QResear.ch

#21251904 at 2024-07-20 13:54:08 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #37: EVERYTHING IS AT STAKE Edition

#36 - Part 5
Israel / Hamas Conflict - The Australian Perspective - Part 5
>>20955138 No investigation into terror-praising preacher after bishop stabbing comments - A terror-praising Sydney preacher who applauded a teen for "standing up for prophet Mohammed" when he allegedly stabbed Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel will not be investigated by police, as political leaders said authorities have "to get serious" on hate speech. The Australian can reveal that a southwest Sydney cleric known only as "Brother Ismail" made the intervention on the alleged stabbing to a packed crowd at the Al Madina Dawah Centre in late May. But that praise does not fall foul of commonwealth legislation outlawing "praising" a terrorist act, with state police confirming it would not investigate the cleric. "These are our red lines and insults from a man (Bishop Emmanuel) followed by billions ... it's not a good idea, and this was the outcome and consequences," the preacher said, referring to the Wakeley alleged terror incident on April 15. The sermon, posted to an online video platform, also appears to cut as Brother Ismail continues criticising the bishop and he lashed mainstream Islamic leaders for urging social cohesion in the wake of the attack. A NSW Police spokesman said: "the force has sought legal advice and it has been determined that the comments in question do not meet the (criminality) threshold".
>>20959166 Video: 'You are collaborating': Wong attacks Greens over violent Gaza protests - Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has accused Greens politicians of collaborating with violent pro-Palestine protesters and inciting attacks on Labor MPs' offices that have led to public servants being injured, a claim rejected by the Greens as a false smear. Questioned by Greens senator Jordon Steele-John earlier about whether the government had applied double standards by not imposing sanctions on Israel over its conduct in the war in Gaza, Wong said: "It is double standards to engage in violent and aggressive protests and incite them and think that you're doing something about peace. "On social media, we have posts which target people personally, we have posts which are threatening and violent, and you are collaborating with them. That is not leadership. So if you think you are for the cause of peace, maybe you should start practising it in this country." Wong said Greens MPs had spoken at rallies that led to Labor MPs' offices being invaded and electorate staff being injured, as well as the storming of Labor's Victorian state party conference in May.

>>20969698 Fury on the floor: Dutton and Albanese clash with Greens over Gaza protests - Labor and the Coalition have berated the Greens for lending support to pro-Palestinian activists who have targeted federal MPs and vandalised electoral offices, sparking a fierce debate in parliament over domestic protests and the war in the Middle East. Greens leader Adam Bandt accused the government of being complicit in the Israeli invasion of Gaza after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton blamed the Greens for encouraging the protests. Stung by the criticism from the two leaders, Bandt sought to condemn the government for shipping arms to Israel but was shut down after Labor MPs branded him a "fraud" and a "liar" who was spreading misinformation. The final vote left the Greens isolated in parliament when Labor, the Coalition and crossbenchers including Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Rebekha Sharkie, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Kylea Tink voted in favour of adjourning the debate.
>>20969717 Anthony Albanese locked out of Sydney electorate office by anti-war protests - Anthony Albanese has been locked out of his Sydney electorate office this year because of pro-Palestinian protests, amid official security warnings that Islamist extremists are attending anti-?Israel demonstrations on university campuses and outside parliamentarians' offices. The Prime Minister's Marrickville office has not been used since January because of fears for the safety of staff from continuous protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators and warnings from federal police. Security around Mr Albanese, other MPs and in Parliament House has been tightened since late last year after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel in October and the conflict in Gaza sparked protests and vandalism at MPs' offices and even in parliament. Parliamentarians requested a security briefing from the AFP and ASIO as concerns rose about protests and security. The Australian understands there was formal advice Islamist extremists and political activists were appearing together at university campus protests around the nation, outside ministerial offices and at public demonstrations.

#21251181 at 2024-07-20 12:01:05 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #36: BADGE OF HONOR Edition

#36 - Part 5
Israel / Hamas Conflict - The Australian Perspective - Part 5
>>20955138 No investigation into terror-praising preacher after bishop stabbing comments - A terror-praising Sydney preacher who applauded a teen for "standing up for prophet Mohammed" when he allegedly stabbed Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel will not be investigated by police, as political leaders said authorities have "to get serious" on hate speech. The Australian can reveal that a southwest Sydney cleric known only as "Brother Ismail" made the intervention on the alleged stabbing to a packed crowd at the Al Madina Dawah Centre in late May. But that praise does not fall foul of commonwealth legislation outlawing "praising" a terrorist act, with state police confirming it would not investigate the cleric. "These are our red lines and insults from a man (Bishop Emmanuel) followed by billions ... it's not a good idea, and this was the outcome and consequences," the preacher said, referring to the Wakeley alleged terror incident on April 15. The sermon, posted to an online video platform, also appears to cut as Brother Ismail continues criticising the bishop and he lashed mainstream Islamic leaders for urging social cohesion in the wake of the attack. A NSW Police spokesman said: "the force has sought legal advice and it has been determined that the comments in question do not meet the (criminality) threshold".
>>20959166 'Video: You are collaborating': Wong attacks Greens over violent Gaza protests - Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong has accused Greens politicians of collaborating with violent pro-Palestine protesters and inciting attacks on Labor MPs' offices that have led to public servants being injured, a claim rejected by the Greens as a false smear. Questioned by Greens senator Jordon Steele-John earlier about whether the government had applied double standards by not imposing sanctions on Israel over its conduct in the war in Gaza, Wong said: "It is double standards to engage in violent and aggressive protests and incite them and think that you're doing something about peace. "On social media, we have posts which target people personally, we have posts which are threatening and violent, and you are collaborating with them. That is not leadership. So if you think you are for the cause of peace, maybe you should start practising it in this country." Wong said Greens MPs had spoken at rallies that led to Labor MPs' offices being invaded and electorate staff being injured, as well as the storming of Labor's Victorian state party conference in May.

>>20969698 Fury on the floor: Dutton and Albanese clash with Greens over Gaza protests - Labor and the Coalition have berated the Greens for lending support to pro-Palestinian activists who have targeted federal MPs and vandalised electoral offices, sparking a fierce debate in parliament over domestic protests and the war in the Middle East. Greens leader Adam Bandt accused the government of being complicit in the Israeli invasion of Gaza after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton blamed the Greens for encouraging the protests. Stung by the criticism from the two leaders, Bandt sought to condemn the government for shipping arms to Israel but was shut down after Labor MPs branded him a "fraud" and a "liar" who was spreading misinformation. The final vote left the Greens isolated in parliament when Labor, the Coalition and crossbenchers including Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Rebekha Sharkie, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Kylea Tink voted in favour of adjourning the debate.
>>20969717 Anthony Albanese locked out of Sydney electorate office by anti-war protests - Anthony Albanese has been locked out of his Sydney electorate office this year because of pro-Palestinian protests, amid official security warnings that Islamist extremists are attending anti-?Israel demonstrations on university campuses and outside parliamentarians' offices. The Prime Minister's Marrickville office has not been used since January because of fears for the safety of staff from continuous protests from pro-Palestinian demonstrators and warnings from federal police. Security around Mr Albanese, other MPs and in Parliament House has been tightened since late last year after the Hamas terror attacks on Israel in October and the conflict in Gaza sparked protests and vandalism at MPs' offices and even in parliament. Parliamentarians requested a security briefing from the AFP and ASIO as concerns rose about protests and security. The Australian understands there was formal advice Islamist extremists and political activists were appearing together at university campus protests around the nation, outside ministerial offices and at public demonstrations.

#20969698 at 2024-06-05 10:20:43 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #36: BADGE OF HONOR Edition

>>20895013
>>20895037
>>20932075
Fury on the floor: Dutton and Albanese clash with Greens over Gaza protests

David Crowe - June 5, 2024

1/2

Labor and the Coalition have berated the Greens for lending support to pro-Palestinian activists who have targeted federal MPs and vandalised electoral offices, sparking a fierce debate in parliament over domestic protests and the war in the Middle East.

Greens leader Adam Bandt accused the government of being complicit in the Israeli invasion of Gaza after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton blamed the Greens for encouraging the protests.

Stung by the criticism from the two leaders, Bandt sought to condemn the government for shipping arms to Israel but was shut down after Labor MPs branded him a "fraud" and a "liar" who was spreading misinformation.

The final vote left the Greens isolated in parliament when Labor, the Coalition and crossbenchers including Kate Chaney, Zoe Daniel, Rebekha Sharkie, Allegra Spender, Zali Steggall and Kylea Tink voted in favour of adjourning the debate.

Labor MPs are increasingly angry about pro-Palestinian protests that have vandalised the electorate offices of caucus members including Peter Khalil, Ged Kearney, Lisa Chester and Daniel Mulino as well as ministers including Government Services Minister Bill Shorten, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus.

With tempers flaring during an hour of argument on Wednesday, Speaker Milton Dick ordered Dreyfus to leave the House of Representatives for heckling Bandt, while the Greens leader received several warnings for yelling over others.

Albanese responded to a question from independent MP Sophie Scamps about the need for social cohesion during the war in the Middle East, saying the parliament condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israelis on October 7 and that the government had backed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

"Right now, our communities are distressed. People, especially with relatives either in Israel or the occupied territories, are distressed," he said.

"We have a responsibility to not add to that distress through misinformation. It is unacceptable that misinformation is being consciously and deliberately spread by some Greens senators and MPs who have engaged in this at demonstrations outside offices and online.

"That includes knowingly misrepresenting motions that are moved in this parliament."

At issue is the way the Greens have portrayed a vote in the House that denied them time to put a motion calling for Palestinian statehood. Some Greens said this was a vote by the parliament to reject a Palestinian state. Labor MPs were incensed at this because they regarded the vote as a procedural matter, not a decision by the parliament on statehood.

Labor and the Coalition support a two-state solution including statehood for Palestinians on a settlement with Israel, although Foreign Minister Penny Wong has raised the prospects of other paths to recognition.

Albanese said the Greens should not make any remarks that encouraged protests that shut down electorate offices, saying they were anti-democratic because they stopped the work of elected MPs and their staff.

"Enough is enough. The time for senators and members of parliament to continue to inflame tensions outside these offices must end," he said.

(continued)

#20908933 at 2024-05-24 14:14:14 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #36: BADGE OF HONOR Edition

>>20908931

2/2

Former prime minister Scott Morrison on Friday slammed the ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant as "absurd": "Any pretension that the ICC's actions do not create moral equivalence between the actions of the sovereign nation of Israel in the current conflict and a recognised terrorist organisation in Hamas, is wilful blindness at best and potentially far worse".

In the first comprehensive study of Jewish Australians since the October 7 terrorist attacks, a Monash University-led poll of more than 7,600 people found 64 per cent believed anti-Semitism was "very much" a problem. This was ten-times higher than responses to a similar question in 2017.

The November survey, commissioned by Jewish Communal Appeal NSW and conducted by the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, revealed in the five-weeks following October 7, one-in-five Jewish Australians had experienced an insult or harassment because of their faith and 43 per cent of those aged 18-29 reported harassment. One-in-five respondents (22 per cent) said they had been less open about their Jewish identity in public.

"Behind the statistics are the hard facts that Jewish Australians have been threatened and harassed on university campuses, vilified on social media and on the street, and discriminated against at work," Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Peter Wertheim said.

Mr Dutton said since Hamas' "barbaric terrorist attack, anti-Semitic incidents in Australia have increased by 700 per cent", with few arrests made. He said a Coalition government would "provide the moral and political leadership that makes it abundantly clear that we expect the law to be enforced readily - not reluctantly - against those inciting hatred and violence".

"Let's be clear about the sinister agenda of these self-proclaimed 'pro-Palestinian' protesters. Using the pretext of free speech, these protesters have engaged in hate speech to intimidate Jewish students and to drive them off campuses."

The Weekend Australian understands Mr Albanese has not replied to a formal request from the Coalition, minor parties and independents to establish a judicial inquiry into anti-Semitism on campuses in response to verbal attacks, harassment and intimidation of Jewish staff and students.

Last Thursday, 13 prominent MPs and senators including Mr Dutton, Jacqui Lambie, Pauline Hanson, Allegra Spender, Zali Stegall, Bob Katter and Rebekha Sharkie wrote to Mr Albanese requesting urgent action.

The letter said "we believe that a judicial inquiry will provide the best way to achieve broader cultural change in the university sector". The MPs and Senators said if the Albanese government refused to instigate a judicial inquiry, they would support a Senate inquiry as an alternative.

"We are seeking a judicial inquiry as the most authoritative form of inquiry. An inquiry led by an independent respected jurist with the powers to grant privileges and immunities," the letter said.

Addressing the Adelaide Holocaust Museum on Friday, Mr Leeser laid out the terms-of-reference for his judicial inquiry and attacked Labor's plan for a general inquiry into racism to be conducted by the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Announced earlier this month by Education Minister Jason Clare and due to report in mid-2025, the AHRC study was a response to the Universities Accord report and will address anti-Semitism alongside Islamophobia, racism and the experience of First Nations people in the university sector.

Mr Leeser said since the October 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis by Hamas, the AHRC had said "nothing about the rise of anti-Semitism in our community."

The terms of reference for Mr Leeser's judicial inquiry were devised after consultation with the ECAJ, the Australian Academic Alliance Against anti-Semitism, the Australasian Union of Jewish Students and Universities Australia.

Mr Leeser said the judicial inquiry would report on anti-Semitic activity on Australian university campuses, including instances of "harassment, intimidation, violence, advocacy or glorification of violence and/or support for listed terrorist organisations" both before and after October 7.

It will also examine the response of university regulators, leaders, governing bodies, Vice-Chancellors, student and staff representative bodies, student clubs and organisations.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/julian-leeser-reveals-judicial-inquiry-details-in-challenge-to-anthony-albanese/news-story/49ec2e00ed31be5915c92d9d4b0dd461

#19487519 at 2023-09-04 10:02:55 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #32: YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS FIGHT Edition

#31 - Part 25
AUKUS Security Pact and Nuclear Submarine Program - Part 2
>>19256893 'A risk we should not take': Republican resistance mounts to nuclear submarine plan - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared he remains confident Australia will secure Virginia-class submarines from the United States, even as almost half of all Republican senators came out against the current plan on the grounds it would dangerously weaken the US Navy as it competes with China. Twenty-three Republican senators, including Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, wrote to President Joe Biden on Thursday (Australian time) saying they did not support the proposal to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia unless the US doubled its own domestic production capacity.
>>19256945 NZ Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta slams door shut on AUKUS - A split has appeared in New Zealand's leadership over AUKUS, as the country's Foreign Minister ruled out joining the pact, only a day after Prime Minister Chris Hipkinsheld the door open to negotiations. Hours after fronting the media with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said the door was "very much open" for NZ to engage with AUKUS "as a trusted partner," Nanaia Mahuta appeared to slam that door shut. "I'll be really clear, we're not contemplating joining AUKUS," Ms Mahuta told reporters.
>>19297296 Indigenous voice to parliament: Claims of 'no say' on AUKUS nuclear subs torpedoed by referendum adviser - A member of Anthony Albanese's referendum advisory group says the AUKUS nuclear submarine project has the potential to impact Indigenous communities, signalling she backs the voice to parliament advising government on the key pillar of Australia's defence policy. Artist Sally Scales said Aboriginal communities should be consulted on aspects of the nuclear subs deal, including where they will be docked. "I don't care about the nuts and the bolts of the submarines. But what do I care about? Where's that nuclear waste going to go for (those) submarines?" Ms Scales told an event at the Australian National University on Wednesday night. "If we're going to build new ports for these submarines, where are those ports going to be? How (are) those Aboriginal communities going to be consulted and worked with?"
>>19297859 Video: US nuclear submarine visits Western Australia as allies increase defence preparedness - A U.S. Navy nuclear submarine arrived in Western Australia on Friday as allies Canberra and Washington deepen defence ties and prepare to transfer nuclear submarine capability to Australia. The U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine arrived at HMAS Stirling for a scheduled port visit as part of a patrol of the Indo-Pacific, officials said.
>>19297936 Video: US military shows off nuclear capable submarine in Western Australia - The United States military is flexing its nuclear fleet of submarines in Western Australia. The arrival of the USS North Carolina is the first visit since a landmark defence deal was signed earlier this year. Australia is buying eight of the nuclear-powered Virginia class submarines in a deal costing $368 billion. Australia's Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd was on Garden Island touring the 110-metre vessel which can go three months underwater. WA will permanently house nuclear subs from next decade.
>>19308139 Labor faces growing grassroots party revolt over AUKUS pact - The Albanese government is facing a rank-and-file party revolt over the AUKUS defence pact, with about 40 local branches opposing it outright or calling for a review, and activists determined to have it debated at the party's national conference despite attempts to dampen dissent. Federal electorate councils covering the Labor seats of Sydney, held by Tanya Plibersek, Parramatta and Boothby, plus the seat of Mayo held by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, have also passed resolutions opposing the trilateral AUKUS defence pact to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
>>19333477 Australia, US urged to ramp up AUKUS as PM invited to White House - Australia and the United States are being urged to turbocharge the AUKUS pact by jointly producing long-range missiles and using Australia as a testing ground for hypersonic weapons as Anthony Albanese prepares to make his first prime ministerial visit to the US capital. Albanese will be feted at a rare state dinner in Washington, DC, in late October at the invitation of US President Joe Biden, just days before he has been tipped to make an as-yet-unconfirmed visit to Beijing. Republican congressman Mike Gallagher, considered a rising star of American politics, used a speech in Canberra on Thursday night to say the AUKUS pact had the potential to "bring this region from the brink of war" if the three member nations expanded their ambitions and put their nations on a preventative "war footing".

#19487378 at 2023-09-04 09:07:37 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

#31 - Part 25
AUKUS Security Pact and Nuclear Submarine Program - Part 2
>>19256893 'A risk we should not take': Republican resistance mounts to nuclear submarine plan - Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declared he remains confident Australia will secure Virginia-class submarines from the United States, even as almost half of all Republican senators came out against the current plan on the grounds it would dangerously weaken the US Navy as it competes with China. Twenty-three Republican senators, including Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell, wrote to President Joe Biden on Thursday (Australian time) saying they did not support the proposal to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia unless the US doubled its own domestic production capacity.
>>19256945 NZ Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta slams door shut on AUKUS - A split has appeared in New Zealand's leadership over AUKUS, as the country's Foreign Minister ruled out joining the pact, only a day after Prime Minister Chris Hipkinsheld the door open to negotiations. Hours after fronting the media with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who said the door was "very much open" for NZ to engage with AUKUS "as a trusted partner," Nanaia Mahuta appeared to slam that door shut. "I'll be really clear, we're not contemplating joining AUKUS," Ms Mahuta told reporters.
>>19297296 Indigenous voice to parliament: Claims of 'no say' on AUKUS nuclear subs torpedoed by referendum adviser - A member of Anthony Albanese's referendum advisory group says the AUKUS nuclear submarine project has the potential to impact Indigenous communities, signalling she backs the voice to parliament advising government on the key pillar of Australia's defence policy. Artist Sally Scales said Aboriginal communities should be consulted on aspects of the nuclear subs deal, including where they will be docked. "I don't care about the nuts and the bolts of the submarines. But what do I care about? Where's that nuclear waste going to go for (those) submarines?" Ms Scales told an event at the Australian National University on Wednesday night. "If we're going to build new ports for these submarines, where are those ports going to be? How (are) those Aboriginal communities going to be consulted and worked with?"
>>19297859 Video: US nuclear submarine visits Western Australia as allies increase defence preparedness - A U.S. Navy nuclear submarine arrived in Western Australia on Friday as allies Canberra and Washington deepen defence ties and prepare to transfer nuclear submarine capability to Australia. The U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarine arrived at HMAS Stirling for a scheduled port visit as part of a patrol of the Indo-Pacific, officials said.
>>19297936 Video: US military shows off nuclear capable submarine in Western Australia - The United States military is flexing its nuclear fleet of submarines in Western Australia. The arrival of the USS North Carolina is the first visit since a landmark defence deal was signed earlier this year. Australia is buying eight of the nuclear-powered Virginia class submarines in a deal costing $368 billion. Australia's Ambassador to the US Kevin Rudd was on Garden Island touring the 110-metre vessel which can go three months underwater. WA will permanently house nuclear subs from next decade.
>>19308139 Labor faces growing grassroots party revolt over AUKUS pact - The Albanese government is facing a rank-and-file party revolt over the AUKUS defence pact, with about 40 local branches opposing it outright or calling for a review, and activists determined to have it debated at the party's national conference despite attempts to dampen dissent. Federal electorate councils covering the Labor seats of Sydney, held by Tanya Plibersek, Parramatta and Boothby, plus the seat of Mayo held by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, have also passed resolutions opposing the trilateral AUKUS defence pact to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
>>19333477 Australia, US urged to ramp up AUKUS as PM invited to White House - Australia and the United States are being urged to turbocharge the AUKUS pact by jointly producing long-range missiles and using Australia as a testing ground for hypersonic weapons as Anthony Albanese prepares to make his first prime ministerial visit to the US capital. Albanese will be feted at a rare state dinner in Washington, DC, in late October at the invitation of US President Joe Biden, just days before he has been tipped to make an as-yet-unconfirmed visit to Beijing. Republican congressman Mike Gallagher, considered a rising star of American politics, used a speech in Canberra on Thursday night to say the AUKUS pact had the potential to "bring this region from the brink of war" if the three member nations expanded their ambitions and put their nations on a preventative "war footing".

#19308139 at 2023-08-06 10:37:35 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #31: MAGIC SWORD - IN THE FACE OF EVIL Edition

>>19188991
>>19231918
Labor faces growing grassroots party revolt over AUKUS pact

TROY BRAMSTON - AUGUST 6, 2023

The Albanese government is facing a rank-and-file party revolt over the AUKUS defence pact, with about 40 local branches opposing it outright or calling for a review, and activists determined to have it debated at the party's national conference despite attempts to dampen dissent.

Federal electorate councils covering the Labor seats of Sydney, held by Tanya Plibersek, Parramatta and Boothby, plus the seat of Mayo held by independent MP Rebekha Sharkie, have also passed resolutions opposing the trilateral AUKUS defence pact to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.

The grassroots campaign is being organised by the internal party network Labor Against War, which is incensed that senior figures from the Left and Right factions are trying to muzzle debate to avoid embarrassment for the Albanese government at the national conference.

A recent Left faction meeting decided against raising AUKUS for debate at the national conference and union leaders have been warned not to speak out against the defence agreement, with ministers eager to find a compromise resolution that emphasises job creation and industry capacity building.

Marcus Strom, spokesman for LAW, said it would be "a travesty of democracy" if the "monstrous" AUKUS defence agreement was not discussed at the national conference next week, especially given rising opposition from party members and unionists.

"AUKUS and its values are clearly at odds with Labor values and risk dragging us into a US-led war with China," Mr Strom said. "This conference is just the start of the rank and file pushing back against AUKUS. We are working closely with affiliated unions that oppose the nuclear submarines."

Hamish McPherson, president of Labor's Benalla-Euroa Branch in Victoria, seconded a motion at the recent Victorian Labor Conference calling for a "rethink" on AUKUS that was referred to the National Policy Forum.

"There's widespread opposition to the AUKUS pact among rank-and-file party members," Mr McPherson told The Australian. "People know that signing up to nuclear-powered submarines and US war fighting capabilities based on Australian soil is unprecedented and dangerous.

"A lot of pressure is being applied to limit debate or opposition. Given that, if AUKUS is publicly debated on the floor of the conference it will be a real win for the rank and file and the wider movement against the pact."

A spokesman for the ACTU confirmed it has not changed its policy opposing a nuclear defence industry. While the Right-aligned AWU supports AUKUS, the ETU and AMWU are expected to express opposition at the conference. However, the West Australian and South Australian branches of the AMWU could support AUKUS given promises over jobs and industry.

There is a push to have a variation of the AMWU/ETU motion that was taken to party's National Policy Forum moved at the national conference, which ensures "Labor will not allow submarines to be nuclear-powered or nuclear enabled, nor permit their modification to enable future nuclear weapons to be installed."

This is unlikely.

The party's draft national platform says Labor's "self-reliant defence policy will be enhanced by strong bilateral and multilateral defence relationships, including AUKUS".

Ministers say they will not stifle debate at the conference from August 17-19 but are determined not to have the government embarrassed and do have the support to ensure AUKUS will be endorsed.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/labor-faces-growing-grassroots-party-revolt-over-aukus-pact/news-story/0b1b68c68b57d060a664ed3bc511b36d

#11404641 at 2020-11-02 08:28:03 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #10 - INFORMATION WARFARE Edition

Australia's federal ICAC to conduct phone taps, undercover surveillance but not public hearings

MPs or public servants suspected of corruption could have their phones tapped by a federal ICAC - but the public couldn't refer matters for investigation.

Politicians or public servants suspected of corruption could have their phones tapped, passports confiscated or face two years' jail if they fail to co-operate under the powers of a new federal ICAC.

Attorney-General Christian Porter unveiled draft laws for a Commonwealth Integrity Commission on Monday, saying it would have "greater powers than a royal commission".

MPs and Senators, political staffers, more than 150,000 public servants, and universities that receive Commonwealth funding would be able to be investigated.

Corruption watchdog officials would also be able to go undercover with false identities as part of their investigations.

But the proposed CIC would not be able to hold public hearings and members of the public cannot refer matters for investigation.

The CIC would also not report publicly on its findings, but would deliver evidence to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr Porter said Australians expected politicians and public servants to be "held to the highest standards of honesty and accountability" but also expected that "those who come under scrutiny are not denied procedural fairness and are not subjected to trial by allegation".

He said the proposed model learnt from "the significant mistakes" of state integrity bodies, but Labor's attorney-general spokesman Mark Dreyfus called it the "sort of integrity commission that you would have when you don't want to establish an integrity commission".

He criticised that the body could not hold public hearings and could not initiate its own investigations.

Crossbench senators will be crucial to whether the laws pass when they go before parliament, likely in mid to late 2021.

SA senator Rex Patrick said he would look at the bill but criticised that the CIC would likely not be established in this term of parliament.

Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie said the proposed model did not appear to cover all the suggestions from former judges but added: "I don't believe we can allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good."

"South Australia's ICAC doesn't have public hearings so I will look with interest at the feedback from stakeholders during the consultation period," she said.

Ms Sharkie also said referrals to the CIC needed to be broad.

Under the proposed model, politicians could self-refer matters for investigation or refer their staff, while the AFP, Commonwealth Ombudsman, or Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority could also refer suspected corruption.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Australian Federal Police, the Home Affairs department, and the Australian Taxation Office would be covered under a separate second branch of the CIC, which would replace the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.

The law enforcement side of the CIC could hold public hearings and take referrals from the public.

It would also be mandatory for heads of law enforcement agencies to refer any corruption issues for investigation.

https://www.themercury.com.au/news/south-australia/australias-federal-icac-to-conduct-phone-taps-undercover-surveillance-but-not-public-hearings/news-story/c1860e416983d18305ea8acc7e927b80

#7776256 at 2020-01-10 23:26:40 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 - YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG Edition

Kangaroo Island Mayor says Barack Obama 'wrong' on climate change bushfire connection

As almost half of Australia's third largest island burned, its Mayor used social media to criticise former US president Barack Obama for connecting what he called "the very real and very urgent consequences of climate change" with Australia's bushfires.

Kangaroo Island Mayor Michael Pengilly responded to a tweet by Barack Obama by saying climate change was not connected with the bushfire that has burnt almost half of the 4,400 square kilometre island.

"So, so foolish in your pronouncement. My respect for you has totally evaporated. Pathetic," Mr Pengilly said of the former president on Twitter.

Mr Obama had tweeted a New York magazine article criticising the lack of international media coverage of the blazes.

Twitter users called Mr Pengilly "puerile" and a "climate change denier".

"Should be thrown on the political rubbish heap," one user said.

"You are a fool to ignore science," another person wrote.

Others, though, supported him. Mark Bell said Mr Pengilly had "led from the front" in responding to the Kangaroo Island bushfires.

He said it was "very, very unlikely" Mr Pengilly would have trouble being re-elected.

"He is a man of the land, a CFS [fire] volunteer and has been doing an amazing job of leading the community," Mr Bell tweeted.

Mr Pengilly told ABC News that Mr Obama's tweet "wasn't helpful".

"I don't think he should have entered into it," he said.

"... I just think he's wrong."

He said climate change was "not connected" with the Kangaroo Island fires, since bushfires would have regularly ravaged the island even before European settlement.

"They would have just burned themselves out until they got rained on," he said.

Mayor told Parliament climate change was 'nonsense'

Mr Pengilly was a state Liberal MP from 2006 to 2018.

In 2011, he told Parliament climate change was "nonsense", adding he had "grave doubts about any climate change".

Last September, Mr Pengilly criticised students participating in a climate change protest.

"[The protest] won't gel with the vast majority of islanders and is a total green-left con job," Mr Pengilly told The Islander newspaper.

"I am disgusted with kids being used in such a manner."

He quit Parliament in 2018 and was elected Mayor of Kangaroo Island later that year.

He was chairman of the South Australian Country Fire Service board from 1995 to 2000.

Mayor 'wrong' to ignore evidence

Opposition environment spokeswoman Susan Close said Mr Pengilly was "wrong is to ignore scientific evidence and to dismiss it in a very brief tweet".

"The fact that he's using such trivialising language about an issue as comprehensively significant as climate change just demonstrates he should sit these debates out, concentrate on working with the community on the fires, and leave the people who understand the science to have proper discussions," Dr Close said.

"... The onus is on Michael Pengilly to explain why he thinks talking about climate change - when we're already at 1 degree Celsius of warming across the planet - is 'foolish' or 'pathetic'."

Federal Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie, whose electorate includes Kangaroo Island, said Mr Pengilly's comments were "a little disappointing".

"It's not surprising," she said.

Mr Pengilly dismissed the online criticism.

"They're trolls having a crack," he said.

"You're not allowed to have an opinion."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-10/kangaroo-island-mayor-rebukes-barack-obama-bushfire-tweet/11858654

https://twitter.com/PengillyMichael/status/1215452299880845317

#7387792 at 2019-11-28 06:34:28 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 - YEAR OF THE BOOMERANG Edition

>>7374387
Scott Morrison responds to Pamela Anderson's Julian Assange plea

Pamela Anderson's impassioned plea for Scott Morrison to personally intervene to secure the release of Julian Assange has fallen on deaf ears, with the Prime Minister insisting the WikiLeaks founder front a British court to justify his actions.

Mr Morrison wrote to the former Baywatch star explaining that the Australian government had to respect Britain's judicial process and was unable to intervene any further.

In a copy of the letter, obtained by The Australian, Mr Morrison said Foreign Minister Marise Payne had oversight of the consular assistance offered to Mr Assange and the 48-year-old would not receive any special treatment.

"The Australian government continues to monitor Mr Assange's case closely, as it would for any other Australian citizen in detention overseas.

"Beyond providing consular assistance, it is important to note that Australia has no standing and is unable to intervene in Mr Assange's legal proceedings.

"Mr Assange is entitled to due process, including representation in the legal proceedings he faces in the UK.

"The proper place for Mr Assange to raise concerns about the lawfulness of his actions, or his treatment under the law, is through those legal processes, which should be allowed to run their course."

Mr Assange remains in a top-security British jail as he fights a US bid to extradite him on espionage charges that could see him sentenced for up to 175 years in the US.

Mr Morrison's letter came as Anderson arrived in Brisbane on Monday night, ahead of filming on a television commercial.

The model and actress had been invited to give a speech at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday, calling for the Prime Minister to negotiate Mr Assange's safe return to Australia, but had to cancel the engagement because of a scheduling conflict.

It is understood Anderson had been invited to the nation's capital by South Australian cross-bench MP Rebekha Sharkie, and had also been scheduled to watch a session of question time and participate in a "Q&A" session with interested MPs and senators.

In a copy of her intended speech sighted by The Australian, Anderson was to claim Mr ­Assange was suffering "psychological torture" in jail.

"Every moment he is in there, he is in danger," she was to say.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/scott-morrison-responds-to-pamela-andersons-julian-assange-plea/news-story/ff122bb5d32842ee9fd630e188945e9d

#5456780 at 2019-03-02 02:06:31 (UTC+1)
Q Research AUSTRALIA #3 - March MADNESS Edition

MARCH MADNESS
HOW the bloody hell did Georgina Downer get to present a $127,373 cheque to a bowling club?! Money Laundering MUCH!!!

And we begin…

Call for investigation after Georgina Downer presents cheque to bowling club. MP Rebekha Sharkie sees red after Liberal rival for Mayo is photographed handing over a novelty cheque for a taxpayer-funded grant.

Labor has asked the auditor general to investigate how the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mayo, Georgina Downer, was allowed to present a taxpayer-funded grant to a bowling club.

Downer, who has been preselected to recontest the South Australian seat after losing a 2018 byelection, was photographed presenting a $127,373 novelty cheque - featuring her face and Liberal party logos - to the Yankalilla bowling club.

The funding was a grant to the club under the federal government's community sport infrastructure program. Protocol usually dictates that such funding is announced by the local MP.

Rebekha Sharkie, the Centre Alliance MP who beat Downer at the byelection, said on Twitter she had been notified about the grant recipients on Tuesday and had sought to let them know. "However, one was aware and had already organised their Friday night cheque presentation event.

She added: "In more than a decade of politics I've never seen a taxpayer funded grant delivered by cheque with a candidate's face and name on it."

MORE>>>
>https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/feb/24/call-for-investigation-after-georgina-downer-presents-cheque-to-bowling-club?CMP=share_btn_tw