and schools promote global citizenship rather than national citizenship,’’ she writes.

Ms Williams argues history should be taught in a chronological and balanced way.

“Ignoring past atrocities leaves young people ignorant and at risk of repeating immoral acts,’’ she writes. “But an increasingly prioritised focus on atrocities above all else robs a national story of its capacity to inspire and unite.’’

Ms Williams writes that history teaching in recent decades has placed more emphasis on students’ analytical skills than knowledge.

“This is premised on an understanding that the past is ‘messy’ and people need to be ‘trained’ to make sense of it,’’ she writes in the report.

“Some Australian historians are keen to bring emotion into history. This focus on emotional responses empowers potentially activist teachers to promote their own interpretations, irrespective of the knowledge content of the curriculum.’’

Ms Williams writes that successive generations of children in Britain and Australia have been taught a history curriculum that “substitutes identity for chronology and elite national shame for balance’’.

“The legacy is cohorts of young adults who have grown alienated from their nation and its democratic process.”

Australia’s revised national curriculum, which will be taught from next year, will teach Indigenous perspectives of a white invasion, alongside concepts of a Christian and Western heritage.

A new “deep time” strand will focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and the impact of European arrival, including the concept of an “invasion’’.

The impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders – “for example, dispossession, dislocation and the loss of lives through frontier conflict, disease and loss of food sources and medicines” – is included in the new national curriculum.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/school-history-teaching-national-shame-to-our-children/news-story/d1de0b65c28f5c634a40a0e4216258f6

—

Teaching National Shame: History and citizenship in the school curriculum

Joanna Williams, Centre for Independent Studies - July 28, 2022

Executive Summary

Identification with a nation-state has the capacity to unite disparate individuals in a shared sense of identity and purpose, with education playing a role in the transmission of this identity through a common curriculum.

In this paper, UK analyst Joanna Williams examines the impact of changing approaches to teaching history and citizenship on the cultivation of national identity in Australia and the UK. She notes that the history curriculum has long provided a specific site for the teaching of a national story, while distinct lessons in citizenship are a more recent development.

In both countries, however, rather than celebrating national successes, history classes increasingly focus on sins of the past, thus teaching national shame. Schools have also promoted the values of global rather than national citizenship, with civics lessons encouraging local political activism as a form of democratic engagement. The legacy is cohorts of young people who have grown alienated from their nation-state and its democratic processes.

The paper concludes by calling for greater balance in the teaching of history, whilst pointing out that the very existence of formal citizenship classes speaks to a lack of confidence and consensus in the values associated with national identity. If a new generation is not to be left alienated from its collective past, the nation-building role that schools once played should be revived.

https://www.cis.org.au/publication/teaching-national-shame/

https://www.cis.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/OP189-Jo-Williams-1.pdf

>>16840530

Jan. 6 hearings may wound Donald Trump but his self-delusion will do him in

JACK THE INSIDER (Peter Hoysted) - JULY 28, 2022

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The bookmakers have a market for the 2024 presidential election and Donald Trump is a 5/2 favourite. Florida governor, Ron DeSantis at 7/2 lies second then follows the incumbent Joe Biden at 11/2 with his Veep, Kamala Harris, at 12/1, alongside Mike Pence.

A bet on anyone 28 months out seems an effective way for punters to be separated from their money as a glance down the list shows.

Hillary “Surely it’s my turn now” Clinton is sitting alongside Dwayne Johnson on the lower rungs of the lines of betting at 50/1. I can’t smell what the Rock is cookin’ but it’s probably not a presidential tilt in 2024.

Ignoring the Rock’s odd appearance, it’s all a bit predictable.

The question is, will Jan. 6 (this is what Americans now call the tumult in the Congress building and its subsequent investigations, thus having to avoid politically laced language) lead to the termination of Trump’s ambitions to pull a Grover Cleveland and become the 45th and 47th POTUS?

The New York Times and Washington Post talk excitedly of Trump being prosecuted for some vague crime or other while acknowledging that no clear pathway to prosecution of a sitting president exists. It’s probably marginally more likely now than when hearings commenced but it still sits at Clinton and The Rock odds.

For those who love a circus, the delicious prospect of Trump being prosecuted by the Department of Justice and tried in a courtroom, would make the OJ Simpson trial look like the Manangatang Court House on a Wednesday afternoon.

Trump’s political influence is waning. Certainly, the House select committee’s investigations have exposed the 45th POTUS’s desperation to cling to power. But it is small beans compared to his own delusions. Trump can’t let the Big Lie go while everyone else, including the Republican Party, is desperate to move on.

Despite Trump’s claim that his endorsement creates GOP winners, the records show almost the exact reverse. There is a long list of candidates who had fallen over themselves to receive a shiny Trump endorsement only to find themselves making head bowed concessions speeches.

Former Republican senator, David Perdue, failed to win his gubernatorial primary in Georgia despite wholehearted support from Trump.

The former president appeared in television advertisements and spent millions from his Great America PAC in support of Perdue. He believed Republican voters would punish Kemp for failing to overturn Georgia’s results in the 2020 election. He was wrong. Kemp won the primary by more than 50 points.

Scandal-plagued congressman Madison Cawthorn lost his primary in North Carolina’s 11th congressional district despite Trump telling voters he was worth “a second chance.”

A Trump-endorsed candidate for the senate race in Pennsylvania, Sean Parnell, was forced to drop out of the race late last year, after a judge ruled in favour of his ex-wife and granted her primary custody of the couple’s children amid allegations of spousal and child abuse.

(continued)

>>16931247

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Texas senator Ted Cruz has endorsed Rebecca Kleefisch for governor in Wisconsin. Back In June, Trump put his weight behind Tim Michels.

Trump is stumping for Michels and attending rallies on his behalf. In polling for the Republican gubernatorial primary, Michels and Kleefisch are neck and neck. It is one to watch with the primary due on August 9.

A candidate receiving an anointment from Ted Cruz might be left wondering about its value, too, after Cruz endorsed Alabama congressman Mo Brooks’ run for the Senate. Trump had endorsed Brooks and then unendorsed him in March.

Brooks, the former Trump acolyte, turned on the former president accusing him of having “ … no loyalty to anyone beside himself” only after a week of begging for a Trump re-endorsement. Brooks lost to a GOP moderate described by Trump’s son Donald Jr as “the Liz Cheney of Alabama” by 15 points in the primary.

Miffed at the defeat, Brooks now says he is willing to testify at the House Committee’s Jan. 6 investigations. For those with their magnifying glasses out, Brooks was one of only two senators Trump spoke to during the 187 minutes from his speech to supporters at the Ellipse to his video filmed at the White House asking rioters to leave the Congress and go home.

We don’t know what was discussed but it looks like Brooks is about to let us know.

Trump’s failed endorsements can also be explained by stumping for candidates who have bleak chances of winning, his preferences driven by a revenge lust that he won in 2020 and any Republican who says differently feels his wrath.

Brooks was disendorsed by Trump after Brooks had said the GOP needed to move on from Trump’s fixation on 2020 election fraud.

Nearly 18 million people watched the second round of the House select committee’s prime time hearings, a little lower than the first round where 20 million Americans tuned in. For context that’s just around half of the number of viewers who watched the LA Rams beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the play off on January 24.

We may have become used to hearing polling results that say a clear majority of Republican voters believe that Trump was the winner in 2020.

The question put by major polling companies for much of the last 18 months is, “Do you believe Joe Biden was legitimately elected president?” The most recent poll – a New York Times Siena poll – put the figure among Republican voters at 62 per cent in the negative.

While other polling has that figure a little higher, when you flip those results, between one third and one quarter of GOP voters believe Biden was legitimately elected.

And therein lies Trump’s biggest problem. In a primary clash against DeSantis, for example, the Florida governor will talk about his plans and prospects if elected president while Trump will not be able to avoid babbling conspiratorially and without evidence, that he was dudded in Georgia, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan four years earlier.

For the record, more than two-thirds of independent or non-aligned voters don’t accept the Big Lie either.

For all that, Trump has a thumping war chest. Political donations are the Trump business model now. That sense of perpetual candidacy with the occasional hint he may run, keeps the money rolling in.

Like a white pointer shark, Trump has to keep moving. The moment he announces he won’t run or if he does run, gets belted in a primary or two and withdraws, he is politically dead.

All the excitement from the Jan. 6 hearings won’t do him in. A trial might even revive his fortunes. But it is his own delusion, his dangerous fantasy, the Big Lie that he cannot walk away from that will do him in.

Peter Hoysted is Jack the Insider: a highly placed, dedicated servant of the nation with close ties to leading figures in politics, business and the union movement.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/jan-6-hearings-may-wound-donald-trump-but-his-selfdelusion-will-do-him-in/news-story/529c8e558f3b42a5d39f8ac6abfc5e12

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/jack-the-insider

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 4:59 a.m. No.16931266 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1271

Monkeypox declared disease of ‘national significance’ in Australia

Guidelines for who should get immunised have also been updated ahead of newer vaccines being made available in Australia

Paul Karp and Melissa Davey - 28 Jul 2022

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Australia has declared monkeypox a “communicable disease incident of national significance” and has updated guidelines for who should get immunised ahead of newer vaccines being made available.

On Thursday the chief medical officer, Paul Kelly, revealed that there have been 44 cases of the disease in Australia, mostly in returned international travellers, people aged 21 to 40 years and men who have sex with men.

Following a declaration by the World Health Organisation earlier in July labelling monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern, Australia declared it a communicable disease incident of “national significance”.

The declaration means the response to monkeypox will have national coordination, in order to assist states and territories with outbreaks.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation [Atagi] also updated its clinical guidance on vaccination against monkeypox to include the use of a MVA-BN vaccine named Jynneos to prepare for supplies arriving in Australia.

“Limited supplies of … [MVA-BN Jynneos] have been secured by the commonwealth and some states and territories,” it said. It is unclear if these supplies have arrived in Australia, with demand high globally.

The health minister, Mark Butler, told Guardian Australia earlier this week that the federal government had “been actively pursuing supplies of the third-generation vaccine MVA-BN well before the WHO declaration was made, recognising there is limited supply and significant global demand”.

Health stakeholders believe an announcement of a supply deal for the newer vaccination is imminent.

Monkeypox can also be prevented with a smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000, which is registered for use in Australia and contained in the national medical stockpile, but that vaccine uses a weakened live pox virus called vaccinia, making it unsuitable for the immunocompromised. Jynneos has been recommended as the preferred vaccine, saying it can be administered to the immunocompromised, pregnant women, children and those with skin conditions.

Heath Paynter, the deputy chief executive officer of the Australian Federation of Aids Organisations, said the government needs to “implement policies to arrest the virus and to prevent it becom[ing] endemic”.

“Fundamental to this is to obtain a supply of vaccines for gay and bisexual men at risk of monkeypox,” he told Guardian Australia.

“It is our expectation the government will acquire and supply MVA-BN, which is the only vaccine that is safe and effective.”

“It is the only acceptable option,” he said, labelling ACAM2000 “inferior”.

“Australia has a golden opportunity to step in and stop monkeypox in its tracks, but it could quickly evaporate, and once it does – it’s lost, as we’ve seen in Montreal, London, New York and Madrid, cities with hundreds of cases of community transmission.”

(continued)

>>16931266

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Atagi advice states that “For healthy non-pregnant adults, where Jynneos is not suitable or not available, ACAM2000 has an established profile and may be considered” for those exposed to the virus or at high risk of exposure.

In his update, Kelly said according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1 January to 28 July there had been 20,311 monkeypox cases in 71 countries that have not historically reported it, including Australia.

The fact most cases have been in returned travellers indicates community transmission in Australia has been limited.

Despite the declaration on Thursday, Kelly said it was important to note monkeypox “is far less harmful than Covid-19 and there have been no deaths reported during the current outbreak outside of countries where the virus is endemic”. Monkeypox is “far less transmissible” than Covid-19, he said.

Monkeypox results in rashes and flu-like symptoms which Kelly said are “relatively mild, and in most cases, resolve themselves within two to four weeks without the need for specific treatments”.

“Although monkeypox is not usually considered a sexually transmissible infection, physical contact with an infected person during sexual intercourse carries a significant risk of transmission and intimate physical contact such as hugging, kissing and sexual activities represent a risk of infection, with infectious skin sores being the likely mode of transmission,” he said.

“The rash usually occurs on the face before spreading to other parts of the body, including the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. However, in this outbreak it is being seen especially on the genital and perianal regions of affected people.”

Kelly said since May the Department of Health had worked with at-risk communities, states and territories to ensure “our response to MPX [monkeypox] has been swift and coordinated”.

The national medical stockpile has available stock of monkeypox treatments, such as antivirals, for states and territories to access on request, he said.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/jul/28/monkeypox-declared-disease-of-national-significance-in-australia

Graphite miner Syrah lands loan with Biden administration

Nick Toscano - July 28, 2022

Melbourne-based mining company Syrah Resources has secured a $US102 million ($146 million) loan from the United States government to expand production of graphite, one of the key ingredients needed to make electric car batteries.

As the Biden administration accelerates efforts to grow the US electric vehicle manufacturing industry, the loan from the US Energy Department will be used to enlarge Syrah’s Vidalia plant in Louisiana, which processes graphite mined in Mozambique into battery-ready material.

“Importantly, the loan will allow Syrah to accelerate its growth strategy in its downstream business and support the rapidly growing electric vehicle and battery supply chain in the USA,” Syrah managing director Shaun Verner said.

The US, Australia and other nations are seeking to diversify global supplies of a range of critical minerals needed to make important products including batteries, computers, wind turbines and military weapons, amid deepening concerns about China’s dominance over the key markets.

ASX-listed Syrah has already struck supply agreements with auto giants Ford and Elon Musk’s Tesla, as they race to lock in future supplies of battery ingredients including graphite, lithium, nickel and cobalt, which will be needed to build millions of electric vehicles in coming years.

Graphite is used as a component in the negative end of lithium-ion batteries, known as the anode, but almost all of global production is concentrated in China.

As trade frictions fuel concerns in the United States that Beijing could cut off supplies at any time, the US government has been seeking to shore up its own supplies of critical minerals. Earlier this year, the US Department of Defence signed a $US120 million deal with another ASX-listed mining company, Lynas, to build a commercial processing plant in Texas, which would be first plant outside of China capable of separating heavy rare earths.

US Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm said the government’s investment in Syrah’s Vidalia expansion project built on President Joe Biden’s ambitions to secure the nations “clean transportation future”.

“Securing critical materials, such as lithium and graphite, is essential to increasing domestic production of batteries to power the growing number of electric vehicles on our roadways,” she said.

Syrah and the Energy Department are aiming for the first advance to be made by the end of the year, in line with the company’s capital spending program for the Vidalia expansion project. Syrah said it would use surplus proceeds from an equity raising earlier this year to fund a feasibility study on the further expansion of the plant’s production capacity.

https://www.theage.com.au/business/companies/graphite-miner-syrah-lands-loan-with-biden-administration-20220728-p5b5dw.html

>>16594133 (pb)

Sunny Duong: Alleged Chinese spy who donated to Liberal politician Alan Tudge faces court

An alleged Chinese “spy” has emphatically stated his innocence before a Melbourne court in the first case of its kind.

Hugo Timms - July 28, 2022

An alleged Chinese spy will face criminal proceedings after a Melbourne judge declared there was strong enough evidence to commit the accused to stand trial.

Di Sanh Duong, otherwise known as “Sunny”, is the first person to be charged under the then Turnbull government’s 2018 foreign interference legislation.

Prosecutors allege 67-year-old Duong, who lives in the wealthy Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, sought to cultivate a relationship with former Coalition Minister Alan Tudge from March to June in 2020 and use that relationship to advance the interests of the Chinese Communist Party.

A significant part of the case against Mr Duong concerns a $37,000 donation he made to the Royal Melbourne Hospital on June 2, 2020.

The Australian Federal Police allege the money, which came on behalf of the Oceania Federation of Chinese Organisations, of which Mr Duong was president, was intended to leverage an undeclared political influence.

At the time Mr Tudge was the multicultural affairs minister in the Morrison government.

The AFP also allege that a shipment of masks promised by Mr Duong to aid Australia during the pandemic was also motivated by a desire to gain influence over Mr Tudge.

In the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, Magistrate Susan Wakeling decided there was enough circumstantial evidence to commit the accused to trial and was satisfied that the evidence “taken at its highest” could support a guilty conviction.

But Mr Duong, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge of preparing for a foreign interference attempt, said there was no evidence to link the donation to the Chinese Communist Party or any “covert purpose”.

His defence has argued that the small amount of masks he was able to procure during the pandemic is further evidence that he was not acting on behalf of the CCP.

Mr Duong, a former member of the Liberal Party who ran for the then state seat of Richmond, on Thursday appeared in court where proceedings were conveyed to him through a translator.

His bail was extended but with strict conditions attached, including a prohibition on leaving the country.

Mr Duong has already surrendered his passport, the court was told.

The matter was listed for a directions in the County Court on August 25.

https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/sunny-duong-alleged-chinese-spy-who-donated-to-liberal-politician-alan-tudge-faces-court/news-story/6c491ad9ad4fb04e914f16026cbdd81a

CSIRO boss advocates science ties to Beijing

JESS MALCOLM - JULY 27, 2022

CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall says Australia should forge deeper scientific ties with China in a bid to solve global challenges, including climate change and future pandemics.

Speaking to the National Press Club in Canberra on Wednesday, Dr Marshall said stronger partnerships should also be formed with the US, given it would be of mutual benefit to both countries.

His comments come despite warnings from strategic experts against scientific collaboration between Australian and Chinese research organisations amid concern for national security risks.

The Australian revealed last year that the CSIRO would terminate an oceans research collaboration with China’s top science institute with close military links, following an ASIO warning that it could help the Chinese navy to hunt down Australian submarines.

The move came just over a fortnight after director-general of security Mike Burgess called on research organisations to reconsider ocean temperature modelling partnerships with foreign scientists, warning they could be used to support submarine operations against Australia.

There is also increasing concern that talent recruitment initiatives including China’s Thousand Talents Plan may be helping to facilitate espionage and theft of intellectual property, with the programs allowing scientists to commercialise their work in return for CCP access.

Dr Marshall said science was a “language that transcends those boundaries” and Australia had an enduring relationship with China.

“CSIRO has had a deep relationship with the Chinese Academy of Science for more than five decades,” he said. “Australia was the first Western country to really embrace China in a way.

“On things that are global challenges, like solving a pandemic, solving climate change, you know global issues, absolutely we should work with China and we have done for … more than five decades, and absolutely work with the US.”

Dr Marshall said the CSIRO had recently signed a major partnership with the US amid growing recognition of the benefits of national laboratories. “They started to recognise what we do as really necessary for what they do, so I think that partnership will get deeper with both because they both need us, they both need what we bring to the table.”

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Malcolm Davis said he “fundamentally disagreed” with suggestions of deeper scientific ties with China, saying it could risk national security. “In terms of forming deeper scientific ties, you need to be specific about the kind of ties you are talking about,” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/csiro-boss-advocates-science-ties-to-beijing/news-story/47e79f618fe681e6bcc53a95ebf2fad7

>>16802404

US General warns China has developed highly capable ‘world-class’ military

The US’ highest ranking military official says China has developed a “world-class” military with the potential for significant geopolitical action.

Duncan Murray - July 27, 2022

The US’ highest-ranking military officer, General Mark Milley, has described China’s proliferation of military strength as “very, very concerning” to the Pacific as well as globally.

He said China was well on the way to achieving the military capability to invade Taiwan should Beijing choose to.

“It’s clear the Chinese are developing the capabilities in all the domains, in space and cyber and the traditional domains of land, sea and air to conduct a cross channel attack – an invasion if you will – to seize Taiwan if they made the political decision to do it,” he told ABC 730 host Sarah Ferguson on Wednesday.

“Now, having the capability and doing it is two different things. The execution of something like that would be a significant geopolitical decision.”

He added US forces, who were watching the situation closely, saw no signs of an imminent attack.

The General is in Australia for a conference of defence chiefs, during which China’s military expansion was likely to be high on the agenda.

However, he refused to be drawn on whether the US was committed to intervening should an invasion of Taiwan take place.

“We are always prepared for all kinds of different contingencies and I don’t think it would be wise for me to broadcast on media what we prepare for in the future,” he said.

“I would just leave the policy as it is and obviously we take our direction from the Commander-in-Chief and will do as directed.

“I will tell you that we’re quite prepared to deal with any contingencies that occur.”

General Milley said China had shown increasing assertiveness and willingness to engage in military intercepts with other countries’ armed forces.

This includes a Chinese J-16 fighter aircraft which had a deliberate and dangerous run in with an Australian surveillance aircraft in May of this year.

“The statistical increase in the numbers of these activities that the Chinese navy and Chinese air force have been doing is significant,” he said.

“It’s American and Australian, also Canadian. And then several other countries in the vicinity of the South China Sea – Philippines, Vietnam for example.”

He said such activities contributed to tension in the region, but were not the sole factor.

General Milley explained China’s unprecedented economic expansion over the past several decades had allowed it to develop a highly advanced military.

“They went from a large infantry dismounted capability 44 years ago to today – they’re developing a blue water navy, they’ve got fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft, they have a very, very sophisticated air defence system, they have a very, very sophisticated anti-access/area denial system with land-based cruise missiles to take out naval vessels. They have developed a strong, very capable space system. They have a very, very capable cyber capability. As well as the ground forces,” he said.

“So yes, the Chinese are developing a world-class military.”

“That is not to say, though, that a war with China is inevitable. I don’t believe in historical determinism and history is not a linear exercise. But it is concerning that a country such as China is developing a level of economic and military power that is really significant not only in the Western Pacific, but globally.”

https://www.news.com.au/national/politics/us-general-warns-china-has-developed-highly-capable-worldclass-military/news-story/010551f1d19f05f55d01f3e37135e397

U.S. Embassy Australia Tweet

This evening Ambassador Kennedy laid a wreath at the Australian War Memorial to pay her respects to the Australian and United States' service members who have fought and died for freedom and stability in the Indo-Pacific and around the world. Lest we forget

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1552211163223846912

>>16931316

U.S. Embassy Australia Tweets

This week Ambassador Kennedy met with and expressed her thanks to Australian Coastwatchers who helped rescue her father, President John F. Kennedy, and his patrol torpedo boat crew who were stranded in the Pacific during the Second World War.

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1552473952936955904

—

“I owe personal gratitude to an (Australian) Coastwatcher & two Solomon Islander scouts who saved my father’s life. These men represent the best of their generation and are an amazing example of the bonds of the #USwithAUS alliance" Ambassador Kennedy said

More: bit. ly/3PHVNPg

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1552473960356655104

https://au.usembassy.gov/ambassador-caroline-kennedys-meeting-with-australian-coastwatchers-at-the-australian-war-memorial/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 5:23 a.m. No.16931326 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>1331

>>16931316

>>16931322

Ambassador Caroline Kennedy’s Meeting with Australian Coastwatchers at the Australian War Memorial

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia - July 28, 2022

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Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and General Mark Milley, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, met with two Australian veteran Coastwatchers and their family members at the Australian War Memorial yesterday. The Ambassador reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-Australia alliance and expressed her gratitude for the service and sacrifice of Australians during World War II, highlighting the Coastwatchers, who played a critical role in rescuing President John F. Kennedy after his patrol torpedo boat was destroyed.

Ambassador Kennedy met Ms. Eve Ash, daughter of Australian World War II veteran Mr. Ronald (Dixie) George Lee, and Mr. Tom Burrowes, son of veteran Mr. James Burrowes OAM, at the Australian War Memorial. Mr. Lee and Mr. Burrowes joined the meeting virtually from the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne.

In their meeting, Ambassador Kennedy said “It was a great honor to meet two Australian Coastwatchers, who played an essential role in keeping the region secure during World War II. I owe personal gratitude to an Australian Coastwatcher and two Solomon Islander scouts who saved my father’s life. These men represent the best of their generation and are an amazing example of the bonds of the U.S.-Australia alliance.”

“I was deeply honored to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony with Ambassador Kennedy and meet a few Australian Coastwatchers. The U.S-Australia alliance remains just as strong as when we fought side-by-side more than 70 years ago. The World War II generation of Americans and Australians bequeathed us a set of freedoms, and we have an obligation today to uphold their sacrifices,” said General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest ranking military officer in the United States.

“The event was a very special and personal acknowledgement by Ambassador Kennedy and the US government of the role we had as Aussie Coastwatchers eight decades ago. I am proud at 98 to meet Her Excellency and share Coastwatcher stories. The time I spent in the Solomons and other locations as a Coastwatcher is as vivid today as it was then. It has been an honor to participate in this memorial event,” Australian World War II veteran Mr. Ronald (Dixie) George Lee.

“’It was an amazing experience to meet with Ambassador Caroline Kennedy and extremely pleasing to speak with her during the commemorative wreath-laying. As a Coastwatcher, I have long been aware of the role played by the Australian and Solomon Islander Coastwatchers Reg Evans, Biuku Gasa and Eroni Kumana in rescuing then Lieutenant John F. Kennedy and his crew after their Patrol Torpedo Boat was cut in two by a Japanese destroyer. So I was honored to receive the Ambassador’s kind acknowledgement of our Coastwatching role in the war and recognition of our rescue of the future President,” Australian World War II veteran Mr. James Burrowes OAM.

(continued)

>>16931326

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Ambassador Kennedy presented Ms. Ash and Mr. Burrowes with replicas of the coconut that President Kennedy used to send a rescue message following the destruction of his patrol torpedo boat, PT-109.

Following their meeting, Ambassador Kennedy, Ms. Ash, and Mr. Burrowes, along with Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, toured the Memorial Commemorative Area.

“Our wonderful new U.S. Ambassador Caroline Kennedy has shone a very personal light on the special role of Australian Coastwatchers in World War II. I was privileged to meet her and General Milley and to lay a wreath on behalf of my father, one of the last surviving Coastwatchers. The tour of the Australian War Memorial was very moving. No doubt Ambassador Kennedy will strengthen and bring warmth to the close bond between our two countries,” Ms. Eve Ash, daughter of Australian World War II veteran Mr. Ronald George “Dixie” Lee.

“I am truly humbled to represent my Coastwatcher father Jim Burrowes on this specific commemoration to the Coastwatchers with our U.S. allies and with such a personal connection. The bravery and sacrifice of the Coastwatchers is inspiring to the next two generations of Australians who have enjoyed relatively peaceful enjoyment and prosperity. We express our deep gratitude and indeed, I dips me lid! And Lest We Forget,” Mr. Tom Burrowes, son of veteran Mr. James Burrowes OAM, at the Australian War Memorial.

Ambassador Kennedy, General Milley, Ms. Ash, and Mr. Burrowes then participated in the Last Post Ceremony and laid a wreath at the Pool of Reflection.

Ambassador Kennedy’s engagements at the Australian War Memorial reflect Australia’s status as a vital ally, partner, and friend of the United States.

“The U.S.-Australia alliance plays a vital part of promoting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world. I look forward to working to advance our alliance during my time as Ambassador.” – Ambassador Caroline Kennedy

https://au.usembassy.gov/ambassador-caroline-kennedys-meeting-with-australian-coastwatchers-at-the-australian-war-memorial/

https://www.liverpoolchampion.com.au/story/7837272/ambassadors-nod-to-australian-wwii-veterans-who-saved-her-dad-jfk/

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 8:57 p.m. No.16936324 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6329

‘We are seeking a momentous change’: Albanese reveals Voice referendum question

James Massola - July 29, 2022

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Australians will be asked if they support an alteration to the Constitution to enshrine an Indigenous Voice to parliament, in a referendum question proposed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

In the most significant speech on Indigenous affairs by a prime minister since Kevin Rudd’s 2008 National Apology, Albanese will also suggest the wording that could be added to the Constitution if the referendum were successful.

The prime minister has travelled to the Garma cultural festival in Arnhem Land, which has returned after a two-year hiatus, to call on Australians to unite behind the Labor government’s campaign to recognise First Nation peoples in the constitution.

“I believe there is room in Australian hearts, for the Statement from the Heart,” he will say. “We are seeking a momentous change – but it is also a very simple one.”

Albanese will propose this question be put to all Australians: “Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice?”

The speech opens with the Prime Minister paying his respects in the local Yolngu Matha language of the Indigenous Australians of Arnhem Land.

On arriving at the festival on Friday afternoon, Albanese said Australians should recognise “the oldest civilisation on the planet” by recognising it “in our national birth certificate, the Constitution of Australia”.

While the prime minister will make clear that the final form of words is not yet settled, he will propose three sentences to be added to the constitution if the referendum succeeds: one that enshrines the Voice; one that sets out its responsibility to make representations to the parliament and executive government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and one that empowers the parliament to make laws on how the Voice would be created and how it functions.

He does not specify when the referendum will be held but Labor’s plan is to hold the national vote well before the next election, which is due in 2025.

Albanese also directly addresses critics of the proposed Voice, including new Country Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price and Liberals Tony Pasin, Claire Chandler and Phillip Thompson, who have warned a Voice could divide Australia and demanded more detail about how it would operate.

In his speech, the Prime Minister criticises “the notion that this is a nice piece of symbolism - but it will have no practical benefit. Or that somehow advocating for a Voice comes at the expense of expanding economic opportunity, or improving community safety, or lifting education standards or helping people get the health care they deserve or find the housing they need”.

“Australia does not have to choose between improving peoples’ lives and amending the constitution. We can do both – and we have to. Because 121 years of Commonwealth governments arrogantly believing they know enough to impose their own solutions on Aboriginal people have brought us to this point. This torment of powerlessness.”

(continued)

>>16936324

2/2

In a rallying cry to all Australians to support constitutional change, the Prime Minister will argue that “a Voice enshrined in the constitution cannot be silenced”, and cannot be wound back by a change of government.

“It recognises the centuries-old failure Paul Keating spoke of at Redfern, the failure to ask the most basic human question: how would I feel, if this were done to me?”

The Voice to parliament was proposed in the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart, which also proposed a Makarrata Commission to oversee treaty-making and truth-telling, and has been endorsed by hundreds of Indigenous leaders. It would provide advice on laws and policies that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. On election night, Albanese committed to enshrining the Voice in the Constitution.

The Coalition government supported the creation of such a body, but was opposed to holding a referendum.

Albanese will argue a constitutionally enshrined Voice will mean “will exist and endure outside of the ups and downs of election cycles and the weakness of short-term politics.”

A report by Indigenous leaders Marcia Langton and Tom Calma for the former government recommended a 24-member national Voice to parliament be created. It would comprise two members from each state and territory and the Torres Strait Islands, plus a third member from remote areas of NSW, the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia and one member for mainland Torres Strait Islander people.

Langton on Friday dismissed arguments against the Voice, telling ABC Radio National that while there are now 11 Indigenous members of the federal parliament, “Indigenous peoples around the country will live in electorates where they don’t have an Aboriginal member of parliament”.

“They want a formal guarantee that the government will make decisions in conjunction with them over matters that affect their daily lives, such as essential services, potable drinking water, housing, schools, health clinics,” she said.

Just eight of 44 referendums have ever succeeded in Australia and, without a bipartisan consensus in favour of the Voice, the proposal faces an uphill battle.

Shadow minister for Indigenous Australians Julian Leeser has travelled with the prime minister to the Garma festival for the speech and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has left open the possibility of bipartisan support for a Voice.

Acknowledging the importance of cross-party support, Albanese will point out that the entire parliament endorsed the 1967 referendum on whether the federal government should be able to make laws for Indigenous Australians, and whether they should be counted in the census.

“In the same spirit - I hope that the Opposition and the crossbench will support the proposal, join the campaign for a Yes vote and bring their supporters to the cause.”

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/we-are-seeking-a-momentous-change-albanese-reveals-voice-referendum-question-20220729-p5b5l4.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 9:01 p.m. No.16936337 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6344

Calls to review transgender treatment for kids after British Tavistock Clinic is closed

NATASHA ROBINSON - JULY 29, 2022

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Australian gender clinics are under fresh scrutiny and face calls for an independent review of their prescription of puberty blockers to teenagers after a leading British clinic was closed down over safety concerns.

The ordered close of the Tavistock Clinic – the model for treating trans people around the world – on Thursday followed concerns raised by doctors that young patients were being referred on to a gender transitioning path too quickly and that there was insufficient evidence as to the long-term cognitive and physical impacts of puberty blockers.

With several major Australian gender clinics based at children’s hospitals having been strongly influenced by the Tavistock Clinic, some doctors say the findings of the British review by Dr Hilary Cass are likely to apply equally in Australia amid a dominance of a “gender affirming” approach to treating gender dysphoria.

Some of the nation’s leading trans clinics, including the centre at the Royal Melbourne’s Children Hospital, defended their methods on Friday and said they followed best Australian practice.

Queensland paediatrician Dylan Wilson said the closing of Tavistock should lead to Australian authorities reconsidering the treatment of children experiencing gender dysphoria.

“The concerns that have been raised with the UK Tavistock Clinic translate directly to the same concerns that can be applied to gender clinics here in Australia,” Dr Wilson said.

“The fact that Dr Cass noted that there is insufficient evidence to recommend puberty blockers but they have been used by gender clinics in Australia is of huge concern.

“They are now only going to be used in the UK as part of research trials with significant ethical oversight which is the same pathway that Sweden has followed, but the gender clinics in Australia continue unabated to prescribe them on a regular basis without any oversight or scrutiny whatsoever.

“The concern is that children are, as the Cass report found, instantly socially and medically affirmed without any exploration of any other diagnoses or contributing factors to their gender identity being considered, which means as soon as they are affirmed as children that are transgender, they are placed along a pathway which leads them to medical treatment, and medical treatment pathway leads them to lifelong medicalisation.”

The National Association of Practising Psychiatrists – which has adopted a cautious, psychotherapy-first approach to treating gender dysphoria – is also calling for a review of gender clinics in Australia.

“The longer-term studies of what happens to children and adolescents when they’re treated with puberty blockers is not known. The evidence base is lacking,” said association president Philip Morris.

(continued)

>>16936337

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Public gender clinics in Australia all say puberty blockers and hormone therapy is prescribed only after comprehensive clinical assessment.

The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s gender clinic led by Michelle Telfer, head of the hospital’s Department of Adolescent Medicine and director of the RCH Gender Service, developed the Australian standards of care for the treatment of gender dysphoria.

The hospital says the clinic’s service “is underpinned by research methodology to monitor outcomes that will continuously inform best practice”. Critics say published research on the long-term outcomes of hormone treatment of children is non-existent.

“We will continue to closely monitor how services nationally and internationally develop and evolve, and welcome all actions that ensure that trans children and young people continue to receive the highest possible quality of care, regardless of where they live,” a hospital spokesman said.

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney, which has a trans and gender diverse service, said all patients referred to the clinic underwent a specialised and comprehensive assessment involving consultation with specialists in psychological medicine, adolescent medicine and endocrinology.

“Children are only ever considered for stage 1 treatment (puberty blockers) once this assessment has taken place and in close consultation with the patient, parents and treating medical teams. This treatment is reversible,” a hospital spokesperson said.

Transcend Australia, an organisation that supports trans, gender diverse and non-binary children, rejected the calls for a review and said Australian standards of care had been developed by best practice.

Transcend Australia chief executive Jeremy Wiggins said treatment often gave young people a chance to consider their identify for longer and said the effects of puberty blockers were reversible.

“The treatment is highly considered and given to people who demonstrate that they meet the criteria for gender dysphoria. It is considered for them to be lifesaving treatment so they can continue and get on with their lives,” he said.

“I’d be concerned for any government in any country to remove access to treatment for a highly vulnerable population.”

The close of the Tavistock Clinic comes as Dr Cass recommends a shift to a more “holistic” mode of care amid concerns that other clinical presentations including mental health issues were “overshadowed” when gender was raised by children referred to the clinic.

Puberty blockers will now only be able to be prescribed in the UK as part of a clinical trial that follows children until adulthood.

“Puberty blockers, rather than acting as a “pause button” allowing children time to explore their identity, seem to lock them into a medicalised treatment pathway,” Dr Cass’s interim report said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/calls-to-review-transgender-treatment-for-kids-after-british-tavistock-clinic-is-closed/news-story/2b826d34b5d11063cf541885ebcd7bbc

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 9:03 p.m. No.16936347 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>8815

Australian Federal Police to share coding of AN0M app used in Operation Ironside arrests

Claire Campbell - 29 July 2022

Experts for alleged criminals charged in one of Australia's biggest criminal sting operations will be given access to the coding of a messaging app built by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to catch those allegedly involved in organised crime.

The specialists are working for three men charged by police who were working on Operation Ironside.

Those specialists will be given access to the source code for the encrypted messaging platform AN0M but only under "controlled and secure conditions", Justice Sandi McDonald said in the South Australian Supreme Court on Friday.

A year ago — in one of the most-significant policing operations in Australia's history — Operation Ironside saw thousands of police across multiple agencies execute hundreds of search warrants, arrest more than 200 people and seize more than 100 guns, tonnes of drugs and $45 million in cash.

The sting was only possible because the AFP was able to intercept millions of messages through AN0M, an encrypted communication platform that enabled users to send messages, photos, videos and voice clips.

AN0M – which began operating in August 2018 — was a subscription-based service and users could only obtain a handset from a distributor of AN0M devices.

While users could change their name or username on the AN0M platform, they could not change the unique serial number linked to the handset which allowed communication to be traced back to their device.

It was shut down in June 2021.

Questions over AFP's processes

Lawyers for three Adelaide men charged with drug trafficking offences as part of Operation Ironside are seeking to have the communication obtained through the AN0M platform excluded as evidence in the case against them.

As part of that challenge, lawyers issued a subpoena for the source code of the encrypted messaging service from the AFP as well as 50 other categories of documents.

There are similar legal challenges interstate.

However, the AFP asked the Supreme Court of South Australia to set aside the subpoena, claiming there was no legitimate forensic purpose and some of the documents were subject to public interest immunity and legal professional privilege.

Defence counsel told the court that there were legitimate forensic purposes, citing failures by the AFP to obtain warrants under the Telecommunications (Interception and Access) Act and questions around the invalidity of the undercover operation, the reliability of the communication through AN0M and the legality of the conduct of the AFP and FBI.

Judge calls for documents to be shared

Justice McDonald said the prosecution case against one of the alleged drug traffickers — who allegedly had drugs and firearms concealed in specially-built panels and an esky on his ute — relied on messages exchanged through the encrypted communication network, AN0M, and it was "at least arguable" that there was a legitimate forensic purpose for the AFP to hand over some of the documents and materials.

As part of the process, Justice McDonald said, the AFP had made concessions to allow experts engaged by the defendants to inspect the source code for the AN0M handset and the "iBot" collection service "under controlled and secure conditions".

Justice McDonald said the AFP would also comply with subpoenas requiring production of all manuals, user and technical guides on how the AFP used the AN0M platform during Operation Ironside.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-29/police-to-share-coding-of-an0m-app/101281212

>>16780196

Indonesia criticises submarine loophole in nuclear non-proliferation treaty that underpins AUKUS deal

Stephen Dziedzic - 29 July 2022

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Indonesia has issued a forceful warning about the dangers of sharing nuclear propulsion technology ahead of a high-profile United Nations meeting that is expected to scrutinise Australia's plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact.

In a submission to next month's UN review of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, Indonesia's government said it "notes with concern the potential consequences" that transferring nuclear submarine technology could have for the global non-proliferation regime.

The draft working paper does not directly reference Australia, and Indonesian officials have reportedly said that it's not a direct response to the AUKUS pact.

However, Jakarta has repeatedly expressed unease about Australia's nuclear submarines push, and its submission repeats several of the main arguments made by opponents of Australia's nuclear submarine ambitions:

"Indonesia views any cooperation involving the transfer of nuclear materials and technology for military purposes from nuclear-weapon states to any non-nuclear weapon states as increasing the associated risks [of] catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences."

Transferring enriched uranium for nuclear-powered submarines is permitted under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and Australia has repeatedly said it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons.

However, Indonesia's submission warns that the exclusion of nuclear naval propulsion from the treaty regulations "could be exploited to provide a shield for diversion of that material to [a] nuclear weapons program".

'Close off pathways to proliferation'

Benjamin Zala from the Australian National University said the concerns raised by Indonesia "echo the general uneasiness among non-proliferation advocates about the precedent that the AUKUS submarines project sets".

"More states having access to materials which, in principle, can be used for a weapon is bad news for an already somewhat fragile non-proliferation regime. Material aboard submarines is particularly challenging for the IAEA to keep track of," Dr Zala told the ABC.

Dr Zala said there was no evidence that Indonesia suspected that Australia would actually divert nuclear material from submarines into a weapons program, but that Jakarta seemed concerned AUKUS could set a worrying precedent.

"It's not necessarily an Indonesian concern about Australia, or Australian intentions as such but, instead about the ways that this weakens international efforts to close off pathways to proliferation," he said.

The ABC has tried to reach Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment.

Nine Newspapers have quoted Achsanul Habib — the director for international security and disarmament at Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry — as saying that Indonesia's UN working paper was "in no way intended to respond to AUKUS".

"The Indonesian [working paper] was submitted to fill in the gap in the NPT regulation related to nuclear naval propulsion, which is still lacking in regulations," he was reported to have said.

But Dr Zala said it was obvious that Australia and AUKUS were the main targets of Indonesia's submission.

"There is no doubt that the working paper from the Indonesian delegation is a direct consequence of the AUKUS decision," he said.

"These concerns have been around, in a hypothetical sense, for a long time — Australia used to share them — but Indonesia is raising them now because Australia is planning on being the first state to actually exploit this loophole in the NPT."

(continued)

>>16936365

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Potential strain on Indonesia-Australia relationship

China has already signalled that it will use next month's meeting to rally opposition to the AUKUS pact.

Australian officials have privately accused Beijing of gross hypocrisy, pointing out that it has a growing fleet of nuclear-powered submarines while rapidly building up its own arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Earlier this week, the US special representative for nuclear non-proliferation, Adam Scheinman, made a similar point, saying that Beijing had "[failed to] recognise that it's China's own actions in the region that have led the partners to close gaps in our security".

A delegation of 16 government officials will represent Australia at different times over the month-long review meeting in New York, including Australia's Ambassador for Arms Control and Counter-Proliferation, Ian Biggs, and its Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Amanda Gorely, who is also the country's Ambassador for Disarmament.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that that "Australia has a proud tradition of constructive, pragmatic international engagement to support nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament."

"Australia's delegation to the tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) will work over the four weeks of the meeting to address pressing nuclear proliferation challenges and advocate for practical steps towards nuclear disarmament," it said.

Dr Zala said that, while he didn't believe the nuclear submarine plan would become a "major sticking point" in the Indonesia-Australia relationship, it would nonetheless "place added strain on it".

And he predicted that the Australian delegation would be "asked some fairly pointed questions" at the New York conference.

"Given the real challenges that the submarines presents in terms of precedent-setting, there won't always be answers that will satisfy our neighbours," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-29/indonesia-aukus-deal-criticism-at-united-nations/101282786

AUKUS ‘pivotal’ against China, says Scott Morrison

SIMON BENSON - JULY 28, 2022

Scott Morrison says Australia’s AUKUS security pact with the US and Britain and the advancement of the Quad had delivered the most profound shift in the strategic balance in the Indo-Pacific since China started “turning atolls into airports in the South China Sea”.

The former prime minister, in a speech to the Global Opinion Leaders Summit in Tokyo on Thursday, said Beijing had spent the past decade trying to reshape the region under the yoke of autocracy, but Australia’s nuclear submarine deal and its lead role in elevating the Quad – the regional partnership between Australia, the US, Japan and India – had been pivotal events that could shift the balance back towards liberal democracies becoming the prevailing force for stability and sovereignty in the region.

The Quad, he said, had the ability to achieve “peace through strength” and become the dominant driving force for not only regional security but ensuring the rules-based order prevailed, while also addressing economic and energy security and problems such as climate change.

AUKUS and the Quad are the two things that have angered Beijing the most, with their potential to undermine the PRC’s longer term strategic ambitions.

Underlying Mr Morrison’s premise is that the West had failed to address China’s advancement; it had been allowed to assert itself in the region amid a vacuum of previous US engagement.

The revival of the Quad and the AUKUS pact had been the fulcrum in the strategic balance that had checked China’s ambitions. And Australia, under his government, had been pivotal to this shift.

In a speech likely to provoke a sharp response from Beijing, Mr Morrison shaped the strategic contest as a broader battle for supremacy between the “arc of autocracy” – China and Russia – and liberal democracies, saying the region needed to resist the “path of acquiescence in the face of coercion”.

He took aim at Beijing over its of 14 points of grievance issued against Australia at the height of the trade war in 2020, saying no self-respecting nation should tolerate such coercive tactics.

Arguing that nations should rightly engage with China but such engagement needed to respect a set of rules-based on respect and sovereignty, he said: “(The Quad) is an initiative, combined with AUKUS, that has had the most profound impact on the strategic balance within the Indo-Pacific since the PRC started turning atolls into airports in the South China Sea.

“Over the last decade, the PRC has increasingly attempted to reshape our region, and the world, in a way more conducive to autocracies than liberal democracies.

“As prime minister, I referred to China, with Russia, as a new arc of autocracy of which the world must be wary. This was recognised by NATO at their recent summit, declaring China a security challenge, calling out their assertive behaviour as presenting ‘ systemic challenges to the rules-based international order and to areas relevant to alliance security.

“We have always recognised the economic achievements of the PRC and indeed played a significant role in (its) economic success, especially through our resources sector.

“However, the tone of PRC engagement during the past five to seven years within our region has changed. Of course nations will wish to engage with the PRC … but it is the nature and terms of this engagement with China that matter. This must mean engagement that respects, reinforces and is bound by our rules-based order, not one that seeks to or allows China to redefine these rules to suit the relativist agenda of autocracies.

“Our region must not embrace the path of acquiescence in the face of coercion. Rather we must practically insist on engagement within the clear and established rules, with accountability and transparency.

“For our rules-based order to prevail in the Indo-Pacific, we must continue to work together to shape our region in a way that supports such an outcome.

“This is where the Quad and Australia’s relationship with Japan and other allies and partners is designed to make a positive contribution.”

Mr Morrison missed parliament this week, having accepted an invitation by Japan to speak at the summit before the parliamentary calendar had been set.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/aukus-pivotal-against-china-says-scott-morrison/news-story/38673570248ad675d4cd89d668f4468a

UK admiral seeks to quell AUKUS concerns

Dominic Giannini - July 29 2022

A British admiral has moved to quell concerns about the sharing of nuclear technology with Australia, as Canberra looks to procure a new fleet of submarines fuelled by atomic energy.

Admiral Tony Radakin said the AUKUS alliance between the US, UK and Australia should be seen as one of "reassurance" in the Indo-Pacific, when asked about concerns over how the procurement fits into the region's non-proliferation obligations.

"It's very, very responsible countries coming together. Three countries that respect the world order, that seek to enhance stability, security and prosperity," the professional head of Britain's armed forces told the ABC.

"We see with AUKUS an additional capability and additional contribution to what we want to achieve in the region.

"This should be one of reassurance - three responsible nations investing together to take the benefit of high-end capabilities to support the shared goals of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Indonesia this week raised concerns about the exploitation and safety risks of highly enriched uranium for nuclear naval propulsion in a working paper submitted to the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which begins next week.

"The uranium enriched to fuel naval propulsion reactors is above levels used in civilian power reactors, near-weapons-grade levels, and even weapons-grade, which poses a growing risk to achieving the non-proliferation goals of the treaty," the working paper says.

"The use and sharing of nuclear technologies and materials for military purposes could run counter to the spirit and objectives of the treaty, as it could potentially set precedence for other similar arrangements and complicate safeguards mechanisms."

Jakarta added it saw any transfer of nuclear materials and technology to a non-nuclear state for military purposes as "increasing the associated risks and the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences".

The two-page working paper does not make any reference to the AUKUS alliance through which Australia is looking to procure nuclear-powered submarines.

Indonesia's director for international security and disarmament Achsanul Habib also told Nine newspapers the working paper was "in no way intended to respond to AUKUS", but rather to address a lack of regulation in the area.

The paper states: "The issue of the nuclear naval propulsion programme presents a unique case that deserves serious attention".

"Indonesia notes with concern the potential consequences of sharing nuclear-powered submarine capability with the global non-proliferation regime," it says.

Australia will send a delegation, led by Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres, to the review conference to underline its commitment to non-proliferation as part of its acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines.

Sixteen Australian government officials will be involved in the conference over four weeks, including the arms control and counter-proliferation ambassador and disarmament ambassador.

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7840268/uk-admiral-seeks-to-quell-aukus-concerns/?cs=9676

>>16655327 (pb)

>>16702054

Exclusive: China-Solomon Islands police training enhances friendship, law-enforcement capacity after Chinatown losses

The joint fight

Shan Jie and Zhao Juecheng - Jul 28, 2022

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A public demonstration performance consisting the feature of Chinese police tactics and techniques was held earlier this month in the Solomon Islands, which showcased the achievements of China-Solomon Islands cooperation on policing and security.

Recently, Police Commissioner Third Class Zhang Guangbao, who is leader of the China Police Liaison Team to the Solomon Islands, shared many details of the training and the hard work that went into the demonstration by Chinese and Solomon Islands' police, during an exclusive interview with the Global Times.

"The police cooperation between China and the Solomon Islands is not a threat to regional security and stability, but has effectively promoted these elements," Zhang said, noting that as for some countries "feeling threatened," it is because they "do not want to see China's influence in the South Pacific region."

"I feel safer," the Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said after watching the demonstration, which was also attended by Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands Li Ming.

Now, more than 180 police officers from Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI) have completed their training with the Chinese police. Their capability to maintain social stability, as well as their confidence and morale, has been boosted. Trust and understanding between the two countries have also increased through the process.

Taking on responsibility

"Shocked, sad, and furious." They were the sentiments expressed by Zhang after he and his teammates saw the ruins in Chinatown of Honiara, capital of Solomon Islands.

Chinatown was not only the first stop of the China Police Liaison Team when they arrived in the Solomon Islands on January 26, but also a reason for them to be in the country.

From November 24 to 26, 2021, serious social riots occurred in the Solomon Islands. Chinatown in Honiara was vandalized and looted, and hundreds of overseas Chinese nationals there became homeless. Their assets from decades of hard work instantly went up in smoke.

In total, the riots caused losses worth $150 million and made more than 1,000 people jobless. The post-disaster reconstruction was under great strain, which also caused serious trauma to the economic and social development of Solomon Islands.

The riots were not dealt with effectively, exposing the weaknesses of the police force and a lack of equipment and training in the island nation with a population of around 0.72 million. Under such circumstances and upon request by the Solomon Islands' government, the Chinese government quickly dispatched a liaison team to Honiara to support capacity building within the police force in maintaining social safety and stability.

In December 2021, and January and February 2022, along with COVID-19 prevention supplies, China also sent police equipment and supplies to the Solomon Islands, according to the Chinese Embassy.

The Solomon Islands government's invitation of the Chinese police to the country shows their trust in China. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2019, the islanders have witnessed China's support and assistance to the country, believing that China will sincerely help them, Zhang said.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 9:19 p.m. No.16936410 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6420

>>16936404

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Combining martial arts and grappling

The five-month joint training, which kicked off on March 14, saw not only the police officers resolving to make great efforts to beat challenges and improve their capabilities, but also trust and friendship growing between the two sides.

The China Police Liaison Team consists of nine officers from the Ministry of Public Security, People's Public Security University of China, and the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, who are experts in police training, public order management, police liaison, and communication technology, Zhang said.

The main task is to help the local police to strengthen capacities in public management, response to riots, the maintenance of social stability, law, order, and security, and the protection of life and property for all residents in the Solomon Islands, in accordance with the working principles of "professionalism, efficiency, friendliness" and "openness, transparency, and goodwill."

The training started from barehanded combat skills, and was enhanced with the use of police equipment and tactics, including how to respond to attacks.

Martial arts were a highlight of the training. "We combined martial arts and grappling, and our local colleagues were very interested in it, because they of course all know Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan," Zhang said. "We taught them martial arts moves which they had never seen before."

Zhang said the training given by the Chinese police is not only professional and practical, but also sincere and unreserved.

After the training, the local police officers were tested and issued with certificates. Zhang commented that the demonstration on July 1 showed "better results than anticipated."

The Solomon Islands' police worked hard during the training. Zhang recalled that the police force were subject to public disbelief and criticism due to their inability to quickly rein in the riots, which was a source of pressure and frustration. The training not only improved their capability, but also lifted their confidence and morale. The effect is obvious, and it has already helped improve the social order in the island nation.

Moreover, China has provided enough pieces of equipment to the Solomon Islands. Now all the 1,500 members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force have been issued with said equipment, which could allow them to respond to instances of crimes such as robbing and looting in time.

The local Chinese community, who were often the victims of social instability, welcomed the results of the training the most. "I was surprised to see such a great effect after a short training period," Liu Ze, secretary of the Solomon Islands Chinese Association, told the Global Times. "Now we, the Chinese here, have gained a greater sense of security. Our association is setting up a contact center between the police and residents."

The Solomon Islands and China have many differences environmentally and politically, and in cultural and economic conditions, which presented challenges to Zhang's work.

He admitted that trust and understanding were built gradually, especially since many local people lacked an understanding of China. Moreover, during their staying in the Solomon Islands, they experienced two large outbreaks of the COVID-19 epidemic, so they could only conduct small-scale training sessions. The high temperature, mosquitoes, bugs, and earthquake also presented unique challenges to Zhang and his teammates.

(continued)

>>16936410

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Dispelling misinformation

But the difficulties were not only from the island itself, but also from the outside. Attacks and smears from Western countries on the police cooperation were frequent.

Some Western media, for instance, had been hyping the perceived issue of replica guns used in the training, demanding a verification of whether they were real weapons or not. "They aimed to incite public opposition," Zhang said.

The RSIPF soon refuted such Western claims and showed its support to the joint training. "These things do not in any way threaten the security of this country so far, except they are as good as helping RSIPF in building its tactical knowledge and capabilities," police commissioner Mostyn Mangau said in a statement.

Some Western countries seized the chance to hype the "China threat theory," trying to taint normal cooperation and exchanges between China and Pacific island countries.

In response, Zhang said these smear tactics are all based on geopolitics. "They (Western countries) are judging from their own standpoint, which is not objective or fair."

According to Zhang, the China Police Liaison Team received recognition and was welcomed by the local government, police, and public. "They could see and touch our efforts," Zhang said.

"Moreover, after the riots, it is understandable and natural for China to send personnel to help local police and protect overseas Chinese nationals. Neither the local police force nor the Australian assisting troops were able to protect Chinatown in 2021, and we are not turning a blind eyes to vandalism, arson, and looting which might happen again in the future," he said.

"Why were there riots in the Solomon islands despite decades of aid from other countries?" Zhang asked. "The police cooperation between China and Solomon Islands is not a threat to regional security and stability, but has effectively promoted regional security and stability. As for some countries 'perceiving a threat,' it is because they do not want to see China's influence in the South Pacific region, and only try to maintain control and influence the South Pacific region to achieve their own goals."

In recent years, China has carried out successful police cooperation with Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Vanuatu, and other Pacific island countries, and has reached numerous achievements in combating transnational crime, promoting anti-epidemic cooperation. The results have effectively maintained regional peace and stability, according to Ambassador Li.

Security cooperation between China and Pacific island countries

-Senior defense & military officials from PICs have paid multiple visits to China.

-In 2014 and 2018, the PLA Navy's Peace Ark Hospital Ship visited Fiji, PNG, Tonga, and Vanuatu and carried out medical aids.

-In September 2015, delegations from Fiji, PNG, Tonga, and Vanuatu were invited to China to attend the military parade.

-China's Ministry of Public Security has held 23 training sessions on capacity building for PIC law enforcement agencies since 2017.

Source: Chinese Foreign Ministry

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202207/1271699.shtml

Western Australia Police Force

Five Eyes Conference

July 29, 2022

Western Australia Police Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have co-hosted law enforcement representatives from the “Five Eyes” nations of the United States of America (USA), Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia during a week-long conference to discuss opportunities to focus future policing efforts to target transnational serious organised crime and dismantle transnational trafficking networks.

The conference has been championed by Commissioner Col Blanch and attended by senior representatives from the DEA, National Crime Agency (NCA), law enforcement personnel from Australian State and Federal agencies, and New Zealand Police.

A key theme of the conference has been the hybridisation of law enforcement agencies and specialities which relates to how intelligence services, organised crime detectives and frontline police work together now and will work together in the future.

“Police officers collect huge volumes of information and data in the course of their daily duties and I want to ensure we process all of this information in real-time in order to rapidly target criminals,” Mr Blanch said.

In recent years, WA Police Force has strengthened connections with law enforcement partners across the world, including the DEA, New Zealand Police and the NCA. Officers from WA Police Force have worked closely with agents from both the DEA and NCA on live, international operations and strategies to target transnational crime.

https://www.police.wa.gov.au/About-Us/News/Five-Eyes-Conference

Human trafficking worse as nation’s borders reopen

RHIANNON DOWN - JULY 29, 2022

Human trafficking and modern slavery cases have increased by a third in the past year and are at a record high, with exit trafficking and child trafficking offences doubling as the nation’s borders reopen.

The Australian Federal Police received 294 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking in the past financial year, up from 224 cases the year before.

The latest figures include 84 reports of forced marriage, 54 reports of sexual servitude and exploitation, 42 reports of forced labour, 37 reports of exit trafficking in persons and 21 of trafficking in children.

The figures show an increase in some offences from the financial year prior including 79 reports of forced marriage, 42 reports of sexual exploitation, 35 forced labour offences, 16 reports of exit trafficking and 12 of child trafficking.

The overall number of offences has increased dramatically over the past five years with 162 offences recorded on the 2017-18 financial year, 220 in 2018-19 and 223 in 2019-20.

AFP Commander Hilda Sirec said the figures were concerning but it was expected that cases would increase as police and community awareness about the issue increased.

“Obviously human trafficking and modern slavery is always a worrying issue but the more awareness we raise there will be more reports and that is what we want to see,” she said.

“But we’re always working towards having a number of zero.”

Commander Sirec said the rise in exit trafficking – which typically involves coercing, forcing or threatening a person to leave Australia against their will – and forced marriages were particularly concerning and would likely increase now borders were open.

Last year a Sydney man became the first person in Australia to be convicted of exit trafficking after he threatened a women with death if she refused to travel to India with him. He also gave false information and adopted the identity of the woman to revoke her legal visa status.

“With the borders reopening we will see more vulnerability with people trying to move people in and out of Australia against their will or under coercion, which leads to the raise in exit trafficking and forced marriages,” Commander Sirec said.

“We need to move towards eradicating these offences.”

Authorities had braced for an influx of human trafficking offences when the nation’s borders reopened late last year after two years under a Covid-19 travel ban, but Commander Sirec said the lifting of lockdowns would also lead to more vulnerable people being rescued.

“We also have instances of individuals already in the country experiencing domestic trafficking or sexual services or forced labour,” she said.

To mark the UN’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the AFP has developed a training and awareness program called Look a Little Deeper to equip state and territory police and other federal agencies with the skills to recognise the signs that someone is being exploited.

Police officers from across the country gathered in Brisbane on Friday for a day of intensive training, with a focus on using technology to disrupt illegal operations.

However, Commander Sirec said the best way for victims to get help was to come forward.

“We may have victims that want to report, so it’s important to know there is support and they will be believed and trusted.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/human-trafficking-worse-as-nations-borders-reopen/news-story/a55c6803fe34a142a10a706a08e4a719

—

Reporting human trafficking

Assist the AFP in combating this global problem.

Use our online form to report information regarding human trafficking for the purposes of sexual and/or labour exploitation, organ harvesting, forced marriage and slavery or call 131 AFP (131 237).

https://forms.afp.gov.au/online_forms/human_trafficking_form

In case of an emergency, call 000.

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/human-trafficking

Warfighting exercise strengthens US partnership

Lieutenant Gordon Carr-Gregg - 29 July 2022

More than 2200 personnel from the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and US Armed Forces recently conducted Exercise Koolendong 2022, a combined arms littoral combat scenario across northern Australia.

The three-week warfighting exercise, led by the Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) and held at Yampi Sound Training Area and RAAF Base Curtin in Western Australia as well as Mount Bundey Training Area in the Northern Territory, simulated a joint response to a regional security crisis.

Australian Army Colonel Marcus Constable, Commander Headquarters Northern Command, said the annual exercise strengthened the Australia-US relationship and advanced and validated interoperability across warfighting functions.

“Koolendong demonstrated that the ADF and MRF-D can deploy combined tactical teams supported by joint capabilities across maritime and littoral environments, enabling force projection operations across significant distances to remote and austere environments,” Colonel Constable said.

“Participating force elements deployed over 1000km by land, sea and air to rehearse and confirm coalition command and control processes, coordination of strategic joint strike assets, logistics support and the sustainment of these deployed forces while training together.

“Our US alliance is the cornerstone of Australian security. Our relationship with the US only grows stronger the more we talk, work and train together.”

For the first time, Exercise Koolendong integrated one of the US Army’s largest watercraft, USAV General Brehon B. Somervell (LSV-3) from the 8th Theatre Sustainment Command, which transported vehicles, equipment and cargo from Darwin across to the Kimberly Coast.

In another first, Exercise Koolendong integrated Australian Army and US Marine Corps joint terminal attack controllers with a bomber task force consisting of US Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth bombers and RAAF F-35A Lightning IIs flying together as part of the Enhanced Air Cooperation United States Force Posture Initiative.

The MRF-D’s commanding officer, Colonel Christopher Steele, said Koolendong was the culminating exercise of the MRF-D rotation this year and demonstrated the potency of the Australian-US alliance.

“In my mind we have to be ready to fight right now with our Australian allies and our joint partners, and Exercise Koolendong provided us the opportunity to practise just that,” Colonel Steele said.

“The Australia-US Alliance has never been more important as we look ahead to our regional strategic challenges.”

The MRF-D is part of the United States Force Posture Initiatives which demonstrates the strength of the Australia-US Alliance and deep engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.

For further imagery go to the Defence image gallery:

https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20222379

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/warfighting-exercise-strengthens-us-partnership

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 29, 2022, 9:31 p.m. No.16936448 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>6450

>>16840530

>>16931247

Fans still love him but Trump hasn’t a hope in 2024

ADAM CREIGHTON - JULY 28, 2022

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Donald Trump is set to win the Republican nomination for president in 2024 should he want it but, similarly, he also is on track to lose the election.

No presidential candidate in US history could claim such a bizarre juxtaposition so far out.

The first chapter of the congressional investigations into Trump’s behaviour on January 6 last year, which wound up last week, have skewered his hopes of a comeback in the minds of all but his most diehard supporters.

Incriminated by his own family and closest advisers, Trump behaved atrociously on that fateful day, turning a blind eye to violent protests intent on overturning the election result and tarnishing what had been a successful presidency.

“He’s got to condemn this shit ASAP. The Capitol Police tweet is not enough,” Donald Trump Jr, Trump’s eldest child and his most loyal supporter, texted on January 6 to Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff. “This (is) one you go to the mattresses on. They will try to f..k his entire legacy on this if it gets worse,” he said at 2.58pm on January 6. Things did get much worse, and they have.

It should have been no shame to lose an election during a pandemic when voters, who mostly pay little attention to the details of who does what, were fearful, resentful of restrictions and naively hopeful that a new administration might shut down the virus. Them’s the breaks in politics.

The stench of gross negligence, potentially criminal, will intensify in coming months as the January 6th select committee releases its final report and as parallel investigations in Georgia and by the federal Justice Department – greater immediate threats to Trump personally – ramp up.

The bulk of Trump supporters don’t care much about the proceedings. Almost 79 per cent of attendees at a Florida Republican convention last weekend said they would back Trump as the party’s candidate in 2024, compared with 23 per cent for Ron DeSantis in the Florida Governor’s home state. Other high-profile names – former Trump secretary of state Mike Pompeo, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Trump’s former vice-president Mike Pence – scored fewer than 1 per cent of the votes.

Betting markets put Trump as a lay-down misere to win the Republican nomination. But in the upper echelons of the Republican Party, the committee’s findings are chipping away at Trump’s standing. Mehmet Oz, the celebrity doctor who only just clinched the Republican nomination for the Pennsylvania Senate race with Trump’s backing, said thank you by quietly removing Trump from his Twitter banner and biography this month.

The allegations slowly will seep out into the public consciousness across the next year and they aren’t likely to subside. The investigations will roll well into next year, ensuring a constant drip feed of bad news for Trump.

The Justice Department, according to one well-placed senior Republican lawyer, is likely to fight claims of executive privilege in the courts, a shield used by some witnesses to the congressional committee to refuse to answer questions about their direct interactions with Trump, which would mean a whole new round of revelations.

Trump’s former supporters in the media have turned on him, too. Even Fox News, by far the most powerful network in the US and one of the former president’s most strident backers throughout his term, appears to be souring on Trump, as have the New York Post and The Wall Street Journal.

(continued)

>>16936448

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At the same time as Trump is seeking re-election, his closest allies could well be fighting off prison sentences. Trump lawyers John Eastman, the former president’s constitutional adviser, and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor, are widely expected to face criminal charges. It will be a terrible look for a presidential candidate.

Already, Trump’s Svengali, Steve Bannon, is about to face a term in prison for contempt of congress for refusing on dubious grounds to answer questions from congress about his role in the riot. Not since the Hollywood 10 – a group of allegedly pro-communist producers, actors and screenwriters – in the 1950s have any Americans served time for contempt of congress.

In recent speeches during the past few days Trump has had the opportunity to rebut the central allegation – his refusal to act for 187 minutes despite relentless requests to do so – but he hasn’t, instead dwelling on the ostensibly stolen 2020 election before ardent supporters in Arizona and Washington. He just can’t let go.

To be sure, the congressional investigation into Trump’s behaviour is highly political; its nine members, including two Republicans, loathe him. But it is biased mainly in the sense that only Republicans have testified, including the most loyal former members of his staff.

Trump, who would be 78 in 2024, didn’t address the damning allegations because they appear irrefutable. He appeared tired this week in his first speech in Washington since losing office, drawing few claps during his doomsday, 90-minute diatribe about the state of the nation.

In the meantime Democrats are manoeuvring as Joe Biden’s promise to run again looks less and less credible, for health reasons as much as polling numbers.

Hotel magnate and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker recently popped up in tiny New Hampshire – a state that votes early in the presidential primaries – to rally the Democrat base. California Governor Gavin Newsom has forked out on advertisements in Florida. Michelle Obama, the popular wife of former Democrat president Barack Obama, also can’t be ruled out as a contender.

For Democrats the January 6 committee, wrongly derided as bereft of new information, could be too successful. By destroying Trump, Democrats may be snuffing out their best hope of victory in 2024. Ensuring Trump has enough political capital to run in 2024, but not enough to win, should be their optimal strategy.

Adam Creighton is an award-winning journalist with a special interest in tax and financial policy. He was a Journalist in Residence at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business in 2019. He’s written for The Economist and The Wall Street Journal from London and Washington DC, and authored book chapters on superannuation for Oxford University Press. He started his career at the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. He holds a Bachelor of Economics with First Class Honours from the University of New South Wales, and Master of Philosophy in Economics from Balliol College, Oxford, where he was a Commonwealth Scholar.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/fans-still-love-him-but-trump-hasnt-a-hope-in-2024/news-story/af61d76f2ac711086a947090af0d403c

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/adam-creighton

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 30, 2022, 7:08 a.m. No.16937440 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7444

Ben Roberts-Smith’s fate in the hands of one man

Deborah Snow and Michaela Whitbourn - July 30, 2022

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There were no handshakes or back-slaps as the curtain fell on the epic Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case, at 12.44 pm sharp in Sydney’s Federal Court on Wednesday. The soldier, as he had done for months, sat masked and unreadable in the back row of the courtroom, his parents Len and Sue nearby.

The judge, Anthony Besanko, quietly thanked the legal teams – including lawyers for the Commonwealth, which kept a gimlet eye on proceedings throughout to guard national security secrets – and uttered the words: “I reserve my judgment. Adjourn.”

Then the two opposing sides withdrew to their separate meeting rooms for a last debrief. And it was over.

It seemed an oddly muted end to hearings which have kept the nation transfixed for more than a year, with the airing of alleged war crimes by Roberts-Smith and some of his elite military brethren in Afghanistan, the exposure of his extramarital affair, bitter rivalries inside the Special Air Service and alleged attempts by the Victoria Cross recipient and his inner circle to intimidate witnesses and cover up evidence. Throughout, the former SAS corporal has denied all wrongdoing.

Whatever the judge’s final ruling – expected to be handed down in six to 12 months’ time – the case will endure as a legal landmark for decades to come.

University of Melbourne Law School Associate Professor Jason Bosland, director of its media and communications law research network, describes it as “the most significant defamation case in the history of Australian defamation litigation”.

“If Ben Roberts-Smith wins, then I think the damages payout will [set a new] record. On the other hand, if the media win, it will be very significant in terms of investigative journalism because the media will have succeeded on the truth defence, and historically that has been so difficult [for media outlets] to rely upon,” Bosland says.

He adds, “Of course, if they do succeed on truth, it will operate as a quasi-investigation into war crimes as well, which is also significant in and of itself”.

Few would wish themselves in the shoes of Besanko, who now has to sift through a mountain of evidence, elicited from more than 40 witnesses delivered over 110 days, to decide whether Roberts-Smith will forever be branded a man who murdered Afghan prisoners, bullied former comrades and struck his former lover.

Nine’s newspapers, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, have taken the calculated risk of mounting a truth defence. That means their legal team, headed by Nicholas Owens, SC, had to convince the judge that the war crimes and other wrongdoing alleged by star investigative reporters Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters were, on the balance of probabilities, true.

But Roberts-Smith’s legal team, headed by Arthur Moses, SC, and Matthew Richardson, SC, have urged the judge to be rigorous in applying what is known as the Briginshaw standard.

This is an evidentiary principle derived from a 1938 divorce suit, which holds that even in a civil suit like this – with a lower standard of proof than in a criminal case – the court must take particular care in weighing the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence if there are grave consequences for those involved.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 30, 2022, 7:09 a.m. No.16937444 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>7447

>>16937440

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Moses ran hard on this in his summing up, saying the criminal allegations being made by the media outlets fell “at the very highest end of objective seriousness … [and] strike at the very heart of Mr Roberts-Smith’s morality and humanity”.

Underscoring this point, Moses added that “murderer” was “ordinarily a label … reserved for convicted criminals flowing from a criminal proceeding”.

He also pointed out that if the judge accepted all the evidence from the media outlets as to the five unlawful killings of unarmed prisoners that Nine alleges, this would implicate other soldiers –particularly the SAS witnesses known as Person 4 and Person 11.

Person 4 is said to have shot a prisoner at Roberts-Smith’s command at a village compound known as Whiskey 108 in April 2009, while Person 11 is alleged to have conspired with the Victoria Cross recipient to execute an unarmed man, Ali Jan, at the village of Darwan in late 2012.

Moses told the judge that in addition to branding Roberts-Smith a murderer, “Your Honour is [effectively] being asked to make a finding that Person 4 is a murderer. Your Honour is being asked to make a finding that Person 11 is a murderer”. (Person 11 has denied the alleged execution, while Person 4 declined to give evidence on the grounds of self-incrimination.)

Nine’s legal team, however, believes the war crimes case it has painstakingly built over the past year is strong enough to withstand the Briginshaw test. “Nothing left on the table,” is how one participant summed up the mood on the media outlets’ side this week.

University of Sydney professor David Rolph, a defamation law expert, said the law has “long recognised that in order to be satisfied that a fact is proven on the balance of probabilities you need to take into account the seriousness of the allegation”.

“Because the allegations are serious and hotly contested, it may be difficult for the publishers to establish truth – but not impossible.”

Moses has accused McKenzie and Masters of jumping like “salmon [onto] a hook” as soldiers within the SAS, jealous of Roberts-Smith’s military honours, peddled supposed lies and gossip to the two reporters.

But Owens, utterly rejecting this, emphasised that many of Nine’s critical witnesses had never had any contact with the journalists.

Indeed, some of the key witnesses summoned by Nine – particularly SAS troopers who were identified as Persons 24, 40, 41, 42 and 43 – were called by the mastheads’ lawyers only after they’d won access to a critical Defence department document known as a Potentially Affected Persons (PAP) notice.

The PAP had been confidentially issued to Roberts-Smith by the Inspector-General of the Defence Force in connection with a separate war crimes probe being conducted by the military.

The gaining of access to the PAP – even in its highly redacted form – was a major turning point for the newspapers in the case.

The hearings have taken a heavy toll on some of the soldiers who gave evidence, as demonstrated by the occasionally distressed state of some in the witness box. Moses branded two of Nine’s witnesses as liars and perjurers, and says others are mistaken because of mental health conditions which distorted their memory.

But Owens says the media outlets’ witnesses are honest and reliable, and by contrast, has accused Roberts-Smith’s witnesses of collusion and cover-up.

(continued)

>>16937444

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Unpicking what occurred at Whiskey 108 is particularly complex because of the large number of SAS or former SAS witnesses who were involved in the operation that day. But essentially the media outlets’ case rests on one core proposition: that two Afghan men came out of a hidden tunnel there. Nine says the two men, who were taken prisoner, were soon afterwards executed unlawfully, one by Roberts-Smith and the second at his instigation with a story concocted to cover the deaths.

Roberts-Smith and his allies denied any men came out of a tunnel at all – Moses branding the Nine case a “mishmash”.

But Owens said while there may have been “differences of detail” among some of his SAS witnesses, there was “no plausible suggestion about how they might all have, as it were, come to have a collective hallucination in broadly the same terms about people coming out of the tunnel”.

Another evidentiary tussle turned on whether the media outlets should have summoned an Afghan soldier known as Person 12 to give evidence. Person 12 was a senior Afghan officer who is said to have ordered the execution of another unarmed detainee at Chenartu, in Afghanistan, in late 2012, under pressure from Roberts-Smith.

Citing a precedent in a case known as Jones v Dunkel, Moses said Besanko should draw an adverse inference against Nine because of its failure to call Person 12. But Owens said the officer could equally have been called by Roberts-Smith’s side.

Nine is confident it has closed its case in a strong position, thanks to the additional evidence turned up by months of patient sleuthing.

Should it fail, Bosland says a record payout could flow if the judge grants aggravated damages – imposed where a court finds “improper or unjustifiable” conduct by the respondent.

The domestic violence allegation has a separate defamatory “sting”, Roberts-Smith’s lawyers say. They’ve argued that the conduct of his ex-lover, Person 17, was overall inconsistent with his having struck her. But Nine says she is truthful, and emphasised the power imbalance between the pair.

While the Defamation Act was recently reformed across much of the country, the Roberts-Smith litigation is being fought under older laws that imposed fewer restrictions on the size of damages payouts. Under those provisions, a cap on general damages for non-economic loss – currently fixed at $443,000 – ceased to apply if aggravated damages were also awarded.

Roberts-Smith is also claiming special damages, to cover the career opportunities he said evaporated as a result of the case. (Actor Geoffrey Rush holds the current record for the highest defamation payout to a single plaintiff in Australia at $2.9 million).

The long-overdue changes to defamation law will provide investigative journalists with a new public interest defence in future, if publishers can establish they “reasonably believed” publication of material was in the public interest. The defence remains untested.

But in facing off against the onetime war hero under the older law, Nine is having to jump a high bar.

The next few months will be a long and agonising wait, for both sides.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/ben-roberts-smith-s-fate-in-the-hands-of-one-man-20220728-p5b5dm.html

>>16931188

Shrine of Remembrance ditches rainbow light plan after receiving threats, abuse

Jackson Graham - July 30, 2022

Managers at the Shrine of Remembrance have cancelled plans to illuminate the landmark in rainbow colours after staff received threats and abuse ahead of an exhibition celebrating the service of LGBTQ veterans.

A statement from the memorial’s administrators on Saturday said the exhibition and a Last Post service, scheduled for Sunday, would go ahead, but rainbow lighting planned for the colonnades in the evening would not.

“Over several days, our staff have received and been subject to abuse, and in some cases, threats,” Shrine of Remembrance chief Dean Lee said.

“We have seen something of what members of the LGBTIQ community experience every day. It is hateful.”

Lee made the decision in the interests of minimising harm after consulting veteran associations, representatives of the LGBTQ veteran community and the state government, among other partners and friends, the statement said.

“As a peaceful place of remembrance, we seek to provide a safe and inclusive place for all,” he said.

The abuse followed a 3AW radio segment on Wednesday during which presenter Neil Mitchell said the rainbow flag “can be divisive” and lighting up the war memorial was a step too far.

Mitchell told The Age on Saturday that it was awful staff had received threats and abuse, but defended his comments. He said he supported the exhibition but personally had taken issue with the rainbow lighting.

“I think the Shrine is sacrosanct and shouldn’t be used in that way, not just for gay and LGBTQI issues but on any issues,” he said.

“It’s one thing to illuminate Town Hall or Flinders Street Station. I think it’s a bigger step to illuminate the Shrine.”

Yvonne Sillett, the co-founder of the Discharged LGBTI Veterans’ Association and who features in a video in the exhibition, said she had been elated the rainbow colours would feature on the memorial and was shattered to learn it would not go ahead.

Sillett told the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide in February that military police interrogated her over her sexuality in the army in the 1980s, leading her to experience suicidal thoughts and take an honourable discharge the following year.

Australia banned gay and lesbian people from serving in the armed forces until 1992, and Sillett said lighting up the building was some recognition of the struggle.

“We’ve struggled when we were in, we struggled when we were out. Absolutely treat us all the same, but that didn’t happen to us,” she said.

Sillett said some comments on social media following the radio segment had been hurtful to LGBTQ veterans and serving members.

“These trolls are probably not even going to go to the exhibition, but they need to go … to see what we went through.”

The exhibition, Defending with Pride: Stories of LGBTQ+ Service, marks the first time an Australian war memorial has examined LGBTQ service in a dedicated exhibition. It is the third in a series of exhibits exploring individual identity in times of war.

Lee told 3AW on Wednesday that he questioned whether the pride colours were divisive.

“The ADF has recognised gay, lesbian and bisexual members since 1992, so we are talking 30 years of recognition within the ADF, so I don’t know it is that divisive within the defence community,” Lee said.

“It was considered very carefully … we felt this was an important thing to recognise.”

Lee said he would be surprised if the majority of Victoria was not supportive of the decision to recognise diversity of service.

“The horrors of war and the legacy of service do not discriminate and every member who has served in the ADF needs to be able to be recognised with pride,” he said.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/shrine-of-remembrance-ditches-rainbow-light-plan-after-receiving-threats-abuse-20220730-p5b5we.html

UN treaty hitch to AUKUS nuclear submarines project

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 31, 2022

A group of US experts has warned Joe Biden that providing submarines powered by highly enriched uranium to Australia will undermine the UN’s nuclear non-proliferation treaty, setting a “dangerous precedent”.

The experts wrote to the US President ahead of a non-proliferation conference in New York this week, calling for Australia’s AUKUS submarines to be powered by low-enriched uranium.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the conference and is expected to lead the defence of the AUKUS submarine plan.

Australia will be represented by Assistant Trade and Manufacturing Minister Tim Ayres.

The four non-proliferation experts – all former US officials – said providing Australia with naval reactors powered by highly enriched uranium “could allow other states to invoke the AUKUS example to justify their own production or acquisition of HEU fuel”.

They said verifying submarine fuel was not diverted to nuclear weapons programs “would be significantly easier” if low-enriched uranium was used.

France and China both use low-enriched fuel in their naval propulsion reactors.

The use of highly enriched uranium is integral to the trilateral AUKUS plan to provide Australia with nuclear submarine technology, as both US and UK naval reactors use the weapons-grade fuel.

The letter’s signatories included Princeton University emeritus professor and former US assistant national security director Frank von Hippel and associate professor Alan Kuperman, the co-ordinator of the Nuclear Proliferation Prevention Project at the University of Texas.

Arms Control Association executive director Darryl Kimball and George Moore, the scientist-in-residence at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, also signed the document.

The UN Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty Review Conference will examine Australia’s nuclear submarine ambitions, amid warnings by China, Indonesia and Malaysia that the plan risks encouraging a regional arms race.

Australia has sought to comply with the treaty with a plan to receive sealed reactors that would not be opened throughout their 30-year life, and would be returned to the US or Britain for decommissioning.

A spokeswoman for Foreign Minister Penny Wong said: “Australia, and our AUKUS partners, are absolutely committed to carrying out this project in a way that meets the highest possible non-proliferation standards.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/un-treaty-hitch-to-aukus-nuclear-submarines-project/news-story/71049daf39b4be232f0bd369001c7bff

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 31, 2022, 3:08 a.m. No.16940754 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0755

Law firm dumps Catholic Church after 60 years, but won’t say why

Cameron Houston - July 31, 2022

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For almost 60 years, the Catholic Church delivered millions of dollars in fees to Corrs Chambers Westgarth. The top-tier law firm provided legal advice to embattled archdioceses across Australia as they became engulfed in clerical abuse scandals and accusations of cover-ups.

It was Corrs that helped establish the “Ellis defence” that meant the Catholic Church did not exist as a legal entity because its assets were held inside a trust structure, which insulated it against further claims.

In the civil case against John Ellis, who was sexually abused as a 13-year-old by Father Aidan Duggan, a Corrs solicitor promised in an email to the church’s barristers that they would be “greeted with open arms at the Pearly Gates” for their efforts to thwart future litigants.

But last week, Corrs abruptly severed ties with the church, at a time when the legal industry is jostling to retain younger staff and attract clients expecting greater corporate responsibility.

The firm did not respond to questions from The Age or explain the rationale behind its decision, other than to say it would be “transitioning away from undertaking personal injury work”.

“We will be working with the clients affected by this decision to ensure the orderly transition of such matters to new legal advisers. In particular, the firm is committed to ensuring that we protect the interests of our clients,” a Corrs spokesman said.

A former Corrs employee, who was not authorised to speak publicly, told The Age they thought the decision to end the long association with the church was prompted by the need to protect the firm’s reputation.

“I think many of the partners are increasingly uncomfortable with this kind of work and it’s no longer only about writing fees,” the former Corrs lawyer said.

“The Catholic Church has obviously been hammered by all of these scandals. I’m sure they respect the church’s right to legal representation, but I think they’ve decided to forge a different path. I do think it’s a bit strange that they haven’t articulated the decision.”

It comes amid growing tensions within the legal fraternity about the balance between social responsibility and commercial imperatives.

The decision to cut ties with the church has also raised questions about the future of prominent partner Richard Leder, who served articles at the firm in 1988, and has worked on behalf of the Catholic Church for 30 years.

Leder did not return calls from The Age, but several friends and associates confirmed he was considering his options and had already received interest from other firms.

“He’s incredibly well respected. What people are asking is, ‘If you were to go, and the clients are coming with you, then we’d like to have a chat,’ ” one long-term friend said.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne refused to confirm if it would stay with Leder or seek legal representation elsewhere.

“Richard Leder is still a partner at Corrs Chambers Westgarth and we have great respect for him and his team. We are working through the transition process,” a spokeswoman for the archdiocese said.

“Our utmost goal now is to ensure that this decision, and the transition, has no impact on survivors.”

(continued)

>>16940754

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Leder played a key role in developing the legal framework around the archdiocese’s compensation scheme known as the Melbourne Response, which was introduced by former archbishop of Melbourne George Pell in 1996.

Under the scheme, payments were capped at $50,000, later raised to $75,000, but it required victims to sign a deed of settlement that waived their right to take civil action against the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

Leder defended the Melbourne Response when he appeared before a royal commission in 2014 following repeated claims the church was primarily concerned with avoiding litigation and minimising payouts.

Between 1996 and 2014, the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne made $17.2 million in ex gratia payments to 326 victims of clerical abuse under the Melbourne Response, with claimants receiving an average payout of $36,100.

Serial paedophile priest Kevin O’Donnell was responsible for the largest number of payouts, to 50 victims, including Emma and Katie Foster for abuse when they attended Oakleigh’s Sacred Heart primary school in the 1980s.

Their mother, Chrissie Foster, accused Corrs of profiting from the misery of victims.

“The Catholic Church has been a cash cow for these guys [Corrs Chambers Westgarth] for more than 50 years. The perpetrators of these crimes were protected by bishops and archbishops and allowed to continue raping children, and then you have a law firm fighting to stop compensation,” she told The Age.

During his appearance before the royal commission in 2014, Leder apologised to Foster and her late husband Anthony over insensitive and incorrect statements he made in correspondence to senior figures in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

In letters submitted to the commission, Leder claimed the abuse suffered by Emma Foster at the hands of O’Donnell was “relatively minor” and doubted the sexual assaults were responsible for her drug problem.

“On the one hand, the link between what appears to be relatively minor abuse and treatment for a heroin addiction might be thought tenuous,” Leder wrote.

In other correspondence, Leder falsely accused the Fosters of kicking Emma out of home.

Chrissie Foster urged the church and its future lawyers to adopt a more compassionate approach in their dealings with victims.

In 2018, the Victorian government dismantled the Ellis defence when it passed legislation to close the legal loophole. Dozens of victims who accepted meagre payouts under the Melbourne Response have since launched fresh litigation.

Lawyer Michael Magazanik, a partner at Rightside Legal, has represented several clients who have successfully sued the church.

“One of Mr Leder’s key accomplishments for his client (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne) was helping design the Melbourne Response, the scheme that awarded very modest payments to legally powerless victims of clergy sexual abuse. Now, thanks to law reform, there’s a level playing field and the church has to face up to reality. Shock, horror, it can actually be sued. It lost at trial earlier this year for the first time – it had to pay our client more than $2.2 million,” Magazanik said.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/law-firm-dumps-catholic-church-after-60-years-but-won-t-say-why-20220729-p5b5ot.html

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 31, 2022, 3:23 a.m. No.16940772 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0776

‘Just get me out of here’: Assange dad’s desperate bid to bring his ‘Wizard’ home

Peter FitzSimons - July 31, 2022

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Julian Assange is the world’s most famous prisoner – now incarcerated in Britain’s Belmarsh Prison – as he fights extradition to the US on charges stemming from his WikiLeaks platform having published hundreds of thousands of secret documents and deeply sensitive emails. I spoke to his father John Shipton, who is leading a campaign to free him.

Fitz: What sort of a kid was Julian growing up?

JS: A smart one. His mother Christine nicknamed him “Wizard”, which became “Wizzy” for short, because he was precocious and clever. I saw very little of him in his early years, but as a young man his mother arranged for him to come and stay with me in my home in Newtown and we reconnected.

Fitz: What sort of a fellow was he then?

JS: Even smarter. He had a really interesting facility of imparting knowledge without you thinking that he knew more than you. He could explain complex things in a simple way, without making you think he was making it simple just for you. It was sort of a gift.

Fitz: You were an anti-war activist. Did he pick up anti-establishment activism from you?

JS: Julian is not anti-establishment. He’s pro-integrity. If the establishment has integrity it strengthens, and Julian’s whole platform of WikiLeaks was all about helping transparency, which helps integrity, which strengthens the establishment.

Fitz: Nevertheless, when he started to make headlines for taking on the establishment, putting sensitive documents on his WikiLeaks platform against the establishment’s will. Did you fear for this man, your son?

JS: Not initially. But after the big dump of stuff provided by the American intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in 2010, I do remember saying to him on the phone, “You may be pushed off a bridge.”

Fitz: What did he say when you said that?

JS: Silence … Shock.

Fitz: And right now, after four years of asylum in London’s Embassy of Ecuador, he’s in Belmarsh Prison fighting extradition to the US on 18 charges, including spying, with a possible sentence of 170 years awaiting him. What are his daily conditions like?

JS. Appalling. He is in a tiny cell, held incommunicado, and doesn’t get to make any decisions about his own life. He gets two visits a week and one 10-minute phone call. We have been into the prison itself for Julian’s marriage to his lawyer, Stella Moris, and the circumstances in which the prisoners are kept is hard to stomach. For god’s sake, he’s in maximum security, and everything that is applied to a terrorist or murderer is applied to Julian Assange, who is a publisher!

Fitz: And how goes the battle to avoid extradition to America?

JS: Julian launched an appeal to the British High Court for a hearing on the original judgment in the Extradition Court. We will know whether that hearing can go ahead within the next six weeks.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 31, 2022, 3:24 a.m. No.16940776 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0778

>>16940772

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Fitz: How is his health and morale?

JS: Exactly what you’d expect of someone who has already been incarcerated for seven-and-a-half years. He is weak, he has had a stroke, his health is terrible. We have to get him out.

Fitz: When it comes to your son’s image in the public mind, there are two big ’uns. One is the fearless crusader who didn’t blink getting right in the grills of the US government and effectively outsmarting them. Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! The other is the dishevelled wreck carried out of the Ecuadoran embassy three years ago ranting. What I frankly want from you is an insight into the man, away from the cameras, the human and even vulnerable side of him.

JS: In 2019, when he first went into the prison, I went and visited him. We embraced and he said, “Please help me.” I said, “OK, I’ll be back in August. And I will keep coming back until we succeed.”

And I have been going hard since, giving talks all over the United States, Britain, and mainland Europe with Julian’s half-brother, my other son, Gabriel. We’ve visited 50 countries, been to Berlin eight times, Paris six times, and Geneva with the UN High Commission five times. The movement to free him is worldwide and in every single one of the European parliaments there is an Assange group. In France, the National Assembly debated whether to give him asylum. The Council of Europe has made a very firm declaration that Julian should be protected as a journalist.

The campaign has swallowed all my money, and I’ve sold the house in Newtown. So now we continue on donations from people, book-selling and so on. Right now, we’re in Norwich, about to do a Q&A with a local group, which is number 25 of the 27 Q&As we are doing around Britain.

Fitz: Your paternal and fraternal devotion cannot be questioned. But there will be people who say, “Hang on, he’s released classified documents and he’s endangered the lives of American, British and Australian service people out there on the frontlines!” What’s the answer to that?

JS: [With sudden venom] The politicians who get up and say that sort of thing have been involved in the complete destruction of Iraq in their illegal war – a million dead – and they say he may have endangered lives? It’s so grotesque. It’s just absurd. It’s gross. It’s the same ones who committed those heinous crimes, accusing a man who they know didn’t do anything. They embarrass themselves. Beyond all that, it was Chelsea Manning who did the leaks, not Julian Assange! Julian is a publisher, just like the New York Times, the Guardian and the Spiegel. So why aren’t their editors in the same jail cells next door to him?

Fitz: How can those Australians who accept your reasoning help you and help Julian Assange?

JS: Three things. Buy Nils Merzer’s book The Trial of Julian Assange and become erudite on the matter. The next thing is to contact your local MP and make it clear you want him released. And the third thing is to go to assangecampaign.org.au and there are heaps of things to do there, starting with donations.

(continued)

>>16940776

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Fitz: I see you’re nearly 78. You must be getting tired with this long fight.

JS: I’m all right. I just miss my seven-year-old daughter in Melbourne very much, which is getting a bit sort of heart-rending, torn between Julian and my daughter. And the ladies tell me that it’s really important at her age that her father is around to idolise and so on.

Fitz: If you fail, and Julian is extradited to America, I gather the indication from there is that there’s no risk of capital punishment, and despite the threat of 170 years in total sentencing, he might be out in just six years?

JS: [Again, with venom] The assurances from the United States hold no water at all! A recent article by Zach Dorfman and Michael Isikoff on Yahoo! detailed how the CIA planned to [kill him]. I mean, every single conversation in the Ecuadoran embassy was recorded; every single bit of his legal papers were stolen and handed to the CIA. And we’re going to rely on these people’s word? The only way to save him is to get the Australian citizen Julian Assange home and out of their clutches.

Fitz: Since the Albanese government has come into power, has your position improved?

JS: I like Anthony Albanese. He took the trouble to meet me a couple of times when he was Opposition Leader and we had lunch together, which was really awesome. He’s now the prime minister of Australia so that helps, as what keeps Julian locked up is politics not criminality. Since the election, things are better. The quantity and quality of public support has improved. Our circumstances within the parliament have improved phenomenally because the teals were elected on a partially Assange platform, and so were the Greens.

Fitz: The Tasmanian independent, Andrew Wilkie, recently said that “I have no doubt Mr Albanese has enough influence and good relationships to pick up the phone and end this madness.” Do you agree with that or not?

JS: If there’s a serious push, they could resolve it. They can do deals, they can negotiate as they did with the Iran government to get Kylie Moore-Gilbert. A good start would be to loudly state their position: “We want this man brought home”.

Fitz: Let’s just say that an arrangement was made. What then for him?

JS: I did say to him: “If you can come home to Australia you’ll have to agree to be quiet and not go around saying this that and the other, embarrassing the government”. He said, “John, I’ll be a Trappist monk. Just get me out of here!”

Peter FitzSimons is a journalist and columnist with The Sydney Morning Herald.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/just-get-me-out-of-here-assange-dad-s-desperate-bid-to-bring-his-wizard-home-20220729-p5b5om.html

https://www.smh.com.au/by/peter-fitzsimons-hvemu

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 31, 2022, 3:43 a.m. No.16940806 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4062

Australian Jewish principal Malka Leifer's sexual abuse trial to begin

Malka Leifer, former principal of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls' school in Melbourne, is being charged with 74 counts of sexual abuse of students.

GREER FAY CASHMAN - JULY 30, 2022

After six years of court sessions in Israel and a year and a half in prison in Australia, Malka Leifer, the former school principal who has been charged with 74 counts of sexual abuse of students attending the religious Jewish girls’ school that she headed in Melbourne, is finally going to trial.

Proceedings are scheduled to begin this Monday in the County Court of Victoria.

Dassi Ehrlich, who brought the case to public attention, is one of the students whom Leifer allegedly abused. She will be in court to give evidence, as will her sisters Elly Sapper and Nicole Meyer, who have also testified in the past to being abused by Leifer.

An Israeli citizen, Leifer fled back to Israel in 2008 after the allegations became public. Over the years, various Australian officials called for her extradition.

Leifer tried to avoid court hearings in Israel by feigning mental instability, but psychological evaluations indicated otherwise.

Former health minister Yaakov Litzman, a Gur Hassid and head of the Agudat Yisrael faction in the United Torah Judaism alliance, tried to protect her, an act that cost him his political career. After 23 years as a legislator, Litzman resigned from the Knesset this past June as part of a plea bargain in which he admitted to obstruction of justice.

Whistleblowers in Australia's ultra-Orthodox community

Manny Waks, an Israeli Australian who was raised in an ultra-Orthodox family in Melbourne and attended the Chabad Yeshiva, where he was sexually abused in 2011, blew the whistle on both the perpetrators and the people who tried to cover up the crime.

His family, in which he was the eldest of 17 siblings, had been the poster child of the religious community. But after the revelations of sexual abuse, the family was ostracized and subjected to malicious gossip.

Pained, but undeterred, Waks started a global movement aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and empowering those who were abused to speak out against their assailants.

He also gave assistance to the Royal Commission on Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse which was established in November 2012. Children in Jewish schools were just a tiny part of a pervasive phenomenon that did not differentiate between faiths or ethnic identities,

Waks, who has been extremely supportive of Ehrlich, will be in Melbourne to follow the trial and to report it, mainly on his Facebook account.

https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-713365

—

Manny Waks Facebook Post

27 July 2022

Malka Leifer update:

The Malka Leifer trial will finally commence on Monday 1 August at the County Court of Victoria in Australia. I'm pleased to share that I will travel from Israel tomorrow especially for the trial and will report on it regularly to the extent possible, mainly through this Facebook account. I intend to do a live-stream update via Facebook at the conclusion of each open Court session (please note that the court will be closed when the three complainants - Nicole, Dassi & Elly - will provide their evidence).

It seems likely that the pre-trial hearings won't conclude before Monday, so there will probably be a delay until everything is resolved (the Judge needs to resolve some legal arguments that are currently taking place). Once the pre-trial hearings conclude, we expect to go straight into jury selection - there are 100 potential jury members on stand-by for the selection process. Once a jury is selected, we'll go straight into opening statements. Subsequently, the three complainants will testify in a closed court. Once they finish testifying, it'll move back into open court for the testimonies of all the other witnesses. The trial is set for five weeks

We look forward to finally seeing some semblance of justice prevail and stand with the courageous Nicole, Dassi and Elly.

https://www.facebook.com/manny.waks/posts/5405425339500423

https://www.facebook.com/manny.waks

Anonymous ID: 639bba July 31, 2022, 3:55 a.m. No.16940832 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>0847

‘Unprecedented, foolish, dangerous’: Keating attacks Pelosi’s planned trip to Taiwan

Eryk Bagshaw - July 25, 2022

Singapore: Former prime minister Paul Keating has accused US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of inflaming tensions with Beijing and risking a military conflict by planning to visit Taiwan next month.

Pelosi, who sits behind President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in American political seniority, would be the highest-level serving US official to visit Taiwan since the White House established diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1979.

Keating said in a statement on Monday evening that it was hard to imagine “a more reckless and provocative act”.

“Across the political spectrum, no observer of the cross-straits relationship between China and Taiwan doubts that such a visit by the Speaker of the American Congress may degenerate into military hostilities,” he said.

“If the situation is misjudged or mishandled, the outcome for the security, prosperity and order of the region and the world (and above all for Taiwan) would be catastrophic.”

China views neighbouring Taiwan as a province of the mainland even though it has never been ruled by the Chinese Communist Party. It has vowed to unify the island with China by 2049 and has engaged in a decades-long campaign of hybrid warfare to undermine the country’s defence systems. On Monday, Taiwan ran air raid drills in Taipei to guard against missile strikes - one of hundreds of measures it takes each year to prepare for the threat of invasion from the mainland.

Keating has been critical of US and Australian policy toward Beijing, arguing that Taiwan’s future was a civil matter for China, and it was not “a vital Australian interest”. But that argument has been resisted by the Coalition, Labor and Taipei which have developed stronger unofficial ties in the past decade through trade offices, while officially maintaining Australia’s “one-China policy”.

Due to the sensitivity of travelling to Taiwan - which neither America nor Australia officially recognises diplomatically, no serving president, vice president or prime minister has visited the democratic island of 24 million people.

Biden last week publicly rebuked Pelosi’s plans for the trip. “The military thinks it is not a good idea right now,” he said.

Keating said a visit by Pelosi would be “unprecedented - foolish, dangerous and unnecessary to any cause other than her own”.

“Over decades, countries like the United States and Australia have taken the only realistic option available on cross-strait relations. We encourage both sides to manage the situation in a way that ensures that the outcome for a peaceful resolution is always available,” he said.

“But that requires a contribution from us – calm, clear and sensitive to the messages being sent. A visit by Pelosi would threaten to trash everything that has gone before.”

The Financial Times, which first reported Pelosi’s plans to travel to Taiwan last week, said the Biden administration had been warned privately by Chinese officials about a potential military response to her visit. Pelosi has not publicly confirmed her plans, despite members of Congress being invited to travel with her.

There has been no official comment from Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen or Foreign Minister Joseph Wu since the potential visit by Pelosi was first reported, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.

Wu told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in January that he expected China’s military incursions to become “more intimidating than ever” this year, but that Taiwan was prepared to defend itself.

“If you bow or if you show weakness, the Chinese will come with more pressure until you break,” he said.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/unprecedented-foolish-dangerous-keating-attacks-pelosi-s-planned-trip-to-taiwan-20220725-p5b4g4.html

—

Bob Carr Tweet

PJK is right. Pelosi visit challenges the cross-Strait status quo that kept the peace. The West “acknowledges” the Chinese claim & does not recognise Taiwan as a country. China commits to reunification by peaceful means only. This is diplomacy. Diplomacy beats missiles every time

https://twitter.com/bobjcarr/status/1551773780426764288

>>16940832

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s Regular Press Conference on July 29, 2022

Kyodo News: During the call between the two Presidents, the Chinese side made clear its position on the Taiwan question. The two sides also agreed to stay in touch. But if Speaker Pelosi would visit Taiwan, does China believe that the atmosphere to keep the China-US high-level dialogue going will no longer exist?

Zhao Lijian: In their phone conversation yesterday, Chinese and US Presidents had a candid, in-depth communication and exchange on China-US relations and issues of interest. The Chinese side has repeatedly made clear to the US side our serious concern over Speaker Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan and our firm opposition to the visit. If the US side challenges China’s red line, it will be met with resolute countermeasures. The US must bear all consequences arising thereof.

China Daily: Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating openly criticized US House Speaker Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan in a recent statement, saying it would be “foolish, dangerous and unnecessary to any cause”. “If the situation is misjudged or mishandled, the outcome for the security, prosperity and order of the region and the world and above all for Taiwan would be catastrophic”, he added. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: About Speaker Pelosi’s potential visit to Taiwan, people with insight both within and outside the US have spoken out on this. We believe former Prime Minister Paul Keating’s statement is one such example. We hope the US side will see what they see and hear their voice of reason.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202207/t20220729_10730589.html

>>16761730

US Strategic Command Tweet

#RIMPAC2022 = 26 nations, 38 surface ships, 4 submarines, 9 national land forces, more than 30 unmanned systems, approximately 170 aircraft & more than 25,000 personnel.

(1) shared purpose.

Ensure the safety of sea lanes & the security of the world's interconnected oceans.

https://twitter.com/US_STRATCOM/status/1553415251990913028

RIMPAC @RimofthePacific

#RIMPAC2022. We are not called the world's largest maritime exercise without reason.

#CapableAdaptivePartners, a symphony of power at sea.

https://twitter.com/RimofthePacific/status/1553235772391686144

James Packer’s $250,000 gift to free Julian Assange

Charlotte Grieve and Kishor Napier-Raman - August 1, 2022

Perhaps James Packer’s been a secret progressive this whole time. CBD can reveal the billionaire has donated $250,000 to the campaign to free Julian Assange from prison and bring him home to Australia.

The whistleblower and WikiLeaks founder has been incarcerated in London’s Belmarsh prison since 2019, while he fights efforts to extradite him to the United States where he faces espionage charges that could see him jailed for 175 years.

“Of course I support Julian Assange. What has happened to him is outrageous,” Packer said. “A lot of fine people who I am privileged to know are working around the clock for his freedom. I will continue to support him. Whatever it takes.”

After his exit from Crown Resorts, Packer is now on a mission to “rehabilitate his reputation” (his words) – which seemingly involves splashing out on causes close to his heart.

In the past, that’s included issues like bringing down the monarchy – he famously gave $250,000 to the Australian Republic Movement in 2016. And now, it seems, freeing Assange, whose lengthy imprisonment has drawn sympathy from all sides of politics, and calls for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to intervene.

A friend of Packer’s who’s seen his generosity in action told CBD the donation was “fantastic”.

“James has had something of a mid-life blossoming in terms of supporting great and progressive causes, and when someone of his heft puts his weight behind it, it makes all the difference to making actual progress.

“Being a billionaire means a lot of people automatically think you have no heart. James has always had one,” the friend said.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/james-packer-s-250-000-gift-to-free-julian-assange-20220731-p5b61p.html

>>16940806

Malka Leifer's trial date is pushed back

Tara Cosoleto - August 1, 2022

The trial of former Melbourne principal Malka Leifer has been delayed.

The 55-year-old is accused of sexual offences that allegedly happened while she was the principal of the Adass Israel School in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

She has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is due to stand trial in the County Court.

The planned five-week trial before Judge Mark Gamble was expected to start on Wednesday but has instead been postponed to August 22.

Pre-trial arguments before Judge Gamble continue.

https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/crime/malka-leifers-trial-date-is-pushed-back-c-7715241

Monique Ryan tells MPs to ‘put their masks on’ while asking about Covid in parliament

The doctor who booted Josh Frydenberg out of his own electorate has berated MPs on the floor of parliament after being interrupted.

Samantha Maiden - August 1, 2022

The doctor who booted Josh Frydenberg out of his electorate of Kooyong has urged the Liberal MPs to “put your masks on” after being jeered on the floor of parliament.

Independent Dr Monique Ryan rose to her feet to ask her first question during Question Time on Monday – her chosen subject being the impact of Covid – and copped rowdy interjections.

While mask-wearing is recommended it is not mandatory inside parliament, and it is largely non-existent on the opposition benches.

A former paediatric neurologist, Dr Ryan asked the Health Minister Mark Butler about the risk that repeated Covid infections could cause long-term side effects.

“Repeated infections with Covid-19 can be more severe and carry a high risk of persisting symptoms for as long as six months, as well as an increased risk of hospitalisation and death,” she said.

“There is an increasing risk of cumulative neurological and cardiovascular disease from infections from Covid-19.

“Can the minister please explain how he proposes to manage the oncoming national significant burden of disability and chronic illness from repeated infection?”

As she was jeered by some MPs she shot back, “Put your masks on,” pointing at the opposition benches.

In response, the Health Minister said he was pleased that the large number of health professionals in parliament “will add depth to our health policy.

“This pandemic is still ravaging our community,‘’ he said

“In particular, as the member pointed out, people should wear masks when indoors and they are not able to be socially distant.

“Long Covid is not easy to diagnose or treat.

“The truth is, Mr Speaker, we don‘t know the scale of the challenge. A common estimate (is that) about 4 per cent of Covid patients experience long-term symptoms, (which) already runs to hundreds and hundreds of thousands of Australians.

“Support is available through our standard medical system. States are operating long Covid clinics. Their waiting lists are growing. It is increasingly clear to me that we will need to develop a focused response nationally to the phenomenon of long Covid.

“I am keen to continue discussions with the Member for Kooyong and other members of this place on this profound long-term health challenge that is proving to be so debilitating and distressing for so many Australians.”

Dr Ryan later tweeted about her remark to Coalition MPs, saying she didn’t “appreciate being interrupted while speaking on serious risks of repeated Covid infections”.

“I particularly don’t appreciate being interrupted by shouting LNP MPs who refuse to wear masks. We all have a duty to look after each other, here and everywhere. Put your mask on!” she wrote.

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/monique-ryan-tells-mps-to-put-their-masks-on-while-asking-about-covid-in-parliament/news-story/eb31b3d1ac8e461d794257e7712dfba4

https://twitter.com/Mon4Kooyong/status/1553978872772714496

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe labels Queen ‘coloniser’ in parliamentary oath

SARAH ISON - AUGUST 1, 2022

Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe has branded the Queen as a “coloniser” while reciting the oath of allegiance mandatory for all parliamentarians.

When called to do the oath, Senator Thorpe stood and walked to the front of the chamber with her fist raised, which she kept up while reading the oath.

“I sovereign, Lidia Thorpe, do solemnly and sincerely swear that I will be faithful and I bear true allegiance to the colonising Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” she said.

Senator Thorpe was met with yells and outcry from the chamber, and Senate President Sue Lines reminded her she was required to recite the oath “as printed on the card”, which she did on the second reading before signing.

It was not the first time the outspoken senator had labelled the Queen a “coloniser”, having also done so in June.

Senator Thorpe at the time said the “colonisation of this country is coming to an end” and declared her intention as an Indigenous woman to “infiltrate” the senate.

“How many Australians in this country wake up and put their hands on their heart for the colonising Queen?” she questioned.

Fellow Indigenous Senator Jacinta Price in June dismissed Senator Thorpe’s comments as “childish” and “divisive” and said she needed to recognise her privilege.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/greens-senator-lydia-thorpe-labels-queen-coloniser-in-parliamentary-oath/news-story/094132e9e3e7bcfee7b33bdb78489d80

Anonymous ID: 639bba Aug. 1, 2022, 3:15 a.m. No.16944097 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4098

>>16840898

Victorian crossbench MP launches bid to compel religious hospitals to provide abortions

abc.net.au - 1 August 2022

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Victorian crossbench MP Fiona Patten is looking to compel taxpayer-funded religious hospitals to provide abortions, contraceptive treatment and end-of-life options.

The Reason Party leader will introduce a bill into state parliament this week that would remove the right of hospitals that receive any taxpayer funding to refuse to offer reproductive health services and voluntary assisted dying due to "corporate conscientious objection".

"I am moving legislation to protect and extend fundamental human rights currently being denied in public hospitals," Ms Patten said.

"The health system is mistreating those who fund it."

Ms Patten said imposed religious faith had no place in the public health system and hospitals that received funding had no right to refuse legally enshrined abortion and contraception, or access to assisted dying for the terminally ill.

Ms Patten singled out Mercy Health as an example of a religious provider that did not offer some services.

"The Mercy Hospital, which is one of the largest obstetric hospitals in Victoria, it is a publicly funded hospital," she said.

"They refuse to provide contraception, they refuse to provide abortions when patients need them and this is just not right."

Private hospitals that did not receive any public funding would not be affected if the bill was adopted, nor would individual practitioners.

Ms Patten said the bill aimed to ensure that abortions remained legal, available and safe in Victoria, and noted the controversial overturning of the Roe v Wade decision by the United States Supreme Court.

"We've all just seen what has happened in America and we need to ensure that women's rights to abortion and to contraception and other reproductive health is enshrined and protected in this state," she said.

"There is no reason to think that there won't be pushes in Australia and in Victoria to change our abortion laws here."

The Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas declined to say whether the state government would support the bill.

"The Victorian government already has the most progressive laws in the nation when it comes to supporting women exercising their reproductive rights," Ms Thomas said.

"As health minister, I will always champion the rights of women to access the sexual and reproductive health services that they need right across our state."

The state opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said she supported women's rights but could not say whether she would support the bill because she had not seen what Ms Patten was proposing.

"I don't trust Ms Patten after the last two-and-a-half years and the deals she's done with the government so I'd like to see the details of the bill," Ms Crozier said.

She was also highly critical of Ms Patten's timing for introducing the bill to parliament.

"Where is her gratitude about those hard-working doctors and nurses and health services that have done so much for so many Victorians over the last two-and-a-half years?"

(continued)

>>16944097

2/2

Catholic hospital says 'moral reasons' behind abortion refusal

Mercy Health declined to be interviewed, but referred the ABC to statements on its website.

It said that as a Catholic provider, it valued the dignity of life from conception to death.

"There are two areas where, for moral reasons, we do not provide some services: being women's health and end of life care," the website stated.

It said its refusal to provide abortion and assisted dying services was "in accordance with the Hippocratic tradition of medicine".

"We aim to do no harm, to relieve pain, to provide compassionate care for the whole person and to never abandon those in our care."

Catholic Health Australia told the ABC it could not comment because it was yet to see the details of the bill.

Advocates say religious hospitals are denying a basic human right

Women's Health Victoria is a statewide advocacy service that also offers online and telephone sexual and reproductive services.

CEO Dianne Hill said access to abortion was a fundamental part of comprehensive healthcare and women needed to trust that hospitals would care for all of their sexual and reproductive healthcare needs.

She said Women's Health Victoria supported any legislative reform that improved access to abortion and contraception.

"Abortion and contraception access is compromised for women and people with a uterus due to systemic and structural inequalities including financial insecurity, geographic location, health issues, cultural safety and health literacy," she said.

"Barriers created by healthcare services — where they may have provided a person's maternity care but won't provide contraception or abortion services – further exacerbate these issues, reduce choices and deny people's reproductive rights."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-01/victorian-abortion-religious-hospital-bill-fiona-patten/101287512

>>16931322

U.S. Embassy Australia Tweet

Ambassador Kennedy met today with Solomon Islands High Commissioner Robert Sisilo to thank the Solomon Islands government for hosting the U.S. delegation for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. The U.S. is committed to our partnership with Solomon Islands.

https://twitter.com/USEmbAustralia/status/1553986727542652928

Australia urged to intervene as China tries to buy a strategic Solomon Islands port

Angus Grigg, Stephanie March and Amy Donaldson - 1 August 2022

1/3

A Chinese state-owned company is negotiating to buy a deep-water port and World War II airstrip in Solomon Islands, as new documents detail how money from Beijing has helped keep the Pacific nation's controversial leader in power.

As a battle for influence plays out in the region, an investigation by Four Corners has found China is aggressively pursuing economic opportunities across the Solomons to boost Beijing's strategic interests.

One asset being targeted by China is a hardwood forestry plantation on the island of Kolombangara, which features a protected harbour, deep-water port and an airstrip.

A delegation from the state-owned China Forestry Group Corporation visited the island in 2019 and, according to those present, showed little interest in the trees. Instead, one member of the group pointedly asked: "How long is the wharf and how deep is the water?"

Since COVID-19 border restrictions lifted last month, talks have resumed.

Silas Tausinga, a Solomon Islands MP whose electorate sits next to Kolombangara, believes China's ambition to house military assets in his country remains strong, despite months of high-level political and media attention.

"Absolutely, Australia should be worried about it," he told Four Corners.

This push is only possible because the Solomons severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of Beijing in 2019.

Since then, China has mobilised funds to support the country's combative Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

Chinese slush fund

Documents obtained by Four Corners show a Chinese slush fund was activated twice last year and dispersed nearly $3 million directly to members of parliament loyal to the Prime Minister.

One letter signed by Mr Sogavare said the Chinese embassy in Honiara "consented" to provide "additional support" for his government in August last year.

That was in the lead-up to a vote of no confidence, which could have toppled the Prime Minister and undermined Beijing's ambitions in the tiny Pacific nation.

Mr Sogavare described the money as a "stimulus package" to revitalise the economy, although it was only given to MPs loyal to him. Opposition members received nothing.

"This is corruption," said Ruth Liloqula, the head of Transparency International in Solomon Islands.

"China is keeping this government together. We all assume that China is remotely controlling the government and Solomon Islands affairs."

Weeks after riots erupted in the capital, and still fearing for the survival of his government, Mr Sogavare again activated the Chinese slush fund.

The list of MPs paid in that round was almost identical to the one four months earlier, except the name of the one MP who left the government was crossed out.

The only other name crossed out was an MP who had recently died.

Silas Tausinga confirmed that he received the first payment when he was part of the government, but not the second one after crossing the floor to join the opposition.

"I wasn't going to stay for the money," Mr Tausinga said.

All MPs loyal to the Prime Minister received nearly $80,000 each. Ms Liloqula said those MPs have no obligation to show how the money was spent.

Asked if the Chinese money allowed Mr Sogavare to retain his job, Mr Tausinga said: "Well, he's stayed in power, hasn't he?"

The Prime Minister survived the no-confidence motion on December 6.

(continued)

Anonymous ID: 639bba Aug. 1, 2022, 3:41 a.m. No.16944129 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4133

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During the 36-year period when the Solomons recognised Taiwan, the prime minister of the day had a similar slush fund at his disposal. But there was also a much larger pool of money distributed to all MPs.

Four Corners emailed detailed questions about these allegations to the Prime Minister's office and followed up with phone calls and texts. We received no response.

Beijing's desire for a military presence in the Solomons was revealed in a recently leaked letter from 2020, in which a Chinese defence contractor sought to lease land in Isabel Province to develop "naval and infrastructure projects" for the "People's Liberation Army Navy".

Mr Sogavare has assured Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese that China will not be allowed to build a military base in the Solomons. But despite a friendly meeting between the pair at the recent Pacific Islands Forum, suspicion remains about China's intentions.

'Strategic threats' to Australia

Clive Moore, a Pacific expert from the University of Queensland, said in the longer term China could use its economic outposts in the Solomons for military purposes.

"I think we have to look with new eyes at the way that bases can be developed for Chinese interests in the Pacific," he said.

"China has interest in minerals, it has interest in timber. They are interested in developing situations where in the future they may be able to be used for other purposes."

The forestry plantation on Kolombangara offers both economic and strategic opportunities.

If a Chinese entity took over the plantation it would control two-thirds of the island, including 14,000 hectares of hardwood forest, 24,000 hectares of protected forest, the port, a marine base, the airstrip and large areas of flat land.

"With a large Chinese corporation, you can be quite certain that they are acting with a great deal of advice from the Chinese central government. Whether that investment is in logging or in mining … there is a connection," Clive Moore said.

In late May, as talks with China Forestry Group Corporation continued, members of the plantation company's board, Kolombangara Forests Products Ltd (KFPL), wrote to Foreign Minister Penny Wong about the "risks/strategic threats" it posed to Australia.

It urged the Australian government to provide financial assistance to "prevent China taking control of the port and airstrip areas and establishing a base that can easily be done under the cover of commercial development".

The letter said Kolombangara has "the best natural deep-water port in the Solomons that could be used for a large vessel immediately".

The Foreign Minister was told in the letter that any Australian government funding would provide an opportunity for the two countries to forge closer economic ties around sustainable development and logging in the Pacific.

The plantation is owned by private Taiwanese and Australian shareholders, in conjunction with the Solomon Islands government. The letter said the Solomons government had approached the board about the deal with China Forestry Group Corporation.

Senator Wong's office said Australia's High Commissioner in Honiara "has been engaging regularly with the management of [the plantation] and will continue to do so", not ruling out an intervention.

When asked how worried he was about a Chinese buyer coming in, KFPL general manager Edwin Schramm said there was some concern on the island.

"Local people don't see that as generally a positive move … and they would like to see the existing shareholders, particularly the Solomon Islands government, maintain a strong presence on the island," he said.

(continued)

>>16944129

3/3

Tarmacs, phone towers and eskys

Kolombangara sits across from the provincial and economic centre of Noro, home to the country's tuna fleet.

In the nearby town of Munda, China is relaying the airport tarmac and building a new international terminal.

China has made no secret of its ambitions in the country's west. In June, ambassador Li Ming donated fishing boats, eskys and engines to locals on Marovo Island.

"China will continue to support Western Province and China will continue to support the Solomon Islands," he said.

For its part, Australia has agreed to fund early planning and design work to upgrade the international container port at Noro with money from the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program.

Canberra is also funding the construction of six mobile phone towers across the country, in an effort to plug gaps in the network.

It's an area where the Solomons has once again turned to China.

Chinese tech giant Huawei, which has been banned from building new networks in Australia and the US, is pushing to construct about 160 mobile phone towers across the Solomons.

Under the current plan, the towers would be funded through a $US55 million ($78.7m) loan from China with the remaining $US16 million coming from the Solomons government.

Four Corners has obtained a report that casts serious doubt over the project's financial viability and construction time line, while others question the need for so many towers.

The report from consulting firm KPMG said the project's "financial forecasts are optimistic" and the operator of the towers would need to inject $US156 million of cash into the project over 20 years.

Experts have questioned whether the country could ever repay the debt, while others fear the deal could even bankrupt Solomon Telekom if it was forced to pay for the towers.

"It concerns me because it is in who's interest?" Ms Liloqula said.

"Is it [being] built for Solomon Islands or is it built for China's interest?"

''Watch Four Corners' full investigation tonight on ABC TV and ABC iview.''

https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/pacific-capture:-how-chinese-money-is-buying-the/13992716

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/four-corners

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-01/china-trying-to-buy-solomon-islands-port-australia-urged-to-stop/101277348

Pacific Capture: How Chinese money is buying the Solomons

Four Corners - 1 Aug 2022

On Monday Four Corners travels to the Solomon Islands to investigate the extent of Chinese influence and control in the strategically located Pacific nation.

Reporter Angus Grigg reveals new details about the Chinese money being used by Prime Minister Sogavare to secure his hold over the country.

“Reporter: Do you think this money helps the Prime Minister stay in power?

Solomon Islands MP: Well, he’s stayed in power, hasn’t he?”

The signing of a new security deal between the Solomon Islands and China has raised foreign policy concerns in Australia and the United States. There are also concerns amongst Solomon Islanders the deal will lead to the establishment of a military base.

“To suggest that we should have another country coming in here as a security partner, to even suggest the idea of having to build a military base, who are we building a military base for? Who are our enemies?” Solomon Islands MP

The program will also examine other key industries in the Solomon Islands where Chinese state-owned companies are taking over to the detriment of local communities.

“It is not at all good for Solomon Islands… it destroys the social fabric of every community. Brothers are fighting against brothers. Communities are no longer talking to each other.” Former Cabinet secretary.

Pacific Capture, reported by Angus Grigg, goes to air on Monday 1st August at 8.30pm. It is replayed on Tuesday 2nd August at 11.00pm and Wednesday 3rd at 10am. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.

https://iview.abc.net.au/channel/news

https://iview.abc.net.au/show/abc-live-stream/video/IV1512H001S00

https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/

https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/pacific-capture:-how-chinese-money-is-buying-the/13992716

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrFposyrO80

VIDEO: Watch what happened when Four Corners tried filming a Chinese business in Solomon Islands

abc.net.au - 1 August 2022

China’s presence is everywhere in Solomon Islands, but not everyone was happy when Four Corners arrived to film it.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-01/watch-four-corners-film-chinese-business-in-solomon-islands/13998292

AUKUS members sink Chinese complaints over nuclear submarines

Andrew Tillett - Aug 1, 2022

Australia, the US and UK have hit back at China’s attacks on the AUKUS pact, saying it will be impossible for Australia to convert uranium fuelling the planned fleet of nuclear-powered submarines into weapons without ruining the boats.

As a major United Nations conference on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons gets under way in New York, the three AUKUS partners released a working paper reaffirming a commitment not to breach international law through the transfer of radioactive material and to establish a verification process for the atomic watchdog.

“Partners are committed to doing this in a way that meets the highest possible non-proliferation standards including by providing complete, welded power units so that Australia need not conduct uranium enrichment nor fuel fabrication,” the working paper said.

The AUKUS agreement will lead to the US and UK helping Australia acquire as many as eight nuclear-powered submarines but – controversially – proposes to use highly enriched uranium in the boats’ reactors instead of low-enriched uranium.

Using low-enriched uranium, as navies such as France does, would require the reactors to be refuelled after 10 years or so, whereas highly enriched uranium lasts for the anticipated three-decade life of the submarine. The Morrison government dumped its contract with France for diesel-electric submarines because nuclear boats offer greater range and endurance.

Use of highly enriched uranium has sparked concerns among experts and anti-nuclear campaigners that it might breach the nuclear non-proliferation treaty because it is used in atomic warheads, and might set a precedent for rogue regimes such as Iran to acquire weapons-grade material.

AUKUS has also made waves in South-East Asia, with Malaysia and Indonesia both uneasy. While it did not directly reference AUKUS, Jakarta’s submission to the UN conference last week raised concerns over the transfer of nuclear submarine technology and the potential for “catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences”.

Predictably so, the strongest reaction has come from China, which is lobbying against the deal. Despite possessing nuclear submarines of its own and an arsenal of hundreds of nuclear warheads, Beijing argues AUKUS is illegal and “gangs up to create an Anglo-Saxon circle”.

The AUKUS members’ working paper for the UN conference points out Australia will not receive nuclear material “for many years” and the three countries have put in place four guiding elements to ensure compliance.

These include Australia’s commitment not to undertake its own enrichment of uranium, and providing “complete, welded power units” for the reactor.

“These power units are designed so that removal of any nuclear material would be extremely difficult and would render the power unit, and the submarine, inoperable,” the working paper said.

“Further, the nuclear material inside of these reactors would not be in a form that can be directly used in nuclear weapons without further chemical processing, requiring facilities that Australia does not have and will not seek.”

The three AUKUS members also said they wanted to establish with the International Atomic Energy Agency a “suitable verification approach to confirm the non-diversion of nuclear material from Australian nuclear-powered submarines”, underpinned by the IAEA’s Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement.

“Australia, the UK and the US are working closely with the IAEA to ensure that the precedent set by Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines strengthens the global non-proliferation regime and closes the door to any potential misuse of these elements of the NPT framework for the purposes of developing a clandestine nuclear weapons program,” the working paper said.

To further satisfy the IAEA, Australia is offering to implement additional safeguard mechanisms outside the nuclear submarine program “to maintain international confidence that there is no undeclared nuclear material or activity in Australia”.

The release of the paper comes after AUKUS steering groups last week met at the Pentagon to review progress on the nuclear submarine project, and separately agreed to step up “near-term capabilities in hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, as well as cyber”.

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/aukus-members-sink-chinese-complaints-over-nuclear-submarines-20220801-p5b66q

>>16944185

Australian Government Department of Defence

Readout of AUKUS Joint Steering Group Meetings

31 July 2022

Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America recently held meetings of the AUKUS Joint Steering Groups, which were established as part of the governance structure of the AUKUS partnership in September 2021. The delegations discussed the intensive work under way and the progress that has been made since the announcement of AUKUS. Both meetings were held at the Pentagon, with additional sessions at the White House where the delegations met with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The Joint Steering Group for Australia’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Program met on July 25-28, continuing its progress on defining the optimal pathway to provide Australia with conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines at the earliest possible date while ensuring the highest standards of nuclear stewardship, including the responsible planning, operation, application and management of nuclear material, technology and facilities.

The participants took stock of ongoing progress to deliver on our leaders’ commitment to set the highest possible non-proliferation standards, including through continued close consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. They welcomed the publication of the working paper on Cooperation under the AUKUS partnership (PDF) for the Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The paper details our proposal to provide complete power units to Australia, Australia’s commitment that it will not conduct enrichment, reprocessing or fuel fabrication in connection with its nuclear-powered submarine program, and our engagement with the IAEA to find a suitable verification approach. They noted the introductory remarks of the IAEA Director General to the June Board of Governors in which he expressed “satisfaction with the engagement and transparency shown by the three countries thus far” and noted that he plans to present a report on AUKUS to the September Board.

The Joint Steering Group for Advanced Capabilities met on July 28-29, reviewing progress across critical defense capabilities. The participants decided to bolster combined military capabilities, including by accelerating near-term capabilities in hypersonics and counter-hypersonics, as well as cyber. They also recommitted to deepening cooperation on information-sharing and other previously agreed working groups. As work progresses on these and other critical defense capabilities, we will seek opportunities to engage allies and close partners.

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/readout-aukus-joint-steering-group-meetings

—

Cooperation under the AUKUS partnership - Working paper submitted by Australia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United States of America

https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/npt_conf.2020_wp.66_advance.pdf

IAEA Director General's Introductory Statement to the Board of Governors

https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/statements/iaea-director-generals-introductory-statement-to-the-board-of-governors-6-june-2022

>>16840452

U.S. Air Force Tweet

.@Whiteman_AFB Airmen are bringing the (B-2) Spirit every day while on a Bomber Task Force deployment at Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley, Australia.

Our Airmen are conducting training & missions alongside Allies in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

@PACAF

https://twitter.com/usairforce/status/1553823581607530499

(Google translation)

The Chinese Embassy in Australia held a reception for the 95th anniversary of the founding of the army

2022-07-29

On July 29, the Chinese Embassy in Australia held a reception to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army. More than 60 people including Chinese Ambassador to Australia Xiao Qian, Defense Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in Australia Colonel Qiu Xuqiang and some diplomats of the Embassy, representatives of the Australian Ministry of Defense, Federal Police, and military attachés from various countries in Australia attended the event.

In his speech, attaché Qiu Xuqiang reviewed the glorious history of the Chinese People's Liberation Army since its founding 95 years ago, emphasizing that China adheres to the path of peaceful development, pursues a national defense policy that is defensive in nature, and has always been a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, and a safeguard of international order. By. China provides the world with unprecedented opportunities and opens up the prospect of jointly building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Attaché Qiu pointed out that this year coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. The healthy and stable development of China-Australia relations is in the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples, and is also conducive to maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Not long ago, the foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two countries held a candid, in-depth and constructive meeting, and China-Australia relations showed a positive momentum. He is willing to work with the Australian counterparts in the spirit of mutual respect to make joint efforts to push forward the relationship between the two militaries on the right track and benefit the two peoples.

During the reception, the photo exhibition "Ten Years of the Chinese Army" was broadcast. The atmosphere was solemn, friendly and warm. The guests spoke highly of the construction achievements of the Chinese military and its contribution to world peace. Australian military officials expressed that they will further deepen their relationship with China in the future. The military's desire for pragmatic exchange and cooperation.

http://au.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/sghdxwfb/202207/t20220731_10730964.htm

Xi Jinping has launched a ‘new Cold War’: Kevin Andrews

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 26, 2022

Xi Jinping’s Chinese Communist Party is waging a “new Cold War”, which the world must call out and resist, former defence minister Kevin Andrews has warned in a blunt address in Taiwan.

Citing speeches by China’s leader and recent Communist Party texts on “Xi Jinping Thought”, which are “replete with Cold War rhetoric”, the former Abbott government minister said Mr Xi was involved in an international struggle against democracy.

“It’s naive to think that this Cold War is avoidable. It is currently being prosecuted,” Mr Andrews said on Tuesday at a major security summit in Taipei, organised by Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry.

Mr Andrews noted Communist Party opposition to “so-called constitutionalism, multi-party elections, the division of powers, the bicameral system, and the independence of the judiciary”, quoting a speech by one of Mr Xi’s senior cadres last year.

“What, I ask, remains of democracy after removal of these fundamental pillars?”

Mr Andrews’ speech underlines the depth of concern among many current and former Australian politicians about the Xi administration.

It comes amid threats from Beijing over a scheduled trip to Taiwan by Nancy Pelosi, the US Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Former prime minister Paul Keating on Monday said Ms Pelosi’s trip was “foolish, dangerous and unnecessary”.

Asked by The Australian on Tuesday for his thoughts on the planned trip, former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said the decision for any politician to travel to Taiwan was “totally up to them”.

“And if Speaker Pelosi would like to come to Asia, I think it’s her freedom to do so,” Mr Kono said after giving a keynote address at the same Taipei event, the Ketagalan Forum.

The Japanese politician — who lost the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s leadership contest last year to Fumio Kishida — also called for Japan to be allowed to join the AUKUS trilateral pact, along with Australia, Britain and the US.

“Maybe we can make it JAUKUS,” he said.

Concern about Beijing’s menacing of Taiwan has risen since Russia invaded Ukraine, days after Mr Xi signed a “no limits” pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Kono said the UN’s failure to deal with that situation suggested it might be time for a “UN 2.0”.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was unable to attend the forum. She was overseeing Taiwan’s annual Han Kuang military exercises, signalling her government’s determination to resist any attack from Beijing.

Mr Andrews said Beijing needed to understand that “force will be resisted”, citing the counsel of the late Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe.

“They must recognise that Taiwan is the first chain of defence in the fight against the authoritarian CCP,” Mr Andrews said.

“If China was to invade Taiwan, the ramifications for the world, including Japan and Australia, are enormous. It must be clear that any attempted invasion of Taiwan will be resisted militarily by allied nations,” he said.

Mr Andrews was on his fifth visit to Taiwan. He first visited in 1991, early in Taiwan’s transition from a one party, authoritarian state to a vibrant democracy.

Christopher Pyne, another former Australian defence minister, will also speak at the forum.

The joint appearance of the former Liberal factional rivals — who are visiting Taiwan for a week-long trip — indicates the elevated concern in Australia about the threats to the democracy of 24 million.

Beijing reacts furiously to visits by senior Australian politicians to Taiwan, which it claims is a breach of Australia’s “One China” policy.

Opposition members and backbenchers have continued to visit, a demonstration of the strong unofficial ties between Taiwan and Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Taiwan on a parliamentary delegation in 2018. Three other Labor members who are now members of his cabinet also visited Taiwan in 2018 – Communications minister Michelle Rowland, Skills and Training minister Brendan O’Connor and Trade Minister Don Farrell.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/xi-jinping-has-launched-a-new-cold-war-kevin-andrews/news-story/64bf0ee34363c8e942c0f6e93bbb4366

—

外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) Tweet

What a triumvirate! Minister Wu was pleased to maintain the momentum of the Ketagalan Forum by exchanging ideas on #Taiwan's role in building a more free & open #IndoPacific with @cpyne & @kevinandrewsmp. The visit of #Australia's ex-defense ministers is greatly appreciated.

https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1552647796880441345

How Chinese money is buying Solomon Islands | Four Corners

ABC News In-depth

Aug 1, 2022

China has its eye on a tiny Pacific nation that could have big geopolitical ramifications: Solomon Islands.

Four Corners travels to the Solomons – one of the first international film crews to enter the country since borders reopened – to investigate the kind of influence Chinese money is buying: from a sports stadium and timber plantation, to deep-water ports and a political slush fund.

With a new security pact signed between the two countries, regional powers like Australia and the United States are worried this could be the start of a new Chinese military presence in the region.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfXX0QaNLWw

>>16944185

Government doubles down on AUKUS plan

Dominic Giannini - August 2 2022

Australia has doubled down on its plan to acquire nuclear powered submarines from either the United States or Britain.

Assistant trade minister Tim Ayres has told an international nuclear non-proliferation conference that Australia is committed to the treaty, and the procurement of such submarines will not violate its obligations.

"At this conference and beyond, each of us must work to forestall the catastrophic humanitarian consequences that await us unless we take real steps towards the elimination of nuclear weapons," Senator Ayres told the conference in New York on Tuesday.

"The challenges to the non-proliferation treaty have never been greater.

"All three (AUKUS) partners are committed to upholding our legal obligations and to strengthening the integrity of the non-proliferation regime. We will not simply uphold but strengthen the integrity of the regime."

Senator Ayres told the conference Australia is proceeding with its acquisition in a transparent way, and working with the international nuclear regulator and community to maintain "a nuclear weapons-free and independent Pacific".

"The international safeguards system is essential for global confidence in the nuclear non-proliferation regime."

The assistant minister's speech came after Indonesia raised concerns about how nuclear technology for military purposes fits within the treaty.

While not directly mentioning the AUKUS alliance, Indonesia raised concerns about the risks of near-weapons-grade uranium being used for naval propulsion in a working paper submitted to the conference.

"The use and sharing of nuclear technologies and materials for military purposes could run counter to the spirit and objectives of the treaty, as it could potentially set precedence for other similar arrangements and complicate safeguards mechanisms," it reads.

Australia, the US and the UK submitted its own working paper, stating "naval nuclear propulsion cooperation under AUKUS will be conducted in a manner that is fully consistent with our respective obligations under the (treaty)".

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7844656/government-doubles-down-on-aukus-plan/

>>16936365

‘Very serious interest’: Indonesia wants AUKUS submarines monitored by UN watchdog

Chris Barrett - August 1, 2022

Singapore: Indonesia wants Australia’s acquisition of nuclear-propelled submarines to be monitored tightly by the United Nations watchdog, saying it is taking “a very serious interest” because its waters will be passed by such vessels.

Along with south-east Asian neighbour Malaysia, Indonesia has expressed consternation about Australia’s submarine ambitions since the AUKUS deal was unveiled last September.

Now, Jakarta has raised major concerns about the sharing of nuclear technology for military purposes in a working paper for this week’s UN nuclear non-proliferation review conference in New York, highlighting safety issues with the transportation and use of highly enriched uranium and the risk of it being diverted to weapons programs.

Indonesia’s proposal for stricter regulations around the sharing of nuclear material to fuel submarines is being supported by Malaysia, according to Tri Tharyat, the director general for multilateral cooperation at Indonesia’s foreign ministry.

“As an archipelagic country, whether we like it or not, [Indonesia] will definitely be passed by nuclear-powered submarines and therefore we have a very serious interest in getting our proposals done,” he said.

“The bottom line is the use of nuclear energy for submarines should be monitored tightly by IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency]. We hope through our working paper there will be attention and steps from the IAEA for an inspection, preventing proliferation from taking place.”

Indonesia’s submission to the conference was made in the same week that President Joko Widodo met with China leader Xi Jinping.

Beijing has made no secret of its opposition to Australia buying nuclear-powered submarines from the United States or United Kingdom under AUKUS, claiming it would be a dangerous precedent and a violation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, known as the NPT.

While not mentioning Australia or AUKUS in its working paper, Indonesia also argued sharing of nuclear technology and materials for military purposes may be counter to the spirit and objective of the NPT. Without proper safeguards in place, such arrangements “could be exploited to provide a shield for diversion of that material to [a] nuclear weapons program,” it warned.

But ahead of the US conference, there was also an indication by Jakarta that it was trying to find a middle ground.

Tharyat even suggested there were “pros and cons” to plans by nuclear non-weapon states Australia and Brazil to get nuclear-propelled submarines. Brazil is developing a nuclear-powered submarine with France’s Naval Group, the company that Australia tore up a $90 billion deal with last year in a decision that at the time damaged bilateral relations with Paris.

“It is very clear that countries that are for nuclear-powered submarines say there are no regulations breached in the context of developing the program,” he said. “On the other side, the opposition countries or those who oppose the program are of the opinion there is a breach of non-nuclear proliferation commitments that may encourage countries that don’t possess nuclear [weapons] to ‘flirt’ with countries that possess nuclear [weapons].

“Indonesia wants - in line with our foreign policy, that is free and active - to contribute to the world’s peace and security. We want to bridge these two sharp differences through a concrete proposal which we hope can be discussed during the conference.”

The meeting in New York comes three weeks after a visit to Australia by Rafael Grossi, the director general of the IAEA, the UN nuclear regulator.

He met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong, saying he was satisfied with Australia’s commitment to comply with its obligations towards nuclear non-proliferation.

Grossi has admitted the AUKUS submarines deal would be “very tricky” for nuclear inspectors, with vessels fuelled by highly enriched uranium at sea for months at a time. But he told the ABC last month he was confident a monitoring agreement could be reached.

Comment was sought from Malaysia’s foreign ministry.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/very-serious-interest-indonesia-wants-aukus-submarines-monitored-by-un-watchdog-20220801-p5b68k.html

China slams US and Britain of ‘double standards’ with AUKUS submarine deal

At a major UN summit, a top China diplomat accused the US and Britain of “double standards” by helping Australia build nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide.

Gabriel Polychronis - August 2, 2022

China has accused the US and Britain of “double standards” by equipping Australia with a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

Senior Chinese diplomat Zhang Jun levelled scathing criticisms of the AUKUS security pact at the beginning of a month-long conference in New York that will review the UN’s Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

He accused the US and Britain of hypocrisy by helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines, despite opposing Iran and North Korea’s nuclear aspirations.

“They hold very strong positions on the Iran nuclear issue, they hold a very strong position on the DPRK nuclear issue, but here in this AUKUS project, they say nothing is happening,” Mr Zhang said.

“That is purely double standards.”

Indonesia is spearheading criticisms of AUKUS, submitting a paper warning that sharing nuclear propulsion technology could have “catastrophic” consequences.

The Australian reports Indonesian officials are in the background lobbying a bloc of 120 mostly developing nations to cut a legal loophole in the current treaty that Australia is relying on to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

Addressing the conference on Monday (local time), US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised the submarines, to be built in Adelaide, would be “nuclear powered, not nuclear armed”.

“Other countries have this kind of submarine. And these will adhere to the highest safety and nonproliferation standards under the (treaty),” Secretary Blinken said.

But Mr Zhang, who holds the UN’s Security Council presidency for the month, said explanations offered by AUKUS members were “not sufficient enough”.

He expressed concerns about the possibility of highly enriched uranium being transferred into weapons programs and the pact triggering an “arms race” in the region.

“I hope that the relative parties will stop their double standards and respond seriously to the concerns of the international community,” Mr Zhang said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said Australia’s “longstanding commitment to our non-proliferation treaty is internationally recognised”.

During a visit to Adelaide and Canberra last month, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said he was “satisfied” with Australia’s commitments to nuclear non-proliferation.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/china-slams-us-and-britain-of-double-standards-with-aukus-submarine-deal/news-story/bdfd4386efba6d8b233e6a12a773be82

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post

August 2, 2022

#MRFD

#usmc

#ADF

#lethality

#FreeandOpenIndoPacific

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/418188890343600

—

9 News Darwin

August 1, 2022

Exercise Koolendong has come to an end after three weeks of war games.

It's part of a push to build stronger defence relationships between Australia and the U-S.

https://www.facebook.com/9NewsDarwin/videos/494955452395460

Anonymous ID: 639bba Aug. 2, 2022, 5:22 a.m. No.16948507 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>8773

Indonesian-led war games ‘send strong signal’ to China

AMANDA HODGE - AUGUST 1, 2022

Australian defence forces have joined thousands of troops from Indonesia, the US, Singapore and Japan for two weeks of “unprecedented” joint military exercises that will include combined paratrooper drops and amphibious landings on an island near the southern edge of the South China Sea.

US officials have insisted this year’s “Super” Garuda Shield – usually a bilateral exercise with Indonesia – is not aimed at readying for conflict with any specific nation but to “advance regional co-operation to support a free and open” Indo-Pacific, despite heightened tensions over China’s regional assertiveness.

Last week Assistant US Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific security affairs Ely Ratner warned it was “only a matter of time before there is a major incident or accident in the region” as a result of Chinese military aggression toward other forces.

US defence media Garuda Shield spokesman Travis Dettmer told The Australian the significantly expanded exercises were “not designed to be a threat toward any one entity but to build more interoperability so we can work together when we have to work together”.

But Lieutenant Colonel Dettmer said: “When we do what we do as military, especially in this day and age, we do it as a combined and joint force. This exercise was designed to include more partners this year because if we were to go to war that’s how we fight – as a combined and joint force.”

At least 4000 Indonesian and US forces from the navy, air force, army and marines, will share war tactics, simulate fighting and search and rescue operations with forces from Australia, Singapore and Japan in South Sumatra and on the Riau islands, the gateway to Indonesia’s Natuna waters on the South China Sea.

Canada, France, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Britain are also participating as observer nations.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, confirmed his nation’s participation in Garuda Shield only last week during bilateral talks with Indonesian President Joko Widodo. Jokowi’s visit was part of a three-nation tour that began with a rare diplomatic visit to Beijing and talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping where the two leaders discussed closer economic engagement.

Southeast Asia security analyst Collin Koh said the timing of Jokowi’s Beijing visit “could not be more interesting” given China’s previous objections to the expanded exercises.

Beijing has kept quiet in recent weeks though Dr Koh said it could still register its displeasure by moving military assets closer to the Natuna waters to monitor the drills, as it did during the 2021 Talisman Sabre military exercises with the US in northern Australia.

“That can’t be discounted. The exercise area is within reach and in an area China is familiar with,” he told The Australian.

Indonesia’s decision to host the largest ever Garuda Shield comes as China continues to push for any defence exercises in the South China Sea region to be staged in consultation with all other signatories to a code of conduct that is still being negotiated with ASEAN states.

Dr Koh said this year’s drills – unprecedented in scale and sophistication – were an “indirect Indonesian answer to China that it will carry on its military engagement with partners in line with its national interests and won’t be dictated to by anyone else”. The fact that more than 4000 troops from five nations would be conducting simulated war fighting in a “country with a stake in the South China Sea sends strong signals to those up north”.

“No other South China Sea nation, other than The Philippines, have hosted similar exercises – very likely because they wanted to avoid controversy. But Indonesia has been trying to showcase what it calls its free and active foreign policy. That’s why we see these strange arrangements where last week it went to China and this week it conducts these exercises.”

Indonesia is not a formal claimant in the territorial dispute between China and other Southeast Asian nations over its occupation and militarisation of islands in the South China Sea, but it too regularly contends with Chinese incursions in its North Natuna waters.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/indonesianled-war-games-send-strong-signal-to-china/news-story/881e8ba49c2123642731c254c25f82d2

Donald Trump rips into 'crazy' Nancy Pelosi

Sky News Australia

Aug 3, 2022

Former US president Donald Trump has criticised Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan, labelling her "crazy" and accusing the House Speaker of "always causing trouble".

"Why is Crazy Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan," Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"Always causing trouble. Nothing she does turns out well."

Nancy Pelosi and five other Democratic members of Congress landed in Taipei on Tuesday evening despite repeated warnings from China to avoid the island.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv95F-BDPYM

Urgent review of Australia’s defence ordered as security threats grow

David Crowe - August 2, 2022

Australians will be warned of the risk of state-on-state conflict in an urgent review of the nation’s defence amid fears that $44.6 billion in annual spending is not doing enough to prepare the country for growing threats to its security.

Defence Minister Richard Marles will call in two external experts to conduct the snap review while the government considers pivotal decisions on nuclear submarines, a fleet of guided-missile destroyers and plans to build a bigger army.

The review, to be led by former Labor defence minister Stephen Smith and former defence force chief Sir Angus Houston, will run in parallel to the deliberations of a working group into the new submarine fleet, set up under the AUKUS alliance struck with the United States and United Kingdom last year.

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine raising concerns that China might use force against Taiwan, the review will question the spending priorities on all major defence programs and whether the outlays are giving the country the security it needs.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese went to the election with a pledge to maintain defence spending but Labor has blamed the previous government for leaving Australia with a “capability gap” because too many projects have been delivered too late and over their original budgets.

“Military modernisation, technological disruption and the risk of state-on-state conflict are complicating Australia’s strategic circumstances,” say the terms of reference for the review, to be released on Wednesday.

In a sign that every aspect of defence needs scrutiny, the terms of reference say the purpose of the inquiry is to assess the “structure, posture and preparedness” of the ADF and whether it can meet the challenges over the next decade.

While department officials and military chiefs conducted a Defence Strategic Update and Force Structure Plan two years ago, the government has called in the two outside experts in a clear sign it wants a fresh assessment of department decisions.

Smith, a professor at the University of Western Australia, was foreign affairs minister from 2007 to 2010 and defence minister from 2010 to 2013 under prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard.

Houston, a former Royal Australian Air Force pilot, was Chief of the Defence Force from 2005 to 2011. He was appointed to head Airservices Australia by the Gillard government and knighted by then-prime minister Tony Abbott after the Coalition won the 2013 election.

Albanese and Marles want the reviewers to submit their final report by March next year but have asked for an interim report as soon as they have done their initial analysis, highlighting the urgency of the task.

The process gives the government time to consider challenging decisions on major spending programs when there are significant delays to the purchase of new frigates under a $44 billion contract with from BAE Systems in the UK, while Spanish company Navantia says it could build three guided-missile warships by the end of this decade.

Australia also plans to buy more than 120 tanks and other armoured vehicles from the US at a cost of $3.5 billion despite questions over whether the money should be spent on air and sea defences instead.

Marles has confirmed his intention to make a final decision on the nuclear submarine fleet by March but this is complicated by the debate on the possibility of acquiring an interim fleet to replace the existing Collins-class submarines.

The first of the nuclear-propelled submarines is not expected to be in the water before 2040 and some defence experts have aired questions about whether Australia will have the spending power and the nuclear skills to support the new fleet under the AUKUS alliance.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/urgent-review-of-australia-s-defence-ordered-as-security-threats-grow-20220802-p5b6pn.html

AUKUS trio urged to comply with nuclear treaty

WANG QINGYUN, China Daily Global - 2022-08-03

China criticized the nuclear submarine cooperation of the United States, United Kingdom and Australia on Tuesday, and urged the international community to discuss the issue at an ongoing conference so as to uphold the treaty's integrity and effectiveness.

Speaking at a regular news conference, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the trilateral cooperation has posed a serious proliferation risk, intensified the arms race and undermined regional peace and stability.

She urged the three countries to take real action to fulfill their obligations for the nonproliferation of nuclear weapons, revoke their decision to conduct nuclear submarine cooperation and contribute to peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Hua's remarks came following the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which opened in New York on Monday.

At a press briefing on Monday, the conference's President-designate Gustavo Zlauvinen said the AUKUS deal that outlines the trilateral nuclear submarine cooperation has raised serious concerns by many countries including China and Russia.

Also, it is up to state parties to the NPT to decide whether the AUKUS agreement is in violation of the treaty's spirit, Zlauvinen said.

China has expressed its opposition to the cooperation multiple times, and many other countries have voiced similar concerns.

"It's regrettable that the US, the UK and Australia have disregarded international concerns and insisted on promoting the cooperation, while sparing no effort to defend their behavior," Hua said. "But facts speak louder than words."

The trilateral cooperation involves nuclear states transferring nuclear materials from weapons grade to a nonnuclear one, which "violates clearly the purposes of the NPT, and impacts seriously the international nonproliferation system based on the treaty", Hua said.

An international conference is held every five years to review the operation of the treaty, which entered into force in 1970.

China would send a delegation led by the director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of Arms Control to the conference, which will last through Aug 26, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Friday.

https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202208/03/WS62e9cfcaa310fd2b29e6ff62.html

—

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying’s Regular Press Conference on August 2, 2022

Hubei Media Group: The Tenth Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons opened on August 1 in New York. It is reported that President-designate of the Review Conference Gustavo Zlauvinen said that the AUKUS trilateral security partnership between the US, the UK and Australia “has raised serious concerns by many, many countries, in particular from China, Russia and others”, and “it’s up to state parties” to decide whether the AUKUS nuclear submarine cooperation violates the spirit of the NPT. Do you have any comment?

Hua Chunying: The decision of the US, the UK and Australia to have nuclear submarine cooperation constitutes serious risks of nuclear proliferation. It has also intensified arms race and jeopardized regional peace and stability. China has expressed its opposition to that on many occasions. And as the President of the Conference has said, many other countries have repeatedly expressed similar concerns.

Regrettably, however, despite international concerns, the US, the UK and Australia have insisted on pushing forward nuclear submarine cooperation and have been trying to explain away their course of action. But facts speak louder than words. Their cooperation involves the transfer of weapon-grade nuclear material from nuclear weapon states to a non-nuclear weapon state, which is clearly against the purpose and object of the NPT and seriously thrashes upon the international non-proliferation system with the NPT as its cornerstone.

We call on parties to the NPT to make full use of the opportunity provided by the conference to actively participate in discussions to address the three countries’ nuclear submarine cooperation and together uphold the integrity and effectiveness of the NPT. We also urge the three countries to honor their obligations on nuclear non-proliferation, cancel their decision on nuclear submarine cooperation and contribute their share to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/202208/t20220802_10732302.html

>>16944304

Chinese firm denies Australian media reports of acquisition deal in Solomon Islands

GT staff reporters - Aug 01, 2022

A Chinese forestry firm on Monday denied Australian media reports about an acquisition deal in the Solomon Islands, while observers dismissed the media hype over the rumored deal as another attempt by Australia to smear Chinese cooperation with South Pacific countries.

In a fresh gesture of hostility, the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) said in an article on its website that state-owned China Forestry Group Corp (CFGC) is in negotiations to buy a hardwood forestry plantation on the Kolombangara island. The island in the Solomon Islands archipelago "features a protected harbor, deep-water port and an airstrip," according to the ABC report.

An executive of CFGC's strategic investment division told the Global Times on Monday that "we don't have relevant acquisition activities in the island [as reported by Australian media]."

CFGC, the only centrally administered firm in China's forestry industry, operates 224 enterprises globally and is the main force in the country's ecological civilization construction and forestry modernization, according to the firm's website.

Rumors about the plantation deal are a continuation of scaremongering about China's interests in the South Pacific, said Chen Hong, president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies and director of the Australian Studies Centre at East China Normal University.

As an independent sovereign nation, the Solomon Islands is entitled to making business decisions based on its own economic development needs; hence, the Pacific nation's business deals with other countries shouldn't be politicized, Chen told the Global Times on Monday.

The latest Australian coverage epitomizes conventional Western practice that accuses China of leveraging its financial heft to influence investment destinations' politics and society, the observer said, lambasting such claims as groundless.

It is the US and Australia, among other Western nations, that have been shown to be adept at playing to their economic strengths; however, they have tried to frame China with such dirty tricks, he remarked, speaking of sinister motives behind such attempts that are intended to demonize and exclude China's presence in the South Pacific.

The Monday report, which hyped China's strategic ambitions in the Pacific, intentionally turned a deaf ear to official statements from both China and the Solomon Islands against disinformation about military base plans, experts said.

During a press conference in June, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that some media outlets were hyping up a regional security agreement China intends to sign with Pacific island countries and that was simply fake news, and China has come to the South Pacific region to build roads and bridges and improve people's lives, not to deploy troops or establish military bases.

In an interview with China Media Group in May, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare also said that what the Western media continues to highlight is China's plans to establish a military base in the Solomon Islands, but a lot of what's been said is based on misinformation. China is not talking about any military base, Sogavare reportedly said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202208/1271949.shtml

Anonymous ID: 639bba Aug. 3, 2022, 4:11 a.m. No.16954732 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4750

>>16944304

Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands blasts ‘lies’ in Australian media after firm denies acquisition

Global Times - Aug 02, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in the Solomon Islands on Tuesday denounced "despicable" attempts by certain Australian media to smear and tarnish relations between China and the Pacific nation, after a Chinese state-owned forestry firm on Monday denied reported acquisition plans in the Solomon Islands.

Certain Australian media have repeatedly and deliberately faked groundless information about the establishment of a military base and the bribery of the Solomon Islands government, a spokesperson for the embassy told the Global Times.

The embassy spokesperson made the remarks in response to a Monday report by the Australian Broadcasting Corp (ABC) that claimed state-owned China Forestry Group Corp (CFGC) is in negotiations to buy the hardwood forestry plantation on the Kolombangara island.

The island in the Solomon Islands archipelago "features a protected harbor, deep-water port and an airstrip," according to the ABC report, which also made mention of a Chinese slush fund that was activated to bribe the Solomon Islands government.

Such attempts, intended to smear and tarnish the relationship between China and the Pacific nation, are doomed to fail, the spokesperson said, noting that the relevant Chinese firm has publicly rebuked the Australian reporting.

A Global Times report on Monday revealed that the Chinese forestry firm, CFGC, denied reports of its acquisition deal in the Solomon Islands.

Over the three years since China and the Solomon Islands established diplomatic relations, the two sides have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Bilateral relations have made steady headway, with a continuous improvement in political mutual trust, the spokesperson said.

Additionally, bilateral exchanges and cooperation have come to fruition in infrastructure, anti-epidemic efforts, healthcare, the economy and trade, among other spheres, the spokesperson went on to say, speaking of tangible benefits to the two peoples.

Both China and the Solomon Islands are developing countries. China has a huge market, advanced development concepts, as well as capital and technological advantages, while the Solomon Islands is rich in agricultural, forestry, fishery and tourism resources. Accordingly, the two sides are highly complementary and have broad prospects for cooperation, the embassy spokesperson reckoned.

"A lie repeated a thousand times will not become the truth. We urge certain Australian media to abide by professional ethics and stop their despicable words and deeds that spread rumors and slander," the spokesperson said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202208/1272050.shtml

>>16954732

(Google translation)

Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Solomon Islands Answers Questions

2022-08-02

Q: On August 1, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that a Chinese company tried to buy a piece of forest land and a wharf in the western province of Solomon Islands for the construction of a military base. China also "bribed" the government. what opinions do the Chinese have on this issue?

A: Some Australian media have repeatedly fabricated false news out of nothing, deliberately fabricating "military bases" and "bribery of the government" and other false news in an attempt to smear and smear China-Sololand relations, which will not succeed. Relevant Chinese companies have publicly denied the Australian reports.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Solomon Islands three years ago, the two sides have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equal treatment and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The bilateral relations have developed steadily, political mutual trust has been continuously enhanced, and exchanges and cooperation in infrastructure, anti-epidemic, health, economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural engagement, local and other fields have been carried out. The rich achievements have brought tangible benefits to the two peoples. Both are developing countries. China has a huge market, has advanced development concepts, capital and technological advantages, and the Solomon Islands are rich in agricultural, forestry, fishery and tourism resources. The two sides are highly complementary and have broad prospects for cooperation.

A lie repeated a thousand times will not become the truth. We urge individual Australian media to abide by professional ethics and stop their despicable words and deeds that spread rumors and slander.

http://sb.china-embassy.gov.cn/chn/sgxw/202208/t20220802_10732132.htm

>>16936404

Chinese police to give ‘management and leadership’ training to Solomon Islands officers

Senior police boss also did not rule out having Chinese police officers embedded within the force, after signing of controversial security deal

Lice Movono - 2 Aug 2022

Chinese police will be invited to Solomon Islands to provide training in management and leadership to senior officers, under the new security deal signed between the two countries.

Michael Aluvolomo, the transnational crime unit inspector for the Royal Solomon Islands police force, also did not rule out having Chinese police officers embedded within the force, saying it was up to the government to determine whether that was appropriate.

“China is new to us. There are plans with our commissioner on how we can strengthen our police activity. Now, they are very much focused on our capacity building in terms of our management and leadership,” said Aluvolomo, who was speaking to the Guardian on the sidelines of the Pacific regional law enforcement conference in Fiji.

When asked whether there would be Chinese law enforcement officers embedded in the Royal Solomon Islands police, Aluvolomo said this was yet to be confirmed but insisted Solomon Islanders had nothing to fear.

“It is for the government of the day to accept Chinese police working within our local police. For the time, there [are] no Chinese police working with us but they are coming with a programme on capacity development,” he said.

Last month, in his first interview since signing the controversial security deal with China, Solomon Islands prime minister Manasseh Sogavare told the Guardian that there would be no Chinese military base in his country as it would make Solomon Islands an “enemy” and “put our country and our people as targets for potential military strikes”.

Sogavare said that while Australia remains the “security partner of choice” for Solomon Islands, he would call on China to send security personnel to the country if there was a “gap” that Australia could not meet.

Aluvolomo said that Solomon Islanders with concerns about China’s presence in the country should communicate that with the government.

“The public should work along with us and provide us with much information so that we can build on that and come in to create inclusive intelligence information.”

The Pacific regional law enforcement conference, currently under way in Nadi, is organised by the Australian National University’s Australia Pacific Security College and is an attempt to create networks to help Pacific law enforcement deal with drug trafficking and other transnational crimes, which present an increasing problem for Pacific countries.

While there is existing regional security architecture to combat transnational crime, including through the Pacific Island Chiefs of Police, which is made up of 21 members including Australia and New Zealand, there are concerns that China’s increased focus on the Pacific could disrupt or undermine these security arrangements.

In May, China presented a sweeping economic and security deal to 10 Pacific countries that would have seen increased ties between them, including in the area of policing.

The China-Pacific Island Countries Common Development Vision draft document, which was rejected by Pacific countries, proposed to “expand law enforcement cooperation, jointly combat transnational crime and establish a dialogue mechanism on law enforcement capacity and police cooperation”.

China proposed to hold “intermediate and high-level police training” for Pacific island countries and as a matter of urgency to “hold the first China-Pacific islands countries ministerial dialogue on law enforcement capacity and police cooperation”, as well as helping to construct laboratories for fingerprint testing, forensic autopsy, drugs, electronic and digital forensics.

Ewen McDonald, the head of the Pacific Office in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told the security conference on Monday that increased geopolitical tensions in the region represented a “strategic challenge” for law enforcement.

“Increasing external interest in the Pacific will bring benefits but also challenges to our hard-earned interoperability, our shared doctrine and our Pacific way of conducting law enforcement operations,” he said.

“At no time has a strong, unified [Pacific Islands] Forum been more important in addressing the threats and challenges we face together.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/02/chinese-police-to-give-management-and-leadership-training-to-solomon-islands-officers

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Australia

Australian National University - 28 JULY 2022

The Australian National University (ANU) community and Australians will have the rare opportunity to hear from His Excellency Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, in a sold-out address next Wednesday 3 August.

President Zelenskyy will speak live via video link from Ukraine. His address will be broadcast at an in-person event at Llewellyn Hall. People across Australia will also be able to hear his speech via livestream.

The event, to be officially opened by ANU Chancellor and former Australian foreign minister the Hon Julie Bishop, will also feature a Q&A session between the President and students. Head of the National Security College at ANU, Professor Rory Medcalf, will close the event.

Nearly six months since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy will share his experiences as a world leader navigating the realities of war.

"Russia's invasion of Ukraine threatens the peace, liberty and democracy on which freedom of inquiry and academic collaboration is based," ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said.

"That's why ANU released a statement in March strongly condemning this act of war and its fundamental breaches of international law and the UN Charter.

"ANU stands in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their defence of sovereignty and freedom.

"President Zelenskyy continues to inspire the world through his leadership and service to his country.

"We are incredibly grateful to have President Zelenskyy share his time and thoughts with our community."

The event is presented by the ANU Centre for European Studies, the ANU National Security College and the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia.

Watch the livestream of President Zelenskyy's address on ANU TV.

https://www.youtube.com/user/ANUchannel

https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/ukraine-president-volodymyr-zelenskyy-to-address-australia\

Zelensky hails Australia's support for Ukraine

NOAH YIM - 3 August 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Australia to “continue to help Ukraine” in an address to the Australian National University.

“I am very thankful to Anthony Albanese government who made significant systematic support to our country, which includes full-scale military and humanitarian assistance, sanctions against Russia and Belarusian legal and physical entities, the cancelling of Ukrainian goods taxes, and even the coal for Ukrainian energy,” Mr Zelensky said.

Mr Zelensky was introduced by ANU chancellor and former foreign affairs minister Julie Bishop.

“Currently your country gives the biggest military support among the countries that are non-NATO countries,” Mr Zelensky said.

“I call on you to continue to help us, to continue to help Ukraine, including in your classrooms by standing for the truth and debunking the myth that were .. so skillfully fabricated by the Russian propaganda machine.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/politicsnow-climate-bill-gets-clear-air-to-pass-as-greens-reach-consensus/live-coverage/b2bcb1cf058c0f297c1d7c3582887826#66523

‘You can’t just sympathise’: Zelensky calls on more support to fight tyranny

David Crowe - August 3, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on China to join other nations in condemning Russia for waging war against his country amid signs that China is buying Russian oil in record volumes.

Zelensky told an Australian audience on Wednesday that he was doing everything he could to ensure Russia was isolated from other countries but he could see China was “balancing” its position.

Telling thousands of students in an online address organised by the Australian National University that he was grateful for Australian support so far, Zelensky also emphasised the need for more practical support in a sign he wants more defence and humanitarian supplies on top of pledges worth $388 million in the 161 days since the February 24 invasion.

“[Russia] are powerful – they have more people, they have more weapons, they have nuclear weapons. It’s a struggle of tyranny against democracy, so you can’t stand aside if you support common principles with Ukraine,” he said.

“You can’t just sympathise, I will be frank. We thank you for your moral support but you also need to support us with deeds in order for us to have the opportunity to win. We need support with concrete actions.

“A lot of Australians are helping us a lot and render humanitarian assistance – please don’t forget about it, please continue.”

With China engaging in military exercises against Taiwan, an Australian student asked Zelensky if he believed it was possible to enlist support from China against Russia.

“We see that Russia is losing its economic allies – it is not very full-scale, but still, it loses it,” he replied.

“And I would like China to join the unified world position on the tyranny of Russia against Ukraine.

“As for now, China is balancing and indeed and has neutrality. I will be honest: this neutrality is better than if China would join Russia.

“I believe the people of China will do the prudent choice. It’s important for us that China will not help Russia. Some nations help the Russian Federation a little and they do not feel for themselves the influence this war has made on the whole world.”

The address drew an audience of 1300 in a Canberra theatre as well as 3500 viewers online.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop, now ANU Chancellor, hosted 10 questions from students including one who asked whether Russia and Ukraine might ever mend their relations.

Zelensky said this was the “hardest question” because nobody in Ukraine wanted to have anything in common with a people who inflicted war crimes upon Ukraine, which meant repairing relations was up to the people of Russia.

With Labor foreign affairs assistant minister Tim Watts and Liberal foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham in the audience, the Ukrainian leader rubbished the idea that Russian President Vladimir Putin would be interested in a settlement that could “save face” and end the war.

“The one who wants to save face doesn’t commit the hundreds and thousands of military crimes and crimes against humanity, doesn’t commit the massive executions of a peaceful population, doesn’t put them on their knees and kill them with a shot in their back,” he said.

Zelensky listed crimes including rape and torture and dismissed the idea of saving face for people who had committed those crimes.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/you-can-t-just-sympathise-zelensky-calls-on-more-support-to-fight-tyranny-20220803-p5b71r.html

Special Address by President Zelenskyy

Aug 3, 2022

ANU TV

Hear directly from His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, in this special virtual event.

Join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #UnisWithUKR

—

The ANU Centre for European Studies is honoured to host a special address by His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, on Wednesday 3 August 2022.

President Zelenskyy will speak live via video link from Ukraine to an audience of students and community members across 20 Australian universities including an audience of students and dignitaries gathered at the main event in Llewellyn Hall, Canberra.

The event will be officially opened by ANU Chancellor The Hon. Julie Bishop and will also feature a Q&A session between students and President Zelenskyy.

This event is a unique opportunity for students to engage - in real time - with a world leader navigating the confronting realities of war, and to reflect on the importance of upholding and defending the rule of law, democracy and the rules-based international order.

Nearing six months since the start of the invasion of Ukraine, President Zelenskyy continues to inspire the world through his leadership and service to his country. We are incredibly grateful to have President Zelenskyy share his time and thoughts with our community.

ANU strongly condemns the invasion of Ukraine and on 3 March 2022 released a statement in support of the Ukrainian people.

We are proud to be joined by our friends and colleagues from universities and institutions across Australia, who will hold live screenings of the Special Address on their campuses:

Australian Catholic University

Australian Command and Staff Course - Australian War College

Bond University

Central Queensland University

Deakin University

Edith Cowan University

Flinders University

Macquarie University

Monash University

QUT

Swinburne University

University of the Sunshine Coast

University of Canberra

University of New England

University of Newcastle

University of Queensland

University of Sydney

University of Western Australia

University of Wollongong

UNSW ADFA

This event is proudly presented by the ANU Centre for European Studies, the National Security College at ANU and our friends at the Embassy of Ukraine in Australia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKY6DvhIkcg

LIVE: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy answers questions from Australian students

ABC News (Australia)

Aug 3, 2022

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is addressing students and faculty at the Australian National University in Canberra. In the event, opened by former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, President Zelenskyy will answer questions posed by university students.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCvw6Xp1oTw

Former public servant Ian Ralph Schapel jailed for abusing children from the Philippines online

Matthew Smith - 3 August 2022

A retired public servant has been sentenced to up to 16 years in jail for sexually exploiting children in the Philippines, with police saying his victims will never get back their "stolen childhoods".

WARNING: This story contains content that readers may find upsetting.

Ian Ralph Schapel, 68, spent 13 years between 2007 and 2020 committing sexual offences online, often while travelling in countries including America, Singapore and Vietnam.

He had pleaded guilty to 50 offences, including 41 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child outside of Australia, using a carriage service to access child exploitation material and possessing child exploitation material.

On 74 occasions he engaged in sexual activity with at least 13 children in the Philippines over online platforms including Skype and WhatsApp.

The female victims were aged between three and nine.

Schapel also had more than 52,000 images and videos of child exploitation material in his possession.

Commonwealth prosecutor Krista Breckweg had earlier told the court that he would threaten facilitators or parents of his victims that if they did not meet his requests they would starve.

Australian Federal Police Detective Inspector Rodger Braun said five alleged abuse facilitators were arrested in the Philippines and 15 victims were rescued.

"We cannot give these children back their stolen childhoods, however we hope a conviction of this Adelaide man provides reassurance that the AFP and partner agencies will never stop our fight to bring predators to justice and protect children," he said.

"Child sex offenders are not restricted by national or international borders, but neither are law enforcement agencies.

"We are united in our commitment to keep children safe.

"I'd also like to issue a warning to any individual who would seek to prey on children: the AFP and its partners will come for you no matter when the abuse occurred and no matter where you are in the world, there is nowhere for you to hide."

'Lonely man' with mental health conditions

District Court Judge Paul Cuthbertson outlined payments for many of the sexual acts for sums of less than $40 on each occasion.

In sentencing, he took into account several factors, including his lonely life, being bullied at school and never being married or in long relationships with women.

There were also diagnoses of several mental health conditions, including schizoid personality disorder, hoarding disorder and adjustment disorder with depression.

But that did not lessen the seriousness of the charges, Judge Cuthbertson said.

"He must have known the consequences of his offending, the seriousness involved and he must have been aware that the financial position of those people would have driven parents and carers to proffer their children as a means to alleviate their economic plight," he said.

Material found during routine search

Schapel had flown back into Melbourne in February 2020 from an overseas trip when Australian Border Force officers conducted a routine search of his electronic devices and found child abuse material on his iPhone and iPads.

Released on bail, he went home to Adelaide, but was met at his home by officers from the SA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, who found numerous child abuse material inside the property.

A 17-year sentence for Commonwealth offences was reduced due to his early guilty plea and assistance to authorities. He will now serve 15 years and three months, with a non-parole period of 10 years.

He received another nine-month sentence on state charges, bringing the total to 16 years.

Schapel has been in custody since April 2020.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-03/paedophile-ian-schapel-jailed-for-abusing-children-online/101294978

'He's not well': Julian Assange's family 'living in fear' he won't survive extradition process

The Wikileaks founder is in his final avenue of appeal over a decision to extradite him to the US, where he is wanted on 18 charges, amid fears for his health.

Claudia Farhart, David Aidone - 3 August 2022

This story contains reference to suicide.

Julian Assange's family say he is "not well" as he remains in a UK maximum security prison while fighting an extradition ruling, with fears he may not survive the process.

The Wikileaks founder has been held in London's Belmarsh Prison since 2019 after the United States took legal action to extradite him over the leaking of classified military documents more than a decade ago.

He is appealing United Kingdom Home Secretary Priti Patel's June decision to approve the extradition, but his brother Gabriel Shipton said his family is "living in fear" that he "won't survive the whole process."

Mr Assange suffered a mini-stroke in October last year.

That same month, his lawyer Edward Fitzgerald told a UK court that he could commit suicide based on his chronic depression and Asperger's syndrome if he was sent to the United States where he could face a jail term of 170 years — although lawyers there say he would more likely face four to six years in prison.

More recently, Australian Doctors for Assange said the 51-year-old was "suffering from severe life-threatening cardiovascular and stress-related medical conditions" and could die in the coming months.

"Belmarsh is a maximum security prison. If you have a stroke in your cell and you're on your own, there's no one to call emergency services for you," Gabriel said.

"So it's very concerning that Doctors for Assange is saying that he will likely have another stroke. So he needs to get out of the prison before it's too late."

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in December 2021 when he was Opposition leader said he did not see the purpose of the "ongoing pursuit" of Mr Assange and that "enough is enough".

Since his federal election victory, he has not been forthcoming on the issue, saying he would not be pressured into publicly intervening in the case and would deal with the matter through diplomatic channels.

But Mr Assange's father, John Shipton, said he is not confident the government is lobbying in the background.

"They haven't reached out to us," John said.

"Nobody's contacted me. In fact, they seem to make a lot of effort not to contact me."

He wants Mr Albanese to "pick up the phone and… solve the matter" as he fears for his son, who he said is "not well".

Mr Assange's brother said while they haven't heard from the federal government yet, Mr Albanese's comments were "very encouraging".

"We are confident that there is more support, and from the prime minister's statements, 'enough is enough', and that he 'doesn't see what purpose is served' by Julian being kept in prison are very encouraging," Gabriel said.

Mr Assange's submission to the UK High Court is his final avenue of appeal after a three-year legal battle over attempts to extradite him to the US, where he is wanted on 18 charges, including espionage and hacking.

Australian and world politicians have been calling for his release, including Tasmanian independent MP Andrew Wilkie, who has been a vocal supporter of the Wikileaks founder.

He recently said the matter could be solved with a phone call from Mr Albanese to the US or UK.

"This has gone on long enough, it's time to put it to an end," Mr Wilkie said in July.

Also that month, Mexico's President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wrote in a letter to US President Joe Biden that imprisoning Mr Assange would amount to an "affront to freedom of expression", and renewed a previous offer of asylum to him.

SBS News has contacted Mr Albanese's office for comment.

Readers seeking crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 224 636.

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au/

https://kidshelpline.com.au/

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

Embrace Multicultural Mental Health supports people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

https://www.embracementalhealth.org.au/

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/hes-not-well-julian-assanges-family-living-in-fear-he-wont-survive-extradition-process/7hb40fdgg

Anonymous ID: 639bba Aug. 3, 2022, 5:40 a.m. No.16954891 🗄️.is 🔗kun >>4894