Defence force chief General David Hurley has offered his condolences to the families of two boys, aged seven and eight, killed during an incident involving Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. It is alleged Australian soldiers were responsible, but General Hurley says it is “premature” to determine how the incident occurred or who was responsible. Defence is … Continue reading
In a star-studded field of dysfunctional federal government departments it is difficult to nominate the standout performer. Customs and Border Protection is beset with serious corruption and a declining ability to check incoming cargo for illegal firearms and drugs. The Australian Crime Commission apparently sees more danger in performance-enhancing supplements than illegal drugs, suburban gunbattles … Continue reading
Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has officially kicked off his unofficial mini-election campaign, saying this year’s poll is the most important in a generation. Mr Abbott released a new campaign blueprint which appears to backpedal on delivering a budget surplus within 12 months if he wins government. The coalition’s 50-page photo-rich glossy policy document, Our … Continue reading
Prime Minister Julia Gillard is exploring what her government can do to tackle the recent violence in suburban Brisbane and Sydney. Referring to the street clashes in Brisbane and the spate of shootings in Sydney’s west and south-west, Ms Gillard said during her launch of a cybersafety program that she has asked the Home Affairs … Continue reading
There are traumatic times ahead for child sexual abuse victims as the royal commission swings into action, Prime Minister Julia Gillard warned. But eventually, the inquiry’s recommendations will hopefully bring healing to the Australian nation, Ms Gillard told child sex abuse survivors today. A day after she announced the appointments to the royal commission into … Continue reading