We have a new Federal government ministry – and it’s very much like the old one.
Richard Marles retains Defence and Pat Conroy Defence Industry, though with the ‘capability delivery” element seemingly removed. This was preceded by Richard Marles using his factional muscle to get rid of two highly competent Ministers in the form of Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic.
Let’s backtrack a bit and review the only national security topic in the entire election campaign – whether Russia had requested a permanent military base on Indonesian soil. This cannot be ruled out because of the often opaque nature of Indonesian politics.
Then President Trump’s failed trade war against China – though people shouldn’t be celebrating just yet. Another feature of the new US administration is that it’s making it clear it’s available to the highest bidder.
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It is easy to see why Australia needs to maintain continuity in ministerial leadership of defence. They are making such great progress.
I contrast the RAN’s achievements in new capabilities to those of Singapore. Take the example of the new MRCV. You could easily make the case that this vessel, as designed, could have met the needs that Navy is currently trying to achieve across the Hunter and Future Frigate programs. However, the Albanese government assumed office on 22 May 2022. In March 2023, Singapore signed a design contract with SAAB for the MRCV. Steel was cut on the second in class earlier this month. Commissioning of first in class is scheduled for 2028. What in God’s name has Australia been doing?
The situation here is a disaster – but Defence, the RAN and the government are all in total denial. It verges on the bizarre.
So Mark Dreyfus denying public access to National Anti Corruption Commission proceedings (in particular its failure to recommend prosecution of Robodebt’s chief culprits ) coupled with the government’s prosecution – sentencing of ADF war crimes whistle blower David McBride, not the perpetrators (some of whom walk freely wearing Australia’s highest military honor), constitutes openness and transparency…?
He was by no means perfect, but a lot better than all the other secrecy-obsessed, anti-transparency, anti-free speech and basically anti-democratic members of Cabinet.