Behind the hoopla, the Government is leaving our military badly under-equipped in the drone era

by Michael Shoebridge | Apr 22, 2026 | Defence Budget, Featured, Strategy & Capability

We’re meant to be celebrating the Albanese Government’s amazing new plan to adapt the Australian military to the drone era, with Minister Pat Conroy telling us yesterday about an apparent $7 billion the government is investing in counter drone systems. But...

What if the Melbourne protesters got what they want?

by Michael Shoebridge | Sep 12, 2024 | Policy

There’s a whole set of political and ethical issues wrapped up in whether protesters like the ones gathered against Melbourne’s large Land Forces defence industry conference are right to confront police with anger, volleys of horse poo and tomatoes and even fires to...

Ukraine and helicopters: Mr Albanese needs to dig Defence and Pat Conroy out of a hole of their own making

by Michael Shoebridge | Jan 20, 2024 | Europe, Strategy & Capability, Ukraine

“Australia stands with Ukraine. We pay tribute to the unwavering resilience and courage displayed by the Ukrainian people.” That’s what prime minister Anthony Albanese says when asked about Australia’s support for Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s invasion. ...

Labor adrift in a sea of foreign policy impotence

by Peter Jennings | Dec 30, 2023 | Policy, Strategy & Capability

The Albanese government ends 2023 adrift on national security and foreign policy, like the HMAS Toowoomba in the Sea of Japan a few weeks ago, propellers snarled and hostile forces looming. Four examples from late December expose Anthony Albanese’s malaise: failing to...