/qresearch/ -  Q Research

>>20852029

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Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon, said that expanding Palestine’s role at the UN “without direct negotiations is counterproductive and would only reward Hamas for the atrocities they committed on October 7”.

He said it was disappointing that Australia had voted differently to like-minded countries with which it was usually aligned.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said the Labor government’s support for the resolution risks harming long-term peace prospects and sends a “shameful message” that violence and terrorism get results.

“By advancing the wishes of terrorists while securing nothing in return, this vote has reduced the incentive for parties to negotiate and increased the risks of future attacks or bloodshed,” he said.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion said Australia should have joined the UK by abstaining from the vote.

“One can only conclude that Australia’s vote was driven by domestic political considerations, and not by principle, which makes it a sad and shameful day for all Australians,” he said.

“The Palestinian leadership is as autocratic, corrupt and divided as ever, and remains incapable of forming a single government with the capacity to rule over its claimed territory.”

Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni welcomed Australia’s vote as “a favourable move towards a serious international commitment to Palestinian self-determination” but lamented the watering down of previous drafts.

“Even with this successful resolution, the UN has still failed to recognise Palestinians’ basic, inherent right to participate in decision-making about issues that directly affect their lives and political aspirations,” he said.

Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, said the vote could not have come at a worse time because he believed it would undermine efforts to convince Hamas to release Israelis taken hostage on October 7.

“I feel like I have been stabbed in the heart,” he said.

Wong began laying the groundwork for supporting such a resolution last month in a speech emphasising the case for Palestinian statehood, separate to a final peace settlement with Israel.

Australia’s ambassador to the UN, James Larsen, told the General Assembly that Australia had been frustrated by the lack of recent progress towards a two-state solution.

Larsen stressed that the resolution “does not provide membership of the United Nations and retains the status of the permanent observer mission with a modest extension of additional rights”.

The vote came as the war in Gaza entered its eighth month, with Israel expanding ground operations in the southern city of Rafah and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that Israel would fight with its “fingernails” if necessary after the US withheld a delivery of bombs.

More than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s assault, according to health officials in Gaza.

Late on Saturday, Israel ordered new evacuations in Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians have been sheltering, saying it was also moving into an area in northern Gaza where Hamas has regrouped.

Former Labor foreign minister Bob Carr gave the government “full marks” for the vote, saying it was a way to “salvage the two-state solution from both the settler fanatics and their leaders, and the fanatics of Hamas”.

Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour said that a “yes vote is a vote for Palestinian existence – it is not against any state, but it is against the attempts to deprive us of our state”.

“It is an investment in peace and thus empowers the forces of peace,” he said.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/australia-backs-un-resolution-supporting-palestinian-statehood-20240511-p5jcqt.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ri5qgjOPulQ

https://twitter.com/ScoMo30/status/1789070928628060510

United States Space Force CSO speaks at Australian Air, Space Power Conference

Staff Sgt. Adam R. Shanks - May 10, 2024

U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman underscored the importance of the U.S.-Australia strategic partnership during the Royal Australian Air Force’s 2024 Air and Space Power Conference in Canberra, May 9.

The conference brought together members of Australia’s military forces and partners, including the U.S. Space Force, to discuss the nation’s security interests in air and space.

Saltzman’s keynote, titled Deterrence Down Under, began with a brief history of U.S. and Australian defense relations, starting with the Battle of Hamel in 1918 during World War I. In this engagement, U.S. Army infantry fought under the same command as Australian soldiers, supported by British tanks, against German positions in and around the town of Le Hamel in Northern France.

“This was the first time in history that U.S. Army troops were commanded operationally by non-American officers,” said Saltzman. “And by the end of the war, [General John Monash] said, ‘success is not measure by how high you climb, but by how many people you bring with you.’’

“I can’t think of a better vision of allies and partners than this, especially in this era of Great Power Competition.” Saltzman continued by underscoring the importance of the partnership between the two nations and their shared interest in maintaining free and open commerce in the Pacific and around the globe.

“Today, the space domain is radically different than when I started flying satellites decades ago,” Saltzman said. “And honestly, it’s radically different than even just four years ago when the U.S. Space Force was established … It has become congested because of more launches, more satellites, more debris, and more players in the space domain.”

China’s recent developments in space have created unacceptable risks, Saltzman explained, creating a rise in competition and orbital congestion.

“Now more than ever, joint and coalition force operations depend on space capabilities and protection from space-enabled attacks—our space forces are an integral part of the joint coalition team,” Saltzman stated.

He then discussed the U.S. Space Force’s theory of success, “Competitive Endurance,” which was unveiled in 2023. This theory of success provides the service and its Guardians with a shared purpose and a common understanding of the overall strategy employed toward its objectives. It defines organizing principles, clarifies assumptions and helps identify the equipment and training needed to be effective in the domain.

An important facet of Competitive Endurance is that it requires an enhanced level of Space Domain Awareness, or SDA. The importance of this awareness drives the need for new sensors, advanced data management and decision support tools, “and most importantly, stronger partnerships with allies around the world,” Saltman emphasized.

One such partnership is AUKUS, the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the U.S, which continues to grow and develop more space capabilities, such as the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability, which falls under Pillar II of the agreement. DARC is a 24/7, all-weather system that increases the shared ability to detect, track, identify and characterize objects deep in space, and if necessary, take defensive action.

Saltzman then touched on the enhanced space cooperation agreement signed by U.S. Space Command and Australian Defense Space Command, deepening military collaboration through force development, combined training, and professional education opportunities.

Another topic Saltzman discussed is security classification reform.

“I think one of the biggest barriers to integration has been our outdated classification policies,” Saltzman said. “Now, to mitigate that barrier, earlier this year the U.S. released an updated classification policy—one that enables us to fundamentally rethink the way we approach classification of space systems and the effects they generate.”

This policy expands access to information and reduces barriers to space integration between the U.S. and its allies, partners and commercial space entities.

Saltzman closed by reiterating the goals of the AUKUS partnership in the space domain.

“All of these initiatives add to the strategic partnership between the U.S. and Australia, and they bolster our shared defensive capabilities by sending a clear message to potential adversaries—any attempt to undermine the security and stability of the [Indo-Pacific region] will be met with unwavering resolve,” he said. “A combined resolve we have demonstrated in the past, and one we will not hesitate to show in the future.”

https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3772304/cso-speaks-at-australian-air-space-power-conference/

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>>20789170

Chinese boat migrants bound for Australia intercepted in Indonesian fishing town

DIAN SEPTIARI - MAY 12, 2024

A heavily modified Indonesian fishing boat intercepted with six Chinese nationals on board trying to get to Australia was owned and operated by a Chinese boat captain believed to be involved in a new modus operandi of people smuggling.

The group was intercepted by Indonesian fisheries authorities in waters near the eastern city of Kupang, a straight-line 500km journey to the north West Australian coast where 39 Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indian asylum- seekers were ferried by fishermen earlier this year.

The interception was on Tuesday night in the harbour at Kupang, a traditional departure point in West Timor, part of East Nusa Tenggara province, and involved a boat carrying six Chinese men and a group of Indonesians.

The interception come only hours before a visit by Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill to Jakarta, where she met with Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto, to discuss co-operation on law enforcement and maritime security.

The Indonesian Marine and Fisheries Ministry’s surveillance unit in Kupang had been stalking the suspicious boat for a week but it was not until Sunday it began moving to cross the borders into Australia.

After a half-hour chase, the patrol boat apprehended the fishing vessel at around 2.30am on Wednesday.

The boat appeared to be modified with three extra motors and no lights to increase its speed and stealth, an officer involved in the arrest told The Australian on Sunday.

The modified boat was owned and captained by Jiang Xiao Jia, a Chinese national who had lived in South Sulawesi for four years and had intended to smuggle five other Chinese nationals into ­Australia.

The ministry’s surveillance ­director-general, Pung Nugroho Saksono, said the interception happened during routine patrols.

“This is a new modus operandi we have encountered behind fishing capture violations,” he said.

“The unnamed vessels, each less than 10GT, were found to contain 12 individuals, including six Chinese nationals suspected to be smuggled to Australia and six Indonesian nationals serving as crew and operational staff.”

He said the ministry’s data showed several vessels intending to cross the Indonesia-Australia maritime border.

“On Wednesday at 2.30am, the fishing vessel was observed crossing without proper vessel name and identification. When interception was attempted, the vessel increased its speed, raising suspicions and resulting in a chase between the ­patrol boat and the fishing vessel,” Ipunk said.

The unnamed fishing vessel was successfully apprehended and subjected to inspection in the waters near Semau Island.

The case was later handed over to local police.

The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police said they have named six Indonesians and one Chinese national as suspects, charging them with violation of immigration rules that carried minimum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 15 years’ imprisonment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/chinese-boat-migrants-intercepted-in-indonesian-fishing-town-where-wa-north-coast-arrivals-came-from/news-story/fc3275748d38c38379bd9f9f86dcd0f4

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>>20841352

Judge rules Victoria Police violence ‘unjustified’ in Covid lockdown protest

A judge has found Victoria Police used “unjustified violence” to make arrests during a Covid lockdown rally, in which protesters were thrown to the ground and one man was left with a dislocated arm.

Shannon Deery - May 11, 2024

Victoria Police used “unlawful” and “unjustified violence” in a violent attack on anti-lockdown protesters during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, a judge has found.

In a stunning decision handed down in the County Court, Judge Liz Gaynor ruled police were the “aggressors” and “employed unjustified violence” amid a public protest on 29 May, 2021 that left one man with a dislocated arm.

The judgment has called into question police tactics and prompted calls for prosecutors to consider laying charges against the police involved.

At the time of the protest Victorians were subject to strict lockdown conditions including bans on leaving the home and wear face mask requirements.

A 5km bubble was in place for needing to go shopping or wanting to exercise, and both public and private gatherings were explicitly banned.

The protest, around the city’s Flagstaff Gardens, drew a huge police presence with officers outnumbering the 150 protesters and forming a ring of steel around the gardens.

More than a dozen protesters were arrested for offences including assaulting police, affray and breaching the chief health officer’s directions, during the protests.

They included Jason Reeves, Nicholas Patterson and Adam Roob who were each thrown to the ground and arrested by police at the scene.

The men had been asked to leave before their arrests.

In her stinging judgment Judge Gaynor ruled the arrests unlawful, saying the men did nothing to warrant the violent police response which was captured by body-worn cameras.

Mr Reeves was the first to be arrested after being punched to the face by police and thrown to the ground in what Judge Gaynor dubbed an “immediate and violent” response.

Mr Patterson and Mr Roob, who said they were trying to defend Mr Reeves, were then sprayed with OC spray and thrown to the ground, with Mr Paterson suffering a dislocated arm.

The pair was in court facing a string of charges including assaulting an emergency worker on duty and common law assault.

But Judge Gaynor ruled police evidence inadmissible because “by their unlawful violence police instigated the response by the accused which underlies the charges they now face.”

“There are a number of ways in which the charging of the accused could have taken place,” Judge Gaynor said.

“It could have been done by the issuing of infringement notices at any stage … it could have been done by way of stopping the accused and other members of the group informing them that they were in breach of the restrictions and that they were to be placed under arrest.

“However, the police chose not to respond that way. I am satisfied that in arresting Mr Reeves, police used unnecessary and unwarranted force and violence.”

Judge Gaynor said footage of the group in the half-hour leading to the arrest showed no behaviour which warranted police forming a view they would engage in violent behaviour.

“I am satisfied that (police) were the aggressors in the situation and that they employed unjustified violence on Mr Reeves in effecting the arrest.

“They did not wait for a line to be formed across the footpath which could have been observed by Mr Reeves.

“They did not speak to him and inform him he was under arrest and then inform him why.

“They simply confronted, pushed, and attacked him before bringing him to the ground. In my view, they used unlawful violence in arresting Mr Reeves.”

Judge Gaynor also found Mr Paterson and Mr Roob “were met with physical intervention”.

A senior justice figure, who could not be named, said the matter warranted further investigation.

“I’m not a fan of those who were protesting and carrying on during the lockdowns, but considering the waste of money and resources that continue, and now what appears to be police committing serious indictable offences, people should be held to account,” they said.

“If protesters were charged, so should the police who have been found by a court to have committed impropriety or contravention of an Australian law.”

Both Victoria Police and Office of Public Prosecutions refused to comment.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/judge-rules-victoria-police-violence-unjustified-in-covid-lockdown-protest/news-story/c447aa4f4e903c06a2bbd8b72753b9e1

Six former inmates of Magill Youth Training Centre sue SA government over alleged sexual abuse in the former facility

Six men have come forward claiming they were repeatedly sexually abused, as children, at a notorious Magill youth detention facility - describing it as “hell on earth”.

Sean Fewster - May 12, 2024

A demolished SA youth detention centre once reported to the United Nations as “a living human rights abuse” was “a pedophile’s playground” where children were sexually abused on a nightly basis, former inmates claim.

The Advertiser can reveal six men held, as children, in the Magill Training Centre have sent letters of demand to the state government, seeking compensation for repeated sexual assaults.

Each of the men was remanded to the centre, which operated from 1869 to 2012, at different times and were unknown to one another - but each alleges near-identical abuse.

They also accuse the same guards of perpetrating that abuse, claiming it began immediately upon their arrival and continued each night until they were released.

The men further claim they were warned, by other and longer-serving detainees, not to complain “otherwise it will just get worse”.

Lawyer and survivors advocate Andrew Carpenter, who is representing the men, said those given “short sentences” at Magill actually received “life sentences” of trauma.

“Over the years, Magill has been known by many names - but the brave people who’ve come forward describe it as ‘hell on earth’,” he said.

“Magill was not only a place where people were sentenced to be abused by those acting in positions of authority, it turned into a pedophile’s playground.

“Many young boys and girls were sentenced there with targets on their backs, and were sexually abused by a series of opportunistic people in positions of power.”

Known initially as the Boys Reformatory Centre, the facility was also called the McNally Training Centre and SA Youth Training Centre during its 143-year history.

It was first investigated over allegations of child abuse, ranging from sexual assaults to poor conditions and harsh treatment of detainees, in the late 1940s.

A commission of inquiry held between 2004 and 2008 reported “horrendous” allegations of abuse and “threats made to the children if they disclosed what had occurred”.

“Many of the people who told the inquiry they were sexually abused while in state care said they still suffer the long-term effects,” it reported.

“Those effects include difficulty to disclose the abuse, even as adults.”

In 2009, Australia’s Youth Representative to the United Nations called the Magill facility “the worst of its kind” and a “living human rights abuse”.

That prompted a campaign calling for the government to close the centre, claiming it contravened the United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child.

Twelve months after its closure, the centre was slated for demolition, which began in December 2012 and gave rise to a 250-site housing development.

In 2014, a 19-year-old former detainee sued the government for $100,000 claiming he had been sexually abused eight years earlier.

On Thursday, Mr Carpenter said the government had been sent letters on behalf of four of the former detainees, with two more being finalised.

“All six people have the exact same stories, name the exact same guards, and each was there at different times independent of one another

All were abused on intake, and then on an almost nightly basis - in the same place, by the same offenders, in the same kinds of ways

Some of the complainants say that older children who had been at Magill for some time already told them ‘don’t complain, just go with it, otherwise it will just get worse’.”

A Department of Human Services spokeswoman said it was “aware of a civil claim in relation to an individual’s contact with the youth justice system between 1997 and 2001”.

“As the matter is currently active, the department is unavailable to provide any further detail,” she said.

If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732), 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.1800respect.org.au/

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

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

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

https://www.kidshelpline.com.au/

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/six-former-inmates-of-magill-youth-training-centre-sue-sa-government-over-alleged-sexual-abuse-in-the-former-facility/news-story/67d334ee061aebee493c43009d0398eb

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Bid to defuse tensions as Victorian Labor faces Gaza ‘split’

DAMON JOHNSTON - MAY 12, 2024

Israeli and Palestinian supporters in the Victorian ALP remain locked in high-stakes talks in a bid to defuse an eruption of tension at Labor’s state conference.

Amid an escalating threat of an internal showdown over the war in Gaza at the key meeting, ­security fears are also emerging with hard-left groups calling on supporters to join an anti-Israel rally outside the event being staged at Moonee Valley Racecourse.

Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns, the federal MP for Macnamara, and other pro-Israeli supporters have been attempting to negotiate a compromise to convince Labor’s pro-Palestinian faction to remove inflammatory language from any motion debated at the May 18-19 conference.

Mr Burns, whose electorate covers Jewish heartland Melbourne suburbs such as Caulfield, St Kilda East and Balaclava, has previously said the ALP must “find a resolution where we express the values of the Labor Party … that demonstrates our longstanding commitment to human rights and the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians and Israelis”.

Mr Burns declined to comment on Sunday on the progress of the talks.

Palestinian supporters in the party’s majority Left faction are behind a push to move a motion at the state conference, which ­ Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan are expected to ­attend.

Israel supporters in the ALP are concerned that the motion at the event – the first state conference since the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel – will be loaded with anti-Israeli sentiments, provoking a bitter debate that could split the party.

“Some of the pro-Palestine faction in Labor and the union movement are more to the left than the Greens,” one ALP figure said.

Another pro-Israeli figure within the ALP said that unless a moderate motion was put forward by the Left, a bitter debate would almost certainly be ignited.

“We’re not in the mood for haggling on this issue; if we don’t like it, we will argue against it,” the figure said.

The Australian has previously reported that the motion could be strongly critical of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, raise the issue of Jewish settlements and demand the Australian government backs international legal action that has accused Israel of committing genocide.

The potential for a damaging internal split within the ALP at the state conference has increased as anti-Israeli sentiment has grown within the union ­movement.

The ACTU chose the eve of Passover last month to issue its strongest statement against Israel since the Hamas terror attack, calling on the Albanese government to end military trade with ­Israel, enforce targeted sanctions against Israeli government officials and ­inject a further $100m of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the West Bank.

In its statement, the ACTU also demanded the immediate recognition of a Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Victorian ALP’s state conference could also trigger clashes with various pro-Palestinian groups, some linked to unions, calling for supporters to rally outside the venue.

One poster accused the federal and state branches of the Victorian ALP as being “complicit in Israel’s genocide in Gaza”.

“Bring your disapproval to their doorstep,” the poster states, before going on to list three demands: “Elbit (an Israeli-linked company) out of Victoria, Labor to cancel contracts with Israel” and “break the siege! End the ­occupation!”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-faces-split-on-gaza/news-story/7ceb0ca8d160fed2914b25aa7f41b673

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Federal Court ends temporary block on Australians viewing bishop stabbing footage on X

JOANNA PANAGOPOULOS and ANGELICA SNOWDEN - MAY 13, 2024

A temporary order by Australia’s eSafety commissioner to block Australians from viewing footage of the alleged terrorist stabbing attack of Sydney bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has been refused, in a win for tech giant X.

In April, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant ordered X (formerly Twitter) remove access to the video for Australian users, slapping the footage with a Class 1 classification, reserved for high-impact violent or child sex abuse material.

While X complied with a take-down notice, “geo-blocking” the content, Australian users with VPNs could still watch the attack on the platform and the tech company has refused to totally remove the footage from its platform.

In a brief court hearing on Monday morning, Federal Court Justice Geoffrey Kennett said: “In the this matter which I heard on Friday, the orders of the court will be that the application to extend the interlocutory injunction granted on the 22nd of April 2024, as extended on the 24th of April, is refused, and that the cost of the application are reserved.”

His reasons for the decision will be available either later on Monday or on Tuesday.

In a hearing on Friday, barrister Tim Begbie KC, representing eSafety, told the court the material posted online showed “actual graphic and shocking moments of that attacker (allegedly) repeatedly and violently stabbing” the bishop.

The commission was pushing for the power to enforce global take-down orders, arguing worldwide censorship of offensive material is reasonable in light of the Australian parliament’s online safety legislation.

“This is not a proceeding about a free speech policy,” Mr Begbie said. “X Corp itself can and does take that stance (to make footage inaccessible) when it wishes to.”

He said “X’s position is a fairly striking one” and referred in its submissions to one of its policy statements that posts must “continue to flow”, evidencing X’s pro free speech stance.

Barrister Bret Walker SC, representing X Corp with law firm Ashurst, told the court it would be a “matter of real concern” if the only way X could reasonably comply with a takedown order was to remove the content for users worldwide.

He said it was “remarkable” to consider “the only way to control what is available to end users in Australia … (is) to deny it to everybody on earth (the content).”

Earlier, he said a statement of reasons supplied by the eSafety commissioner’s office in support of their take-down notices looked “informal” under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act.

“There are strong reasons to doubt the validity of the notice,” he said.

Mr Walker also pointed out Mar Mari Emmanuel did not want the footage to be removed from online.

Meanwhile, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) asked the Federal Court on Friday to allow them intervene in the high profile case between eSafety Commission and Elon Musk’s X Corp to advance arguments about whether or not the take-down notice should apply globally.

A further case management hearing is set for Wednesday.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/federal-court-ends-temporary-block-on-australians-viewing-bishop-stabbing-footage-on-x/news-story/710747417afac077f46d77d3ff2dfb19

https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1789870567224402136

Former spy for China's secret police reveals operations targeting dissidents in Australia and overseas

Echo Hui, Elise Potaka and Dylan Welch - 13 May 2024

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The inner workings of China's notorious secret police unit and how it hunts down dissidents living overseas – including in Australia – have been exposed by a former spy in a Four Corners investigation, raising tough questions about Australia's national security.

It is the first time anyone from the secret police – one of the most feared and powerful arms of China's intelligence apparatus – has ever spoken publicly.

The investigation also found the existence of an espionage operation on Australian soil only last year and the secret return of an Australian resident to China in 2019.

Spy speaks out

The spy — who goes by the name Eric — worked as an undercover agent for a unit within China's federal police and security agency, the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) between 2008 and early 2023.

The unit is called the Political Security Protection Bureau, or the 1st Bureau. It is one of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) key tools of repression, operating across the globe to surveil, kidnap and silence critics of the party, particularly President Xi Jinping.

"It is the darkest department of the Chinese government," Eric said.

"When dealing with people who oppose the CCP, they can behave as if these people are not protected by the law. They can do whatever they want to them."

Four Corners has chosen not to publish Eric's full name or the identities of his secret police handlers due to concerns for the 39-year-old's safety.

Eric fled China and arrived in Australia last year where he revealed his history to ASIO, Australia's domestic spy agency.

ASIO declined to comment for this story.

Eric revealed to Four Corners how China collects intelligence on those it deems enemies of the state – and in some cases the tactics it uses to see them return to China to face prosecution.

He was tasked by his handlers with hunting down dissidents across the globe, sometimes by using elaborate cover stories — once as a property executive and another as an anti-CCP freedom fighter — to try to gain their confidence and lure them to countries where they could be abducted and returned to China.

Four Corners has seen hundreds of secret documents and correspondence that back up Eric's story about his assignments and targets which covered China, India, Cambodia, Thailand, Canada and Australia.

'Secret agents in Australia'

In 2023, AFP officers raided a Sydney location and uncovered a Chinese espionage operation targeting Australian residents.

One of them was Edwin Yin, a political activist whose online videos have targeted President Xi and his daughter.

The AFP spoke to Mr Yin after the raid.

"They told me … they had disrupted an intelligence agency in Australia," he said.

"They acquired information and material that indicated the CCP was looking for me in Australia through this intelligence agency."

Four Corners understands the AFP's investigation is ongoing.

In 2021, Mr Yin was the victim of a physical attack in Melbourne that left him with a broken nose. Mr Yin thought the two men who attacked him, and a third who filmed it, were Chinese government agents.

"I don't feel safe in Australia," he said.

Eric was asked to target Mr Yin in 2018.

He told Four Corners he has no doubt Chinese secret agents currently operate in Australia, and that they rely on a network of support organisations and businesses.

"In an area where there are secret agents, a support system is required so when the agents are dispatched there, they can receive the necessary support," he said.

"They certainly have established a support system in Australia."

China says it is seeking Mr Yin's return over several financial fraud allegations. Four Corners spoke to one of his alleged victims who maintained the crimes happened.

Mr Yin says he was framed.

(continued)

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China's global reach

Counter-intelligence experts said it was "political security" with which China's vast spying network was most concerned.

Holden Triplett previously led the FBI's office in Beijing where he regularly dealt with the Ministry of Public Security.

"The MPS portrays itself as a police service … but in my mind, they're anything but that," he said.

"Their job is to protect the party's status … and when I say status, I mean control … The party has to remain in control."

Under Mr Xi's rule, that control has become much tighter. Since becoming leader in 2012, Mr Xi has reordered the Chinese security and intelligence services and strengthened the party's grip on the Chinese population overseas.

"Now they're heavily engaged in the world, they need resources from all sorts of places," Mr Triplett said.

"So anyone within the Chinese population internally, or in the diaspora … that could threaten the party's control … that's what they would be investigating, opposing and disrupting if necessary."

MPS works with other elements of China's national state security including the country's foreign spy agency, the Ministry of State Security, and the CCP's main foreign influence arm, the United Front Work Department (UFWD).

The UFWD is tasked with increasing China's influence abroad and UFWD-associated community groups exist in virtually all countries where there is a significant Chinese population – including Australia.

"United Front work creates tall grass to hide the snakes," said former CIA analyst Peter Mattis.

"The MPS are some of those snakes."

Citizens returned

Mr Xi has used his anti-corruption campaigns Fox Hunt and Sky Net to return more than 12,000 so-called fugitives to China since 2014. Many were returned in covert operations without the knowledge or permission of local authorities.

As part of Fox Hunt, in 2014 two Chinese police officers covertly entered Australia to pursue and return a Melbourne bus driver. When it was made public the following year, it caused a major diplomatic incident and the Chinese government promised it would never happen again.

In 2019, Chinese officers came to Australia again and returned with a 59-year-old Australian resident.

"The MPS sent officials … to Australia to have a so-called heart-to-heart with a female who was then persuaded to come back," said Laura Harth, campaigns director at human rights NGO, Safeguard Defenders.

"They used the [Australian] Chinese consulate-general and embassy to help them."

Four Corners has established that the AFP did approve the 2019 visit, but the Chinese officers didn't follow the agreed protocol and the woman was escorted back to China by them without the AFP's approval.

Last month, Safeguard Defenders released a report documenting more than 280 cases of foreign citizens and residents being repatriated to China. The individuals are accused of committing economic crimes.

There were at least 16 successful individual extrajudicial returns from Australia between 2014 and 2023, according to the report, which relied on Chinese state media. Four of those returns took place last year.

"These successful operations — or even the attempts at operations that turn out not to be successful — are a clear violation of Australia's sovereignty," Ms Harth said.

A spokeswoman for the AFP said it "will never endorse or facilitate a foreign agency to come to Australia to intimidate or force foreign nationals to return home".

"Under Australian law, that is a crime," she said.

"It is an offence for foreign governments, or those acting on their behalf, to threaten culturally and linguistically diverse communities, or anyone else in Australia. This includes harassment, surveillance, intimidation and other coercive measures."

An Australian Government spokesperson said defending against malicious foreign interference was "a top priority".

"Australia's law enforcement and intelligence agencies assess, investigate, disrupt and where possible, prosecute acts of foreign interference."

"The ASIO and AFP-led Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce is actively investigating a range of foreign interference cases."

The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia and China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a request for comment.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-13/china-secret-police-operations-revealed-by-spy-four-corners/103826622

>>20695650

Nazi-saluting soccer fan slapped with two-year ban as police investigate

Vince Rugari - May 13, 2024

A spectator who performed a Nazi salute at last month’s Sydney A-League derby has been banned from attending matches for two years and could yet be subject to criminal charges.

Football Australia says it has concluded an investigation into the incident after broadcast cameras captured the man – who has been identified as a well-known member of the Western Sydney Wanderers’ main active support group, the Red and Black Bloc – making the gesture at Allianz Stadium on April 13.

“As the governing body of football in Australia, we hold a firm stance against any form of racist and/or anti-social behaviour,” an FA spokesperson said.

“The actions of this individual not only breached the A-League Terms of Admission and our Spectator Code of Behaviour but fundamentally contradicted the values of respect and inclusivity that Football Australia stands for.

“We are committed to ensuring that football remains a sport that unites communities and offers a safe and respectful environment for all.”

The ban is for all matches sanctioned by FA, including Socceroos, Matildas, A-Leagues, Australia Cup, and National Premier Leagues fixtures, as well as the yet-to-be-established National Second Tier, which is launching next year.

NSW Police confirmed to this masthead that their own investigation into the incident was ongoing and that no arrests had yet been made.

The man was caught by Network 10’s cameras holding his middle finger up in the air before raising his right hand in what was widely interpreted as a Nazi salute.

It has been illegal to perform the Nazi salute in NSW since mid-2022, while similar laws passed by the federal parliament came into effect in January.

Three other soccer fans faced court last month after being charged with knowingly displaying a Nazi symbol in public without reasonable excuse at the Australia Cup final between Sydney United 58 FC and Macarthur FC at CommBank Stadium in October 2022. One of the men was handed a lifetime ban by FA.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/nazi-saluting-soccer-fan-slapped-with-two-year-ban-as-police-investigate-20240513-p5jd95.html

>>20622409

>>20676473

>>20841340

Why is a former fighter pilot wanted by the US government?

Dimity Clancey - 12 May 2024

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To his family, Daniel Duggan is a hero, but in the eyes of the US Government, he's a traitor.

"One man against the US, it's disgraceful," Daniel's wife Saffrine told 60 Minutes.

For 19 months, the former US Marine fighter pilot turned proud Australian citizen has been sitting in maximum security jail, accused of sharing top secret military information with China.

But that's nothing compared to the 65 years he could be locked up for, if the Americans get a hold of him and prove the father-of-six sold them out.

"It's a death sentence for my husband," Saffrine said.

"We will never see him again and my kids will never grow up with a father."

The US claims when the former Marine major was employed at a flying school in South Africa in 2012, he taught Chinese military pilots secret combat techniques, including how to take off and land on aircraft carriers.

Homeland security expert Dr Charles Edel says the allegations against Daniel Duggan couldn't be more serious.

"The military is privy to secrets and they cannot trade those secrets away with foreign countries, with foreign competitors, with foreign adversaries," Dr Edel said.

"The last thing in the world that we want to do is make the Chinese military more capable, more adept at being able to fight."

Daniel Duggan always wanted to be a pilot, so he joined the Marines in 1990 and flew Harrier jets.

In 2002, his service ended and he moved to Australia.

Ten years later he became an Aussie, but curiously, instead of being a dual national, he gave up his American citizenship.

It was while living in Tasmania, he met and fell in love with Saffrine.

"Dan had an adventure company flying planes, and I was a photographer," she said.

"He was my Top Gun."

Life was good, but while running his business in Tasmania, Duggan also took temporary contracts to train pilots at a flying school in South Africa.

It's what happened there between 2009 and 2012 that the Americans are now questioning.

Daniel said he only ever taught civilian pilots from China, but the US claims they were in fact Chinese military aviators.

Dr Edel said it's often difficult to separate the two.

"The Chinese have introduced a concept that they call civil-military fusion in how they go about acquiring technology," he told 60 Minutes.

"But it basically lays out the case that there is no distinction between civilian and military application and use."

"There is no bright shining line between those who are trained in the civilian arena and those who have the ability to actualize things from a military perspective when you're dealing with the Chinese state."

Speaking from inside his prison cell, where he's now been in solitary confinement for 569 days, Duggan argues the work he was doing in South Africa was all above board.

"I served honourably and proudly for 12 years," Daniel said.

"There was not one time at any point where my oath to the Constitution was ever violated or in question, ever."

(continued)

>>20859967

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But America says as a former Marine fighter pilot, Duggan needed government approval - in the form of a state-approved licence - to do that kind of work.

Former UK Defence Minister Tobias Ellwood says his country has faced similar controversies with a number of former RAF pilots earning big money to help the Chinese.

As a consequence, he has little sympathy for Daniel Duggan.

"We are entering a dangerous era now," Tobias said.

"It's absolutely adamant that anybody serving in the British armed forces, or the Australian or the American, you may leave the armed forces, but your loyalty to the nation must remain sacrosanct."

Suspicion only grew against Daniel in 2014, when he relocated his entire family from Australia to China, but Saffrine says there was nothing untoward about the move.

"It was the place to be, there were lots of Australians going over there. Asia was a real hotspot," Saffrine said.

After six years, she and the kids returned home to Australia - but for Daniel, it wasn't that simple.

It's not clear why but the Chinese government confiscated his passport and didn't return it until September 2022.

Just a month after arriving back in the country, Australian Federal Police arrested Duggan in a supermarket car park in regional New South Wales.

"We didn't know for two months why he'd been arrested," Saffrine said.

"This is an innocent man, an innocent man that has no Australian charges."

On May 24, Daniel Duggan will learn whether he will be extradited to the US and face trial.

Tobias Ellwood said Duggan's case should act as a warning, as political tensions simmer around the world.

"China is growing in its military competence, certainly in its power, but it's not actually engaged in warfare," Tobias said.

"That's when you are truly tested."

It's one man up against the might of the United States government and the odds are not stacked in the former Marine major's favour.

Of course, the bid to extradite Daniel Duggan might fail and he could walk free.

More likely though, he'll be sent to America to face four charges including conspiracy and money laundering.

If found guilty, the 55-year-old faces spending the rest of his life in an American prison.

"We will not give up," Saffrine said defiantly.

"I want to be proud that our Australian government does the right thing and brings Dan home."

https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/why-is-a-former-fighter-pilot-wanted-by-the-us-government/a6618e96-e250-42ea-9b7d-b713f2a4aa38

David McBride: Australian army whistleblower jailed for leaking documents

Tiffanie Turnbull - 14 May 2024

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A whistleblower who helped expose allegations of Australian war crimes in Afghanistan has been sentenced to five years and eight months in jail.

David McBride pleaded guilty to stealing and sharing military secrets on the eve of his trial last year, after legal rulings sunk his defence.

An ex-military lawyer, McBride said he felt a moral duty to speak up.

A landmark inquiry later found evidence that Australian forces had unlawfully killed 39 Afghans during the war.

McBride's case has sparked uproar in Australia, putting a spotlight on what some say are flimsy whistleblower protections and slow progress towards prosecuting soldiers alleged to have killed with impunity under its flag.

McBride, 60, admits he gave troves of document to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), saying he was concerned about the attitudes of commanders and what he then thought was the "over-investigation" of troops, the court heard.

But instead the information he provided underpinned a series of reports in 2017 called The Afghan Files, which gave unprecedented insight into the operations of Australia's elite special forces in Afghanistan, and contained allegations of war crimes.

Prosecutors argued McBride was motivated by "personal vindication", and that the way he gathered, stored and then leaked the documents endangered Australia's national security and foreign policy.

But McBride's lawyers asked for leniency, saying he shared the information with "honourable" intentions and out of a sense of personal duty.

During sentencing in the nation's capital on Tuesday, Justice David Mossop agreed McBride was of "good character" but said that he seemed to have become obsessed with the correctness of his own opinions. Sharing military secrets was "a gross breach of trust" for which he has shown "no contrition", he added.

McBride will be eligible for release on parole after 27 months.

After the sentence was read out, some in the public gallery shouted "shame on you" towards the judge as he left the bench.

His support dog nearby, McBride hugged his friends and family before being led off into custody.

He has maintained that his leak was justified as it had ultimately exposed wrongdoing.

"I did not break my oath to the people of Australia and the soldiers that keep us safe," he said on Tuesday ahead of his sentencing, addressing a crowd of supporters which included relatives of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange and fellow whistleblower Jeff Morris.

Files smuggled over 18 months

Even before he became one of Australia's most high-profile whistleblowers, McBride led a colourful life.

After graduating from Oxford University with a law degree, he started his career with a stint in the British army. Leaving after reaching the rank of captain, he then tried his hand at everything from private security to reality TV and politics, before coming full circle and joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

As a legal officer, he did two tours of Afghanistan in 2011 and 2013, the latter with the special forces. It was then that he began to form the impression that "a line had been crossed" by commanders.

Over the next few years, while suffering from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and abusing drugs and alcohol, McBride said he became more and more convinced he needed to speak up.

Working late into the night at an army base near Canberra, he started covertly copying hundreds of sensitive documents, smuggling them home in a backpack over 18 months.

He tried an internal complaint first. When that failed, he went to the police and the defence minister, before turning to the press.

He believed the dossier he compiled would show the ADF's chain of command was so concerned about the perception of unlawful killings that they were scapegoating soldiers and undermining special forces' confidence to do their work.

Instead, ABC journalist Dan Oakes found they contained evidence that Australian forces had committed war crimes and lied to conceal them.

"The more I looked into it, I couldn't conceive how anyone would think these guys were being too tightly monitored. It was precisely the opposite," he recently told the Four Corners programme.

"What happened out in the field stayed in the field."

(continued)

>>20864699

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The Afghan Files included revelations military leaders themselves had concerns about a "warrior culture" within the force, and details of how soldiers were allegedly covering up the unlawful killings of unarmed men and children - including a six-year-old boy who was allegedly shot in his sleep in 2013.

Until that point, there had been very little reported about allegations of war crimes.

McBride was quickly fingered as the man behind the leak and he fled to Spain shortly before the Australian Federal Police (AFP) descended on his apartment. There officers found four plastic tubs filled with classified documents stashed in a cupboard.

After a year in hiding, McBride returned to Australia and was charged with stealing Commonwealth property, breaching the Defence Act and disclosing confidential information.

Police also started building a case against Mr Oakes and his producer Sam Clarke. In 2019, they dramatically raided the ABC's Sydney headquarters and seized documents.

It was an unprecedented moment in Australia which made headlines around the globe. Under public pressure, prosecutors ultimately decided against charging the journalists, arguing doing so would not be in the public interest.

Within a month, the findings of a landmark inquiry known as the Brereton report found credible evidence of unlawful killings of civilians and prisoners in Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013.

The government also set up the Office of the Special Investigator to begin criminal investigations into the allegations. Only one person has been charged so far.

But despite mounting pressure, the government refused to order prosecutors to drop the case against McBride.

'Chilling effect'

Australia has some safeguards for whistleblowers enshrined in law. But advocates have long complained that they're weak and also demand whistleblowers meet a raft of onerous requirements before they disclose information - some of which ironically make it easier for authorities to catch them.

McBride had initially planned to rely on those protections, but his legal team say they were forced to withdraw that defence after much of their evidence was struck out on national security grounds.

After failed attempts to convince Attorney General Mark Dreyfus to intervene and drop the prosecution - as Mr Dreyfus did in the case of fellow whistleblower Bernard Collaery in 2022 - McBride then tried to argue that he had a duty to leak the documents, because doing so was in the public interest.

But that defence too was scuppered by the judge, who ruled it had no legal basis and could not be put to a jury - a decision McBride's lawyer says they will appeal.

Advocates say McBride's case shows that whistleblower protections do not work, and will dissuade others from speaking up about wrongdoing.

"It is a stain on Australia's reputation that some of its soldiers have been accused of war crimes in Afghanistan, and yet the first person convicted in relation to these crimes is a whistleblower not the abusers," said Daniela Gavshon, Australia director at Human Rights Watch.

Among the critics were a raft of parliamentarians who called it a "perverse" outcome.

"The prison sentence handed to David McBride sends a chilling message to whistleblowers across Australia… We need better whistleblower protections urgently," said independent MP Allegra Spender.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-69006714

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-11/killings-of-unarmed-afghans-by-australian-special-forces/8466642

>>20864699

David McBride sentenced to five years, eight months jail for leaking classified military documents

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 14, 2024

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Former army legal officer David McBride, 60, has been sentenced to five years and eight months jail, with a non-parole period of 27 months, for stealing classified ­Defence secrets and sharing them with journalists.

ACT Supreme Court Justice David Mossop found McBride had committed a “gross breach of trust” and had shown “no contrition for his offending”.

McBride’s supporters cried “shame on you” as Justice Mossop delivered the sentence. His legal team vowed an appeal.

Justice Mossop said McBride was “not such a bad lawyer” that he could have genuinely believed he was not committing a crime. “He hoped that his conduct would ultimately be somehow vindicated. That is very different from an honest belief no offence was ­occurring,” he said.

The principle of “general deterrence” was key in formulating the penalty, Justice Mossop said, noting “self-confident people with strong opinions” needed to be deterred from making unlawful disclosures.

Ahead of the sentence, McBride declared he had “never been so proud to be an Australian”.

“I may have broken the law, but I did not break my oath to the people of Australia, and the soldiers who keep us safe,” he said as he ­entered the court.

McBride – who served two tours in Afghanistan – leaked the classified documents to the ABC, which used them to produce its 2017 Afghan Files reports alleging a cover-up of war crimes by Australian soldiers. The judge said McBride’s conduct had caused significant harm to the commonwealth by releasing Defence ­secrets, including its rules of engagement in Afghanistan.

He said Australia’s foreign partners had to be informed of the leak, which may have “reduced their willingness to share information with Australia”.

Justice Mossop said the release of the information risked informing Australia’s adversaries on the ADF’s use of force and its limitations, offering them a “technical advantage”.

The former army major pleaded guilty in November to three charges of stealing and unlawfully sharing secret information, after Justice Mossop struck out his planned defence that he was doing his duty as an army officer. The court heard McBride believed the ADF was undertaking “illegal” and “overzealous” murder investigations into serving soldiers who had killed captured Afghans while defending themselves.

He believed such investigations were of a “political nature”, and made a complaint to the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force. But the IGADF found McBride’s complaint could not be substantiated.

The court heard McBride stole 235 Defence documents from his workplace, 207 of were marked “secret”, storing them in plastic tubs in his Canberra house.

On one occasion in 2016, when he was moving house, the documents remained in the tubs in the lounge room during a real estate inspection.

“Unsurprisingly, this did not comply with the Commonwealth government’s policy and storage of information bearing protective marking secret,” Justice Mossop said.

He said “secret” and “top secret” security classifications were designed to protect material that, should it be released, “could be expected to cause serious damage” to the national interest or loss of life.

(continued)

>>20864718

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The court heard McBride leaked secret documents to three journalists, including the ABC’s Dan Oakes.

The journalist told a “totally different story to the one I was pushing”, said McBride, who was furious at the suggestion that Australia’s special forces “kill people unnecessarily”.

Justice Mossop said he accepted McBride was of good character but said he had become “obsessed with the correctness of his own feelings” to the point that he was unable to comprehend when his views may have been incorrect.

He found his conduct was honourable only to the extent that it was not motivated by financial gain or to assist Australia’s adversaries.

Independent MP and staunch David McBride supporter Andrew Wilkie has lambasted the Attorney-General for not exercising his powers to keep Mr McBride out of jail while accusing the government of not practising what it preaches.

“Governments have said in the past that whistleblowers have their place in a democracy, and they should have some protection” he said.

“But frankly that looks more and more like lip service when this government has no interest in proving the protections in the Corporations Act, and has shown little interest in proving the protections in the public disclosure act

“Instead the Attorney-General chose not to intervene. We’ve got to understand here that the Attorney-General has the legal power to intervene in a case like this.

“He has a responsibility to intervene in a case like this.

“The federal Attorney-General chose not to and the result being that we had this astonishing turn of events today, where not only was the first Australian to front a court for war crimes a whistleblower, but he is also the first person to go to jail for war crimes as a whistleblower.

“This is a shameful day for the Australian Government. I wish Mr McBride strength as he goes through his prison sentence and I criticise the court in no way. The court merely applied the law.”

The Human Rights Law Centre said the sentence represented a “dark day for democracy”.

“The imprisonment of a whistleblower will have a grave chilling effect on potential truth-tellers,” the centre’s Kieran Pender said. “Our democracy suffers when people can’t speak up about potential wrongdoing. There is no public interest in prosecuting whistleblowers.”

Greens justice spokesman David Shoebridge, who has long supported McBride, described his imprisonment as the “definition of injustice”.

“A five-year prison sentence has sent a chill down the spines of truth-tellers across the country, just as what it was designed to do,” Senator Shoebridge said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/david-mcbride-sentenced-to-five-years-eight-months-jail-for-leaking-classified-military-documents/news-story/a5a3f4a5924e91ce120bb7317b4e26ec

>>20859919

>>20864771

AFP must explain deal allowing Chinese ‘secret police’ to conduct operations in Australia, Coalition says

Opposition questions extension of bilateral security treaties amid ‘gravely concerning’ reports of activities on Australian soil

Daniel Hurst - 14 May 2024

The Australian federal police must explain why it renewed a cooperation deal with China’s ministry of public security (MPS) after “gravely concerning” reports about the agency’s activities on Australian soil, the Coalition has said.

The opposition has identified at least seven active agreements relating to AFP cooperation with Chinese agencies, three of which were extended only last month.

The agreements are in the spotlight after an ABC Four Corners investigation found that Chinese police had been permitted to enter Australia in 2019 – when the Coalition was still in power – to question a 59-year-old Chinese-born Australian resident.

Four Corners reported that the MPS officers had approval to visit Australia under an agreement with the AFP, but then “breached protocol and returned to China with the woman”.

The Coalition’s home affairs spokesperson, James Paterson, said the AFP must now “justify why they recently re-signed a bilateral law enforcement cooperation treaty with the MPS now we know for sure they [the MPS] cannot be trusted”.

“The revelations that the Australian Federal Police allowed the Ministry of Public Security to apparently operate with impunity on Australian soil is gravely concerning,” Paterson told Guardian Australia on Tuesday.

“No one should be surprised the MPS did not adhere to their end of the deal. You cannot trust the secret police of an authoritarian state, particularly one which is the primary source of foreign interference and espionage in our country.”

The Chinese embassy in Canberra was contacted for a response to Paterson’s comments and the ABC report.

The ABC reported that the woman’s China-based family members were harassed until she agreed to return to China to face charges related to alleged contract fraud.

According to the ABC report, Chinese state media had congratulated the MPS officers for undertaking “patient and meticulous work” and said the woman had “returned to China, surrendered, and was arrested”.

When asked for comment, the AFP said it was “aware of domestic and international media reporting in relation to foreign nationals in Australia being forced to return to their homeland”.

A spokesperson for the AFP said it did, when appropriate, “provide relevant information to overseas agencies about suspected criminals in Australia, where there are mutual assistance treaties and other avenues underpinned by evidence and Australian law”.

But the AFP would “never endorse or facilitate a foreign agency to come to Australia to intimidate or force foreign nationals to return home”, the spokesperson said on Tuesday.

They said it was “an offence for foreign governments, or those acting on their behalf, to threaten culturally and linguistically diverse communities, or anyone else in Australia” including through “harassment, surveillance, intimidation and other coercive measures”.

“The AFP would like to reinforce with the diaspora community, that it is unlawful for any country or agency, without legal authority, to remove them from Australia,” the spokesperson said.

The AFP said anyone with concerns should phone the national security hotline on 1800 123 400.

Last month the AFP re-signed three agreements, including a statement of intent with the MPS in combating transnational crime and enhancing police cooperation.

It also extended a joint agency agreement on economic crime with the MPS, and one with China’s national narcotics control commission relating to the next phase of an illicit drug taskforce.

A statement of intent with the same narcotics commission was signed last year.

A previous memorandum of understanding between the AFP and China’s national commission of supervision, signed in December 2018 for five years, was allowed to lapse in 2023.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/article/2024/may/14/afp-deal-chinese-secret-police-operations-australia

>>20555443

>>20589317

AUKUS back on track as US congress set to double purchases of Virginia-class submarines

ADAM CREIGHTON - MAY 14, 2024

The US House of Representatives is on track to overturn the Biden administration’s surprise request to buy only one Virginia-class submarine in 2025, which had raised fears the US Navy wouldn’t be able to supply Australia with promised nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact.

The powerful House Armed Services Committee on Monday (Tuesday AEST) has doubled to two the number of Virginia-class submarines the US government will buy in 2025, putting congress on track to increase production of the critical vessels which Australia is meant to start purchasing in the early 2030s.

The Biden administration in its March 2025 budget proposal had indicated it would purchase only one of the submarines in 2025, far below the annual number required (around three per year on average) to satisfy both the US and Australian navies’ future needs.

“Authorising the second boat through incremental funding authority, which restores the two-per-year procurement rate and allows the Navy to contract for two submarines in FY25, will provide additional resources to ensure all suppliers are covered and increase the inventory of attack submarines for the Navy,” said Democratic Party congressman Joe Courtney.

Mr Courtney had slammed the Navy’s original request as creating instability in US submarine production schedules and raising questions about whether the Navy would be able to sell a planned three Virginia-class submarines to Australia.

“Given the critical need for attack submarines across the globe and the impending decision to certify the sale of three submarines to Australia starting in 2032, the subcommittee mark takes decisive action – as required in Article One of the US Constitution – to add back the second submarine,” Mr Courtney added in a statement.

Analysis of the House committee’s proposal for the 2025 National Defence Authorisation Act reveals an extra $US1 billion to purchase a second submarine and a reduce spending on the navy’s delayed Constellation-class frigate. The plan maintains the overall cap on defence spending at $US895 billion for 2025.

“This effort demonstrates congress’s iron-clad commitment to fulfilling the AUKUS security partnership and will make it easier for the future president to certify the sale of three Virginia-class submarines beginning in 2032,” Mr Courtney said.

The House is yet to pass the legislation, but 132 of its members have publicly endorsed the Committee’s proposal, suggesting it will find safe passage. The Senate will have to agree before the purchases becomes law.

In March 2023 President Joe Biden and Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Rishi Sunak announced in San Diego a plan for Australia to buy three nuclear-powered submarines to replace the ageing Collins-class fleet, with the first sale scheduled for 2032.

The proposal should calm nerves in Canberra after the President’s 2025 budget, which was released in March, had fuelled concern that bottlenecks in US submarine construction, which have fallen below targets for years, could delay the US government’s undertaking to Australia.

In March, Undersecretary of the Navy Erik Raven denied the unexpected production cut imperilled US promises to Australia under AUKUS, arguing additional investment in the US submarine production base including by Australia would facilitate increased production in “the out years” beyond 2029.

“Thanks to the Australians and the support of congress, there are additional investments that we expect to bring us up above that 2.0 delivery cadence to that 2.33 that we would need to produce the submarines to fulfil our AUKUS commitments,” Mr Raven then said.

The government has promised to pay $US3bn to the US to help it bolster its submarine production capacity, as part of the estimated $368bn cost of the total program, as part of the AUKUS plan laid out in San Diego that foreshadowed an Australian fleet of at least eight Virginia-class submarines by the late 2040s.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/aukus-back-on-track-as-us-congress-set-to-double-purchases-of-virginiaclass-submarines/news-story/2cd621ce039f8d80f5559d7c684b36d4

>>20868824

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Australia Palestine Advocacy Network President Nasser Mashni applauded Payman for her comments, saying: “Senator Payman’s comments should be held up as an example of speaking truth to power, in the interests of the sanctity of human life and human rights.

“We urge Senator Payman’s colleagues, across the political spectrum, to hear her voice and the voices of hundreds of thousands of conscientious people right across this continent, and to stand up for a free Palestine.”

The Prime Minister’s Office was approached for comment.

Albanese this week said that university students chanting “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” were engaging in a “provocative act”.

“One of the really disappointing things is that I reckon if you asked those people chanting it, heaps of them wouldn’t have a clue, wouldn’t be able to find the Jordan [River] on a map,” he told radio 3AW.

“It’s beyond me why people would think that it advances their cause to engage in this sort of behaviour.”

Albanese has previously said he does not endorse the slogan because it “calls for ­opposition to a two-state solution”, which both major parties say they support.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said Albanese “must denounce what Senator Payman has said and have her apologise”.

“This slogan is inconsistent with Israel’s right to exist and is frequently used by those who seek to intimidate Jewish Australians via acts of antisemitism,” he said.

“Such statements should have no place among members of the government.”

Burns on Saturday publicly criticised the government for voting in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution that declared “the State of Palestine is qualified for membership in the United Nations” under its charter rules, saying Australia should have abstained alongside the United Kingdom.

“An abstention would have signalled we’re open to further recognition, but that we acknowledge the short-term hurdles that need to be overcome in order to achieve lasting peace,” Burns said.

The invasion of Gaza started after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year, killing 1200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Since then, Israel has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gazan officials.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/this-is-a-genocide-labor-senator-breaks-with-government-over-israel-war-20240515-p5jdwm.html

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

>>20647022

>>20864699

Diggers’ anger as commanders duck responsibility for war crimes, report warns

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 15, 2024

The refusal of the nation’s military leaders to accept responsibility for war crimes in Afghanistan has generated “anger and bitter resentment” among serving personnel and veterans that will take years to overcome, an independent panel has warned.

The Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel says in its final report to Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles that it does not accept the Brereton inquiry’s finding that senior commanders should not be held accountable for the murders of 39 Afghans by up to 25 special forces soldiers.

It says there has been “an unmet need for Defence senior leadership to communicate to the serving and ex-serving ranks of the ADF that they collectively accept organisational responsibility and accountability for part of what went wrong in Afghanistan”.

“There is ongoing anger and bitter resentment amongst present and former members of the special forces, many of whom served with distinction in Afghanistan, that their senior officers have not publicly accepted some responsibility for policies or decisions that contributed to the misconduct, such as the overuse of special forces,” the panel warns.

The report, obtained by The Australian, says the resentment among special forces soldiers was “expressed forcefully and repeatedly to the panel by Defence members of all ranks” during visits to SAS and 2nd Commando Regiment headquarters.

It warns that the anger in the Defence and veterans’ community over the issue will “likely last for a long time”.

The November 2020 Brereton report explicitly cleared senior commanders of responsibility for the war crimes it identified but the panel led by former inspector-general of intelligence and security Vivienne Thom says com­mand­ers need to accept account­ability to “prevent or mitigate any recurrence” of such crimes.

“The panel did not agree with the Brereton inquiry’s view that some accountability and responsibility could not fall on the most senior officers and it suggested that issue should be the subject of further consideration,” its report says.

The report is due to be tabled in the Senate this week after Mr Marles moved on Tuesday to authorise its release – six months after he received the document.

Mr Marles is still considering recommendations by outgoing Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell on the stripping of honours and awards for commanders for war crimes that occurred on their watch.

His spokeswoman said: “Work remains ongoing to address the issues identified in the Afghanistan Inquiry Implementation Oversight Panel final report and the government will have more to say about this in coming months.”

The report compares the failure of Defence’s senior leaders to accept accountability for war crimes with the actions of company CEOs who face dismissal and even criminal charges after major corporate collapses.

“In the private sector, major corporate failures result in both an organisational and individual responsibility,” it says. “Personal knowledge or direct involvement of the senior officers in the causes or behaviour that led to the corporate failure are not required.”

Australian Special Operations Task Group soldiers prepare to board a helicopter during the Afghanistan war. Picture: Defence

The panel says “substantial progress” has been made in addressing special forces cultural issues highlighted by Paul Brereton in his report for the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force. “While there are still occasions when individuals exhibit behaviours indicative of unhealthy exceptionalism, today the responses from the leadership appear to be rapid, clear and appropriate,” its report says.

It warns that there are still some signs of “toxic competitiveness” between the SAS and 2nd Commando Regiments that Justice Brereton identified as a contributing factor, with “significant and forceful comments” by some soldiers on their rival regiments in interviews by the panel.

The Albanese government is yet to implement a Brereton inquiry recommendation to compensate the families of Afghans unlawfully killed by ADF troops but the panel says it accepts that the government faces difficulties in identifying, locating and paying those affected since the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/diggers-fury-as-commanders-duck-responsibility-for-war-crimes-report-warns/news-story/b401fa8eba6bb370baa0251a1b6d1e25

https://www.malcolmrobertsqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SSF030P0124051414580.pdf

>>20859919

>>20864771

>>20864786

Aaron staged a protest in Australia, then Chinese police paid his parents a visit

Lisa Visentin - May 15, 2024

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Aaron, an international student studying in Sydney, knows all too well that the industrial-scale surveillance deployed by the Chinese government on its citizens doesn’t stop at the border.

In March, ahead of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to Australia, Aaron received a flurry of missed calls from his parents in China. When he answered, their voices were strange and unusually monotonous.

“It was like they were reading a script. They told me not to attend any protests or organise any protest, and don’t use Twitter from Monday to Friday,” said Aaron, a University of Sydney student who prefers to be known only by his Western pseudonym.

He suspects that a Chinese police officer was standing over his parents while they gave him the instructions.

If so, it was not the first time Chinese authorities had paid his parents a visit. Aaron, who regularly participates in anti-Chinese Communist Party protests, first attracted the attention of the Chinese government when he staged a demonstration at a bus stop outside the entrance of the University of Sydney in February last year.

Dressed in a Winnie the Pooh costume, which has become a figure of derision and dissent used to mock Chinese President Xi Jinping, Aaron displayed handmade posters and signs featuring photos of CCP critics who had disappeared in China after participating in the White Paper protests that swept the country in 2022 in response to years of gruelling COVID lockdowns and growing censorship.

Over the course of the days-long protest, he sparred with groups of pro-Beijing Chinese nationals, who he says verbally abused him and tore down his posters, and in one incident kicked him in the chest. He filmed some of the confrontations, including one where university staff appeared to try to defuse the situation after his posters were torn down and cautioned him against following the pro-government student through campus.

Soon after, authorities knocked on his parents’ door.

“[The police] threatened my parents about their income and their superannuation, and about my relatives’ future ability to become public servants or get a job in national-owned companies if I did not stop,” he said.

His experience reflects the price paid by many CCP critics who, in exercising their democratic rights in Australia, cannot escape the long arm of the Chinese government – particularly on university campuses.

A 2021 Human Rights Watch report compiled one of the most comprehensive accounts to date of CCP influence stifling free speech on Australian campuses. It found that Chinese students would often self-censor comments critical of the Chinese government for fear they would be reported to authorities or harassed by their pro-Beijing peers.

Universities, in collaboration with Australia’s security agencies, have since beefed up foreign interference guidelines aimed at countering CCP influence on campuses, and have adopted free speech charters – though some have been more proactive than others in tackling on-campus intimidation.

The surveillance of Chinese international students in Australia is part of the broader picture of what Amnesty International has called “transnational repression”.

In a report released this week, the organisation detailed a pattern of Chinese students at universities in western Europe, Canada and the US being monitored and intimidated by Chinese authorities or their agents, including photographing them at protests and pressuring their families back home in China.

“The Chinese authorities have honed a strategy to curb students’ human rights wherever they are in the world,” Sarah Brooks, China director of Amnesty International, said.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed Amnesty’s report as “smear and vilification”, saying “the vast majority of Chinese nationals overseas are proud of the development achievements of their home country”.

(continued)

>>20868896

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Amnesty’s report also contained accounts of politically active students being harassed by other Chinese students with pro-government views, bearing a similarity with the abuse Aaron says he encountered during his protest outside Sydney University last year.

During one altercation, he says his sunglasses were snatched from his face, thrown on the ground and kicked, causing them to break. In another incident, he says he was assaulted after he followed a group of student-age Chinese nationals, who had been harassing him, onto a nearby bus. At the next stop, he claims he was repeatedly kicked in the chest by one man with such force that his Apple watch falsely detected he had been in a car crash.

He reported the abuse to NSW Police, which launched an investigation but was ultimately unable to identify those responsible. “The investigation is currently suspended pending further information,” a police spokesperson said.

Sydney University also investigated a complaint Aaron made through its channels and identified one student involved in destroying his posters. The university informed him in a written response to his complaint that it had no jurisdiction to act because the posters were affixed to a bus stop outside the campus grounds. It nonetheless sent a caution letter to the student warning him that such actions, if repeated on campus, could breach the university’s free speech charter.

The university declined to comment on Aaron’s case citing privacy concerns, but said it routinely provided support for students to peacefully protest on campus.

“When we are aware a student may be at risk, we work to provide appropriate support and assistance – and if we find members of our community have violated our codes of conduct, we don’t hesitate to take disciplinary action in line with our policies,” a spokesperson said.

Several months after his university protest, CCP authorities tightened the screws on Aaron again, banning the social media accounts he used to communicate with friends and family back home, severing a key link to his life back in China. This, too, is a common tactic in the arsenal of the Chinese state in its efforts to silence dissent abroad.

“I am socially dead to people in my past,” he said. “I lost all of my contacts with my friends and classmates. I had no preparation; they were all gone in the one day.”

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/aaron-staged-a-protest-in-australia-then-chinese-police-paid-his-parents-a-visit-20240514-p5jdly.html

https://www.amnestyusa.org/press-releases/china-overseas-students-face-harassment-and-surveillance-in-campaign-of-transnational-repression/

https://www.amnestyusa.org/reports/on-my-campus-i-am-afraid-chinas-targeting-of-overseas-students-stifles-rights/

https://www.amnestyusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/On-My-Campus-I-Am-Afraid-Chinas-Targeting-of-Overseas-Students-Stifles-Rights.pdf

>>20676406

>>20695591

>>20710541

Beijing warns MPs’ Taiwan trip threatens Australia-China ties

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 15, 2024

Beijing has blasted Australia over an upcoming parliamentary ­delegation to Taiwan, saying the bipartisan trip violates Australia’s “One China” policy.

The five member delegation departs for Taipei on Saturday to attend next week’s inauguration of Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te.

Labor’s Raff Ciccone and Luke Gosling will be joined on the four-day visit by the Coalition’s David Fawcett, Claire Chandler and Scott Buchholz.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra issued a statement on Wednesday warning Australia that Taiwan was “an inalienable part of China’s territory”, and urging the Albanese government not to deviate from its recognition of the People’s Republic of China as the country’s sole legal government.

“The visit to Taiwan by the Australian parliamentarians and their attendance of the president-elect’s inauguration violates the One China principle, blatantly emboldens and supports the ­Taiwan independence separatist ­activities,” the embassy said.

“We hope that relevant members of the Australian parliament will adhere to the fact that Taiwan is a province of China and respect the sentiments of the 1.4 billion Chinese people.”

It called for Australia to “fully honour” its commitment to the One China policy “without any compromise or inconsistency”, and to safeguard hard-won improvements in the Australia-China relationship.

Mr Ciccone, chair of the Senate’s foreign affairs, defence and trade committee, said the trip was “entirely consistent with Australia’s One China Policy”.

“Australian parliamentarians from both sides of the aisle have a tradition of visiting Taiwan,” he said. “Taiwan and Australia are Indo-Pacific democracies with a shared interest in a peaceful and stable region.

“The Prime Minister has already congratulated Dr Lai Ching-te on his victory in the election and I look forward to celebrating the vibrancy of Taiwan’s democracy with the Taiwanese people at the inauguration of their new president.”

China’s fury over the trip comes ahead of an expected trip to Australia by Chinese Premier Li Qiang next month, and follows a Chinese fighter jet’s dangerous encounter with an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea less than a fortnight ago.

The federal government has protested the mid-air incident in which the PLA-Air Force jet dropped flares in front of the helicopter as it enforced sanctions against North Korea.

The upcoming parliamentary trip comes just a month after another delegation of federal MPs visited Taipei to meet Taiwan’s outgoing President Tsai Ing-Wen and key government, ­security and defence officials. Under Australia’s One China policy, the government does not recognise Taiwan as a sovereign country but maintains economic and informal political connections.

The inauguration will further escalate tensions across the Taiwan Strait, and follows multiple “combat patrols” by Chinese fighter jets near the self-governed island this month.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said 23 Chinese military aircraft including advanced stealth fighters crossed the median line between mainland China and Taiwan on Tuesday, carrying out “joint combat readiness patrols” in conjunction with Chinese warships.

US and Taiwanese ships carried out an unofficial joint naval exercise in April, which Beijing branded a “stunt”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/beijing-warns-mps-taiwan-trip-threatens-australiachina-ties/news-story/8732ef8a78fef8fecd0e4b4116f264ff

http://au.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zagx_0/sgxw/202405/t20240515_11304820.htm

>>20647150

US COLONEL HAS ‘UTMOST CONFIDENCE’ IN OSPREYS AS THEY LAND IN DARWIN

Staff reporter - May 15, 2024

A US Marine Corps Colonel has expressed “utmost confidence” in the MV-22B Osprey aircraft as a squadron begins operating from Darwin.

Col. Brian T. Mulvihill, the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3, said he backed the tilt-rotor aircraft, which was grounded for three months after being involved in two fatal incidents last year.

“I have the utmost confidence in the reliability of the aircraft and the capabilities of our pilots and crews,” he said.

“The well-being of our Marines and sailors is always a priority, and we have spared no effort in ensuring that they are prepared for the missions ahead.”

Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced) landed in Darwin on 11 May as part of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), finalising the formation of the 13th rotation of MRF-D.

“The arrival of the Ospreys to Darwin brings together the full capabilities of the MAGTF and amplifies our interoperability opportunities with the Australian Defence Force,” said Mulvihill.

“As a MAGTF, the Ospreys give us an over-the-horizon capability that, alongside our Australian allies, enhances security in the region.”

The MV-22B joint service multi-role combat aircraft, which can take off and hover like a helicopter before transitioning to turboprop aircraft flight, was given the green light by US Naval Air Systems Command to return to service on 8 March after being out of service since December.

Eight personnel were killed when a US Air Force V-22A Osprey suffered a materiel failure to a V-22 component and crashed off the coast of Japan near Yakushima Island on 29 November 2023. The aircraft were then grounded from 6 December while investigations were undertaken into the cause of the crash.

An MV-22B Osprey aircraft also crashed near Melville Island, 60 kilometres off the coast from Darwin during Exercise Predators Run in August 2023. That tilt-rotor aircraft had previously appeared at Gold Coast Pacific Airshow earlier in the year.

A US Naval Air Systems Command official said in March that a thorough review had been undertaken to ensure the aircraft is safe, and each service branch had performed different processes in returning the aircraft to operation.

“This decision follows a meticulous and data-driven approach prioritising the safety of our aircrews,” the Navy official said.

“Maintenance and procedural changes have been implemented to address the materiel failure that allow for a safe return to flight.”

https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/05/us-colonel-has-utmost-confidence-in-ospreys-as-they-land-in-darwin/

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8400098/mrf-d-243-mv-22b-ospreys-take-off-first-flight-mrf-d-243-rotation

https://www.8kun.top/qresearch/res/19188850.html#19440283

https://www.8kun.top/qresearch/res/19188850.html#19452993

>>20647150

Marine Rotational Force - Darwin Facebook Post

15 May 2024

82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service

MRF-D 24.3 #Marines and Sailors paid their respects alongside their Australian Allies during the 82nd Battle of the Coral Sea commemorative service at the USS Peary Memorial, Darwin, NT, Australia, May 4, 2024.

The ceremony commemorated U.S. and Australian service members who lost their lives in the Battle of the Coral Sea, which took place from May 4-8, 1942, during WWII.

The Australian-American Association hosted the annual memorial to recognize the combined sacrifice of both nation’s services, and the tremendous stepping stone the Battle of the Coral Sea provided the allied forces as they sailed north through the Pacific.

U.S. Marine Corps (photos): Cpl. Manuel Rivera

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/826465726182579

>>20589317

>>20785616

>>20864839

Scott Morrison meets with Donald Trump to discuss AUKUS and China

CAMERON STEWART - MAY 16, 2024

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Donald Trump has given a powerful signal that he will back the AUKUS plan to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines if he becomes president, telling former prime minister Scott Morrison that he believes AUKUS plays a critical role in deterring China.

A meeting between the two former leaders in Trump Tower in New York focused on the growing strategic threat posed by China in the Indo Pacific and the need to deter Beijing from continued military aggression against Taiwan.

Mr Morrison said Mr Trump was “in good spirits and appreciated the visit, especially amid the issues he is currently dealing with in New York”.

Only hours before their meeting, the presumptive Republican nominee for president was in a Manhattan court hearing lurid testimony from his former lawyer Michael Cohen about hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels to hide her alleged sexual encounter with Mr Trump.

“Our meeting took place on the same day that (Republican House) Speaker (Mike) Johnson and other congressional colleagues visited New York and attended the court hearings where the former president is compelled to attend,” Mr Morrison said.

He said the meeting in Mr Trump’s private residence in Trump Tower on Tuesday night (US time) was “warm and friendly” and that “we spoke of the issues where we worked together in office and the other leaders we worked with, such as the late (Japanese leader) Shinzo Abe”.

“Our discussion focused primarily on the Indo Pacific, the escalating threat of violence in the Taiwan Straits and the need to continue the work to establish and maintain a strong, credible and effective deterrent in the region to PRC aggression, especially in relation to Taiwan,” Mr Morrison said.

“In this context, I discussed how the AUKUS agreement played a critical role, which I was pleased was a view shared by former president Trump.

“There was a welcome level of comfort about AUKUS in our discussion.”

Mr Trump has not publicly discussed the AUKUS pact for Australia to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, including US Virginia-class submarines, leaving the Albanese government uncertain about whether Mr Trump as president would support the three-nation pact which was created under the Morrison government in 2021 with the backing of the Biden ­administration.

Under the AUKUS plan, Australia will acquire at least three Virginia-class submarines from the US Navy from the early 2030s despite concerns expressed by some Republicans that this would undermine US naval capability.

(continued)

>>20873174

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Mr Trump and Mr Morrison developed a close relationship during Mr Trump’s term as president, and in 2019 Mr Trump hosted a State Dinner for Mr Morrison at the White House Rose Garden, the first given to an Australian leader since 2006.

At that time the two leaders bonded over their shared hostility towards the behaviour of China under Xi Jinping, and their meeting this week suggested that Mr Trump’s views towards Beijing have not softened.

“It was good that the need to maintain an active, strong and effective short, medium and long term deterrent in the Indo Pacific was primary, appreciated and considered essential,” Mr Morrison said of his meeting. “We don’t need to be shy about it. The former president was certainly not shy about these issues and we agreed that the PRC (People’s Republic of China) was also not shy about their ambitions.”

Mr Morrison said future US and British support for AUKUS would be bolstered by appreciating its role as a deterrent against China “especially in relation to Taiwan”. He warned that if Australia softened its approach to China, it might undermine support for AUKUS.

“To maintain necessary support from key partners such as the USA and Japan, we must continue to be seen not to be appeasing the PRC or allowing our rate of effort to diminish,” he said.

Mr Morrison is visiting the US where he is a consultant at American Global Strategies, run by former Trump national security adviser Robert O’Brien.

His visit comes at a time when Mr Trump is leading in most polls against his presidential rival Joe Biden despite his involvement in the current hush money trial and the prospect of three more upcoming felony trials against him.

Mr Morrison, a committed Christian, has recently released a book, Plans for Your Good: A Prime Minister’s Testimony of God’s Faithfulness, which recounts his “spiritual journey” as it intersected with his time as prime minister. This includes the role his faith played during crises like the Covid pandemic, major decisions such as the AUKUS nuclear submarine pact and amid political challenges like his accession to the prime ministership in 2019 at the expense of Malcolm Turnbull.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/scott-morrison-meets-with-donald-trump-to-discuss-aukus-and-china/news-story/485767d8d84031f1f813356583c8e5fa

https://x.com/ScoMo30/status/1790726586725277880

>>20594954

>>20873174

Scott Morrison says Donald Trump gave 'warm reception' to AUKUS pact at Trump Tower meeting

Carrington Clarke and Brad Ryan - 16 May 2024

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Donald Trump has given a "warm reception" to the AUKUS defence pact during a meeting with Scott Morrison in New York, the former prime minister says.

Mr Trump has never publicly endorsed the pact, which was announced by Australia, the US and the UK in 2021, when Mr Morrison was prime minister.

That's raised questions about whether the former president — who has questioned America's commitment to some international alliances — would support AUKUS if re-elected in November.

But in a social media post, Mr Morrison said the pair discussed AUKUS on Tuesday night, local time, and it "received a warm reception" from Mr Trump.

In an interview with the ABC in Washington on Wednesday, Mr Morrison declined to reveal specifically what Mr Trump told him about his position on AUKUS. "I'm not going to go into that because obviously [it was] a private conversation," he said.

Central to the pact is a plan to supply Australia with American-built nuclear-powered submarines.

But some Republicans have previously resisted delivering submarines to Australia while local shipbuilders struggle to manufacture enough to meet local targets.

Under the pact, the US could cancel the transfer of the submarines if it deems it would degrade American capabilities. But Mr Morrison said he saw no cause for concern.

"I think there's a lot of hyperventilation that has gone on about this issue, and I think much of it has been overstated and ill-founded," Mr Morrison told the ABC.

The ABC has contacted Mr Trump's campaign for comment. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told the ABC's RN Breakfast he hadn't spoken to Mr Morrison in recent times. "I will leave our diplomacy, funnily enough, to diplomatic endeavours."

After resigning from politics earlier this year, Mr Morrison was appointed non-executive vice chairman at US consulting firm American Global Strategies, founded by former Trump White House national security advisors Robert O'Brien and Alex Gray.

He also joined the strategic advisory board of DYNE Maritime, a venture capital fund investing in defence technologies, alongside Mr Trump's secretary of state Mike Pompeo.

Mr Pompeo helped Mr Morrison launch his new book — Plans for Your Good: A Prime Minister's Testimony of God's Faithfulness — at the Australian embassy in Washington DC.

Mr Trump's former vice-president Mike Pence, who wrote the foreword for the book, also attended the launch.

Mr Pence has refused to endorse Mr Trump's 2024 re-election bid, citing "profound differences".

(continued)

>>20873196

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Trump is victim of a 'pile on', says Morrison

The former leaders met at Trump Tower after Mr Trump spent another day in a New York court, where his "hush money" trial is in its fifth week.

He's facing 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to unlawfully conceal a payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

On Tuesday, Mr Trump's former lawyer and personal "fixer", Michael Cohen, continued giving evidence against his old boss, saying that "to do the things that he asked me to do, I violated my moral compass".

Mr Trump says the trial is the result of a political witch-hunt.

Mr Morrison, in his tweet, said it was nice to catch up with Mr Trump "given the pile on he is currently dealing with in the US".

"There's a lot of politics in these things – I don't think anyone could credibly argue otherwise," Mr Morrison later told the ABC.

"Politics is played pretty brutally here as it is back in Australia. And you know, when you see that being played out in institutions like the courts, that concerns me."

Mr Morrison developed a strong relationship with Mr Trump while both were in power. In 2019, Mr Trump invited Mr Morrison to the first US state dinner for an Australian prime minister since 2006, when George W Bush hosted John Howard.

But his feelings towards other former Australian leaders are less positive. Earlier this year, Mr Trump insulted Australian ambassador Kevin Rudd during an interview with British politician-turned-broadcaster Nigel Farage.

After Mr Farage told the former president that Dr Rudd had said "the most horrible things" about him, including calling him a "traitor to the West", Mr Trump said: "He won't be there long if that's the case."

"I heard he was a little bit nasty," Mr Trump said. "I hear he's not the brightest bulb, but I don't know much about him."

But Mr Morrison said he did not discuss the ambassador during his conversation with Mr Trump. "It didn't come up," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-05-16/scott-morrison-donald-trump-aukus-autobiography/103854096

>>20594954

>>20873174

Scott Morrison backs nuclear power and protectionist US tariffs

ADAM CREIGHTON - MAY 16, 2024

Scott Morrison expects to see multiple nuclear power stations in Australia within his lifetime and has defended the push for higher tariffs in the US by both Democrats and Republicans as “entirely reasonable”.

The former prime minister, speaking in Washington on Wednesday evening (Thursday AEST), said the reality of the “post globalisation economy” meant nations would inevitably increase tariffs in response to unfair Chinese competition, playing down any negative impact on Australia.

“I think it’s entirely reasonable that a country, which is operating in what I call our sphere, takes that response,” Mr Morrison said in an interview with The Australian, in response to a question about the potential impact of higher global tariffs on Australia. Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump has promised a 10 per cent tariffs on all US imports if elected, while president Joe Biden last week slapped a range of high tariffs on Chinese imports, in particular electric vehicles.

Mr Morrison was speaking at the Washington launch of his memoir, Plans for Your Good – A Prime Minister’s Testimony of Faithfulness, alongside ambassador Kevin Rudd, former vice-president Mike Pence, former secretary of state Mike Pompeo, and former Donald Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway.

Mr Morrison, who spoke about the importance of his Christian faith, the subject of his new book, was in good spirits as he mingled with attendees at the exclusive event at the new Australian embassy in Washington.

Mr Rudd and Mr Morrison in the past engaged in a bitter war of words, but all of that was put aside at the launch, where Mr Rudd spoke about the importance of the former PM’s book, because talking about Christianity was “often not a popular thing to do”.

Conservative Republican senator James Langford was also in attendance. The three senior Republicans, Pence, Conway and Pompeo, spoke warmly about their interactions with Mr Morrison, triggered in part by their Christian faith, when they were in office during the Trump administration.

“Because we’re here tonight to talk about God, only Scott Morrison could bring together such a broad church,” Mr Rudd said.

Mr Morrison, who refused to be drawn on domestic political matters, including the budget, said small-scale nuclear power stations were desirable and inevitable in Australia.

“I do think public opinion in changing,” he told The Australian. “I hope we see many of these reactors in our future, I think they are a big part of our energy future; and I would hope, at some point, the policy becomes bipartisan,” he added.

Mr Morrison said that although “we spent a large part of our time on opposite sides of the fence” the one thing they shared was their faith.

“While we come together like this, it’s very injurious to our political reputations back home, but I think tonight is a great opportunity to share the things that mean the most to us,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison was speaking after a meeting with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in Trump Tower, in which the former president gave a powerful signal that he would back the AUKUS plan to acquire US nuclear-powered submarines if he becomes president,

A meeting between the two former leaders in New York focused on the growing strategic threat posed by China in the Pacific and the need to deter Beijing from continued military aggression against Taiwan.

Mr Morrison said Mr Trump was “in good spirits and appreciated the visit, especially amid the issues he is currently dealing with in New York”.

“In this context, I discussed how the AUKUS agreement played a critical role, which I was pleased was a view shared by former president Trump … There was a welcome level of comfort about AUKUS in our discussion”.

“I have no doubt that that would be something that he would be able to address … I don’t think the Trump administration would fail on that score,” he said.

The former prime minister, who has advocated for Australia’s defence spending to rise to the equivalent of 2.5 per cent of GDP, defended Mr Trump’s critical attitude to defence spending by other US allies.

“He’s accused of being isolationist. No, he just has a strong view about people not taking a lot from the US, yes, free riders,” Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison denied the cost of the AUKUS security pact would require increased taxation in ­Australia.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/scott-morrison-backs-nuclear-power-and-protectionist-us-tariffs/news-story/1fc8bb9f62c057dcad5146bab9456875

>>20705252

>>20852029

>>20868824

PM says Labor senator Fatima Payman’s use of Israel ‘genocide’, ‘river to the sea’ was inappropriate

RHIANNON DOWN and ELLEN RANSLEY - MAY 16, 2024

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Anthony Albanese says it’s “not appropriate” a WA Labor senator used a controversial chant when she broke ranks with the government’s position on Palestine, as the Coalition heaps on pressure on him to “take action” against her.

Fatima Payman on Wednesday accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and questioned how many more deaths would be needed before the Prime Minister declared “enough”.

In a significant split from the Labor Party’s position, the Muslim senator called for sanctions and divestment from Israel, and declared “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” – a phrase Mr Albanese has previously condemned as a violent opposition to a two-state solution.

She said the phrase was a call for “freedom from the occupation, freedom from the violence, and freedom from the inequality”.

Senator Payman criticised Mr Albanese and her Labor colleagues for failing to condemn Israel and “stand up for what is right”, accusing her government’s leaders of making “performative gestures” while defending the ­“oppressor’s right to oppress”.

Mr Albanese on Thursday morning was asked if he had spoken to Senator Payman since she made the comments, to which he gave an emphatic “no”.

He said he did speak to her regularly, as he does all his Labor Party colleagues, and their last conversation was “very pleasant”.

But he said her use of the politically charged phrase was “not appropriate” and did not reflect the Labor Party’s position.

“What is appropriate is a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in security and peace and prosperity,” he told ABC Radio.

“It is not in the interests of either Israelis or Palestinians to advocate there just be one state. That is a forerunner of enormous conflict and grief.”

Coalition home affairs spokesman James Paterson said the Prime Minister “has to take action”, noting Senator Payman had “laid down the gauntlet” to Mr Albanese.

“She’s used a phrase the Prime Minister himself has agreed is a violent statement. She’d endorsed the phrase, and in the Prime Minister’s own analysis, people who make this statement are in opposition to a two-state solution,” Senator Paterson told Sky.

“She’s not just undermined decades of bipartisan foreign policy, she’s undermined decades of Labor Party policy.

“The Prime Minister has said this phrase has no place in Australia. Surely he cannot (have) a member of his caucus saying this.”

Senator Payman gave a statement to a small selection of media on Wednesday on Nakba day – the anniversary of Israel’s 1948 establishment – where she acknowledged there was “disillusionment” in the community with the political parties.

“Today, more than ever, is the time to speak the truth – the whole truth – with courage and clarity,” she told SBS News and Capital Brief.

“My conscience has been uneasy for far too long. And I must call this out for what it is. This is a genocide and we need to stop pretending otherwise.”

Mr Albanese said the scenes coming out of Gaza were “very traumatic”, but said Jewish Australians were also experiencing “a lot of trauma” due to rising anti-Semitism.

“People who happen to be Jewish are being held responsible here for the actions of the Netanyahu government. I don’t believe that is appropriate,” he said.

Senator Paterson said Senator Payman’s call for Australia to end trade with Israel especially at a time of rising anti-Semitism would “further undermine and test social cohesion”.

(continued)

>>20873227

2/2

Former Labor MP says senator’s comments ‘completely wrong’

Former Labor minister and ALP Friends of Israel co-convener Mike Kelly labelled Senator Payman’s comments “disappointing” and “completely wrong”, while opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham said the slogan had “no place” being ­uttered by members of the ­government.

Jewish leaders have repeatedly sounded the alarm about the “river to the sea” chant, which they argue calls for the destruction of Israel.

In a small press conference at Parliament House on Wednesday to which only a handful of journalists were invited, Senator Payman said Australians should no longer “shy away” from standing up to “face evil … My conscience has been uneasy for far too long and I must call this out for what it is,” she told SBS.

“This is a genocide and we need to stop pretending otherwise. The lack of clarity, the moral confusion, the indecisiveness is eating at the heart of this nation.”

Senator Payman claimed ­Israel was “gaslighting the global community about the rights of self-defence” in its justification.

She addressed her Labor colleagues directly, demanding to know “how many international rights laws must Israel break for us to say enough”.

“What is the magic number?” she said. “How many mass graves need to be uncovered before we say enough? How many images of bloody limbs of murdered children must we see?”

The 27-year-old Muslim senator, parliament’s youngest member, was also approached for comment.

A government spokeswoman said Australia’s position has been “clear and consistent” and it “unequivocally opposed the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7”.

“The government is using Australia’s voice to advocate for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and humanitarian access, the release of hostages, and for the protection of civilians,” she said.

“The government supports a two-state solution with the right of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace, security and prosperity.”

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Alex Ryvchin said the slogan used by Senator Payman to close her address was an “old Arab supremacist slogan” that advocated for the destruction of Israel and the ethnic cleansing of its Jewish population.

“This is why it has been denounced as anti-Semitic by the White House and our Prime Minister,” he said.

“The senator should immediately apologise for stoking ­hatred in such a vile way. If she can’t refrain from using racist slogans at a time of extreme tension in our society, she should consider her position.”

Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich criticised Senator Payman for invoking the controversial phrase, lamenting that the ­nation was seeing the “monster of anti-Semitism running wild across the country”.

“The trafficking in slurs, ­peddling the word genocide, when Israel is trying to ensure that the depravities of October 7 are not to be repeated, as Hamas as vowed to do, is beyond offensive,” he said.

“What happened to the compassion and humanity that our elected representatives are expected to showcase for the sanctity of human life, or does that not extend to Jews and Israelis.”

Senator Birmingham said the slogan was “inconsistent with Israel’s right to exist and is frequently used by those who seek to intimidate Jewish Australians via acts of anti-Semitism”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-senator-breaks-ranks-over-israels-genocide/news-story/cf597ea6581533f513a8fca0be0bbc5e

>>20705252

>>20852029

>>20859867

Labor motions slam Israel but not Hamas terrorists

DAMON JOHNSTON - MAY 16, 2024

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Motions demanding the Albanese Government support the “inalienable right of self-determination for the Palestinian people” and calling for the end to Israel’s “perpetual military occupation and human rights violations” in Gaza will be debated at this weekend’s Victorian ALP state conference.

Four motions drafted by pro-Palestinian supporters within the Socialist Left faction seen by The Australian make only a passing mention of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed an estimated 1200 Israelis.

While one of the motions calls for the release of hostages it fails to reference the number - estimated to be more than 200 who were taken by Hamas terrorists - and goes on to accuse Israel of conducting a “brutal 17-year long blockade and siege” of Gaza.

“These motions are vile and embarrassing for what they say and the deafening silence on October 7, the greatest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust,” one pro-Israel Labor figure said.

This weekend’s key meeting will be the first Victorian ALP state conference since the October 7 terrorist attack which triggered Israel’s military operation in Gaza and both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Jacinta Allan are expected to attend on Saturday. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are estimated to have been killed in the war triggered by the terror attack.

The scene is now set for bitter split at the conference with pro-Israel supporters within the ALP expected to argue against the motions. Major protests in support of the Palestinian cause are also expected.

The four motions are headlined “Justice for Palestine - Right to Self-Determination”,

“United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees”, “International Court of the Justice” and “Illegal Settlements”.

The first motion states:

“State Conference resolves that Victorian Labor affirms the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination and calls on the Federal Labor Government to: Support the inalienable right of self-determination for the Palestinian people; Immediately recognise Palestine as a fully independent sovereign state within the term of this parliament.

“Welcomes the Federal Labor Government’s vote in favour of the UN General Assembly resolution extending Palestine’s participation rights as a UN observer; Utilise international forums to demand an end to the perpetual military occupation and human rights violations, which are in flagrant violation of international law; and Advocate for the implementation of UN Resolutions which provide a solution for peace and security for both sides.”

(continued)

>>20873260

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The “International Court of Justice” motion states:

“That State Conference resolves that the Federal Labor Government: Advocates strongly for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.

“Calls for the immediate release of all hostages and political prisoners;

“Upholds its obligations to prevent genocide by taking urgent steps to ensure Israel complies with the ICJ’s provisional measures;

“Ensure Australia is not a party to any Israeli actions or policies that contravene the ICJ’s ruling.

“Exert pressure on Israel to immediately open up access to Gaza and end its brutal 17-year long blockade and siege.”

This motion references the Hamas attack, but only repeats comments made by the International Court of Justice. The motion does not describe Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

“Conference notes that Australia is a state party to the International Court of Justice and has a general obligation to cooperate fully with the court’s investigations and prosecution.

“The Court has also stated that it “is gravely concerned about the fate of the hostages abducted during the attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 and held since then by Hamas and other armed groups, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.”

A motion also makes strong criticism of what it describes as Israel’s “illegal settlements”.

“Israel’s settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are illegal under international law and contravene the Geneva Convention,” the motion states.

“These settlements along with unprecedented settler and military violence, continue to result in the ongoing forcible displacement of Palestinians; a further reduction in territory through the depopulation of villages and neighbourhoods; and a further entrenchment of the Occupation.

“That State Conference resolves that the Federal Labor Government take concrete steps to:

Call on Israel to dismantle and remove its settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories;

Support political and legal action against Israeli settlements and settlement activity in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

The motion also calls for “visa bans on violent Israeli settlers, make it illegal for Australian citizens, companies and organisations to fund settlement activity”.

The motion entitled “United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees” calls on the Albanese Government to assist UNRWA to provide “assistance and protection to Palestine refugees pending a just and lasting solution to their plight”.

“It is the responsibility of the Australian Government to assist the international community in finding that solution,” the motion states.

“Therefore, that State Conference resolves that the Federal Labor Government: Recognises the essential role of aid workers and seek to ensure their safety at all times; Commit to ongoing annual funding for UNRWA (and) reaffirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and to help safeguard and advance the rights of Palestine refugees.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/labor-motions-slam-israel-but-no-hamas-terrorists/news-story/5b6b594055115aec5dba627baf8a25d6

>>20705252

>>20852029

NSW Police blasted after force reveals tourist who wore 'October 7' soccer jersey won't face charges: 'Tolerating public support for terrorism'

NSW Police has revealed it will not be pressing charges against a man who wore a shirt glorifying the October 7 terror attack to a major tourist attraction, sparking outrage from the Australian Jewish community.

Caroline Marcus - May 15, 2024

Police will not press charges against a man who wore a shirt glorifying the October 7 terror attack to a major NSW tourist attraction because it did not break any laws.

The inaction has infuriated the peak organisation representing the Jewish community, with its chief executive saying it demonstrated the “weakness of our laws” and authorities’ tolerance for public support for terrorism.

The witness who reported the matter to police, Steve Joffe, said he was left feeling “disappointed” after receiving a phone call informing him that police had received legal advice that the sports jersey was not in breach of current legislation.

A NSW Police spokesman confirmed that officers attached to Blue Mountains Police Area Command had received legal advice and other than seizing and destroying the jersey, no further police action was expected against the 29-year-old who wore it.

Sky News Australia revealed in March that Mr Joffe, a Jewish father-of-three from Sydney’s north shore, had reported the shirt to police shortly after spotting the man wearing it at the Scenic World café, but officers failed to follow it up with him until this news outlet made inquiries.

Prior to those inquiries, NSW Police had claimed the incident had not been reported to them.

The soccer jersey was emblazoned with “Oct 7”, the colours of the Palestinian flag and a watermelon icon, a symbol of Palestinian resistance often used by pro-Palestinian activists.

October 7 is the date Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, slaughtering 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 240 hostages.

Scenic World in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, is Australia’s most-visited privately-owned tourism attraction, according to its website.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said at the time that the jersey’s slogan was “reprehensible” and does nothing but “incite racial hatred”.

Laws criminalising Nazi hate symbols came into effect in January, banning the Nazi salute and making the “praising the doing of a terrorist act” a criminal offence in certain circumstances.

Threatening or inciting violence by a public act is also an offence under the Crimes Act, as determined by police on a case-by-case basis.

A spokesman for Mr Minns declined to comment on the lack of police action, saying it was an “operational matter”.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) co-CEO Alex Ryvchin said the “lowlife” who wore the shirt would be “laughing at the weakness of our laws and our tolerance towards public support for terrorism and mass atrocities”.

“For many years, neo-Nazis have transmitted their violent ideology and signalled to one another using coded numbers and terms,” Mr Ryvchin said.

“Islamist anti-Semites are now doing the same in the wake of the October 7 atrocities, which seem to have been a high point in their lives.

“The law and the police need to stay ahead of these extremists or their ideology and following will grow.”

ECAJ in late March formally lodged complaints with the Australian Human Rights Commission against two Islamic preachers who described Jews as “monsters” and “criminals”, after authorities failed to act.

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/nsw-police-blasted-after-force-reveals-tourist-who-wore-october-7-soccer-jersey-wont-face-charges-tolerating-public-support-for-terrorism/news-story/be951ade8eb4286d9ffe45ea6a15f46e

>>20565278

>>20736646

>>20736652

Julian Assange may live in Australia under new deal: lawyer

JACQUELIN MAGNAY - MAY 16, 2024

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Julian Assange’s wife says she will move to Australia with their two children if a political outcome between Five Eyes allies Australia, Britain and the United States results in him being freed and released to his home country.

On the eve of a crucial British High Court appeal decision which could confirm Assange’s extradition to the United States next Monday, Stella Assange said that among the possible court outcomes, one could be that her husband could walk free.

She told a meeting of the Foreign Press Association in central London: “I believe anything could happen, Julian could be extradited or he could be freed. It is important to have in mind, this (extradition case) has gone on for over five years, and he has been in the UK’s most notorious prison the entire time and in one form of detention or another for longer.’’

Interestingly, Assange’s lawyer Jen Robinson appeared to indicate that behind the scenes the Australian government was lobbying the Americans to drop the extradition case and as part of the deal, have Assange return to Australia.

She said: “The (Australian) prime minister has said Australia has been raising it at very high levels and has repeatedly done so. Our lawyer general has met with the US lawyer general, raising the matter at the highest levels. We hope the US accedes to Australia’s request that the case be closed and Julian returns to Australia.”

If that was the case, Mrs Assange – born as Sara Gonzalez Devant in South Africa with Swedish, Spanish and British citizenship – and their two children, Gabriel, who turns seven today, and five year old Max both born and raised in the United Kingdom – would follow.

Mrs Assange, an international lawyer, said: “I will follow Julian wherever he goes and wherever he is safe, Julian misses Australia and I am very keen to travel to Australia with the kids and show his whole country to our children.”

For her it would be a huge upheaval, but enormous relief. “I’ve only been (to Australia) once, and for a few days, so I will follow him wherever he goes and his safety is the most important thing.’’

Previously the British court had been reassured that mentally fragile Assange, deemed such a high suicide risk that the US extradition was initially denied, could serve any sentence imposed by a US court back in Australia. This was to ensure he would not be subject to the strict special isolation measures the US justice system may impose.

But it appears political pressure and negotiations may provide a way for Assange to walk free.

Mrs Assange, 40, said the Australian government’s backing of Assange’s freedom “has been crucial” and “potentially decisive”.

She said: “The Australian government’s decision to back Julian’s freedom has been crucial, it has I think changed the direction that this can go in a decisive way potentially. Our battle up until the Albanese government was that the Australian administrations were complicit, I say, in abandoning Julian and facilitating the US persecution. ”

(continued)

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Of late she has been heartened by the Valentine’s Day parliamentary resolution calling for Assange to be freed.

“The backing of Julian is across the board, for without the backing of your government, you have no chance of release,’’ she said.

The parliamentary motion, moved by independent MP Andrew Wilkie passed with 86 votes in favour, including that of Mr Albanese, and 42 against.

The Americans want Assange to face 18 charges, most of them relating to espionage for conspiring to obtain and releasing war logs and secret US documents relating to the Afghan and Iraq wars in 2010.

Monday’s British high court decision will centre around assurances sought by the judges that if he is extradited to the US Assange will not face the death penalty and that he would not be discriminated against because of his foreign nationality.

US citizens have the protections under the constitution and the US government has told the court Assange has the ability to raise and seek to rely upon the first amendment, but confirmed that particular decision was exclusively within the purview of the US courts.

At Wednesday’s foreign press conference the WikiLeaks editor in chief Kristinn Hrafnsson accused the British judicial system of corruption. He said “it is abundantly clear the process in the court in the UK is corrupt. The case is rigged against Julian.’’

Mrs Assange said the high court judges could decide the close the case allowing Assange to walk free, or they could accept the US assurances and Assange could be extradited almost immediately, pending an emergency injunction sought at the European Court of Human Rights. Another possibility is for the judges to allow a full appeal to the high court, which would be heard at a future date.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/julian-assange-may-live-in-australia-under-new-deal-lawyer/news-story/aa0b1d29c2151acac08098153627917c

>>20710546

>>20827002

>>20868933

WA iron resources ties key to Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s trip

BEN PACKHAM - MAY 16, 2024

Plans are firming for Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s trip to Australia next month, with the country’s No.2 leader expected to stop in Canberra and Perth and make a site visit to a West Australian resources project.

Officials in both countries are negotiating the final details of the mid-June visit, which is set to go ahead despite Chinese fury over an upcoming trip by to Taiwan by a delegation of Australian MPs, and an Australian protest over a Chinese jet’s unsafe encounter with a navy helicopter.

Anthony Albanese is expected to meet Mr Li for bilateral talks in Canberra around June 16, before Mr Li heads to Perth for meetings with business leaders and Premier Roger Cook.

The Business Council of Australia will host a CEO roundtable for Mr Li in Perth, to be attended by a the heads of major companies that do business in China, including the big miners, the banks and agricultural exporters.

It’s understood Mr Li will then head to a mine site to illustrate the importance of Chinese demand – and investment heft – to the Australian economy.

Speculation has centred on Rio Tinto’s Western Ranges iron ore project in the Pilbara – a joint venture with China Baowu Steel Group – as the likely location.

The giant’s 46 per cent stake in the $2bn venture is the biggest Chinese investment approved by the Foreign Investment Review Board under Jim Chalmers.

Bob Hawke famously hosted former Chinese Communist Party general secretary Hu Yaobang at Rio’s Mount Channar mine in 1985, paving the way for a joint venture with China’s Sinosteel two years later that kickstarted Australia’s lucrative export trade.

Mr Li’s visit will come less than two months after Dr Chalmers announced changes to FIRB rules to strengthen safeguards around investments in critical minerals and infrastructure projects, and those close to Defence sites.

It follows the Prime Minister’s state visit to Beijing in November for talks with Xi Jinping and Mr Li, who urged more favourable treatment of Chinese investment bids.

Businessman Warwick Smith, who until recently headed the BCA’s international engagement and security committee, said the FIRB’s treatment of Chinese companies would again be a key focus.

“It was very much an issue for President Xi and others that Chinese investment into Australia continue, and be dealt with expeditiously and appropriately, especially with existing investors,” Mr Smith told The Australian.

“What they want to say, I think, is: ‘We have been doing this for a long time. We understand and respect your new FIRB rules, but don’t make it harder than it needs to be’.

“The message from China is, ‘Look what our partnership has delivered to you. Don’t send us away’.”

Mr Li’s visit comes at a tense time for Australia-China relations, despite the resolution of nearly all of Beijing’s trade bans against Australian exports except for those on seafood and a number of Australian abattoirs.

This month, Mr Albanese condemned the actions of a Chinese fighter jet that dropped flares in front of an Australian helicopter over the Yellow Sea as “unprofessional and unacceptable”.

China responded by accusing the helicopter of spying on its naval fleet – a charge rejected by the Albanese government.

Beijing also blasted Australia this week over a scheduled bipartisan trip by five federal MPs to ­Taiwan for the inauguration of Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra claimed the trip violated Australia’s “One China” policy.

However, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said the MPs’ trip was “consistent with Australia’s One China policy and with past ­practice”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/wa-iron-resources-ties-key-to-chinese-premiers-trip/news-story/491ae66c43c7f1cb0f78cbc92a34bb50

>>20594954

>>20873174

Scott Morrison says Donald Trump deserves respect from Australia if he’s President again

Former PM Scott Morrison has opened up about Donald Trump’s critics and how Australia should treat the billionaire if he is re-elected as US President.

Tom Minear - May 17, 2024

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Donald Trump deserves Australia’s respect if he returns to power, former prime minister Scott Morrison said as he dismissed the “hyperventilation” of the ex-president’s critics.

Mr Morrison – who worked with Mr Trump and President Joe Biden – said both leaders had a “deep commitment” to the US-Australia alliance that would endure regardless of the result of November’s extraordinary election rematch.

And he praised Kevin Rudd for his efforts to engage with Mr Trump’s allies as Australia’s ambassador to the US, amid polls showing the former president is on track for re-election.

Mr Morrison avoided predicting the election result, as he acknowledged the polls “say what they say”, but he declared: “Democracy at the end of the day decides.”

“The only people whose views matter on that are Americans themselves,” he said.

“There’ll be a triumph of democracy … Whoever is elected should have the respect that they’re entitled to, not just here in the United States, but from partners and allies.”

He criticised the “hyperventilation” of Mr Trump’s critics given Australia’s alliance with the US worked well under both he and Mr Biden, even though it would be “hard to think of two presidents that were more different”.

“I see it back in Australia, often from people who don’t know what they’re talking about, who don’t really know and largely just parrot the commentary of others,” Mr Morrison said.

“All I know is in both the candidates, the incumbent and President Trump, there is a deep commitment to the alliance and that matters to us.”

The former prime minister – who this week met Mr Trump amid his criminal hush money trial and launched his book with Dr Rudd – refused to weigh in on the Republican’s broadside on the “nasty” ambassador who he warned “won’t be there long”.

“We all say things – we can’t pretend we didn’t,” Mr Morrison said.

“It comes down to what gets done, and I’ve been encouraged and pleased to see the commitment to making AUKUS work.”

He said Dr Rudd had done “a great job” lobbying for crucial laws to enact the pact, and praised his “very industrious” efforts to build relationships with potential figures in a second Trump administration.

“He’s got a clear mission and project and I think he’s applying himself … I’d expect nothing less,” Mr Morrison said.

After his meeting with Mr Trump, he said the ex-president offered a “warm reception” to his pitch on the importance of AUKUS, including the sale of US nuclear submarines to Australia.

Mr Morrison said he was in regular contact with Defence Minister Richard Marles as continued to lobby for the pact’s success in his post-parliamentary career.

“I feel a very strong sense of proprietorship when it comes to AUKUS, understandably, and I’ve been doing this now ever since the election defeat,” he said.

“It is a collective effort, it’s a national effort … I don’t buy into the domestic politics of it. I’ve got my own views about that but I do that at the ballot box now.”

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SCOMO’S DEFENCE OF TRUMP AS TRIAL CONTINUES

Donald Trump has issued a strong signal of support for the AUKUS pact in a meeting with former prime minister Scott Morrison amid the ex-president’s criminal trial in New York.

Uncertainty about the Republican’s stance on AUKUS – as he campaigns to return to the White House in this year’s US election – has been a major cause for concern in Canberra, Washington DC and London.

But Mr Morrison, the architect of the three-way deal between the US, the UK and Australia, said it received a “warm reception” during their meeting at Trump Tower in Manhattan.

“It’s a good deal – and he knows what a good deal is,” he said in an interview.

The former prime minister said he used the talks to put AUKUS “in its context” for Mr Trump as “part of the credible deterrent to deal with Chinese assertions in the region”.

“It is part of a much bigger picture where I know he has had long-term interest and concern. It was certainly something, the issues in the Indo-Pacific, that he and I talked about quite a lot when we were both in office,” he said.

“On that, we’re all very aligned. So there’s nothing there which is standing out as a massive impediment, and I think we just have to be respectful and positive in the way we continue to make the case, and I think there’s a very receptive ear to that case.”

The former conservative leaders caught up during what Mr Morrison described as “the pile on he is currently dealing with” – a historic criminal trial over Mr Trump’s hush money payment to silence a porn star’s claim that they had an affair before the 2016 election.

Mr Trump is neck-and-neck with US President Joe Biden in polls ahead of November’s election, prompting the Australian government – led by Kevin Rudd, the ambassador to the US – to try and shore up key elements of the alliance including AUKUS.

Mr Trump has not publicly commented on the agreement that was negotiated by Mr Biden, and his campaign team has ignored multiple requests to detail his stance on the policy.

The AUKUS agreement has received strong bipartisan support in Washington DC, with Congress last year passing crucial laws to enact the pact including the submarine sale.

But several prominent Republicans – including potential figures in a second Trump administration – have expressed concerns about whether the Navy could afford to give up some of its nuclear-powered boats when its own fleet was smaller than required and the US industrial base was struggling to accelerate production.

Mr Morrison said he was confident that if Mr Trump was re-elected, he would have “strong policies” to overcome those issues.

“President Trump has been accused of being isolationist and a whole range of things, and then you’ve got commentary on commentary on commentary, and everyone works themselves up into quite a lather,” he said.

“But I have no doubt that his commitment to the defence industrial base and ensuring that it can meet the tempo that is necessary would be very, very strong, and it’s one of the other reasons I’m quite confident.”

While Mr Morrison and Mr Trump worked closely when they were in office, Australia’s plan to access America’s nuclear submarine technology only came to fruition after Mr Biden was elected in late 2020.

The AUKUS deal was announced in September 2021, with the partners later confirming that the US would sell at least three nuclear-powered vessels to Australia in the early 2030s.

The US president at the time of the transfer in the 2030s will be required to certify that sending nuclear submarines to Australia will not degrade America’s military capabilities.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/donald-trump-gives-support-to-aukus-pact-in-meeting-with-scott-morrison/news-story/89ea1803425743157fa7124d9741eae2

https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1033148759084093440

https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1214513143021527046

https://x.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1262392931962454020