Defence firms fear the “sword of Damocles is about to drop” as the government seeks to stop the $50 billion budget from spiralling out of control.
Richard Marles would be the first government minister to visit Ukraine since Anthony Albanese travelled to Kyiv in July 2022 and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Johnston,a naval officer who has been the nation’s second most senior military figure since 2018,will replace long-serving Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell in July.
The Albanese government has opted for continuity over change and safety over boldness in its choice of a new Defence Force chief.
The Albanese government is also urging Israel to take further action against the troops responsible for the death of Australian Zomi Frankcom and six fellow aid workers if they are found guilty of wrong-doing.
The Israeli military has dismissed two army officers who were involved in the operation that killed Australian Zomi Frankcom and six fellow aid workers.
The energy minister said the Royal Australian Air Force advised that the Hunter Valley airport couldn’t accommodate the PM’s usual plane.
Australia will inject the money into the British industrial base over 10 years in a bid to ensure AUKUS doesn’t face the delays that have bedevilled past naval projects.
Defence previously suggested that serving members of the military were better protected against suicide. That may not be true.
A government minister has complained to Anthony Albanese about the influence of senior public servants,while the power of Penny Wong and Katy Gallagher has continued to grow.
Perhaps it’s time for the PM to take the initiative and continue to raise the tone of the national conversation.