Latest news with #AustralianDefenceForces
Sky News AU
a day ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
ADF more concerned about ‘Bombe Alaska' than military power
Sky News host Rowan Dean slams the ADF's new cookbook for Harmony Day. The Australian Defence Forces have come under fire for allocating taxpayer funds to produce a cookbook instead of investing in critical defense capabilities. Mr Dean said the Australian Defence Force is more concerned about 'Bombe Alaska' than military explosive power.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Australia to grow Fiji ties after Rabuka visit
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's week-long visit to Australia has borne fruit, with Anthony Albanese's government agreeing to bolster aid by tens of millions to the Pacific nation. Australia has agreed to a fresh commitment of $52 million of support, with a focus on border security, taking commitments to the Melanesian nation to just under $500 million over the next four years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also announced a deepening of policing and security ties, including officers and advisers to be embedded in Fijian operations. "Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific," Senator Wong said. The border security funding of $12 million will "strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports". It's hoped this will tackle the growing illicit drugs crisis in Fiji, with the regional hub increasingly used by trafficking cartels as a gateway to the lucrative Australian market. Mr Rabuka arrived in Canberra last week, meeting with governor-general Sam Mostyn before a series of meetings with Australian officials, including Mr Albanese. He addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, calling for a deepening of defence ties and raised the prospect of Fijian soldiers serving in the the Australian Defence Forces. He rebuked China's security ambitions for the region, saying Fiji would not welcome a military base in its territory or the wider Pacific. That is in keeping with Mr Rabuka's "Ocean of Peace" proposal, a vision for a peaceful and collaborative region that the veteran prime minister hopes to codify at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September. Australia has offered support for that proposal when it comes before the region's leaders at the annual summit, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands. Senator Wong and Pacific island Minister Pat Conroy, said Australia had also agreed to explore further co-operation with Fiji on several other areas. That includes developing a "modern, cyber-secure border management system", co-operation on transnational crime and policing. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's week-long visit to Australia has borne fruit, with Anthony Albanese's government agreeing to bolster aid by tens of millions to the Pacific nation. Australia has agreed to a fresh commitment of $52 million of support, with a focus on border security, taking commitments to the Melanesian nation to just under $500 million over the next four years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also announced a deepening of policing and security ties, including officers and advisers to be embedded in Fijian operations. "Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific," Senator Wong said. The border security funding of $12 million will "strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports". It's hoped this will tackle the growing illicit drugs crisis in Fiji, with the regional hub increasingly used by trafficking cartels as a gateway to the lucrative Australian market. Mr Rabuka arrived in Canberra last week, meeting with governor-general Sam Mostyn before a series of meetings with Australian officials, including Mr Albanese. He addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, calling for a deepening of defence ties and raised the prospect of Fijian soldiers serving in the the Australian Defence Forces. He rebuked China's security ambitions for the region, saying Fiji would not welcome a military base in its territory or the wider Pacific. That is in keeping with Mr Rabuka's "Ocean of Peace" proposal, a vision for a peaceful and collaborative region that the veteran prime minister hopes to codify at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September. Australia has offered support for that proposal when it comes before the region's leaders at the annual summit, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands. Senator Wong and Pacific island Minister Pat Conroy, said Australia had also agreed to explore further co-operation with Fiji on several other areas. That includes developing a "modern, cyber-secure border management system", co-operation on transnational crime and policing. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's week-long visit to Australia has borne fruit, with Anthony Albanese's government agreeing to bolster aid by tens of millions to the Pacific nation. Australia has agreed to a fresh commitment of $52 million of support, with a focus on border security, taking commitments to the Melanesian nation to just under $500 million over the next four years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also announced a deepening of policing and security ties, including officers and advisers to be embedded in Fijian operations. "Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific," Senator Wong said. The border security funding of $12 million will "strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports". It's hoped this will tackle the growing illicit drugs crisis in Fiji, with the regional hub increasingly used by trafficking cartels as a gateway to the lucrative Australian market. Mr Rabuka arrived in Canberra last week, meeting with governor-general Sam Mostyn before a series of meetings with Australian officials, including Mr Albanese. He addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, calling for a deepening of defence ties and raised the prospect of Fijian soldiers serving in the the Australian Defence Forces. He rebuked China's security ambitions for the region, saying Fiji would not welcome a military base in its territory or the wider Pacific. That is in keeping with Mr Rabuka's "Ocean of Peace" proposal, a vision for a peaceful and collaborative region that the veteran prime minister hopes to codify at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September. Australia has offered support for that proposal when it comes before the region's leaders at the annual summit, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands. Senator Wong and Pacific island Minister Pat Conroy, said Australia had also agreed to explore further co-operation with Fiji on several other areas. That includes developing a "modern, cyber-secure border management system", co-operation on transnational crime and policing. Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's week-long visit to Australia has borne fruit, with Anthony Albanese's government agreeing to bolster aid by tens of millions to the Pacific nation. Australia has agreed to a fresh commitment of $52 million of support, with a focus on border security, taking commitments to the Melanesian nation to just under $500 million over the next four years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also announced a deepening of policing and security ties, including officers and advisers to be embedded in Fijian operations. "Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific," Senator Wong said. The border security funding of $12 million will "strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports". It's hoped this will tackle the growing illicit drugs crisis in Fiji, with the regional hub increasingly used by trafficking cartels as a gateway to the lucrative Australian market. Mr Rabuka arrived in Canberra last week, meeting with governor-general Sam Mostyn before a series of meetings with Australian officials, including Mr Albanese. He addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, calling for a deepening of defence ties and raised the prospect of Fijian soldiers serving in the the Australian Defence Forces. He rebuked China's security ambitions for the region, saying Fiji would not welcome a military base in its territory or the wider Pacific. That is in keeping with Mr Rabuka's "Ocean of Peace" proposal, a vision for a peaceful and collaborative region that the veteran prime minister hopes to codify at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September. Australia has offered support for that proposal when it comes before the region's leaders at the annual summit, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands. Senator Wong and Pacific island Minister Pat Conroy, said Australia had also agreed to explore further co-operation with Fiji on several other areas. That includes developing a "modern, cyber-secure border management system", co-operation on transnational crime and policing.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Australia to grow Fiji ties after Rabuka visit
Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's week-long visit to Australia has borne fruit, with Anthony Albanese's government agreeing to bolster aid by tens of millions to the Pacific nation. Australia has agreed to a fresh commitment of $52 million of support, with a focus on border security, taking commitments to the Melanesian nation to just under $500 million over the next four years. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has also announced a deepening of policing and security ties, including officers and advisers to be embedded in Fijian operations. "Australia and Fiji are taking steps to formally elevate and deepen the Vuvale Partnership as we work together to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous Pacific," Senator Wong said. The border security funding of $12 million will "strengthen border security by improving shipping container screening at Lautoka and Suva Ports". It's hoped this will tackle the growing illicit drugs crisis in Fiji, with the regional hub increasingly used by trafficking cartels as a gateway to the lucrative Australian market. Mr Rabuka arrived in Canberra last week, meeting with governor-general Sam Mostyn before a series of meetings with Australian officials, including Mr Albanese. He addressed the National Press Club on Wednesday, calling for a deepening of defence ties and raised the prospect of Fijian soldiers serving in the the Australian Defence Forces. He rebuked China's security ambitions for the region, saying Fiji would not welcome a military base in its territory or the wider Pacific. That is in keeping with Mr Rabuka's "Ocean of Peace" proposal, a vision for a peaceful and collaborative region that the veteran prime minister hopes to codify at the Pacific Islands Forum leaders' meeting in September. Australia has offered support for that proposal when it comes before the region's leaders at the annual summit, to be hosted in the Solomon Islands. Senator Wong and Pacific island Minister Pat Conroy, said Australia had also agreed to explore further co-operation with Fiji on several other areas. That includes developing a "modern, cyber-secure border management system", co-operation on transnational crime and policing.
Daily Express
22-04-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Bigger group for Death March's 80th anniversary
Published on: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Apr 22, 2025 Text Size: Lynette said the gathering has grown each year since she brought a small group in 2000, armed only with a tape player and flag. SANDAKAN: This Anzac Day, historian Lynette Silver is leading a larger group of relatives than usual to here to mark both the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and the infamous death marches that claimed the lives of more than 1,800 Prisoner of Wars (POWs). 'Twenty-four members of my group have a deep personal connection to the events of 1945 – including relatives of those who died, a rare escapee and the commando who rescued him. 'We are all united by the tragic stories of these men, whose courage and sacrifice must never be forgotten,' she said in a statement. Lynette said the gathering has grown each year since she brought a small group in 2000, armed only with a tape player and flag. 'That first service was a simple, humble beginning. It marked the first Anzac commemoration at the camp since 1944, when the POWs had observed the day,' she said. The event now attracts a significant number of local people, members of the Australian Defence Forces, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, and other dignitaries. The group will also attend a special service at St Michael and All Angels Church to mark 20 years since the dedication of its stained-glass Windows of Remembrance, honouring both the POWs and local civilians who risked their lives to help them. Private Sidney Webber, from Sydney, was among five POWs who escaped the second death march in June 1945. Tragically, he and his mate Ted Emmett were shot while trying to signal a native boat. Their fate remained a mystery until 1988, when survivor Owen Campbell met Webber's niece June, recognised from a photograph Sid had always carried. 'I'm honoured to be part of this group, representing my great uncle,' says Kerry Fowler-Smith, Sid's grand-niece. Private James Molloy, from Sydney, died in Ranau in 1945. His grandson Steve Molloy, and great-grandson Michael, are attending the service in his honour. 'Walking the death march track with my grandfather's memory in mind was an emotional experience,' Steve said. Sergeant Philip Grinter was left behind due to illness and died in July 1945. His nephew Peter Grinter, travelling with cousin Shane Reynolds, remembers him and another family member, Private Clarence Grinter, who died at Sandakan. Private Keith Jones died at the camp aged 27. His grand-niece Lauren Saunders is attending the service in his memory. Gunner John 'Jack' Robinson, from Victoria, died just weeks before the war ended. His grand-niece Suzanne Robinson is travelling to Borneo to honour him. Gunner Lorraine Corney, from Townsville, died shortly after reaching Ranau. His nephew Trevor Corney is attending the service. Private Nelson Short, one of only six survivors of the marches, escaped Ranau in July 1945 and was rescued by Australian commandos. Nelson's grand-niece Yolande, an Australian Defence Force member, and Ken Hodges, son of his rescuer, are part of the group. 'My grandfather's story is one of survival against all odds. 'The reunion with Lofty Hodges and his team in 1945 remains a powerful memory for our family,' Yolande said. Ken Hodges, the son of the commando who saved Short, shared his perspective: 'What my father and the other commandos did was an act of bravery that none of us will ever forget. They didn't just save lives – they gave hope to men who had almost lost the will to live.' For the next eight years, Lynette organised an Anzac Day service for POW families at Sandakan until, with the help of Sydney Morning Herald journalists and ABC radio, she raised the profile enough for the Australian Government to fund and organise an official service in Malaysia. This paved the way for a national event with broad recognition. 'It was a grassroots effort that grew over time. 'I never imagined it would become such a significant event, but it's a testament to the families and their enduring connection to the men who sacrificed so much,' Lynette said. With only six survivors and 1,787 dead, this tragedy remains the worst atrocity committed against Australians in war. 'Their memory endures through the service and the stories passed on by their families. We owe it to them to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten,' she said. For more information, contact [email protected] or at 0168 031 567 after 8pm on April 23. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
