Clean hands and credibility lacking in Special Adviser appointment

by Michael Shoebridge and Anthony Bergin | Apr 9, 2024 | Policy

The Albanese government has appointed former Chief of the Defence Force Chief Marshal Mark Binskin as Special Adviser to advise the government on the sufficiency of Israel’s response to the Israel Defence Forces strikes which killed seven aid workers in Gaza....

Reform a must before Palestine state is created

by Mike Kelly and Anthony Bergin | Mar 13, 2024 | Policy

As the war in Gaza moves towards a conclusion there’s been renewed discussion regarding the recognition of a state of Palestine without waiting for Israeli approval. Australia has refrained from recognition, viewing the bifurcation of Palestinian territories between...

ASIO chief Mike Burgess says violent extremism remains a pervasive threat

by Peter Jennings | Mar 2, 2024 | Policy

ASIO head Mike Burgess’s annual threat assessment speech has been a welcome addition to Canberra’s national security theatre, now in its fifth year. Rather like the great and powerful Wizard of Oz, Burgess emerges in front of a curtain – black, not green like in the...

Australian foreign policy shouldn’t be performance art – it should shape outcomes

by Anthony Bergin and Greg Rose | Feb 27, 2024 | Policy

American comedian Will Rogers once quipped that, “People are taking their comedians seriously and their politicians as a joke”. It’s still true. A proof was laid out recently in the joint statement by the prime ministers of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, who...

Without oversight, our money will fuel the fire in Gaza

by Anthony Bergin | Jan 25, 2024 | Uncategorized

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is kidding herself. Her warning to Palestinian Authority leaders that our aid must not fund terrorism will have no real effect. Total Australian aid to Palestinians since October 7 last year is $46.5 million. But it’s the announced...