[ / / / / / / / / / / / / / ] [ dir / random / cuteboys / desu / lewd / mde / s / tech / warroom / wx ]

/qresearch/ - Q Research

Research and discussion about Q's crumbs
Name
Email
Subject
Comment *
File
Password (Randomized for file and post deletion; you may also set your own.)
Archive
* = required field[▶ Show post options & limits]
Confused? See the FAQ.
Embed
(replaces files and can be used instead)
Voice recorder Show voice recorder

(the Stop button will be clickable 5 seconds after you press Record)
Options

Allowed file types:jpg, jpeg, gif, png, webp, webm, mp4, pdf
Max filesize is 16 MB.
Max image dimensions are 15000 x 15000.
You may upload 5 per post.


Welcome Page | Index | Archive | Poal Sub | Q Posts | Notables | Q Proofs
Q's Board: /projectdcomms/ | Legacy Boards: /CBTS/ /TheStorm/ /GreatAwakening/ | Politics News & Debate: /pnd/ | BO's Discord: The Den of Absolute Retards

File: 1182de15988816e⋯.jpg (179.47 KB, 1200x600, 2:1, OZ_Q_PAIN.jpg)

481c1a  No.14019901[Last 50 Posts]

Welcome To Q Research AUSTRALIA

In anticipation of FISA DECLAS and SPYGATE revelations, a new thread for research and discussion of Australia's role in The Great Awakening.

Previous threads

>>13741316 Q Research AUSTRALIA #16

mirrored @ qanon.news

Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 ——–—— https://qanon.news/Archives/x/13341710

Q Research AUSTRALIA #14 ——–—— https://qanon.news/archives/x/13164452

Q Research AUSTRALIA #13 ——–—— https://qanon.news/archives/x/12772779

Q Research AUSTRALIA #12 ——–—— https://qanon.news/Archives/x/12076528

Q Research AUSTRALIA #11 ——–—— https://qanon.news/Archives/x/11414771

Q Research AUSTRALIA #10 ——–—— https://qanon.news/Archives/x/10705197

Q Research AUSTRALIA #9 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/10099681

Q Research AUSTRALIA #8 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/9062489

Q Research AUSTRALIA #7 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/7994433

Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/7355098

Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/6576586

Q Research AUSTRALIA #4 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/5945347

Q Research AUSTRALIA #3 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/5443913

Q Research AUSTRALIA #2 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/4899520

Q Research AUSTRALIA #1 ——–——– https://qanon.news/archives/x/4520

Q's Posts made on Q Research AUSTRALIA threads

Wednesday 11.20.19

>>7358352 ————————————–——– These people are stupid.

>>7358338 ————————————–——– All assets [F + D] being deployed.

>>7358318 ————————————–——– What happens when the PUBLIC discovers the TRUTH [magnitude] re: [D] party corruption?

Tuesday 11.19.19

>>7357790 ————————————–——– FISA goes both ways.

Saturday 11.16.2019

>>7356270 ————————————–——– There is no escaping God.

>>7356265 ————————————–——– The Harvest [crop] has been prepared and soon will be delivered to the public for consumption.

Friday 11.15.2019

>>7356017 ————————————–——– "Whistle Blower Traps" [Mar 4 2018] 'Trap' keyword select provided…..

Thursday 03.28.2019

>>5945210 ————————————–——– Sometimes our 'sniffer' picks and pulls w/o applying credit file

>>5945074 ————————————–——– We LOVE you!

>>5944970 ————————————–——– USA v. LifeLog?

>>5944908 ————————————–——– It is an embarrassment to our Nation!

>>5944859 ————————————–——– 'Knowingly'

Q's Posts referencing Australia

https://qanon.pub/?q=AUS

https://qanon.pub/?q=australia

https://qanon.pub/?q=koala

https://qanon.pub/?q=HouseOfCards

https://qanon.pub/?q=boomerang

https://qanon.pub/?q=45HarisonHarold

https://qanon.pub/?q=RAT%20BAIT

https://qanon.pub/?q=VERY%20important

Q's Posts referencing Australian citizens

Malcolm Turnbull (X/AUS)

Former Prime Minister of Australia

https://qanon.pub/?q=X%2FAUS

https://qanon.pub/?q=call%20details

https://qanon.pub/?q=Threat%20to%20AUS

Alexander Downer

Former Australian Liberal Party politician and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

https://qanon.pub/?q=Downer

Cardinal George Pell

Australian Cardinal of the Catholic Church and former Prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy

https://qanon.pub/?q=Pell

https://qanon.pub/?q=cardinal-george-pell

https://qanon.pub/?q=pecking

Julian Assange

Australian activist, founder, editor and publisher of WikiLeaks

https://qanon.pub/?q=assange

https://qanon.pub/?q=JA

https://qanon.pub/?q=Under%20protection

https://qanon.pub/?q=WL

https://qanon.pub/?q=wikileaks

https://qanon.pub/?q=server

https://qanon.pub/?q=Seth

https://qanon.pub/?q=SR

Virginia Roberts Giuffre

American-Australian survivor of sex trafficking ring operated by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

https://qanon.pub/#4568

https://qanon.pub/#4728

https://qanon.pub/#1054

https://qanon.pub/?q=chandler

https://qanon.pub/?q=epstein

https://qanon.pub/?q=island

https://qanon.pub/#1001

https://qanon.pub/#1861

https://qanon.pub/#4578

https://qanon.pub/#3497

https://qanon.pub/#4727

https://qanon.pub/?q=wexner

https://qanon.pub/#4576

https://qanon.pub/#4577

https://qanon.pub/?q=maxwell

https://qanon.pub/#4569

https://qanon.pub/?q=spacey

https://qanon.pub/#4570

https://qanon.pub/?q=normalize

https://qanon.pub/?q=Prince%20Andrew

https://qanon.pub/#4579

https://qanon.pub/#4907

https://qanon.pub/#4911

https://qanon.pub/#4921

https://qanon.pub/?q=Dearest%20Virginia

Q's Posts referencing The Five Eyes intelligence alliance (FVEY)

An anglophone intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States

https://qanon.pub/?q=FVEY

https://qanon.pub/?q=Five%20Eyes

https://qanon.pub/?q=Interesting%2C

https://qanon.pub/?q=RAT%20BAIT

"Does AUS stand w/ the US or only select divisions within the US?"

Q

Nov 25 2018

https://qanon.pub/#2501

____________________________
Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019907

Notables

are not endorsements

#16 - Part 1

Australian Politics and Society - Part 1

>>13741392 Australian intelligence suspect 500 incidents of foreign meddling in Australian politics, society

>>13741393 Threat of major cyber attack on critical infrastructure real, Home Affairs Department secretary Mike Pezzullo warns

>>13741399 Senate President Scott Ryan tells estimates hearing that Parliament was hit by brute force 'attack' in March 2021

>>13741464 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: Holding Down the Fort - Do you know where the U.S. embassy is located in Australia? U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, perform embassy reinforcement drills with Marines role playing as notional potential enemy combatants at Kangaroo Flats Training Area, NT, Australia

>>13748743 Australian Embassy in Kabul packs up as troops prepare to leave

>>13748794 Right-wing terror threat still on the rise, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess tells Senate estimates hearing

>>13748898 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force - Darwin provided a color guard to carry the national colors and Marine Corps colors for the Battle of The Coral Sea Commemorative Service in Darwin, NT, Australia

>>13756589 US eyes Top End military build-up to combat China threat - US wants to store munitions and defence equipment in Australia’s Top End

>>13764310 Video: ADF ‘crucial’ as criminal groups seek to ‘exploit’ confidential health information - Sky News Australia

>>13773516 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet - Honoured to meet with Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP at Parliament House earlier today.

>>13780408 U.S. says looking at Quad meeting in fall focused on infrastructure

>>13780479 Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews Tweet: #ransomware is a significant cyber threat to Australia and was a key topic of discussion in my recent meeting with US AG Merrick Garland.

>>13780479 U.S. Department of Justice - Readout of Attorney General Merrick B. Garland’s Call with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews, May 28, 2021

>>13788675 Before Dan Andrews slipped and suffered serious injury, he was one Australia's most prominent politicians. But he's only been seen TWICE since… and it's fuelling sinister conspiracies about what REALLY happened

>>13797905 Caroline Kennedy in running for Ambassador to Australia: reports

>>13798146 Australian spies using cutting-edge technology to foil the next terror attack with the nation on alert amid a rise in radicalisation

>>13798261 Video: 'Act of stupidity and extremely disrespectful': Five charged after Sydney WWI Cenotaph vandalised

>>13798266 Video: Men arrested after disrespecting Martin Place Cenotaph - 9 News Australia

>>13798383 US Embassy Canberra Tweet: Today is Memorial Day in the United States. We express our deepest gratitude for the courageous Americans who have given their lives in military service.

>>13798383 U.S. Department of Defense Tweet: Today we commemorate Memorial Day and honor the sacrifices of all those who ensured the freedom we enjoy today. We will never forget. #HonorThem

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019908

#16 - Part 2

Australian Politics and Society - Part 2

>>13805301 Department of Defence Tweet Australia's largest warfighting exercise, #TalismanSabre, is back! International forces will arrive gradually, ahead of the exercise commencing on 14 July 2021

>>13805305 TalismanSabre Tweet: We are back! International forces participating in #TalismanSabre will arrive into Australia throughout June and July for mandatory quarantine, ahead of the exercise!

>>13805305 TalismanSabre Tweet: #TalismanSabre is critical in maintaining #YourADF’s preparedness and combat readiness however due to #COVID19, #TS21 will look a bit different from previous years.

>>13805309 Department of Defence Press Release: International forces to arrive ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre

>>13805319 Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 - The largest bilateral combined training activity between the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and United States (US) military

>>13805319 Talisman Sabre -MAGIC SWORD- https://qanon.pub/?q=Operation%20Specialists - https://qanon.pub/?q=magic

>>13812169 Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden likely to meet at G7-plus next week

>>13819311 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Honoured and delighted to catch up with Prime Minister @ScottMorrisonMP at Australian Minerals Industry Parliamentary Dinner

>>13819343 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: U.S. Marines, Sailors, Australian Defence Force, the U.S Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance and Australia's Department of Foriegn Affairs and Trade conducted Exercise Crocodile Response 2021, demonstrating our shared ability to provide disaster relief to nations in the Indo-Pacific region.

>>13833109 Washington Post Live - The Path Forward: Global Education with Julia Gillard, Former Australian Prime Minister & Board Chair, Global Partnership for Education

>>13833109 Q Post # 2401 - How many articles has the WASH POST released attacking the 'Q' movement? - https://qanon.pub/?q=washingtonpost - https://qanon.pub/?q=wapo

>>13833433 Video: Unprecedented co-operation between Australian and US law enforcement brings down Sydney drug lord, Zhen Tao Qi

>>13833648 U.S. Navy to christen USS Canberra littoral combat ship on Saturday, 5 June 2021

>>13833655 U.S. Department of Defense Press Release - Navy to Christen Littoral Combat Ship Canberra

>>13833661 Video: Austal USA - USS Canberra (LCS 30) Launch - Austal USA

>>13841161 Myanmar’s ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her Australian economic policy adviser Sean Turnell will both face Supreme Court without legal representation

>>13845713 Video: Police in Victoria ‘crossed a very dangerous and scary line’ - Rowan Dean, Sky News Australia

>>13848153 Qantas infiltrated by organised criminals, says intelligence report

>>13848187 US Navy christens only warship named for a foreign capital - new littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30)

>>13848191 USS Canberra a shiny new symbol of US-Australia relations

>>13848196 Video: Austal USA hosts christening ceremony for the future USS Canberra - fox10tv.com

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019910

#16 - Part 3

Australian Politics and Society - Part 3

>>13855012 Video: Organised crime dealt ‘heavy blow’, says PM, after global police sting cracks open ‘encrypted’ app, AN0M

>>13855034 Video: Operation Ironside: AFP, FBI take down mafia, bikie members in ‘sting of the century’

>>13855171 Operation Ironside Part 1: How Australian Federal Police and the FBI busted organised criminals on AN0M app

>>13855187 Operation Ironside Part 2: 96 seconds that saw the Australian criminal underworld implode under Operation Ironside

>>13855206 Operation Ironside Part 3: Criminal ‘influencers’ who took the AFP and FBI bait by using the AN0M app

>>13855451 Japanese troops join US, Aust forces in Darwin for military exercises

>>13855659 Video: Operation Ironside: Inside the operation that busted the Anom criminal network wide open - Terry Goldsworthy

>>13862138 FBI, Europol, AFP react to global take down of mafia, bikie members in ‘sting of the century’

>>13869260 Scott Morrison set to go to Washington later this year for Quad talks with US, India & Japan

>>13869348 Push for Hezbollah terrorism listing gains boost from ASIO

>>13877053 Scott Morrison eyes September trip to US to mark ANZUS anniversary

>>13877062 Queen to make rare appearance at G7 summit before meeting with Scott Morrison

>>13877073 Video: Australia welcomes more US troops at naval bases - 9 News Australia

>>13877087 Video: Push to boost number of US marines in the Top End - Sky News Australia

>>13877358 Home Affairs boss Mike Pezzullo wants to tackle cybercrime like the British Navy fought pirates

>>13877365 ‘This is what bad looks like’: Major company ignored Australia’s cyber spy agency after hack - Australian Signals Directorate director-general Rachel Noble

>>13889054 Video: Scott Morrison holds historic meeting with US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7 summit

>>13890952 High Commissioner to the UK George Brandis Tweet: Today, the Prime Minister visited St Illogan Cemetery to lay a wreath for the 8 Australians remembered there. You can learn their stories here - http://bit. ly/3gffqPm

>>13901857 Video: arrested - Latest chapter in the Friendly Jordies (Jordan Shanks) vs. John 'Bruz' Barilaro legal battle - friendlyjordies

>>13907688 Scott Morrison raises the alarm about escalating cyber attacks with British intelligence chiefs

>>13907733 ‘A new dawn’: Australia and Britain agree on historic trade deal

>>13907765 New federal laws introduced to protect people from extreme online abuse, trolls

>>13907815 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Great to exchange candid views with Defence Minister @PeterDutton_MP on how to further strengthen (Japan and Australia) defence cooperation.

>>13915005 Scott Morrison, Boris Johnson agree in-principle to free trade deal

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019912

#16 - Part 4

Australian Politics and Society - Part 4

>>13915354 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: #MATESHIP

>>13915354 Video: 9 News Darwin - The unshakable mateship between we Aussies and the Americans stretches back more than a century. And today there's no better place to illustrate this great military alliance turned love affair than Darwin.

>>13915358 U.S. Marines, Australians, Japanese kick off trilateral Exercise Southern Jackaroo

>>13915359 TalismanSabre Tweet: #YourADF is gearing up for #TalismanSabre by honing the skills of Australia’s amphibious force on Exercise Sea Explorer! The tiered training program coordinates the insertion of sailors, soldiers and vehicles by air and sea.

>>13915363 Exercise explores all options: Exercise Sea Explorer - Captain Dan Mazurek - defence.gov.au

>>13915368 Video: Capturing the beachhead - Exercise Sea Explorer - Department of Defence Australia

>>13922273 ‘Hate speech’: More right-wing extremist groups could be declared terrorist organisations after Labor and Liberal MPs unanimously back listing of neo-Nazi group Sonnenkrieg Division

>>13922430 Former Australian spy 'Witness K' pleads guilty to conspiring to reveal classified information

>>13922539 Arthur Sinodinos leads US tribute to wartime air crew - Bakers Creek Memorial Observance - 40 American soldiers killed on June 14, 1943 after plane crash 8km south of Mackay, Queensland

>>13922542 Mackay community holds ceremony to mark 78th anniversary of wartime Bakers Creek crash

>>13922572 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: “Enter Exercise Southern Jackaroo”

>>13922572 Video: 9 News Darwin - Almost 800 Aussie diggers, U-S Marines and Japanese self-defence experts will join together over the next fortnight for some serious Top End training.

>>13929660 Witness K speaks for first time in open court as he pleads guilty to breaching secrecy laws

>>13929767 United States Consulate General in Melbourne Tweet: We’re flying the BLM flag today in celebration of Juneteenth, in recognition of the continuing struggle for equity, and with the genuine determination to make things right. - CG Mike Kleine #Juneteenth2021

>>13933956 The Gympie, Queensland, Australia pyramid.

>>13934173 Gladys Berejiklian dating high-profile lawyer Arthur Moses

>>13936589 Witness K: Australian spy avoids jail in East Timor espionage scandal

>>13936670 Video: NSW Joint Counter Terrorism Team arrests Sydney man who allegedly supports the Islamic State terrorist organisation

>>13949332 PM Scott Morrison in cyber defence push with Britain’s MI6

>>13956029 ‘The game is back on’: How does spying work in Australia? What do our spies do, and who are their bosses?

>>13962479 U.S. Marines Tweet: Today, @MrfDarwin #Marines, Australian Defence Force @DeptDefence soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force @Japan_GSDF soldiers began Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021 in Australia. This exercise increases the capacity to mutually support one another during combined operations.

>>13962495 U.S. Department of Defense Tweet: Back together with the mates. @MrfDarwin Marines arrive at Nhulunbuy, Australia to kick off exercise Darrandarra to increase interoperability with @DeptDefence and train/reinforce embassies to respond to crises & contingencies in the Indo-Pacific region.

>>13963472 Alleged Asian drug syndicate kingpin Tse Chi Lop fighting extradition from Netherlands to Australia

>>13979955 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: From June 11-24, U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, participated in Exercise Southern Jackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia. The Marines teamed up with the Australian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

>>14003717 Expand terror status to include all of Hezbollah: Senator James Paterson

>>14003895 Bob Hawke acted as an “informer” to the US government while boss of the Australian trade union movement and president of the ALP, a new study of declassified diplomatic cables claims

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019913

#16 - Part 5

Australian and Regional Resignations

>>13949437 Sony Music Australia CEO and chairman Denis Handlin departs company abruptly amid investigation into workplace culture, allegations of bullying and harassment

#16 - Part 6

Malka Leifer Extradition and Prosecution

>>13773137 Malka Leifer’s lawyers want medical records of one of her accusers

>>13773142 Former Israeli Health Minister Ya’acov Litzman to be prosecuted for intervention in Malka Leifer extradition

#16 - Part 7

Australian Government Sexual Assault Allegations

>>13748811 19 alleged incidents of misconduct involving federal MPs, staff reported to Australian Federal Police - 12 identified as “sensitive investigations”

>>13826855 Ex-Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins admitted to hospital over mental health concerns

>>13949411 ACT Director of Public Prosecutions Shane Drumgold to consider police brief on Brittany Higgins case

#16 - Part 8

George Papadopoulos Tweets, Alexander Downer and SPYGATE Revelations

>>13773218 Debstar @DbBourke Tweet: Treasonous @AlexanderDowner is now famous for all the wrong reasons. Bring on #Nuremberg2 trials for #CrimesAgainstHumanity

>>13773218 Alexander Downer Tweet: Replying to @DbBourke - Two possibilities here. One, I’m a secret lefty trying to destroy the Democratic world or two Papa is a wing nut!

>>13890929 George Papadopoulos Tweet: US spy boss James Robert Clapper Jr makes secretive visit to Australia - ABC News (Keep this story in mind. Will make sense shortly)

>>13890929 (2016) US spy boss James Robert Clapper Jr makes secretive visit to Australia

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019915

#16 - Part 9

Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry and Ben Roberts-Smith Defamation Trial - Part 1

>>13748711 Ben Roberts-Smith wiped laptop days after being told to retain documents, court told

>>13748743 Australian Embassy in Kabul packs up as troops prepare to leave

>>13805129 Ben Roberts-Smith’s old comrade ordered to hand documents to media

>>13812141 War crimes investigators to monitor Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial

>>13812152 National security concerns likely to keep Ben Roberts-Smith trial offline

>>13819262 Ben Roberts-Smith's lawyers say ex-wife leaked photos of soldiers drinking from prosthetic leg

>>13819270 Ben Roberts-Smith ‘extremely paranoid and obsessive’ over inquiry, courts hears

>>13826910 Peter Dutton's war crimes meddling risks truth telling: researcher Dr Samantha Crompvoets

>>13826954 Ben Roberts-Smith launches proceedings against ex-wife on eve of trial

>>13848125 ‘Corrosive jealousy and lies’ behind Ben Roberts-Smith war crime claims, court told

>>13848138 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial told soldiers drank beer from dead Afghan man's prosthetic leg

>>13855419 Court told Ben Roberts-Smith to seek huge payout after reputation ‘smashed and destroyed’

>>13855472 Afghan translators for Australian diggers now targets of Taliban threats

>>13862445 Ben Roberts-Smith's case against ex-wife complicated after judge raises 'relationship' with lawyer, Monica Allen

>>13869304 Ben Roberts-Smith’s claims ‘inherently implausible’ media’s barrister tells court

>>13869327 Ben Roberts-Smith: veteran launches attack on ex-colleagues

>>13877222 Ben Roberts-Smith tells defamation trial he did not kick handcuffed man off cliff

>>13884615 Australia owes Afghani interpreters for their combat bravery - former SAS team commander Harry Moffitt

>>13884625 Video: Scott Morrison gives strongest indication yet that Afghan interpreters will be offered protection

>>13907636 Ben Roberts-Smith tells defamation trial he's disgusted by domestic violence claims

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019917

#16 - Part 10

Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry and Ben Roberts-Smith Defamation Trial - Part 2

>>13907649 Roberts-Smith hired investigator to check woman was having an abortion

>>13915189 Ben Roberts-Smith used pre-paid phones due to phone hacking fears, defamation trial hears

>>13922371 Ben Roberts-Smith tells defamation trial soldiers were allowed to use 'whatever force was necessary'

>>13929610 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case: Elite soldiers ‘covered up’ cliff execution, court told

>>13929643 PDF: MP Andrew Hastie set to testify on allegedly ‘blooded’ rookie soldier in Ben Roberts-Smith case

>>13936569 Video: Media’s barrister circles Ben Roberts-Smith, campaign by campaign

>>13949295 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial resumes after war veteran tests negative for COVID

>>13955973 Ben Roberts-Smith denies murdering Afghan prisoner and watching execution of elderly man, court hears

>>13979274 Ben Roberts-Smith in fiery exchange with Channel 9 lawyer - calling accusations he cheated on bravery medal to cover up killing teenager “disgusting”

>>13979328 Ben-Roberts Smith punched woman in face in Canberra hotel room, court told - ‘The whole story is a fabrication,’ soldier says

>>13979455 Afghan translators who helped military flown to Australia on protection visas

>>13984690 There are two versions of the facts at Ben Roberts-Smith's defamation trial. Neither is kind to the SAS

>>14003827 Former defence minister Brendan Nelson backs ‘revered’ Ben Roberts-Smith

>>14003854 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial headed for adjournment due to COVID lockdown

>>14012226 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial halted for a month because of Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019918

#16 - Part 11

Julian Assange Indictment and Extradition

>>13883003 PDF: Julian Assange case: UK lawmakers ask Biden to drop charges against WikiLeaks founder

>>13907606 ‘Slow motion murder’ in family’s desperate race to free Julian Assange

>>13922224 Julian Assange’s family speaks out on Tucker: He committed ‘no specific crime at all’

>>13943323 Incarceration ‘grotesque’: Assange partner Stella Moris

>>13984451 Assange's fiancée urges Biden to free WikiLeaks founder to show U.S. has changed

>>13995522 Julian Assange plans to marry partner Stella Moris in prison

>>14003656 Sigurdur Ingi Thordarson - Major witness in United States’ Department of Justice case against Julian Assange admits to fabricating key accusations in the indictment against Wikileaks founder

#16 - Part 12

Cardinal George Pell and Vatican Financial Scandal Allegations

>>13779858 Australia’s Holy See ambassador Chiara Porro under fire for saying she wants to change ‘narrative’ away from George Pell

>>13826883 Australian media companies fined a combined $1.1m for contempt of court breaches in Cardinal Pell conviction reports

>>13855510 Cardinal Pell Represents the Life of the Church in Our Age: Father Raymond J. de Souza

>>13862203 Cardinal Pell: in prison I forgave my accusers, faith kept me alive

>>13862252 CARDINAL PELL’S LEGACY: Raymond J. de Souza

>>13869104 EXCLUSIVE: Cardinal Pell calls for better fiscal accountability at the Vatican

>>13922290 Cardinal Pell at 80 - George Weigel, Distinguished Senior Fellow of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019919

#16 - Part 13

Australia / China Tensions - Part 1

>>13741432 United States Consulate General in Melbourne Tweet: Thanks to the Uyghur Association of Victoria for hosting us over the weekend. We’re proud to stand by our Uyghur friends and speak out for those arbitrarily detained in Xinxiang Province. - CG Mike Kleine

>>13748272 Latest research by ‘bat woman’ shows novel coronavirus closer to pangolins, 'unlikely from Wuhan lab' - Leng Shumei - globaltimes.cn

>>13748489 Mike Pompeo Tweet: The CCP was actively engaged in viral research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Every piece of evidence points to a leak from this laboratory. The CCP has done everything to cover up and deflect blame, even blaming the U.S. Prove it. They must be held accountable.

>>13748562 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 24, 2021

>>13748782 ‘A matter of time’: New Zealand’s foreign minister Nanaia Mahuta warns China ‘storm’ could be coming

>>13748789 Video: Jacinda Ardern says differences with China becoming 'harder to reconcile' - Guardian News

>>13756731 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 25, 2021

>>13756806 Backstage manipulators: Western press’ guide to creating anti-China rumors on hot issues, or out of nothing - Bai Yunyi - globaltimes.cn

>>13757012 Carping about Port of Darwin sends anti-investment message: Landbridge CEO Mike Hughes

>>13764382 Sarah Zheng Tweet: police check the credentials of the Australian ambassador to China Graham Fletcher before he seeks to enter the Beijing court where Chinese Australian writer Yang Hengjun will be tried in closed court today

>>13764382 Sarah Zheng Tweet: Video: Fletcher denied access to the trial, told it’s because of Covid-19 but the foreign ministry earlier told them it’s because the case involves national security. He says this is “deeply regrettable and concerning and unsatisfactory.”

>>13764410 Lijian Zhao Tweet: Video: The smear campaign against #Xinjiang is based on nothing but lies. (Australian Strategic Policy Institute)

>>13764416 Video: The Chinese Forced Labor Lie Collapses - Redacted Tonight / Lee Camp

>>13764427 Alleged Chinese agent of foreign interference Huifeng 'Haha' Liu wins reprieve in court fight to stay in Australia

>>13773025 Eight reasons I think Covid escaped from the lab - Peter Jennings, Australian Strategic Policy Institute

>>13773035 Has NZ chosen China trade over mateship with us? - Mark Watson, Bondi Partners

>>13773053 Closed-door trial of Yang Jun’s espionage case ‘a common practice,’ Canberra urged not to interfere: FM - Xu Keyue - globaltimes.cn

>>13773056 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 27, 2021

>>13773154 American support for Australia is a mirage - Bruce Haigh - globaltimes.cn

>>13773196 Colonel Tan Kefei, spokesman for China’s Ministry of National Defence says Australia’s Taiwan comments ‘provocative’

>>13773196 China slams Australia for its provocative actions on Taiwan-related issues - Wang Xinjuan - eng.chinamil.com.cn

>>13773348 Former Australian PM Kevin Rudd Speaks at China Trade Forum - Daniel Y. Teng - theepochtimes.com

>>13773357 RCEP Regional Development Media Think Tank Forum was held in Haikou - China Daily - cn.chinadaily.com.cn

>>13779799 Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison to build bridges over China

>>13780035 Don't take on China alone, says ex-Australia PM Kevin Rudd

>>13780350 Foreign Minister Marise Payne labels Dr Yang Hengjun’s trial a case of arbitrary detention

>>13790460 NZ to back Australia in WTO China tariff dispute

>>13793285 Taiwan wants FTA with Australia amid rising tensions with Beijing: Edward Tao, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Brisbane

>>13793334 Australian Yang Hengjun proclaims his innocence after Chinese espionage trial

>>13797457 GT Voice: NZ doesn’t need a lesson in China trade from Australia - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019922

#16 - Part 14

Australia / China Tensions - Part 2

>>13797481 Has Kevin Rudd betrayed China-Australia relations?: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>13797769 China trying to drive a wedge between Australia and NZ, Scott Morrison says

>>13797794 Jacinda Ardern stresses New Zealand, Australia are in lockstep on China

>>13797852 Australia, New Zealand Call On China to Let UN Visit Xinjiang

>>13804841 China blasts Scott Morrison, Jacinda Ardern over ‘irresponsible remarks’

>>13804843 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on May 31, 2021

>>13804852 Wellington continues its pragmatic policy despite Canberra pressure - Ning Tuanhui - globaltimes.cn

>>13804899 ‘No concrete proof’ of espionage: Malaysia on verge of Huawei 5G deal

>>13805144 Chinese diplomat Wang Xining says he has no information on the secretive trial of Australian writer Yang Hengjun

>>13807098 China's population crisis, interview with Wang Xining, and the stand-up comedy scene | China Tonight - ABC News In-depth

>>13827244 Geoff Wade Tweet: Former PM Kevin Rudd speaks via video at General Assembly of Beijing's 2021 International Finance Forum Spring Meetings in late May (see 6:44 to 17.30)

>>13827244 INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL FORUM 2021 SPRING MEETINGS - BEIJING, CHINA - 2021.05.29-30 - SPEAKERS: Kevin Rudd, Jacob Rothschild - https://qanon.pub/?q=Rothschild - https://qanon.pub/?q=ROTHS

>>13848320 New Zealand Supreme Court Clears Way for Murder Suspect’s Extradition to China

>>13862167 Beijing’s Pressure Drives Alliance Push by Australia at G-7

>>13869043 Japan and Australia affirm importance of peace across Taiwan Strait

>>13869046 Japan, Australia raise concerns about reported abuses in China

>>13869047 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 9, 2021

>>13869159 ‘Not complicated’: Dutton says China will never share deep military ties with Australia

>>13869222 West Australian Premier Mark McGowan canes PM’s ‘mad’ rhetoric on China

>>13881984 Warning of Beijing ‘grey zone’ threat in Australian waters

>>13882053 CSIRO terminates ocean research collaboration with China’s top marine science institute following ASIO warning

>>13884673 Wolves in the weeds as Beijing’s harsh diplomacy backfires

>>13884812 China accuses Australia of ‘abuse’, says world trade rules designed to protect western interests

>>13884815 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on June 10, 2021

>>13898754 G7 Summit: Allies rally to Scott Morrison’s call on China

>>13899550 ‘The Last G7’: Satirical cartoon mocking bloc’s attempt to suppress China goes viral - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>13907700 Political boycott of scientific cooperation set to further harm Australia - Yu Lei - globaltimes.cn

>>13915015 Elite universities submit 4000 foreign deals for Marise Payne to scrutinise and possibly cancel

>>13915145 Emmanuel Macron tells Scott Morrison ‘we’re by your side’ on China

>>13915148 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 15, 2021

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019925

#16 - Part 15

Australia / China Tensions - Part 3

>>13915160 Video: Former UK High Commissioner Alexander Downer: China 'incredibly aggressive' towards Australia - Sky News Australia

>>13922338 Video: PM Morrison says Australia ‘working hard’ to avoid war with China

>>13922510 ‘Utter nonsense’: CSIRO blasted for dropping Chinese climate partner

>>13922524 Beijing backs Mark McGowan’s ‘constructive’ criticism of Scott Morrison

>>13922524 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on June 16, 2021

>>13929830 Video: The China files: how Morrison persuaded Europe to talk tough

>>13936688 Federal government takes China to WTO over wine tariffs

>>13942023 Morrison’s China list left leaders shocked and appalled

>>13955828 China-led UNESCO ‘ambush’ on health of the Great Barrier Reef - World Heritage Committee concerned reef protection has been insufficient

>>13955847 Fifteen Coalition MPs demand Josh Frydenberg impose tougher controls on the half-Chinese owned Port of Newcastle

>>13955899 Video: 9 News Facebook Post - Australian navy ships are preparing to send a message to Beijing by sailing through the South China Sea

>>13963401 China warning: Joyce calls on MPs to prepare for end of Pax Americana

>>13963447 WA government appointed two pro-Beijing community leaders to new paid advisory council before Premier Mark McGowan escalated his criticism of the Morrison government’s handling of the China relationship

>>13963499 Chinese less favorable to Australia amid strained ties: GT poll - Chen Qingqing, Zhao Yusha, Xie Jun and Xu Keyue - globaltimes.cn

>>13979916 Japan will stand by Australia on complex issues in Asia Pacific: Japanese Ambassador Shingo Yamagami

>>13979937 Committee for Economic Development of Australia Tweet: Video - "When push comes to shove, you will know who is your real friend, and this is the kind of moment Australia needs real friends - and Japan is hereby standing with Australia." - Japan's Ambassador to Australia, @YamagamiShingo, on tensions with China. #SoN2021

>>13984301 Greg Hunt orders review into risky Wuhan research - CSIRO and several Australian universities engaged in at least 10 joint projects with Wuhan Institute of Virology in the past decade

>>14003916 ‘You can count on us’: WA consul general spruiks Japanese relationship as China tensions grow

>>14004059 Perth’s billion-dollar train deal linked to exploited Uighur workers in China

>>14012249 Calls rise for Australia to rethink hostile approach to China as losses mount - Chu Daye and Xiong Xinyi - globaltimes.cn

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019927

#16 - Part 16

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Australia and Worldwide - Part 1

>>13748583 Masks, social restrictions return to Australia’s Melbourne after fresh outbreak - May 25, 2021

>>13762807 Victoria to enter seven-day lockdown as COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne grows

>>13764021 Video: Victoria plunged into seven-day lockdown from midnight - Sky News Australia

>>13764361 Coronavirus lab leak theory not ruled out by Australian officials

>>13764363 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on May 26, 2021

>>13764374 China’s trial of Yang Hengjun begins with Australia’s ambassador denied access

>>13773095 Video: 'There is no immune cloak for a nation': Health Minister Greg Hunt urges vaccine uptake - Sky News Australia

>>13779177 Anthony Fauci backed virus experiments ‘despite pandemic risk’ - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au

>>13779414 Enough of Fauci’s lies!: Miranda Devine

>>13805067 Australian newspaper NT News praised for Covid-19 vaccine front page - 'JUST GET THE DAMN JAB'

>>13811944 How it ends for the anti-vaxxers - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>13814754 Bombshell emails over what Anthony Fauci knew - informed as early as February 2020 that Covid-19 exhibited unusual viral characteristics potentially engineered in lab

>>13827031 Army chief Lieutenant General John Frewen selected to push national COVID-19 vaccine rollout - 7NEWS Australia

>>13832164 US paid Chinese People’s Liberation Army to engineer coronaviruses - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au

>>13833540 Scott Morrison appoints Lieutenant-General John Frewen to lead powerful new national Covid-19 vaccination taskforce under “Operation Sovereign Borders” model

>>13869394 Covid-19: when governments started lying to us - Adam Creighton - theaustralian.com.au

>>13884837 Scott Morrison makes G7 pledge that Australia will provide coronavirus jabs to SE Asia and Pacific region

>>13890900 Dan Andrews Tweet: If you can, you must. Let's beat this, Victoria.

>>13890902 Andrews government secretly negotiating permanent pandemic laws to replace state of emergency

>>13890958 G7 leaders discuss Wuhan lab leak theory and back new investigation

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019928

#16 - Part 17

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Australia and Worldwide - Part 2

>>13890985 Chinese Consulate General in Sydney Tweet: Proponents of the theory that the virus which causes #COVID_19 was created in and escaped from #China's Wuhan Institute of Virology imply that new evidence has emerged to support it, but in fact none has: Australian Citizens Party.

>>13890985 Still no evidence for COVID-19 leak from Wuhan lab: media - xinhuanet.com

>>13890985 Still no evidence for COVID ‘lab leak’ theory - Richard Bardon, Australian Alert Service - citizensparty.org.au

>>13895726 Video: WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Footage proves bats were kept in Wuhan lab - Sky News Australia -

>>13898710 Video: Wuhan live bat video contradicts WHO investigation - Sharri Markson - theaustralian.com.au

>>13907925 Wuhan bat video shows much of pandemic origin information was ‘Chinese disinformation’ - Sky News Australia / Fox News / Tucker Carlson

>>13914986 Victoria continued to use Uighur labour firm to avoid delays on $2.4b rail project

>>13929552 Video: Bombshell Evidence: Live Bats in Wuhan Lab & “Intense Clashes” Between China & France - Inconvenient Truths by Jennifer Zeng

>>13929580 Video: (Google Translation) Record the construction and research team of Wuhan P4 laboratory of Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences - zmkxj.cas.cn

>>13929743 Coronavirus: WA, Qld Covid check-in data accessible to foreign authorities

>>13949295 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial resumes after war veteran tests negative for COVID

>>13984301 Greg Hunt orders review into risky Wuhan research - CSIRO and several Australian universities engaged in at least 10 joint projects with Wuhan Institute of Virology in the past decade

>>13998806 China’s terrifying virus warning - Warnings of the ‘threat to mankind’ came in Beijing’s declaration to a UN meeting under the Biological Weapons Convention

>>14003854 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial headed for adjournment due to COVID lockdown

>>14003983 Australian scientist Danielle Anderson - the sole foreign researcher at the Wuhan lab speaks out

>>14004038 Australia's COVID-19 response team holds urgent meeting amid outbreak

>>14006907 PDF: Australian researcher’s stunning Covid origin find - "coronavirus appears to be best adapted to attack human cells" - Professor Nikolai Petrovsky

>>14008034 9 News National Vaccine Rollout coverage: Total Doses Administered: 7,364,666

>>14012112 Chinese Consulate General in Sydney Tweet: Video: The accusation of "Wuhan laboratory leaking the novel coronavirus" has no factual basis. “I do not believe the virus was manmade.” said #Australia's Dr. Danielle Anderson, the #Wuhan Institute of Virology's last foreign scientist, about the Institute.

>>14012285 ‘We’ll take it’: Countries line up to take CSL’s Australian-made AstraZeneca vaccine

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019931

#16 - Part 18

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

>>13756942 PDF: Ghislaine Maxwell seeks to dismiss new indictment, cites prosecutors' overreach

>>13764341 PDF: Alan Dershowitz Suing Netflix Over Jeffrey Epstein Series - law professor takes issue with how 'Filthy Rich' presented rape accusation against him

>>13819175 Ghislaine Maxwell denied bail for fifth time in one-page order issued by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals

>>13832974 PDF: Maxwell Request for Sex-Abuse Accuser’s Teenage Diary Denied

>>13877238 Video: Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell | Official Trailer - Peacock / NBCUniversal

>>13915233 Revealed: Epstein and Maxwell implicated in multiple UK abuse claims over a decade - Channel 4 News investigation

>>13915238 Video: Revealed: Epstein and Maxwell implicated in multiple claims of abuse in UK over a decade - Channel 4 News

>>13922477 PDF: Ghislaine Maxwell objects to raw sewage, nosy guards in NY jail

>>13922496 Video: Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre testifies against modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel - nbcnews.com

>>13929696 Virginia Roberts Giuffre Tweet: Scotland Yard to review UK Ghislaine Maxwell trafficking claims. There’s no running now Maxwell, your wanted in 2 Countries for your crimes against children.Keep her locked up & your children safe.

>>13929696 Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre testifies against modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. Stand with me once again my warrior friends! Only United can we win! If not for yourself then for the voiceless & the future of our children. #TimesUp #Help

>>13929696 Jean- Luc Brunel victims resource for speaking out about his abuse, which spans decades. The time is NOW to speak out. Only together can we make this world a better place.

>>13929696 Police nationale Tweet: [#SeekingInformation] The French national police are seeking French/international witnesses with regards to the Epstein investigation.

>>13986807 Video: How Ghislaine Maxwell went from high society to being accused of sex trafficking - After a family tragedy turned her world upside down, she met Jeffrey Epstein

>>13995576 PDF: Ghislaine Maxwell loses bid to ban two 2016 civil depositions from trial

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019933

#16 - Part 19

Child Exploitation, Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Investigations - Part 1

>>13748832 Father Anthony William Peter Caruana - Catholic priest charged with indecent assault wanted to change ‘feeling towards young boys’, court told

>>13773170 Convicted pedophile and former Catholic priest Finian Egan fails in Federal Court appeal to retain his Australian citizenship

>>13773485 Ron Brierley told police child abuse images in his possession were ‘perfectly OK’

>>13788732 David Welsh, victim of notorious paedophile Kevin Lynch to sue Brisbane Grammar School for $30 million

>>13788781 Former Wesley College student David Kay demands justice over ‘tag-team attack’ - sexually assaulted by two teachers, John McMillan and Stewart Heywood

>>13789137 The Filipino mothers selling their children for online sexual abuse - Australian Federal Police assisting the Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center (PICACC)

>>13798166 ‘Vile’ pedophile blasted by judge for describing relationship with mother who helped him abuse her child as ‘adventurous’

>>13804930 Calls to urgently fix ‘flawed’ legislation after child sex victim of notorious paedophile Kevin Lynch loses last-ditch bid to reopen damages claim against Brisbane Grammar School

>>13812104 Naomi Gwyn, Lauren Burrows and Nina Kiriakidis - The three women who brought paedophile Jimmy Patsan to justice

>>13819175 Ex-priest and former Labor Party Cabramatta branch president Peter Andrew Hansen faces sentencing for possessing child abuse material

>>13827063 Former ALP official and Catholic priest Peter Andrew Hansen jailed for 17 years over child abuse tourism

>>13827064 Sydney priest Father Joseph Kolodziej and an unnamed police officer charged with possessing child abuse material following investigation by Police Professional Standards Command

>>13830203 Australian Football League child sexual abuse scandal widens to include paedophile coach at Carlton Football Club, John Dennis Morice

>>13833707 Retired WA police officer Garry Burton jailed for more than 10 years for abusing boys aged 11 to 16

>>13833785 Federal MP Craig Kelly's chief of staff Frank Zumbo to fight charges of alleged sexual misconduct against three women, teenage girl

>>13848219 Sandy Bay Tasmania eBay vendor pleads guilty to importing child sex doll parts from China

>>13848229 The disgraced priest, the children’s shelter and a fight for justice in East Timor - self-confessed pedophile Richard Daschbach

>>13862367 Catholic priest's evidence in abuse trial - Anthony William Peter Caruana

>>13862427 Vile paedophile Alex Chak Lau finally pleads guilty to offences against eight children

>>13862557 ‘A moral responsibility to act’: NSW to create anti-slavery commissioner

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019934

#16 - Part 20

Child Exploitation, Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Investigations - Part 2

>>13884300 Denis "Chrysostom" Alexander, former monk at Fort Augustus Abbey, Scotland, admits abuse after victim Hugh Kennedy's eight-year fight for justice

>>13884340 Former Christian Brother Ted Bales (aa Edward Dowlan) admits to abusing another 19 children in Melbourne, Ballarat and Geelong

>>13884365 Bryan Michael Grange: nightmarish details of Sydney child rapist's baby attack detailed in court

>>13915213 Alleged Australian child abuser Adam James Fox (aka Guy Christopher Weymouth) arrested after six months on the run in Thailand

>>13955954 Women plead guilty to planning female genital mutilation of two-week-old baby girl in Perth

>>13963394 Adelaide father jailed over ‘gross’ images showing his son, other minors being sexually violated

>>13971048 New report finds vulnerable children within Victoria’s residential care system are being targeted by paedophile rings

>>13979074 Kimberley child sex offender and former fugitive Charles Batham pleads guilty to 34 charges

>>13979138 Nicholas Emmanuel Athans: South Australian DJ jailed for ‘persistent’ grooming of underage girls on social media

>>13979186 University of Adelaide rocked by damning sexual harassment report

>>13985350 ‘Don’t be disrespectful. He’ll be upset if you don’t sleep with him’ - Missionary Richard Daschbach ran an orphanage providing refuge for some of East Timor’s most needy children. He has since admitted to sexually abusing countless young girls – yet locals still support him

>>14003724 Opera Australia and tenor David Lewis sued over historic child sex offences

>>14003757 SA pedophile Geoffrey William Moyle voluntarily pays Cambodian former child sex slave $84,000 for abusing her in overseas brothel

>>14003773 James Robert Davis, accused of enslaving a young woman and coercing her into sexual servitude, lived ‘strange’ but not illegal life, court told

>>14003810 Joshua and Shiela McAlee, Sydney couple who kept woman like ‘slave’ will repay $70,000 and face jail time

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019936

#16 - Part 21

Qanon / Conspiracy Theory Hit Pieces, Australia and Worldwide - Part 1

>>13756846 Chef Pete Evans another traveller down the dark road of misinformation - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>13764297 Ron Watkins Is Done With Q and Has Moved On to Aliens (alienleaks.org) - Lucas Ropek - gizmodo.com.au

>>13811944 How it ends for the anti-vaxxers - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>13818968 ABC bosses pull Four Corners episode linking PM to QAnon figure - Zoe Samios - smh.com.au

>>13822172 ABC managing director David Anderson blocks Four Corners episode about alleged association between Scott Morrison and a supporter of the QAnon conspiracy theory - James Madden - theaustralian.com.au

>>13826637 ‘Deeply offensive’: Prime Minister slams Four Corners’ QAnon probe - Zoe Samios and Lisa Visentin - smh.com.au

>>13826647 Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejects 'offensive' link to QAnon - Daniel McCulloch - 7news.com.au

>>13826675 Scott Morrison labels ABC Four Corners program on QAnon ‘disappointing’ and ‘poor form’ - Amanda Meade - theguardian.com

>>13827112 ABC Media Watch Tweet: Video - Prime Minister responds to a question about the @4corners QAnon story

>>13832718 Australia's Prime Minister Has an Alarming QAnon Connection - David Gilbert - vice.com

>>13840854 Cautious or craven? The saga of Four Corners program on Morrison and QAnon has laid bare fractures within the ABC - Margaret Simons - theguardian.com

>>13840988 Dan Andrews surfaces online for the second time in four days after Daily Mail Australia questioned his six-week silence amid rumours about what REALLY happened when he slipped down stairs - but we still haven't seen his face - Sam McPhee and Levi Parsons - dailymail.co.uk

>>13848071 Four Corners staff have denied they are “at war” with ABC bosses in the wake of an episode about QAnon being pulled - Samantha Maiden - news.com.au

>>13848080 Four Corners pushes to air QAnon episode within weeks - Lisa Visentin and Zoe Samios - smh.com.au

>>13848083 ABC Four Corners episode linking Scott Morrison to QAnon ‘may very well air’ - Finn McHugh - theaustralian.com.au

>>13848087 A Cancelled ‘Four Corners’ Episode Linking Scott Morrison To QAnon Will Now Be Aired - Claire Keenan - junkee.com

>>13848404 Scott Morrison and QAnon: What we already know about the prime minister’s connection to a conspiracy theorist - Christopher Knaus - theguardian.com

>>13848460 Victorian opposition accused of spreading conspiracies about Dan Andrews’ injury - Calla Wahlquist - theguardian.com

>>13848460 Victorian Liberal Party Press release - PREMIER OWES VICTORIANS SOME SIMPLE ANSWERS - Louise Staley, Shadow Treasurer

>>13849249 Premier Dan Andrews can end the assault speculation now - Editor - cairnsnews.org

>>13855312 Video: Premier Daniel Andrews releases ambulance call-out information in bid to quell false rumours about his fall - Shannon Deery and Mitch Clarke - heraldsun.com.au

>>13855312 Ambulance Victoria Statement regarding Premier Daniel Andrews - 8 June 2021

>>13855340 Video: ABC Media Watch - ABC QAnon - ABC Managing Director David Anderson explains why he’s reviewing a Four Corner’s story about QAnon and the Prime Minister.

>>13855572 Video: ‘These questions need answering’: Victorian Liberal frontbencher probes Andrews’ absence - Sky News Australia

>>13862278 ‘Q’ Hasn’t Posted In Six Months—But Some QAnon Followers Still Keep The Faith - Jack Brewster - forbes.com

>>13869394 Covid-19: when governments started lying to us - Adam Creighton - theaustralian.com.au

>>13876941 CONTROVERSIAL FOUR CORNERS EPISODE ON QANON TO FINALLY AIR AFTER BEING DELAYED - tvblackbox.com.au

>>13876948, >>13876952 Video: ABC FOUR CORNERS - Trailer: The Great Awakening: a family divided by QAnon - Monday 14th June at 8.30pm

>>1387704 Dan Andrews’ injury: inside the conspiracy theory around the premier’s fall - Michael McGowan - theguardian.com

>>13882298 Did Trump destroy evangelical Christianity? - Greg Sheridan - theaustralian.com.au

>>13848408 Q Post #3310 - Threat to Controlled Narrative. Other than POTUS, can you name a group more attacked than ‘Q’ by the FAKE NEWS media. Multiple tactics deployed including framing for crimes (think bridge, mob boss, etc etc). DESPERATION. Reconcile using logic. THINK FOR YOURSELF. DIVIDERS will FAIL.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019939

#16 - Part 22

Qanon / Conspiracy Theory Hit Pieces, Australia and Worldwide - Part 2

>>13883702 The QAnon conspiracy - An American conspiracy theory about a Satanic child sexual abuse ring has gained a foothold in Australia - Richard Cooke - thesaturdaypaper.com.au

>>13890900 Dan Andrews Tweet: If you can, you must. Let's beat this, Victoria.

>>13891350 Dan Andrews Instagram Post: I’ve got some good news to share. My vertebra has almost fully healed and my ribs are well on track. The team taking care of me has given me the all clear to get back to work soon.

>>13898968 QAnon follower Tim Stewart's an old friend of Scott Morrison. His family reported him to the national security hotline - Louise Milligan, Jeanavive McGregor and Lauren Day - abc.net.au

>>13899396 Video: Scott Morrison hits out at Four Corners ahead of QAnon report - Scott Morrison has accused the ABC’s Four Corners program of a “politically motivated slur” over a highly-anticipated QAnon report tonight - Samantha Maiden - news.com.au

>>13902165 Video: This family reported their son to national security authorities over QAnon | Four Corners - ABC News In-depth

>>13902294 (2019) Exclusive: FBI document warns conspiracy theories are a new domestic terrorism threat - Jana Winter -

>>13902382 ABC accuses Scott Morrison of validating a 'QAnon' conspiracy theory at the behest of his good mate during his apology to the victims of child sexual abuse' - Levi Parsons and Michael Pickering - dailymail.co.uk

>>13907179 PDF: FBI warns lawmakers that QAnon 'digital soldiers' may become more violent - Zachary Cohen and Whitney Wild - cnn.com

>>13907223 Video: QAnon conspiracy theorists may become more violent, FBI report warns - 9News Staff - 9news.com.au

>>13907315 Kevin Rudd Tweet: Morrison has questions to answer on his personal relationship with a leading activist of the same extremist religious/conspiracy group that stormed the US Capitol. His wife worked for Morrison.His family have reported him to the National Security Hotline

>>13907330 Video: ABC News Australia - Why do people buy into conspiracy theories like QAnon? Dr Mathew Marques from La Trobe University says QAnon is a good example of a politically-motivated conspiracy theory.

>>13907352 What happened to QAnon, the conspiracy group linked to Scott Morrison? - Josh Butler and Samantha Dick - thenewdaily.com.au

>>13907427 All The Wildest Revelations We Learned From The ABC’s Investigation On QAnon And Scott Morrison - Millie Roberts - junkee.com

>>13907463 Shadow Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen Tweet: Qanon is a conspiracy driven cult. And the Prime Minister has serious questions to answer. Watch my brief speech in Parliament

>>13907476 Labor accuses Scott Morrison of ‘shocking lack of judgment’ over QAnon claims - Finn McHugh - news.com.au

>>13907510 ‘Incredibly creepy’: Labor claims ‘national security’ risk over PM’s QAnon link - Josh Butler - thenewdaily.com.au

>>13907531 OPINION - Skipping the Q: How to handle your conspiracy-loving friends - Julie Szego - smh.com.au

>>13907563 Elise Thomas Tweet: I'm really glad that @Milliganreports and the @4corners team put the damage which QAnon does to lives & families front and centre in the episode, and to have played a small part in it myself. Conspiracy theories are a public health issue, and we should recognise them as such.

>>13907563 Sally Neighbour Tweet: Great work by you @elisethoma5 documenting the impact of QAnon’s poisonous politics

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019940

#16 - Part 23

Qanon / Conspiracy Theory Hit Pieces, Australia and Worldwide - Part 3

>>13907563 Louise Milligan Tweet: Just want to thank the Stewarts for their candour, their decency, their restraint. #4Corners

>>13907799 Kevin Rudd Tweet: Great speech by Chris Bowen on Morrison and his close personal relationship with an activist from QAnon - the far right, extremist, religious conspiracy group that stormed the US Capitol.

>>13907837 Bill Shorten Tweet: My 11-year-old daughter calls this flexing. 'Have anyone from QAnon stay with you ever? [laughing]

>>13907883 FBI WARNS OF ‘REAL-WORLD VIOLENCE’ FROM QANON FOLLOWERS IN NEW REPORT - Eden Gillespie - sbs.com.au

>>13910760 ‘Ritual abuse’ in sex abuse royal commission report, despite claims QAnon inserted it to Scott Morrison’s speech - Richard Ferguson and James Madden - theaustralian.com.au

>>13915261 Four Corners misses the big stories on QAnon - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>13915288 Video: CNN Newsroom -John Berman to former QAnon follower Jitarth Jadeja: How could you believe that?

>>13915294 Lucy Turnbull Tweet: I am worried about how widespread these crazy ideas are. Was walking down a street in the neighborhood late last year and a tradie shouted out to @TurnbullMalcolm and me ‘Hi paedophiles’. It was truly bizarre. It really shook me. The guy was very snarky and weird.

>>13915294 Lucy Turnbull Tweet: By the way @TurnbullMalcolm was a little further away and did not hear what he said. I sure did. It was loud and clear and really disturbing.

>>13922164 Kevin Rudd Tweet: Could you imagine any other Australian PM refusing to answer questions about inviting an extreme, far-right religious cultist to Kirribilli House? What about accepting his help to write a speech to parliament? His own family reported him to the National Security Hotline.

>>13922171 Video: Did the PM try to keep his ties with a QAnon supporter secret? | 7.30 - ABC News Australia

>>13922180, BRISSC (Brisbane Rape and Incest Survivors Support Centre) - RITUAL ABUSE - What is Ritual Abuse? - Who Perpetrates Ritual Abuse? - Impact on Survivors - Support for Ritual Abuse Survivors

>>13922193 Q Post #1735 - There is nothing more precious than our children. Evil has no boundaries. The choice to know will ultimately be yours. These people are SICK! To those who are courageous enough to speak out - we stand with you! You are not alone in this fight. God bless. Q

>>13929518 OPINION: I’m more likely to believe in aliens than claims about PM’s QAnon ties - Charles Wooley - themercury.com.au

>>13936516 OPINION: ABC duped by Four Corners Scott Morrison QAnon conspiracy report - Joe Hildebrand - news.com.au

>>13945690 Key ABC witness Peter Alexander “Eliahi” Priest is a serial conspiracy theorist - Stephen Rice - theaustralian.com.au

>>13949256 PM does not want QAnon friend 'cancelled' - Daniel McCulloch - northerndailyleader.com.au

>>13949269 Scott Morrison says he doesn’t back QAnon and refuses to ‘cancel’ supporter friend - Paul Karp - theguardian.com

>>13955774 Video: CNN New Day - Former Counselor to President Obama John Podesta describes being targeted by QAnon in the group's early years

>>13995450 Daniel Andrews releases video message ahead of return as Victorian Premier following back injury

>>13995492 Dan Andrews Tweet: Before I come back to work tomorrow, I thought I would share what happened. In my own words.

>>14003606 Fall rumours 'vile': Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019945

File: be56f4ab657c907⋯.jpg (70.28 KB, 400x400, 1:1, OZ_Pepe.jpg)

File: 49c9e47c7fb3569⋯.jpg (232.75 KB, 841x514, 841:514, Q_479.jpg)

File: ccb3ea3d2932b3c⋯.jpg (300.17 KB, 842x828, 421:414, Q_908.jpg)

File: a6f1a731b3eccc9⋯.jpg (136.57 KB, 842x302, 421:151, Q_910.jpg)

PREVIOUSLY COLLECTED NOTABLES

Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/805b4829

Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/f975dc35

Q Research AUSTRALIA #14 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/62cdd4fd

Q Research AUSTRALIA #13 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/d2399cda

Q Research AUSTRALIA #12 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/558b72b8

Q Research AUSTRALIA #11 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/c17ab97f

Q Research AUSTRALIA #10 ————————————–——– https://controlc.com/bb780c9d

Q Research AUSTRALIA #9 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/6a61bec5

Q Research AUSTRALIA #8 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/7ee89fce

Q Research AUSTRALIA #7 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/239e467c

Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/c4932ea1

Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/5941506b

Q Research AUSTRALIA #4 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/acf74c16

Q Research AUSTRALIA #3 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/2021ac89

Q Research AUSTRALIA #2 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/b8855384

Q Research AUSTRALIA #1 ————————————––——– https://controlc.com/1e0dcd6e

THREAD ARCHIVES

Q Research AUSTRALIA #16 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/PFwgE

Q Research AUSTRALIA #15 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/5hP7I

Q Research AUSTRALIA #14 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/A85E8

Q Research AUSTRALIA #13 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/rdbq6

Q Research AUSTRALIA #12 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/PahoV

Q Research AUSTRALIA #11 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/VoY1C

Q Research AUSTRALIA #10 ————————————–——– https://archive.vn/lmbJh

Q Research AUSTRALIA #9 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/gOsSc

Q Research AUSTRALIA #8 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/xYtqT

Q Research AUSTRALIA #7 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/YT76p

Q Research AUSTRALIA #6 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/DGknZ

Q Research AUSTRALIA #5 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/vlHWs

Q Research AUSTRALIA #4 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/B0Z4l

Q Research AUSTRALIA #3 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/xznbY

Q Research AUSTRALIA #2 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/hlJ0W

Q Research AUSTRALIA #1 ————————————––——– https://archive.vn/vJ8oH

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14019955

File: fc03f2897a3cf42⋯.jpg (3.11 MB, 2800x2000, 7:5, Chairman_of_the_Joint_Chie….jpg)

CURRENT DOUGH

https://controlc.com/bb86b212

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020059

File: cf2b4e45636b60c⋯.jpg (59.89 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Many_Chinese_pro_democracy….jpg)

File: 02a67ff175b2500⋯.jpg (131.16 KB, 862x575, 862:575, In_August_2019_pro_democra….jpg)

Human Rights Watch reveals harassment, surveillance of Chinese students studying in Australia

Matthew Doran - 30 June 2021

1/2

As Bonnie Wong* watched a pro-democracy protest at the University of Queensland in mid-2019, she noticed some people loitering off to the side.

The student did not recognise them, but their presence triggered both curiosity and fear.

"They weren't participating in a protest, but just taking pictures of us," she said.

Bonnie hails from Hong Kong, and had been instrumental in helping to organise the rally.

The demands at the protest for Beijing to drop its highly contentious national security law, planned for the semi-autonomous city, attracted the attention of people she suspected to be pro-China activists.

"They actually send those pictures online to Chinese social media, for example Weibo, to publicly defame us and try to expose our identities," she said.

"[That] will put us at risk, to say that we are actually separators, and we are challenging the security or the national security of China, which is definitely not the case.

"I'm very worried about my family back home, so I seldom talk to them about these kinds of activism that I do."

Bonnie said one of the other organisers of the rally, who is a member of the persecuted Uyghur minority, felt the full force of reprisals after the protest.

"After a certain period of time, he suddenly received a phone call from [Chinese Communist Party] agents," she said.

"But then the phone call was actually a video call, and in the video his mum actually got sent to the concentration camp in Xinjiang.

"This is very concerning, and this is definitely exposing how dangerous it is just to speak up at protests at universities."

Students fear being 'doxed'

Bonnie is among almost 50 students and academics who spoke to Human Rights Watch, as it investigated allegations of intimidation, harassment and surveillance of Chinese and Hong Kong students on Australian university campuses.

Many reported concerns about being "doxed", which is when people on social media share personal details about individuals, such as their home address, without their consent.

But for others the fear of reprisals went much further, as they dreaded what would happen to their family and friends if they made a stand on issues such as the political situation in Hong Kong.

Researcher Sophie McNeill said the behaviour by supporters of the Chinese state was fuelling an atmosphere of anxiety across the country, and students and academics were choosing to not express honestly held opinions so as not to rock the boat.

"It was really quite shocking to see how pervasive and common not only harassment and intimidation, but it's the self-censorship, I think, that is really quite shocking," Ms McNeill said.

"We verified three cases of students who had their parents back home in the mainland visited by the police or questioned because of activities that they had engaged in in Australia.

"We interviewed people who had been teaching Chinese students for years and just said, 'look, I don't use negative examples of China anymore, because I'm worried about being reported on or doxed online, or I have already been talking about China now'."

Human Rights Watch said the activities that attracted the attention of Chinese authorities and supporters ranged from the fairly mundane, such as creating a personal Twitter account (where Twitter is blocked in China), through to participating in pro-democracy rallies and debating the sovereignty of Taiwan in university tutorials.

Ms McNeill said she had confirmed one Chinese student who had set up a social media profile in Australia had his passport confiscated once he returned to China.

"Someone who expressed support for pro-democracy movements in Australia was threatened with being reported to Chinese authorities. And it actually happened, and he's now suffering real personal repercussions for that."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020064

File: e7d9569f0f6e11f⋯.jpg (127.33 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Researchers_say_they_found….jpg)

File: 0265a2b96cf2da5⋯.jpg (194 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_higher_education_secto….jpg)

>>14020059

2/2

Australia needs to be 'laying down a firm line'

Education Minister Alan Tudge said the Human Rights Watch report raised "deeply concerning issues".

"Any interference on our campuses by foreign entities cannot be tolerated," he said in a statement.

"We have already taken several actions to combat foreign interference and are working closely with the universities and we will soon be updating our university guidelines."

Mr Tudge said Federal Parliament's powerful Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security was already investigating national security risks in the higher education sector.

The Minister's concerns were echoed by the federal Opposition.

"One of the great benefits of an Australian university education should be that we can show students from around the world that freedom of thought, robust debate, and polite disagreement is healthy," Shadow Education Minister Tanya Plibersek said.

"It's important that universities protect these freedoms."

The Chinese Embassy in Canberra said the report was "rubbish".

"Human Rights Watch has decayed into a political tool for the West to attack and smear developing countries," a spokesman said.

"It is always biased on China."

The Human Rights Watch report made a number of recommendations as to how the situation could be improved for foreign students enrolled at Australian institutions, after finding many students were not reporting their concerns because they did not believe their complaints would be handled properly.

One of the organisation's demands was for universities to publicly acknowledge instances and allegations of harassment and intimidation.

"Laying down a firm line, letting students know that if you engage in this behaviour that it's violating the academic code of conduct, and you could lose your spot at the uni if you do it," Ms McNeil said.

Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson was wary of what that might mean for the privacy of the students involved.

"That could be really very complex," she said.

But Ms Jackson conceded there was work to be done.

"Every single university leader will be saddened and concerned to read the details of the Human Rights Watch report," she said.

"I'd like to say I'm surprised, but no, we're not particularly surprised.

"It's not just one country, it's a number of countries — but certainly there are issues of students and staff not feeling free to speak, and that's absolutely not on."

Ms Jackson said the higher education sector was in deep discussion with the government on how to address issues of freedom of speech and interference on campuses.

"Universities just can't deal with this all by themselves, it's got to be a matter of it gets dealt with at a government level, as well as institution level," she said.

"Your heart does go out to those students who are afraid — they're afraid of what might happen when they go home.

"Universities can do lots of things, but they can't surround them and protect them when they're not even in the same country's institution."

According to Human Rights Watch, around 40 per cent of international students studying in Australia came from China.

Ms Jackson rejected suggestions universities were sweeping the issue under the carpet, concerned about losing the lucrative Chinese student market.

"I don't see any evidence at all that institutions are less forthright with a commitment to free academic inquiry and free speech on campus," she said.

Bonnie is adamant that despite the fear she has experienced, she would not stop advocating for causes she believed in.

"No matter how huge the threat is, I don't think we should stop, and I don't think I will stop," she said.

"This fight is not only related to Hong Kongers, but also Australians because I think the Australian authorities should be protecting Australian students and also stand up for what they used to stand up for.

"I don't feel protected here … and this is very disappointing for me."

* The name Bonnie Wong is a pseudonym

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-30/china-international-students-australia-human-rights-watch-report/100253852

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020145

File: 84d1a022f8894c9⋯.jpg (218.47 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_green_sea_turtle_swimmin….jpg)

>>13955828 (pb)

Environment Minister Sussan Ley invites UN to inspect Great Barrier Reef

ADESHOLA ORE - JUNE 30, 2021

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley has formally invited UNESCO to visit the Great Barrier Reef and conduct an on-the-ground assessment, after the agency proposed declaring its health status was “in danger”.

Australia has vowed to fight a recent decision by the China-chaired UNESCO World Heri­tage Committee to downgrade the reef’s health class­ification without any consultation or any on-the-ground verification.

Last week, 11 countries backed Australia in denouncing UNESCO’s lack of consultation process following the draft listing.

Writing in The Australian on Wednesday, Ms Ley said an in-person visit to the reef by committee representatives was the only way to assess its status.

“The reef is big enough to be seen from space, but you can’t see it from an office in Paris, and that is the least that was deserved in this instance,” she said.

Ms Ley said Australia was being used as a “poster child” for the wider climate change agenda, which she argued eroded both confidence in, and the credibility of, the World Heritage Committee’s processes. “UNESCO representatives admit they want to sound an international warning note about the dire fate that awaits all countries if global warming is not halted,” she said. “If UNESCO wants to make an example of Australia, despite all it is doing to protect its reefs, what incentive is there for those who do not have the same level of resources?”

She acknowledged climate change was the biggest threat facing the Great Barrier Reef, but said it required global action. “Are the (WHC) advisers seriously sugges­t­ing Australia can single-handedly change the emissions trajectory of the whole world?” she said.

Ms Ley said following past bleaching events in 2016, 2017 and 2020, Australia had refocused its efforts to invest in research on heat-resistant corals and water-quality strategies.

She said in May the World Heritage Centre advised Australia’s officials that none of its properties would be considered for an “in-danger” listing this year.But a senior UNESCO official told Guardian Australia that Australia had not been provided – either formally or informally – any assurances before the decision was announced.

The draft listing will be presented for ratification at the 44th meeting of the World Heritage Committee next month. The Morrison government will heavily lobby members of the World Heritage Committee to push back against the ruling. However, it faces an uphill battle because a majority of the body’s members have signed up to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Labor has accused the government of years of inaction ­on protecting the reef, pointing to past UNESCO decisions and bleaching events which the opposition claims should have “sounded alarms” for the government.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/environment-minister-sussan-ley-invites-un-to-inspect-great-barrier-reef/news-story/79e478bfb0291ea1645c07b291e7e9cb

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020149

File: a5f2a5fdbb25ae4⋯.jpg (113.79 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, _Our_vast_and_magnificent_….jpg)

>>14020145

Australia shouldn’t be poster boy for climate change perils

SUSSAN LEY - JUNE 30, 2021

1/2

Once again, the sometimes troubled waters of the Great Barrier Reef are being politicised as a lens through which the world can argue climate change.

Global climate change threatens landscapes, biodiversity, nature and people. Tropical and temperate coral reefs, and the marine ecosystems they support, are no exceptions.

Climate change is real and it is the biggest threat facing the reef; it requires global action rather than global promises.

Our vast and magnificent reef remains a natural wonder and an amazing place to visit, but it also has been through a rough few years from warming oceans, tropical cyclones and coral bleaching events in 2016, 2017 and last year.

As Environment Minister, I did not back away from the sobering assessment of “poor to very poor” when I released the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s 2019 Outlook report.

Investment in the reef, in partnership with the Queensland government, has risen to more than $3bn under the Reef 2050 Plan, a commitment the World Heritage Committee continues to praise.

Notwithstanding the realities we face, I was stunned last week by the draft recommendation to the WHC that singled out our reef for an “in danger” listing. I say this because an “in danger” listing effectively asks a country to change or accelerate its management of the listed site to mitigate the threat. Are the WHC advisers seriously suggesting Australia can single-handedly change the emissions trajectory of the whole world?

UNESCO representatives admit they want to sound an international warning note about the dire fate that awaits all countries if global warming is not halted. Australia shouldn’t be the poster child of a wider agenda.

If the World Heritage List is to be used as a lever for global emissions policy, instead of an assessment of how sites are being managed by individual countries, then there are many more sites around the world, from reefs to rainforests and glaciers, that should face the spectre of imminent danger listing.

If Australians ceased driving our cars and using fossil fuels tomorrow, the threat of climate change to the reef and the impact of warming oceans would remain.

We need broader global action and that is why Australia is forging ahead with international partnerships on hydrogen as we lead the world in the uptake of renewable energy.

As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, we are party to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the correct forum for deliberations on emissions policy. We take our responsibilities seriously. If UNESCO wants to make an example of Australia, despite all it is doing to protect its reefs, what incentive is there for those who do not have the same level of resources?

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020152

File: b9b392aece9554b⋯.jpg (170.8 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Minister_of_the_Environmen….jpg)

>>14020149

2/2

Up and down the 2300km coastline of a 400,000sq km catchment, how do we maintain, support and engage our reef communities if we tell them that, regardless of the outstanding work they do, their life blood will be classified as in danger?

It promotes a false “reef is dead” narrative that risks affecting tourism and the 65,000 jobs the reef supports.

Internationally it also erodes confidence and credibility in the WHC process, which assesses 83 natural World Heritage properties as facing very high or high threats from climate change. Under the global threat logic of this draft decision, these properties, too, should be subject to the same treatment as Australia.

When considering a property for “in danger” listing, paragraphs 183 to 189 of the operational guidelines state “the committee shall develop, as far as possible, in consultation with the State Party, a Desired State of Conservation for the removal of the property from the In Danger List”. This did not occur.

In May, the World Heritage Centre advised our officials that none of Australia’s properties would be considered for “in danger” listing this year. This decision, based on a desktop review, did not include the latest science showing coral recovery and water quality improvements or the strength of collaborations on reef restoration and adaptation, and that is why it came as a shock.

The reef is big enough to be seen from space, but you can’t see it from an office in Paris, and that is the least that was deserved in this instance.

Australia is not on its own in expressing its broader international concerns. On June 23, 11 other countries, including France, Canada, Britain, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Poland, Hungary, Spain, Thailand and Turkey, wrote to UNESCO to add their collective voice to concerns about a broader lack of transparency and proper process in the lead-up to the 44th World Heritage Committee meeting next month.

I would be pleased to invite the World Heritage Centre to conduct a site visit to the Great Barrier Reef. This is the only way to assess its true state. From there, we can work together. That is what the World Heritage Convention is meant to be about: working together to protect iconic properties, not punishing one country to draw focus to a global threat that requires global co-operation and global commitment.

Sussan Ley is the federal Environment Minister.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/australia-shouldnt-be-poster-boy-for-climate-change-perils/news-story/dd4d6ae08358bbd6133ebb609f5be549

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020172

File: 1d63e788f680c2a⋯.jpg (80.33 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Jadd_William_Brooker_has_p….jpg)

File: caa53b2b85ea32f⋯.jpg (111.14 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Analysis_of_child_abuse_ma….jpg)

SA DPP drops two charges in case against HIV+ pedophile Jadd William Brooker but says he is guilty of two more sex crimes

Two sex charges against an HIV+ pedophile who vowed to infect children and adults with the virus have been dropped – but two more will proceed, a court has heard.

Sean Fewster - June 30, 2021

Prosecutors have dropped two sex abuse charges filed against HIV+ pedophile Jadd William Brooker – but still allege he is guilty of yet more crimes against children.

Brooker appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Wednesday by video link, and was scheduled to answer the four outstanding charges laid against him.

However Tim Clarke, for Brooker, said that could not occur because attempts to negotiate a resolution to those remaining charges had been unsuccessful.

“The prosecution is going to say it’s not proceeding with two of the counts, but is proceeding with the other two,” he said.

“I’ve sought to obtain instructions from my client … regrettably, because of the need to get (copies of the) electronic evidence, he’s not been in a position to give those instructions.”

Brooker, 38, of Glenelg East, has already earned two sentencing discounts for pleading guilty to dozens of child sex charges.

He earned up to 40 per cent off his prison time for confessing to seven crimes just weeks after his arrest in September, and 15 per cent for 32 guilty pleas in May.

Previously, the court has heard Brooker expressed his intention to infect adults and children with HIV and filmed himself attempting to do so, meaning a victim had to be tested.

Prosecutors alleged he had committed “category five” crimes – involving acts such as coerced bondage, sadism, torture or bestiality – against six children and teenagers.

They also alleged the 4.5 million files of child abuse material on Brooker’s electronic devices could link him to pedophiles in Australia and around the world.

Investigations into that material led to the arrests of former Labor staffer Ben Waters, former senior corrections officer Stewart Iain Berry and a third man.

On Wednesday, Mr Clarke asked for further time to speak with Brooker and ascertain what pleas he would enter to the two remaining charges.

The state’s chief magistrate, Judge Mary-Louise Hribal, remanded Brooker in custody until next month.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/sa-dpp-drops-two-charges-in-case-against-hiv-pedophile-jadd-william-brooker-but-says-he-is-guilty-of-two-more-sex-crimes/news-story/d4fa07ef34bf86752c7cd1074d49e15d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020199

File: e47540f3bd53698⋯.jpg (91.72 KB, 960x695, 192:139, A_man_wearing_a_protective….jpg)

File: e0a14fd3b7a5d43⋯.jpg (96.07 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_lone_man_wearing_a_prote….jpg)

File: 7ef66e37b7bf5cd⋯.jpg (124.83 KB, 960x652, 240:163, A_pedestrian_wearing_a_pro….jpg)

Lockdown measures extended in Australia amid COVID-19 outbreak

Renju Jose - June 30, 2021

SYDNEY, June 30 (Reuters) - Australian officials extended lockdown and social distancing measures to more of the country on Wednesday, with four major cities already under a hard lockdown in a race to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta coronavirus variant.

Around one in two Australians are under stay-at-home orders, with millions of others subjected to movement curbs and mandatory mask-wearing amid COVID-19 flare-ups in several locations.

With more than five million residents of greater Sydney under a two-week lockdown until July 9, New South Wales state reported 22 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, all linked to prior infections.

That was up slightly from the previous two days, but still below the peak of the current outbreak of 30 new cases reported on Sunday.

"New South Wales is demonstrating a steady rate of cases at this stage … but to date our fears about huge escalation haven't materialised and we certainly want to keep it that way," state Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

With a total of around 170 new locally transmitted cases since the first infection was detected two weeks ago in a limousine driver who transported overseas airline crew, NSW is the worst-affected state or territory in the current outbreak.

Residents of Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Darwin were joined in lockdown on Wednesday by those of the outback town of Alice Springs, the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru. Officials issued stay-at-home orders for the town after a potentially infected traveller used the airport.

South Australia, meanwhile, reported its first locally transmitted cases for 2021, but stopped short of imposing a full lockdown, saying they believed the threat was contained.

Officials instead limited home gathering and urged people to wear masks in public after they reported five new cases - a miner who had returned home from a Northern Territory mine and his wife and children who had been in self-isolation.

Elsewhere in the country, Queensland reported three new locally acquired cases, Western Australia logged one and the Northern Territory recorded none.

Singapore on Wednesday said travellers from Australia will have to undergo home quarantine for a week from Friday.

VACCINE WOES

Lockdowns, tough social distancing, swift contact tracing and a high community compliance have helped Australia quash prior outbreaks and keep its COVID-19 numbers relatively low. It has reported just over 30,550 cases and 910 deaths since the pandemic began.

But less than 5% of its 20 million adult population has been fully vaccinated, leading to criticism of a sluggish national inoculation drive.

The federal government on Monday announced it would indemnify doctors who administer AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) vaccine shots to people under 60, after previously preferencing Pfizer (PFE.N) doses for that age group due to blood clot concerns.

Two deaths have been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, a 52-year-old woman and a 48-year-old woman.

However, Queensland state authorities said they would not endorse the move, saying it would unnecessarily put their younger population at risk.

"I don't want an 18-year-old in Queensland dying from a clotting illness who, if they got COVID probably wouldn't die," Queensland state Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said in a media conference.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sydneys-covid-19-cases-rise-four-australian-cities-lockdown-2021-06-30/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020221

File: 7a541f81c4c14ea⋯.mp4 (8.91 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Lady_Victoria_Hervey_has_c….mp4)

File: a8ace733b5cb2f9⋯.jpg (578.4 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, Lady_Victoria_Hervey_and_G….jpg)

File: 00175a8b4593e94⋯.jpg (468.46 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, Hervey_believes_Jeffrey_Ep….jpg)

File: 1ff9b7e9d752c1c⋯.jpg (334.37 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, Virginia_Roberts_with_Prin….jpg)

File: f3d47e5537d4e46⋯.jpg (696.88 KB, 2000x2500, 4:5, Prince_Andrew_with_Lady_Vi….jpg)

Prince Andrew’s ex believes Ghislaine Maxwell was ‘brainwashed’ by Jeffrey Epstein

Lee Brown - June 29, 2021

A socialite ex of Britain’s Prince Andrew insisted Tuesday that their “secretive” mutual friend Ghislaine Maxwell was “brainwashed” by late pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

“I think she was so brainwashed by [Epstein] and so in love with him that she lost the reality of what she was doing,” Lady Victoria Hervey, 44, told ITV’s “Lorraine” talk show, according to a clip shared by Metro.

“It was very shocking when I first heard everything about her because that was not the Ghislaine I knew,” insisted Hervey, the daughter of the 6th Marquess of Bristol.

“I think she got in way too deep and just couldn’t leave,” she said of Maxwell, who remains in custody in Brooklyn awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges tied to Epstein.

Hervey said she has known Maxwell — the daughter of disgraced media baron Robert Maxwell — at least 20 years. She has previously said Maxwell introduced her to Andrew, whom she dated briefly in 1999.

“She was always the centre of every fun party and she was a vibrant character that a lot of people wanted to be around,” Hervey said, recalling one party where former President Bill Clinton joined them all.

“She loved fame and power. If you weren’t going to be of any use to her, she wasn’t going to pay you any attention.

“Bill Clinton was the president at the time and I think she liked to flaunt that she was friends with someone so powerful,” she said.

Still, Hervey said Maxwell “always exuded this air of mystery about her, you just never really knew where she’d flown in from and was quite secretive about her life.”

Hervey said she noted Epstein’s behavior with young women, but put it down to typical behavior of many rich men she met in high society in both London and New York.

“I think there’s a lot of people in his position that like to be surrounded by young models — it didn’t look that different to what I’d seen before,” she said.

“I was very young and very naive and didn’t realise what was happening.”

Hervey believes Epstein gave her pal the financial security she needed, while she provided access to “all these powerful people.”

“Everybody knew Ghislaine Maxwell but no one knew him. It was a partnership they had,” she said.

Hervey said that it will be “really tough” for Maxwell in custody.

“If you’re used to luxury, it will be hell on Earth for her I’m sure,” she said.

“I think she’s very tough but it’s a front, I don’t think she is as tough on the inside as what she exudes on the outside,” she warned.

Maxwell is accused of procuring four girls for Epstein to abuse in the 1990s and early 2000s and also charged with lying under oath. She has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence.

Epstein killed himself in his Manhattan lockup in August 2019 while awaiting further serious sex charges. Andrew has repeatedly denied any knowledge of his late pal’s crimes and denied having sex with one of his accusers.

https://nypost.com/2021/06/29/prince-andrews-ex-believes-ghislaine-maxwell-was-brainwashed-by-jeffrey-epstein/

https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/29/lady-victoria-hervey-calls-ghislaine-maxwell-victim-of-jeffrey-epstein-14844097/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020238

File: 93d422589b3f3a3⋯.jpg (166.55 KB, 800x480, 5:3, A_freight_train_in_Austral….jpg)

>>13914986 (pb)

>>14004059 (pb)

Chinese rail firm refutes 'forced labor' claims in Australia

Global Times - Jun 29, 2021

Chinese railway equipment manufacturer KTK Group on Tuesday pushed back against claims from some Australian media outlets that the company used "forced labor" from Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, saying that the allegations are "groundless" and its overseas business operations remain normal.

A staff at the company told the Global Times on Tuesday that the claim was an old slander that started a while ago, and the company has already clarified the matter and even asked third-party organizations to inspect the company to reassure its clients.

"We did hire dozens of Uygur workers before, as part of a poverty alleviation program, but the workers were all voluntary," said the staff, adding that the allegations were "groundless."

Some Australian media reports recently claimed that a billion-dollar train deal in Perth involving French firm Alstom was linked to "forced labor" in China, because KTK Group was a supplier.

The staff at KTK said that the company has businesses both in France and Australia, and Alstom has been its customer for many years.

The company's products cover all the main bullet train models and major urban rail vehicles in China, and they are exported to dozens of markets, including the UK, France and Australia, according to a company report published in August 2020.

The "forced-labor" allegation regarding the Chinese trainmaker has circulated in some foreign media reports since July 2020, when KTK became one of the 11 companies on a US blacklist over the allegation.

After the US blacklist came out, the transport minister of Australia's Queensland state, Mark Bailey, asked his department to urgently review whether parts manufactured by KTK overseas and installed in the state's new trains involved any forced labor, while looking for alternative suppliers, media reports said.

But the government in Australia's Victoria state recently assured that there was no so-called forced labor involved in KTK Group's business. New trains for Melbourne's railway network would continue to be built with parts from KTK, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on June 15.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202106/1227428.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020312

File: 4845a5a113d644d⋯.webm (15.18 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Jeannette_Young_says_she_….webm)

File: 2581e2041b8f807⋯.jpg (115.61 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Jaiden_Ivers_has_had_the_A….jpg)

>>14020199

Queensland's Chief Health Officer rejects Prime Minister's comments on AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine for under-40s

Stephanie Zillman - 30 June 2021

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young has made clear her view on people under the age of 40 getting AstraZeneca vaccinations — don't do it.

Her remarks followed a surprise announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison saying anyone under the age of 40 could now approach their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine.

But Dr Young has rejected the Prime Minister's suggestion.

"I do not want under-40s to get AstraZeneca," she said.

"It is rare, but they are at an increased risk of getting the rare clotting syndrome. We've seen up to 49 deaths in the UK from that syndrome.

"I don't want an 18-year-old in Queensland dying from a clotting illness who, if they got COVID, probably wouldn't die.

"We have had very few deaths due to COVID-19 in Australia in people under the age of 50 and wouldn't it be terrible that our first 18-year-old in Queensland who dies related to this pandemic, died because of the vaccine.

Dr Young said she "genuinely did not understand" why Mr Morrison had departed from the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

"We are not in a position that I need to ask young, fit, healthy people to put their health on the line getting a vaccine that could potentially, significantly harm them."

Dr Young said she supported the latest advice from ATAGI that AstraZeneca vaccine should only be administered to people over 60 due to the risk of a rare blood-clotting syndrome.

She said that despite the current lockdowns and outbreak fears, there were not sufficient cases to warrant the risk.

"We are not [where] Indonesia is," Dr Young said.

"If I was the Chief Health Officer in Indonesia, I might be giving different advice."

Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan also said he agreed with Dr Young and that people under 40 should not get the AstraZeneca COVID vaccination, based on health advice.

"That is the advice we have and that is the national advice from the immunisation experts," Mr McGowan said.

'It's a discussion for doctors'

Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly argued that AstraZeneca had technically always been available to anyone over the age of 18, and that the Prime Minister's announcement related to indemnity for GPs.

"There's a preference for Pfizer up to the age of 60. But that preference is a preference. It's a discussion for doctors to have with their own patients and the work through their own risk and benefit in relation to that," Dr Kelly said.

Dr Young said she would be attending an urgent meeting with the Commonwealth and other state chief health officers to discuss the confusion.

But as Dr Young spoke on Wednesday morning, Commonwealth's expert medical panel member Dr Nick Coatsworth expressed a different view on Twitter.

"Well, I guess that put me at odds with the QLD CHO," he tweeted.

In response to Dr Young's comments, he also tweeted that the debate had raised a "critical ethical principle of autonomy" and that the federal government should not be "paternalistic".

"Adults should be allowed to consent to an intervention with a 3-in-100,000 risk of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and less than 1-in-1,000,000 of death," he tweeted.

'No issues with it'

Disability support worker Jaiden Ivers, 23, has already had his first dose of AstraZeneca and will receive a second vaccination in a fortnight.

He was in the first tranche of frontline workers to be vaccinated and did so before the health advice for particular age groups changed.

"It was probably a week later that they advised people in my age group not to get AstraZeneca," Mr Ivers said.

But he said the changing advice around AstraZeneca did not concern him at all.

"I have no issues with it whatever. Just knowing it's such a small proportion of people who have adverse reactions, I guess the advantages just outweigh the risks for me personally."

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said National Cabinet had not agreed to the Prime Minister's announcement.

"My message to Queenslanders today is: please listen to Dr Young's advice and listen to the health experts when it comes to the vaccine," Ms Palaszczuk said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-30/qld-cho-rejects-morrisons-astrazeneca-comments-covid-vaccine/100256022

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020328

File: 359915e156a3619⋯.jpg (87.85 KB, 920x613, 920:613, Chief_Health_Officer_Kerry….jpg)

>>14020199

‘A personal choice’: NSW clinics will not give AstraZeneca to under-40s

Mary Ward - June 30, 2021

1/2

NSW authorities have held firm on health advice regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, saying the state’s vaccine clinics will not administer AstraZeneca to under-40s.

Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said on Wednesday that state-run clinics, including the mass vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park, would not change their protocol.

On Monday night, the Prime Minister said anyone could receive AstraZeneca at a GP clinic despite vaccine advisory group ATAGI recommending Pfizer as the preferred shot for under-60s, after announcing an indemnity scheme for practitioners.

Over the past 24 hours, the Australian Medical Association and federal Health Minister Greg Hunt have asked people to follow ATAGI’s advice, with the Royal Australian College of GPs calling for clarity on the rules.

“I think ATAGI is the group that we need to respect,” Dr Chant said, adding that “ATAGI has said that people can make personal choices, but they need to be informed”.

“The view I have is that, in a mass vaccination clinic, the detailed risk discussions cannot take place and they are discussions best to have with your GP.”

NSW Health clinics administer the Pfizer vaccine to frontline workers, people with pre-existing health conditions and people in their 40s and 50s.

People aged 60 and over have been encouraged to received AstraZeneca at a GP or Commonwealth clinic, although bookings are available at NSW Health sites for over-60s without a GP or others seeking a second dose.

Dr Chant said younger people should discuss their personal circumstances with a GP, noting NSW Health was looking to increase Pfizer appointments in coming weeks, provided supply was there.

From July until August, NSW will receive between 104,910 and 120,600 Pfizer doses a week.

Last week, a spokesperson for the federal Health Department said Pfizer would be available at all 136 Commonwealth vaccination centres before the end of July. A small number of GPs will also start to administer the vaccine next month.

There are also plans for a new mass vaccination hub at Lake Macquarie as well as a Wollongong site, confirmed by Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday.

The Premier said Monday’s national cabinet agreed to an indemnity scheme, not a change to the health advice.

“What we need to do as a state government is follow the federal regulatory health advice, which is that AstraZeneca is offered for over 60s and obviously second doses are strongly, strongly advised,” she said.

She encouraged the state’s 3 million residents aged 60 and over to come forward for their shot.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020331

File: e8fbfc455ea084f⋯.jpg (1.13 MB, 971x2862, 971:2862, _A_personal_choice_NSW_cli….jpg)

>>14020328

2/2

AMA NSW President Danielle McMullen said the state’s position was “fair enough”.

“The ATAGI advice hasn’t changed and the preferred advice for under 60s is Pfizer, but we recognise there are some people who will want the AstraZeneca now and the best place for them to receive all the relevant information is at a GP.”

NSW/ACT chair of Royal Australian College of GPs Charlotte Hespe said the college’s position mirrored NSW’s: younger people should talk to a GP.

“If they, weighing up the risk, still feel they want to access a vaccination, that is their choice,” she said, noting some people may not be included in Phase 1a or 1b but still consider themselves at higher risk of catching the virus or transmitting it to someone vulnerable, such as retail workers or people who live with grandparents.

“With [Sydney’s Delta COVID-19 variant], you can be behaving yourself and still manage to catch it while walking through the shopping centre.”

Words were stronger in Queensland, where Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said she did not want under-40s to get AstraZeneca.

“I don’t want an 18-year-old in Queensland dying from a clotting illness who, if they got COVID probably wouldn’t die,” she said.

Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan also said he wanted under-40s to only receive Pfizer.

“The Commonwealth has made a decision to allow for that and provided an indemnity for GPs who do that. The health advice we have is that they shouldn’t,” he said.

Mr McGowan also said people aged 60 and older should be allowed to get Pfizer to tackle hesitancy

Dr Hespe said politicians’ announcements regarding the vaccine over the past two days had been “chaos”.

“It would be really good to have everyone on the same page,” she said.

ATAGI moved to recommend Pfizer as the preferred vaccine for under-60s earlier this month, in response to a very rare blood clotting syndrome which previously led it to make the same recommendation for under-50s.

“For those aged 60 years and above, the individual benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine are greater than in younger people,” the advisory group said.

“COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca can be used in adults aged under 60 years for whom Comirnaty [Pfizer] is not available.”

According to the most recent TGA vaccine safety report there have been 39 confirmed cases and 25 probable cases of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and two deaths likely linked, from approximately 4.2 million administered doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Australia.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/a-personal-choice-nsw-clinics-will-not-give-astrazeneca-to-under-40s-20210630-p585ip.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020337

File: d4f441ad8599d51⋯.jpg (63.26 KB, 862x485, 862:485, David_O_Byrne_said_the_com….jpg)

File: 505f2488b0eb21e⋯.jpg (112.5 KB, 862x575, 862:575, David_O_Byrne_was_a_union_….jpg)

Tasmanian Labor leader to stand aside during investigation into allegations of sexual harassment

Emily Baker - 30 June 2021

1/2

Tasmanian Labor leader David O'Byrne will stand aside while the party investigates allegations he sexually harassed a junior union employee more than a decade ago.

Reading from a statement outside Parliament, Mr O'Byrne said he believed text exchanges and a kiss with a 22-year-old employee at the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous were consensual, but "I now understand that this was not the case".

"This matter has caused me to reflect deeply on the nature of consent, and I've come to appreciate why the person concerned says our interactions were not consensual."

Mr O'Byrne said he had written to the complainant to apologise.

"I genuinely thank her for having the strength to bring this issue to light, and I also thank other women who have advocated and spoken about their experiences to inform the current national conversation about consent."

He said he would stand aside for the duration of Labor's internal investigation.

"I acknowledge that my behaviour did not meet the standards I would expect of myself," he said.

"I also acknowledge that I have let down my wife and family."

The complainant, who the ABC has not named, wrote in her complaint that working at the LHMU in 2007 and 2008 under Mr O'Byrne "had a negative and significant effect on my mental health".

The complaint — obtained by the ABC — was sent to senior members of the party's national executive, including federal Opposition leader Anthony Albanese.

She claimed that he sent her "sexually suggestive, vulgar and unwanted sexual text messages" and twice kissed her outside of work without her consent.

The woman alleged that when she asked Mr O'Byrne to stop messaging her, she was called into a meeting and given a verbal warning regarding her performance.

"I felt it was nothing to do with my performance and everything to do with me not succumbing to the ongoing advances of David towards me, and my recent message telling him to stop with the sexually inappropriate messages," she wrote.

"During this meeting and up until my resignation, David's behaviour and attitude towards me was very different.

"He didn't talk to me much, he was rude or short with me and treated me differently to the others, but now in a negative and sometimes nasty way rather than the favourable tone he had used previously."

The woman's complaint said she then moved to a new job at the Health and Community Services Union.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

481c1a  No.14020339

File: a2da6e249710a4b⋯.jpg (98.06 KB, 862x647, 862:647, The_woman_who_alleges_she_….jpg)

File: 09d56320b509c1a⋯.jpg (179.03 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_complainant_also_cited….jpg)

>>14020337

2/2

Her complaint references two former colleagues she alleges directly witnessed Mr O'Byrne's behaviour, and another three people she said had been made aware of her concerns between 2007 and 2010 — including Clark Labor MP Ella Haddad and Clark independent MP Kristie Johnston, both of whom are close to the complainant.

Ms Johnston released a statement this afternoon, saying she was aware of the allegations and that "they need to be appropriately and thoroughly investigated".

"It is appropriate that Mr O'Byrne has stood aside as Leader whilst these investigations are underway," she said.

When contacted by the ABC, the eyewitnesses would not confirm the allegations.

One person — a HACSU colleague — has written a statement in support of the complainant.

That person wrote that, early in 2008 and just after starting at HACSU, the complainant had broken down in tears when sharing details of Mr O'Byrne's alleged conduct.

The colleague said the complainant had read out "very inappropriate" texts and shared details of the two alleged attempted kisses.

"I found [the complainant's] disposition to be bubbly and energetic and was able to interact with all members of the staff," the person's supporting statement said.

"However, there were occasions when I observed [the complainant] become anxious, nervous and at times distraught when Mr O'Byrne's name was either mentioned or he was there in person attending various places or events, as part of official union business and/or Labor/Left affiliation discussions, functions and conferences."

Woman 'emboldened' by Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame

The woman's complaint acknowledged it had taken almost 15 years to come forward but said she was worried she would not be believed.

She is part of Labor's right faction, while Mr O'Byrne is senior within Labor's left.

The woman wrote that Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame had "emboldened me to finally stand up".

"I'm tired of carrying this weight and I'm tired of the hypocrisy of David himself," the complaint said.

"He knows what he did to me, but he still advertises himself as a supporter and fighter for women's rights."

The complainant did not provide further comment when contacted by the ABC.

It is understood the party's national secretary Paul Erickson has referred the complaint to state secretary Stuart Benson. The status of the investigation is not known.

"The ALP will not comment on any matter that relates to our Code of Conduct and associated policies, save to say that our policies are being complied with," Mr Erikson said in a statement to the ABC.

Mr Benson and Mr Albanese's office did not respond to request for comment.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-30/labor-investigates-sexual-harassment-claims-against-david-obyrne/100253560

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

be3576  No.14021844

File: c4a5400b2a9cee2⋯.mp4 (4.19 MB, 238x426, 119:213, IMG_0105.MP4)

Lone woman on train harassed by police who then absconded with her property.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14028446

File: 9d219a85bfdb70a⋯.jpg (83.77 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Julian_Assange_speaking_in….jpg)

Australian MPs call on US President Biden to drop charges against Assange

Rob Harris - June 30, 2021

Former security analyst turned federal Labor MP Peter Khalil has joined a group of Australian politicians directly lobbying the United States to drop an appeal over a British court’s ruling against the extradition of the WikiLeaks co-founder Julian Assange.

In a video message to US President Joe Biden released on Wednesday evening Australian time, 11 federal MPs from across the political spectrum have also appealed to Washington to drop its espionage charges against the Australian citizen and for the British government to allow him to return home.

Before entering politics Mr Khalil, the member for the Victorian seat of Wills, was director of National Security Policy of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. As a national security adviser to former prime minister Kevin Rudd, he was personally named in diplomatic cables sent to Washington by the US Embassy, which were later released by Wikileaks.

While he has previously criticised Mr Assange’s actions in helping obtain and leak classified information on the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, Mr Khalil said the case was “not just about one individual”.

“In an era where rising authoritarian regimes are denying and attacking freedom of the press, such as the shut down of Hong Kong’s Apple Daily by the Chinese Community Party, it is more important than ever that when it comes to condemning the denial of press freedom the rhetoric of liberal democracies is actually matched with substantive actions to protect the right of journalists and the media to do their work freely to hold governments to account,” Mr Khalil said.

He said while the Obama administration had clearly chosen not to indict Mr Assange because it would set a damming precedent against journalistic practice and behaviour, the Trump administration aggressively pursued the case.

“Therein lies the problem. These charges are so broad-based that if successful they would go well beyond this individual case – they would impact investigative journalism and open up prosecutions of countless media doing this journalism, they would have a chilling effect on all journalists reporting on national security and foreign affairs matters,” he said.

The 49-year-old Mr Assange has been in Belmarsh Prison since April 2019 trying to avoid extradition to the US to face charges on multiple counts of conspiring with and directing others, from 2009 to 2019, to illegally obtain and release US secrets.

In doing so he aided and abetted hacking, illegally exposed confidential US sources to danger and used the information to damage the US, according to the charges. If convicted on all counts he faces a prison sentence of up to 175 years.

In 2012 Mr Assange sought asylum at the Ecuadorean embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden on a rape allegation that he denied. An investigation into the 2010 rape allegation has since been dropped by Swedish prosecutors.

He was awarded a Walkley award, Australian journalism’s highest honour, in 2011 for a “most outstanding contribution to journalism” for his “brave, determined and independent stand for freedom of speech and transparency”.

In March this year Nationals MP George Christensen, Independent Andrew Wilkie and Labor’s Julian Hill personally met with the US embassy’s charge d’affaires, Michael Goldman, arguing that Mr Assange should be allowed to return home.

A 24-member parliamentary group established to support Mr Assange’s bid to return home contains members from all major parties, including now Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said in January Mr Assange would be allowed to return to Australia if all charges were dropped. He said consular support had consistently been offered to Mr Assange, but made clear the government were “not parties to those set of proceedings”.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australian-mps-call-on-us-president-biden-to-drop-charges-against-assange-20210629-p585a1.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14028447

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14028446

Message to President Biden from Australian Parliamentarians

Consortium News

Jun 30, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZaU-QkHSNw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14030823

File: 055a9e375aa8fac⋯.jpg (2.02 MB, 4244x2829, 4244:2829, Australian_military_have_b….jpg)

File: 17b5d05749cacde⋯.jpg (1.94 MB, 4343x3102, 4343:3102, Australian_troops_left_Afg….jpg)

Final Australian troops leave Afghanistan as 20-year mission draws to a close

Andrew Greene - 1 July 2021

Australia has completed its formal troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending an almost 20-year military commitment to the war-torn country that claimed 41 ADF members' lives.

The recent departure of Australia's final Defence personnel comes amid reports American troops could complete their exit "within days", and as Taliban fighters continue to retake districts across Afghanistan.

Since 2001 the Australian Defence Force's mission has been to "contain the threat from international terrorism", firstly under Operation Slipper, and then Operation Highroad.

According to the Defence Department's website, Australia currently contributes "around 80 Defence personnel" to NATO's Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan. They are involved in training, advising and assisting local forces.

However military sources have confirmed to the ABC the last remaining ADF members flew out of Kabul in the middle of June, ahead of a September 11 deadline announced by the United States for the withdrawal of all coalition forces.

"September 11 was the timeframe given, but everyone is rushing for the door," one Defence official told the ABC, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

"Operation Highroad is done and dusted, but Operation Accordion (the overarching mission in the Middle East) will remain because it has been identified that we still need a staging point in the sandpit," another official said.

United States media reports suggest American troops could complete their withdrawal, or retrograde, "within days" after President Joe Biden outlined an exit strategy in April.

The Australian Defence Department has so far declined to publicly confirm the formal end of its NATO-led mission to Afghanistan or say whether some military personnel will relocate elsewhere in the Middle East.

"On 15 April the Prime Minister announced Australia would finalise the drawdown of our contribution to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan," a Defence spokesperson told the ABC.

"As Australia brings its contribution in Afghanistan to a close, the Minister for Defence will be delivering remarks on Australia's role in the days ahead".

"For operational security reasons, we will not provide further details at this time," the spokesperson added.

At the end of May, Australia became the first country involved in coalition military activity to not only announce military withdrawal by September but the full retreat on its foreign presence, by closing its embassy.

In recent weeks fighting has intensified between Taliban militants and Afghan forces, with many government-held districts falling into the hands of the former enemy.

Uruzgan, where Australian troops served for close to a decade, could be the first entire province to fall back under Taliban control as foreign militaries withdraw from the war-torn country.

The former chief of army, retired Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, said the formal departure of Australia's last troops was an enormously significant occasion.

"It signifies the end of an era for the ADF, I think we've all known that it's been coming for a long time but it's no easier to accept now that it's here," he said.

"I find it as an occasion to reflect and remember, and some of the reflections and remembrances are not easy."

Lieutenant General Leahy said his thoughts were particularly with the families of the 41 Australian soldiers who died in the conflict, as well as the many others who suffered physical and mental injuries from their service.

"Was it worth it? Well as we face the prospect of a savage retribution by the now ascendant Taliban, and I think a return in some ways to the dark ages for Afghanistan — it's really hard to say that it was worth it," he said.

Germany, which had the second largest contingent of troops after the United States in Afghanistan, announced on Tuesday that it had concluded its withdrawal from the nation.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-01/final-australian-troops-leave-afghanistan-after-20-year-mission/100256294

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

78c10f  No.14033274

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Seek. Meddle. Lie. Destroy. Run Away. Spy. Monitor. Repeat starting at step 2.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1cd813  No.14034191

>>14028447

Talking Pigs. Who would have thunk it!!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1cd813  No.14034212

>>14021844

Fucking Pigs.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1cd813  No.14034234

>>14020312

Up against the wall they go. There is no escape for them and they know it. MRNA.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c3c727  No.14034840

>#2987 at 2019-03-07 05:13:37 (UTC+1)

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5T7Gr5oJbM

>Never, in our history, has a communications project such as this taken place. 

>Return Power Back to the People

>Truth, Transparency, and Equal Justice Under the Law.

>We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men (& women) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men (& Women), deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. - 

>"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same." - Reagan

United We Stand.

July 4, 2019.

>WWG1WGA!!!

>Q

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035752

File: 1dfa1a1cbdb7304⋯.jpg (84.08 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia to slash traveller intake, PM announces pathway out of COVID-19

Nick Bonyhady - July 2, 2021

1/2

National Cabinet has agreed on a pathway for Australia to move from trying to suppress COVID-19 to living with the disease once enough of the population is vaccinated, but in the short term, there will be a 50 per cent reduction in passengers arriving in the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement on Friday morning, saying a cut in the passenger cap is intended to relieve pressure on the hotel quarantine system, but came with the promise of a trial of home quarantine for vaccinated travellers. The new passenger caps will come into effect by 14 July, but some states may move sooner.

Mr Morrison also announced a four-phase pathway to transition Australia from its first phase of virus suppression to a fourth phase of life as it was pre-pandemic, with each new phase triggered when Australia hits a threshold of vaccinated people.

“The good news I have for Australians who are subject to restrictions today is we have agreed a new deal for Australians on the pathway out of COVID-19,” Mr Morrison said.

The current phase, phase one, is about vaccinating, preparing and planning, he said. The pathway will transition Australia from its current pre-vaccination settings, focusing on suppression of community transmission, to post-vaccination settings “focused on prevention of serious illness, hospitalisation and fatality and the public health management of other infectious diseases”.

While still in the first stage, the reduction in passenger caps is intended to take pressure off the hotel quarantine system as it is tested by the more contagious Delta strain of the coronavirus. However, the Commonwealth will facilitate increased repatriation flights to Darwin for quarantine at Howard Springs while the reduction is in place, the Prime Minister said.

It will also extend freight subsidies to ensure that supplies, such as medicines and vaccines, continue to come into Australia by air.

The Prime Minister also said Australia will trial and pilot a home quarantine scheme, which could also be shorter than the current two week quarantine time.

“The work that we have already done … shows that a vaccinated person doing quarantine for seven days is stronger than an unvaccinated person doing quarantine for 14 days,” he said.

South Australia is likely to be the first state to trial the program, Mr Morrison said. It will happen on a small scale and other states and territories may follow.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035755

File: a35d753ea995a16⋯.jpg (762.27 KB, 1650x1275, 22:17, 0001.jpg)

File: 6e21518cf32cfe4⋯.pdf (84.4 KB, National_Plan_to_transitio….pdf)

>>14035752

2/2

The traveller cap will return to the current level in phase two, with even larger caps for vaccinated travellers, Mr Morrison said.

The second phase of the roadmap out of the coronavirus, as agreed by all the state and territory leaders, will kick in when we get to a specific target of vaccinations, which the Prime Minister has not specified but said will be based on “scientific evidence”.

In that phase, lockdowns will only be used in extreme circumstances and vaccinated people will have eased restrictions when lockdowns or border closures occur.

More students and economic visitors will be allowed in then as well, he said.

The third phase will be the consolidation phase and will mean the virus will be managed like any other infectious disease.

“That basically means that the hospitalisation and fatality rates that you would see from COVID-19 would be like the flu,” Mr Morrison said.

Vaccinated people will be able to travel abroad at will at that point, he said.

Mr Morrison defended the speed of the vaccine program in outlining a pathway based on vaccination numbers.

“I think the performance in the most recent June month indicates how much we’ve been able to ramp up, 1 million doses in eight days. Three and a half million doses in one month. We keep the pace up and we’ll get this done,” he said.

“We get this done, Australia, and you can see what is on the other side. We made it very clear today what’s on the other side. You get vaccinated, and we get there, and this all changes.

“A new deal for Australians today, a new deal to get Australians to the other side,” Mr Morrison says.

He said more details on the phases will be coming from a task force headed by the boss of the Prime Minister’s department, Phil Gaetjens. National Cabinet will make the final call on each of the steps, which Mr Morrison anticipates will be done over the next month.

The Prime Minister didn’t commit to any firm dates or targets for the four-phase reopening plan, saying it will depend on the modelling from coronavirus experts on what level of vaccination is necessary to keep serious illness and fatality rates very low, and the progress of the vaccine rollout in hitting those levels.

“I hope we’re living in that second phase next year,” Mr Morrison said. Asked whether that means we’ll see the 50 per cent arrival cap cut last until next year, he said “that’s what this agreement says today”.

“If medical advice changes between now and then, if medical advice suggests that we can alter that, then of course the national cabinet has always been receptive to that advice and we’ll continue to monitor that.”

What will new cap arrangements look like state by state?

Sydney will go from 3010 passengers per week to 1505

Perth 530 to 265

Adelaide 530 to 265

Melbourne 1000 to 500

Brisbane 1000 (plus 300 surge capacity) to 500 (plus 150 surge capacity)

The current total of 6070 will reduce to 3035

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-to-slash-traveller-intake-pm-announces-pathway-out-of-covid-19-20210702-p5869s.html

https://www.smh.com.au/interactive/hub/media/tearout-excerpt/2390/National-Plan-to-transition-Australia's-National-COVID-19-Response—July-2021.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035759

File: af078564ddf8a94⋯.jpg (56.72 KB, 1200x675, 16:9, Anthony_Albanese_has_backe….jpg)

Albanese backs Biden's approach on China

Daniel McCulloch - 2 July 2021

Labor leader Anthony Albanese has thrown his support behind a "competition without catastrophe" approach towards China.

Drawing a line through Donald Trump's erratic behaviour towards Beijing, Mr Albanese backed Joe Biden's more conventional strategy.

"I am pleased that under the Biden administration there is a return to diplomacy and a return to engagement and a normalisation of international politics under the leadership of the United States," he said on Friday.

"Which, shall we say, carries less uncertainty than was there under the previous administration on Donald Trump."

Mr Albanese said Australia would always have to live with strategic competition between the US and China.

"Australia - under Labor, it must be said - picked a side some time ago when we formed the alliance with the United States," he told the National Press Club in Canberra.

"As a democratic nation, we do have different values to China, and that's something that enjoys bipartisanship."

Mr Albanese made it clear Australia's approach towards China would not change significantly under a Labor government.

"The truth is, whoever was in government at this period of time would have to be navigating the different environment which is there, with China making decisions against Australia's national interest," he said.

"Australia should always stand up for our national interest and for our sovereignty and for human rights.

"On issues like the South China Sea, the treatment of Uighurs, Hong Kong, and a range of other issues, there is no difference whatsoever in Australian politics."

Mr Albanese said China had changed under Xi Jinping, who defiantly put the world on notice during a major speech to mark the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party.

The Chinese president hailed the country's "irreversible" rise and declared the rising superpower would not be bullied.

Mr Albanese said a future Labor government would work with the US and regional partners to advance Australia's interests, while also recognising the country's economic interest in engagement with China.

"There are many jobs which are dependent upon that relationship," he said.

"It's a matter of tackling it in a mature way, but also recognising things are going to be difficult for some time, and recognising China is responsible for the difficulties which have arisen."

Australia's relations with China are at their lowest point in decades.

China imposed a freeze on diplomatic talks and launched a series of trade strikes on Australian exports in response to a laundry list of grievances.

https://7news.com.au/politics/albanese-backs-bidens-approach-on-china-c-3290009

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035776

File: 7fb6986df81f6aa⋯.jpg (67.66 KB, 958x638, 479:319, Ben_Roberts_Smith_arrives_….jpg)

File: 6435975d3053412⋯.jpg (132.97 KB, 960x640, 3:2, The_former_SAS_soldier_has….jpg)

File: 33e4146c664cf95⋯.jpg (173.33 KB, 959x640, 959:640, Nicholas_Owens_SC_the_barr….jpg)

Allegations of serious criminal conduct exposed in Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case

Tammy Mills - July 2, 2021

1/2

Two cases of alleged serious criminal conduct have arisen from the defamation case launched by war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith, including the unlawful leaking of information from the military inspector-general’s secret hearings into war crimes.

The allegations, detailed during the ongoing case before the Federal Court, also involve accusations of unlawful handling of classified information.

The allegations put fresh pressure on the Australian Federal Police, which is separately investigating Mr Roberts-Smith over allegations he committed war crimes and intimidated war crimes witnesses.

The AFP said in a statement on Thursday it would not comment on matters that “may be subject to investigation”.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald over a series of 2018 reports that he says portray him as a war criminal. He denies all wrongdoing.

Earlier this week, the Federal Court called a month-long halt to the trial, with coronavirus restrictions posing a barrier to witnesses travelling to and from Sydney.

Accusations of possessing and mishandling classified Defence Department information – which in some circumstances may be an offence under the Commonwealth criminal code – came to light during the third week of the defamation trial.

Under cross-examination last Thursday, Mr Roberts-Smith admitted he had inappropriately handled classified information to prepare for the defamation trial.

Lawyer for the newspapers Nicholas Owens, SC, put to Mr Roberts-Smith that “highly classified” drone footage of a mission dubbed “Whisky 108” was among information sent to him on USB sticks.

The “four or five” sticks were sent anonymously in the post, including to Mr Roberts-Smith’s workplace, Channel Seven.

“At some point you must have realised that at least some of the material on the USBs was classified or secret Commonwealth material?” lawyer for the newspapers, Mr Owens asked.

“Yes,” Mr Roberts-Smith responded.

“And you agree, don’t you, that you are not authorised to retain secret or classified Commonwealth material at your home address?” Mr Owens said.

“That’s my understanding,” Mr Roberts-Smith replied.

Mr Roberts-Smith said the images had “nothing to do with Australia’s security”.

“I accept it was a poor decision by me to maintain those images, but I had absolutely no intention of doing anything untoward with them other than share them with my legal team to explain what was going on in these proceedings,” he said.

The AFP have previously raided journalists and charged former Defence Department officials for mishandling classified files.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035778

File: 3eea381f5a568cb⋯.jpg (79.49 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Former_Supreme_Court_judge….jpg)

File: 3034bfad59dff24⋯.jpg (95.19 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Chief_of_the_Defence_Force….jpg)

>>14035776

2/2

Mr Roberts-Smith also confirmed during the cross-examination that he had been sent a document by a fellow SAS soldier – given the pseudonym Person 5 – that detailed information derived from a secret inspector-general hearing into war crimes in 2018.

The lawyer for the media put to Mr Roberts-Smith the disclosure of information from Person 5 may be a breach of a section 21 direction of the Inspector-General’s regulations, which makes it an offence to disclose evidence to the inquiry.

Former NSW Court of Appeal judge and chair of the Centre for Public Integrity Anthony Whealy, QC, speaking generally, said there was a clear requirement for the work of the Brereton inquiry to be kept confidential.

“If any information was being conveyed by witnesses to other persons that are interested, that would be a seriously wrong thing to happen and would undermine the correct principles of the application of the rule of law,” Mr Whealy, who would not comment on what has emerged from the Roberts-Smith defamation case, said.

“It could never be justified.”

The court heard Person 5 had detailed in a letter to Mr Roberts-Smith specific subjects he was asked during his own questioning in the Brereton inquiry.

Mr Roberts-Smith said he forwarded the correspondence to his lawyers.

The court heard his lawyers sent a letter to the Assistant Inspector-General raising a concern about the “leaking of confidential information” by members of the SAS called to give evidence before the inquiry.

Mr Owens said the effect of Person 5’s letter was alerting Mr Roberts-Smith to what the inquiry was looking at.

“No, I disagree with that,” Mr Roberts-Smith responded.

He said he didn’t ask for the information and “I gave it away as soon as I got it, back to the lawyers”. He said the purpose of the letter was that Person 5, who is a friend, wanted to complain about his treatment before the inquiry.

“He was upset and probably wanted my view on what he had written or how he had framed it,” Mr Roberts-Smith said.

Mr Roberts-Smith was contacted for comment through a public relations agency. The request for comment was forwarded to Channel Seven commercial director Bruce McWilliam, who did not provide a response on record.

Defence, including the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, responded that it had no comment as the questions relate to the ongoing defamation case.

If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

https://www1.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/health-well-being/services-support-fighting-fit/need-help-now/all-hours-support-line

https://www.openarms.gov.au

https://www.theage.com.au/national/allegations-of-serious-criminal-conduct-exposed-in-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-case-20210701-p585z8.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035867

File: 837a8954987b2df⋯.jpg (19.49 KB, 306x419, 306:419, The_judge_said_that_unseal….jpg)

File: c32b9349e30ab73⋯.jpg (141.54 KB, 634x767, 634:767, Among_the_documents_will_b….jpg)

File: adfa364489ac88d⋯.jpg (108.16 KB, 634x845, 634:845, 44930053_9747011_image_a_3….jpg)

File: 96eeb1a950f498a⋯.jpg (143.88 KB, 634x845, 634:845, Documents_that_will_be_uns….jpg)

Judge rules to unseal dozens of documents about Ghislaine Maxwell's personal affairs, including those that reveal her and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with the Clintons

DANIEL BATES - 2 July 2021

1/2

A judge has ruled that dozens more documents about Ghislaine Maxwell's personal affairs should be made public, including some that could reveal more about her finances and her relationship to the Clintons.

Judge Loretta Preska said that unsealing the documents would not impact Maxwell's right to a fair trial in November as her lawyers have claimed.

Among the documents which will be made public in two weeks' time will be Maxwell's efforts to quash requests from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who sued Maxwell for defamation, to obtain her financial records.

Giuffre's lawyers demanded a vast array of documents from Maxwell including 'funding received from the Clinton Global Initiative and the Clinton Foundation,' according to court filings.

The judge also ruled that documents relating to a request from Giuffre for email accounts that Maxwell allegedly kept secret from the court should also be made public.

They could give an insight into powerful men who Maxwell knew, such and Prince Andrew of the British royal family.

The documents are part of a tranche of material gradually being released by Judge Preska from the defamation case Giuffre filed against Maxwell in 2016 for calling her a liar.

Giuffre claims Maxwell recruited her when she was 16 and took her to Jeffrey Epstein to be repeatedly raped and abused, including by Prince Andrew, which he denies.

The defamation case was settled in 2017 but after requests from the media organization the documents are gradually being unsealed.

During a hearing at New York's federal court, Judge Preska said she was not persuaded by Maxwell's argument that 'continued unsealing of these materials implicates her right to a fair trial in her pending criminal case', which is due to start in November.

Among the documents made public will be a motion for a protective order filed by Maxwell's lawyers to limit the amount of information about her finances they had to hand over.

Giuffre's lawyers sought such information so they would be better informed if the case went to a settlement, which it did.

Giuffre's lawyers sought Maxwell's tax returns, balance sheets for companies Maxwell controlled and financial statements for companies she controlled among other materials.

One section reads: 'From January 2012 to the present, produce all documents concerning any source of funding for the TarraMar Project (Maxwell's nonprofit) or any other not-for-profit entities with which you are associated, including but not limited to, funding received from the Clinton Global Initiative, the Clinton Foundation (a/k/a William J. Clinton Foundation, a/k/a/ the Bill, Hilary & Chelsea Clinton Foundation),and the Clinton Foundation Climate Change Initiative'.

While it is unclear if the Clintons will come up in the documents which will be made public, there is considerable back and forth and dozens of documents on this subject that will be unsealed.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035868

File: a5d5509330d0242⋯.jpg (56.51 KB, 634x437, 634:437, The_judge_also_ruled_that_….jpg)

File: 1561fa01f8cda20⋯.jpg (34.48 KB, 634x428, 317:214, A_judge_has_ruled_that_doz….jpg)

File: 3f8834e61aa2872⋯.jpg (123.08 KB, 634x936, 317:468, 44930197_9747011_image_a_3….jpg)

File: 47c50bdd73ebb4d⋯.jpg (136.73 KB, 634x936, 317:468, 44930183_9747011_image_a_3….jpg)

File: d3e22f97223421c⋯.jpg (136.54 KB, 634x936, 317:468, Giuffre_s_lawyers_demanded….jpg)

>>14035867

2/2

Bill Clinton's relationship with Epstein and Maxwell came under intense scrutiny when the financier was arrested in July 2019.

Clinton flew on Epstein's plane dozens of times and photographs have shown him receiving a neck massage from Chauntae Davies, one of Epstein's victims who worked as a flight attendant on his private jet, known as the 'Lolita Express'.

The book 'A Convenient Death: The Mysterious Demise of Jeffrey Epstein', by journalists Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper even claimed that Clinton and Maxwell had a secret affair.

Other documents that will be unsealed relate to a request for information from Maxwell regarding what Giuffre's lawyers called an 'undisclosed email account' that she kept secret from the court in breach of an order to hand it over.

In a publicly available filing, they state: 'Ms Giuffre is aware of two email addresses that appear to be the email addresses defendant used while Ms Giuffre was with defendant and Epstein, namely, from 2000 - 2002.

'Defendant has denied that she used those accounts to communicate, but she has not disclosed the account she did use to communicate during that time, nor produce documents from it'.

Over four pages of redacted text, which will be made public in two weeks, Giuffre's lawyers argue why it should be made public.

Emails that have already been made public in the case showed Maxwell talking to Epstein about personal matters.

In one from January 2015, when Giuffre made her allegations in a court in Florida and sparked a media firestorm, Epstein told Maxwell to keep her head up and stop acting like a 'convict'.

The pedophile told Maxwell: 'You have done nothing wrong and I would urge you to start acting like it'.

Other emails show that Prince Andrew emailed Maxwell 5.50am on January 3 2015 about Giuffre.

He said: 'Let me know when we can talk. Got some specific questions to ask you about Virginia Roberts'.

Maxwell replied: 'Have some info. Call me when you have a moment'.

Maxwell is due to go on trial for sex trafficking conspiracy and perjury among other charges.

The 59-year-old has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9747011/Judge-rules-unseal-dozens-documents-Ghislaine-Maxwells-personal-affairs.html

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4355835/giuffre-v-maxwell/?order_by=desc&page=5

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.447706/gov.uscourts.nysd.447706.370.1.pdf

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.447706/gov.uscourts.nysd.447706.468.0.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035892

File: 63eaa86d1132e62⋯.jpg (75.9 KB, 800x564, 200:141, Socialite_Ghislane_Maxwell….jpg)

Bill Cosby is free; Ghislaine Maxwell should be, too

DAVID OSCAR MARKUS - JUN 30, 2021

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court did the right thing when it threw out Bill Cosby’s convictions because prosecutors cheated: They promised Cosby that they would not prosecute him if he would testify in the civil cases against him; based on that promise, Cosby testified and did not invoke his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Prosecutors then broke their promise and used Cosby’s statements in those depositions to win a conviction against him.

The state Supreme Court not only acquitted him but barred the prosecutors from retrying him.

The court framed the issue as whether the prosecutor’s “decision not to prosecute Cosby in exchange for his testimony must be enforced against the Commonwealth.” That seems pretty straightforward, right? Even prosecutors should have to live up to their end of a bargain. If a prosecutor promises something, he should be bound by his word — just like the rest of us.

And for 79 pages, the court detailed why prosecutors are no different than any other actor in the justice system. When they make a promise, they have to stick to it.

This opinion and reasoning applies directly to Ghislaine Maxwell’s case.

In her case, Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty and struck a bargain with the prosecutors in Miami: In exchange for pleading guilty in state court, the U.S. attorney’s office agreed that it would not prosecute any of his alleged co-conspirators.

There has been quite a bit of criticism of this deal. But it is a contract that Epstein and the government entered into knowingly and voluntarily. And certainly, the government was in the better bargaining position as it is with any criminal defendant.

Maxwell is accused of being one of Epstein’s co-conspirators from 25 years ago. She has declared her innocence and is set to fight the case at trial in November. But she should not have to fight her case at trial and her case should be thrown out, just like Cosby’s has been, because prosecutors promised Epstein when he pleaded guilty that they would not prosecute her.

When Epstein agreed to plead guilty and go to state prison, the United States agreed not to prosecute him or his alleged co-conspirators. This is in black and white: “the United States . . . will not institute any criminal charges against any potential co-conspirators of Epstein.”

Despite its promise not to go after Maxwell, federal prosecutors in New York brought a federal case against her after Epstein died, arguing that it does not need to live up to the deal struck by federal prosecutors in Miami.

But that reasoning makes no sense. We have one federal government, and the agreement says clearly that the United States would not prosecute Maxwell.

And just like in Cosby’s case, the New York prosecutors want to use Maxwell’s depositions against her even though the government had said there would be no charges. The trial court, just like the trial court and intermediate appellate court in Cosby’s case, has agreed to let the government out of its deal.

The case against Ghislaine Maxwell is extremely weak — based on 25-year-old, uncorroborated allegations made only after Epstein died. A jury should reject those flimsy and stale charges. But in the event of a conviction, she should get relief on appeal for the same reason Cosby did — prosecutors should have to live up to the deals they make. As that court explained: “A contrary result would be patently untenable. It would violate long-cherished principles of fundamental fairness. It would be antithetical to, and corrosive of, the integrity and functionality of the criminal justice system that we strive to maintain.”

The Cosby case reaffirms that a prosecutor is bound to act with integrity and the public must be able to rely on his word. What a concept.

David Oscar Markus is Ghislaine Maxwell’s appellate counsel.

https://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/ny-oped-cosby-maxwell-free-20210630-gqlcsn6yczaivp5h7g7x73lfzu-story.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14035908

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

G'day

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14035922

File: 6ee050edea1de04⋯.jpg (109.76 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Exclusive_Planting_consult….jpg)

Exclusive: Planting 'consultants,' blocking vaccine approval, threatening officials – Australia sabotages China-PNG cooperation by all means

Global Times - Jul 02, 2021

By planting Australian consultants in Papua New Guinea to manipulate local epidemic prevention policies targeting China, obstructing the authorizing of Chinese vaccines' emergency use, threatening senior officials from welcoming Chinese vaccines, Australia has been found sabotaging and disturbing Pacific Island nations' cooperation with China on vaccines and anti-virus measures, with experts criticizing Australia's actions as hurting people's interest in the Pacific Island countries out of a pure Cold War mentality.

The Global Times has learned exclusively from sources that Australia has been racking its brain to undermine China's vaccine cooperation with Pacific Island countries. For example, it has planted several "consultants" in the national epidemic prevention center in Papua New Guinea and manipulated the country's policies in the fight against COVID-19. Under Australia's colonial-style dominance, some of Papua New Guinea's new prevention policies target Chinese.

Despite that China has effectively controlled the epidemic domestically, PNG still lists China as "high risk" and requests foreigners arriving from in the country to wear electric location finders with high charges. But the fact is that currently, only Chinese travel to PNG to resume work in the country's projects.

As for China's supply of vaccines to Papua New Guinea, Australia has also proactively tried to set up hurdles to block the authorization for emergency use of Chinese vaccines. In February, China announced it would offer vaccines to Papua New Guinea and also provided the trails data on the vaccines, but with Australia working in the shadows, Papua New Guinea's epidemic prevention center did not approve the emergency use of Chinese vaccines until the end of May, when Australia provided vaccines had already arrived in the country.

Sources also told the Global Times that when the Chinese vaccines arrived in Papua New Guinea, the country's president had planned to welcome them at the airport, but he was blocked by Australia, which also threatened Papua New Guinea's officials by saying that if they would welcome the Chinese vaccines, they must bear the consequence of Australia ceasing investment in the country's road projects.

Australia has closely followed the US and a small group of Western countries to hype the issue of tracing virus origins, attacking and smearing China's vaccines and groundlessly accusing China of expanding its influence by donating vaccines to developing nations.

But the reality is that Australia is actually pushing for political influence in the name of anti-virus cooperation, with the purpose of spreading Australia's vaccines throughout Pacific Island countries and showcasing its influence in the area.

In March, Australia offered 8,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine sent via military helicopters, becoming the first foreign aid of vaccine to Papua New Guinea.

If Pacific Island states choose China's vaccines in the fight against the virus, it means the economic recovery of these countries in the post-COVID-19 era would be boosted with China's leadership, and would demean Australia's reputation and influence in the area, according to Australian think tank, Lowy Institute.

Regarding the South Pacific as its own backyard and sphere of influence, Australia has taken a hostile attitude against China for China's cooperation with countries in this area, although China has expressed its willingness to also work with Australia. Chen Hong, a professor and director of the Australian Studies Center at East China Normal University, criticized Australia for its "colonialism mentality."

Australia has a clear Cold War mentality and is sabotaging China's cooperation with Pacific Island countries at the cost of the people's health, said Chen, noting that weaponizing the anti-virus fight for political purposes is shameful.

Chen said that instead of increasing its influence in the area, Australia's moves would actually damage its reputation as its malicious purposes have been fully exposed and witnessed by the international community.

Chen also noted that the vaccines that Australia has offered to Papua New Guinea are restricted to be used only among citizens above 60 years old, with their safety for other groups being questioned by scientists. Under this scenario, Australia is "dumping" its stock-piled, unsafe vaccines to other counties in its pacific playground.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227658.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14035960

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Go bombers 🛡

… hi maddy.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14035984

… even if it's good… no consent. What next?

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14036004

File: 5609e9529bdccb9⋯.jpg (626.32 KB, 825x934, 825:934, ANC_1.jpg)

File: 184ca48c2674ae7⋯.jpg (2.42 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5EUU56XMAAoG0d.jpg)

File: f5fc568f7c430ca⋯.jpg (1.86 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5EUU6qXwAEDisS.jpg)

File: 6881ea76d2c0be7⋯.jpg (2.45 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5EUU56X0AQ3_ni.jpg)

File: c3378e42f51aabb⋯.jpg (1.65 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5EUU5_WQAIZ_fR.jpg)

Arlington National Cemetery Tweet

Earlier today, Australian Ambassador to the U.S. @A_Sinodinos viewed the Changing of the Guard and participated in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He was greeted upon arrival by @KDurhamAguilera and ANC Superintendent Charles R. Alexander Jr.

https://twitter.com/ArlingtonNatl/status/1409949791878991873

https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036005

… more flexible. More strong. More deadly.

… took years + drug scapegoat fiasco.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14036009

File: bb58ba06a600ebf⋯.jpg (565.35 KB, 825x935, 15:17, AS_8.jpg)

File: f7d66834d789af8⋯.jpg (747.8 KB, 2048x1366, 1024:683, E5Fi2OKXIAMdcEt.jpg)

File: 49532d6c270912f⋯.jpg (96.41 KB, 960x640, 3:2, E5Fi2OIWUAQHglq.jpg)

File: 8d64052db414aaf⋯.jpg (128.99 KB, 960x655, 192:131, E5Fi2OJXEAEjBm3.jpg)

>>14036004

Arthur Sinodinos Tweet

Today, Elizabeth & I; and Maj. Gen Andrew Freeman and Jane Freeman had the great honour of laying a wreath on behalf of Australia in remembrance of US fallen service men & women at @ArlingtonNatl. This year (Australia) & (United States) commemorate 70 years of our unbreakable #ANZUS alliance

https://twitter.com/A_Sinodinos/status/1410016863447289856

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14036029

File: 04436e704ea9552⋯.jpg (325.34 KB, 937x495, 937:495, MRF_D_14.jpg)

File: f99d6723a3f93b5⋯.jpg (327.46 KB, 1440x960, 3:2, 203397266_163076125854879_….jpg)

File: 5f04237a7b93493⋯.jpg (288.89 KB, 1663x1109, 1663:1109, 200138944_163076079188217_….jpg)

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post

June 29 2021

Walk It like I Talk It

Last week, U.S. Marines, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conduct a rehearsal of concept before their final training event during #SouthernJackaroo. The event exercised their combined capabilities to give mounted and dismounted support to small unit ground maneuvers, while utilizing multiple weapons systems, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia.

(U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Micha Pierce)

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/163077602521398

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036035

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036199

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

… well done.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036214

'… we are not talking 1 Premiership'.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036240

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14036214

… I got most improved this year.

… kek.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036261

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14036240

* Breaking *

It was the Bombers.

… and only the Bombers.

Sauceless.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036307

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

G'day

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036335

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.
Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036369

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d09ee2  No.14036407

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

I love choppers. Hooray.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14041172

File: ec0d325b45ff9c2⋯.jpg (145.06 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Scott_Morrison_leaves_The_….jpg)

>>14020199

Covid-19 vaccine targets to unlock the path to freedom

OLIVIA CAISLEY and GREG BROWN - JULY 3, 2021

1/2

Scott Morrison has clinched a deal with premiers to return life to normal by tying the national ­reopening to new vaccination targets, under a plan that will leave potential lockdowns and a ­shuttered international border in place for at least another six months.

National cabinet agreed to a four-step blueprint on Friday for a phased easing of restrictions once Australians have met the new vaccine thresholds, which will be set using scientific modelling from epidemiologists at the Doherty Institute in Melbourne.

But, to secure the support of national cabinet, Mr Morrison was forced to accept demands from Labor states to slash the number of international arrivals by 50 per cent, amid concern over the more-infectious Delta strain.

The numbers of foreign arrivals will be cut to 3034 a week from July 14 with no end date in sight, dampening the repatriation hopes of 34,000 Australians stranded overseas and alarming business, which is warning of critical skills shortages driven by a “Fortress Australia” mindset.

The Prime Minister sealed the breakthrough agreement in separate late-night conversations with NSW Premier Gladys ­Berejiklian and her Victorian counterpart Daniel Andrews on Thursday, following a week of political conflict between the states and commonwealth over vaccine supply.

In his first in-person appearance since returning from the G7 summit in Cornwall and France, the Prime Minister said further restrictions on international travel represented a “prudent action while we remain in this suppression phase of the virus”.

Mr Morrison said the first phase of his plan would include new trials of at-home quarantine – most likely in South Australia – and the introduction of a vaccine authentication regime on the international border. Lockdowns would only be used as a “last ­resort.”

He rejected suggestions that the halving of overseas arrivals was the result of hotel quarantine system failures, after community outbreaks flared across the nation and plunged 11 million people into lockdown. Rather, it was “about the Delta variant”, he said.

“It’s simple,” he said. “The delta strain is more contagious, and so we’re just seeking to take precautionary steps to overall reduce the risk. I mean infection rates in quarantine are 1 per cent.”

Mr Morrison signalled the abandonment of any pursuit of an elimination strategy, making it clear he wanted to get to a stage where Australians had enough protection through vaccinations so that Covid-19 “would be like the flu”.

Australians would need to “learn how to live with those strains, learn about them, and modify our approaches as required”, he said.

Just over 8 per cent of the ­Australian population is fully vaccinated. The nation broke through the 8 million dose mark on Friday, making it one of the slowest rollouts in the OECD.

Medical experts welcomed the plan on Friday, but suggested the delta strain would require an unlikely vaccination take-up of more than 80 per cent to allow for the full unwinding of restrictions.

Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid said the plan recognised that the “road out of this crisis is vaccination”. “The four stages of the plan announced today show a ­future that includes a reduction in restrictions, a limited use of lockdowns, an increase in travel caps, and potential return of international outbound travel – particularly for those who are vaccinated,” Dr Khorshid said.

“By the final stage of the plan, we see a vaccinated population and as a result, a health system prepared to treat Covid similar to how we manage the flu.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14041177

File: 2fc77ff77beb803⋯.jpg (294.56 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, THE_PATH_FORWARD.jpg)

>>14041172

2/2

University of Melbourne epidemiologist Tony Blakely said vaccination was “not sufficient” to unlock restrictions and warned that Australians would need to practice Covid-safe living – such as masks, QR tracing and social distancing – for the next two years.

Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott said the plan provided hope.

“We are pleased to see plans to trial alternative quarantine options and the return of international students and economic visa holders,” Ms Westacott said. “We think we can be more ambitious and provide more incentive for getting the vaccine: for example vaccinated residents should be able to return to Australia as soon as possible. Also, vaccinated residents should be exempt from domestic restrictions.”

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said it was a “major step forward that ­finally delivers some hope to the Australian community” but he was disappointed at the “unwelcome six-month 50 per cent cap on international arrivals”.

Group of Eight universities chief executive Vicki Thomson said she backed the plan’s inclusion of commercial trials for the limited entry of student and economic visa holders during the first phase. “It seems likely that we may not see significant international student numbers returning to Australia until well into 2022, which is not unexpected but still sobering for the sector – notwithstanding our first priority of keeping Australians safe,” she said.

Chief medical officer Paul Kelly said home quarantine could be more safe than the current hotel system, arguing there was ­“decreased interaction with staff”,

Professor Kelly said there would need to be a shift in the national psychology to “concentrate increasingly on severe illness rather than (on) numbers of cases”.

The slashing of arrival caps was a win for the Victorian, West Australian and Queensland governments, which had been pushing for a decrease until more of the population was vaccinated.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she didn’t agree with the decision but would respect her fellow state and territory leaders.

While timelines under the four-step plan have not been agreed, Mr Morrison said a new phase could be entered once a yet-to-be specified vaccine threshold was achieved. He was optimistic all Australians would be offered a first jab by the end of the year. “I would hope that we were living in that second phase next year,” he said.

Anthony Albanese said the plan had come too late, arguing that the nation was already 18 months into the pandemic. “We need to fix the rollout of the vaccine and we need to fix the national quarantine,” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/covid19-vaccine-targets-to-unlock-the-path-to-freedom/news-story/047c2dbe63338c594ba4a350f07c350b

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

644364  No.14041415

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14033274

Chess

M @ ches

You lot sold me out to the americans, thanks, so much for mates aye?

Where is the muddy old river ?

Wankers , betrayed your Queen

By the rivers of Babylon, get it ? Covid Mystery cases ? Mystery Babylon ? Book of Dan ? Duh

YOU SOLD ME OUT

Australia MATES, yeah fuckin' right

Betrayed by my own country

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14041436

File: 72c5db407a6f29d⋯.jpg (101.74 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Deakin_University_s_chair_….jpg)

File: 024aead08c6c5ab⋯.jpg (344.83 KB, 1059x1279, 1059:1279, COVID_19_vaccinations.jpg)

>>14020199

Lockdowns ‘can stop in two months’ when Covid-19 vaccines hit 30pc

NATASHA ROBINSON - JULY 2, 2021

Epidemiologists believe there will be sufficient Australians fully vaccinated within the next two months to make lockdowns unnecessary in any state.

As the number of vaccinations hit a daily record of more than 163,000 on Friday, Deakin University’s chair in epidemiology Catherine Bennett said the proportion of people fully vaccinated to avoid the need for lockdowns would be in the order of 30 per cent – a prospect that was likely to be only a couple of months away.

“Thirty per cent is probably enough that it slows the spread of the virus and means contact tracers should be able to do their job,” she said. “It should mean that we’re less likely to need to go to these extreme measures.”

Once the vaccination rate reached between 50 and 65 per cent of a population, transmission of Covid-19 was significantly slowed, allowing the easing of restrictions and a gradual opening of international borders while keeping mitigation measures such as home quarantine in place.

More than 30 per cent of Australians now have received at least one vaccine dose, with 7,970,153 doses administered. The proportion of the population fully vaccinated is 8.37 per cent, and this will rise quickly within the coming weeks with millions of people scheduled to receive their second AstraZeneca shot.

International modelling has indicated that vaccine coverage of about 80 per cent would be required to allow for fully open borders and the easing of all restrictions aimed at curbing Covid-19. Professor Bennett said Australia might never get to that level.

“Eighty per cent coverage is what people would like to see, but that’s completely opening up and removing your quarantine,” Professor Bennett said.

“So it’s about how you step your way up to that. But at the end of the day, I think if you say ‘actually, we’re opening up the borders regardless at the end of March’, because that’s when everyone can be vaccinated, then I think you can’t be saying ‘we haven’t quite met the 80 per cent, therefore we’re not going to do it’.”

The federal government has commissioned modelling to identify the threshold of vaccination required to begin to open up international borders and that work is not yet complete.

Burnet Institute director Brendan Crabb said announcing that the threshold level was yet to be determined was “honest” of the Prime Minister.

“The reason why being cautious is important is because you can start to open without relying on some force shield immunity,” Professor Crabb said. “Of course we want herd immunity, that’s the ultimate goal, but we could be waiting forever for that.”

He said a minimum threshold for beginning to open up borders in a managed way was 60 per cent of all people vaccinated, including children.

“If your only goal is preventing serious illness and death you’d need less vaccine coverage than if your goal was preventing all transmission,” he said. “But I think 60 per cent is the point at which you can start to think there is a chance that community-based immunity is going to stop transmission chains.

“What should be the aim is high enough vaccine coverage with non-vaccine mitigations including mask wearing, the judicious use of border protection and, most importantly, well-ventilated workplaces and recreational facilities of any sort.”

La Trobe University epidemiologist Hassan Vally agreed about 60 per cent vaccine coverage was likely to have a significant impact on disease transmission and would see minimal deaths and hospitalisations. But he was doubtful herd immunity could ever be achieved.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/lockdowns-can-stop-in-two-months-when-covid19-vaccines-hit-30pc/news-story/d443aa225caae36497ebec2261c2b4cf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

644364  No.14041537

Let me explain.

" Will i not punish Jerusalem for her images ? "

You are watchin' a movie

My Birthday 06/06

Saturn is the 6th planet

The black box of Saturn

Australia's iconic Kingswood when sat in the passengers seat by a woman annointed by God 'Esther' became, Hollywood

Pedophillia ? The owner of the car was convicted of that, am I ? No, however i've known plenty, AS A VICTIM

So, there you go,partial explanation, for the Americans who have run this op, they can know they have interupted in Gods work & Gods plan to the point Trump will not be returned back to power unless God wishes & given his abuse of me that is highly unlikely.

God still loves me, even if all the others dont

As for Hollywood, Andrew & I havent been together since i was able to move out & certainly he is doin'everything he can to remove me from existence entirely

Every single person close to me has betrayed me, every, single one, as prophecied

Jerusalems destruction

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14041638

File: ed84372aebe7dc5⋯.jpg (144.88 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Cardinal_George_Pell.jpg)

George Pell’s $3m legal bill to clear his name

JOHN FERGUSON - JULY 3, 2021

George Pell received a $3m legal bill to battle the sex crime charges and convictions that were eventually thrown out by the High Court.

Cardinal Pell confirmed the huge bill is yet to be fully paid off after supporters, both wealthy and battling, helped fund the elite legal team that helped end his 404-day incarceration.

He said there was still a “significant” amount of money to be paid, despite having walked free more than a year ago.

The Archdiocese of Sydney said on Friday that Cardinal Pell had received $390,000 in costs from the state of Victoria after the hung jury of the first County Court trial.

Cardinal Pell’s legal team initially applied for $800,000 in costs, with most of the 26 original charges falling away in the early phase of the battle.

An archdiocese spokesman said Cardinal Pell, 80, had not have any of his legal defence covered by the church but was afforded the same help as other retired clergy. “The church does not fund criminal defences as it has consistently maintained. Cardinal Pell is retired. Any matters related to his legal affairs are private,” he said.

Cardinal Pell discussed the size of the legal bills during an ­interview in Rome, although he has now returned to Australia.

It is almost four years to the day since Cardinal Pell was originally charged with 26 offences, most of which were withdrawn or dropped or didn’t pass the committal phase. Hell was eventually convicted of sexually molesting two 13-year-old choir boys in the sacristy of Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral in 1996 and 1997.

After a first jury was deadlocked, he was then sentenced to six years in prison.

The High Court found there was reasonable doubt in the testimony of his sole living accuser, whose story was deemed improbable because of the timing, nature and location of the alleged ­offending.

Eight weeks ago while promoting the second volume of his prison diaries, Cardinal Pell spoke about the burden of the legal bills and who had helped pay them.

“The debts were very considerable,” he told religious TV network EWTN.

“There is still a significant amount that remains to be paid. I was disconcerted but I am not particularly worried about it.

“I am very grateful to all the people who have kicked in and sometimes very generously. Many, many ordinary battlers put in money to the defence fund.”

Cardinal Pell had been in Rome for months where he had a papal audience and was involved in talks about corruption at the Vatican. He was also able to clean out his old apartment, which he used while being head financial officer for the Vatican.

The publication of the Pell prison diaries has attracted global attention. They carry rare insights into prison and spiritual life, investigating the mundane nature of solitary confinement and the burden of the convictions.

Lawyer Peter Kelso, who specialises in abuse cases, said the large sum spent on defending Cardinal Pell showed that celebrities and the wealthy had a better opportunity to fight allegations.

“When you have the money you can afford a full-on defence,” he said. “That is, you can afford not only the lawyers but their team behind them … whereas the ordinary punter accused of anything can’t afford that.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/george-pells-3m-legal-bill-to-beat-jail/news-story/29e2f4a5783b83df1081a09ab39a9976

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14041647

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14041638

EWTN Bookmark with George Cardinal Pell

EWTN

Jun 29, 2021

Airs on Sunday at 10 a.m. ET

Encores on Monday at 5 a.m. & 5 p.m. ET

and on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. ET.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGcZf8UwCHU

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042069

File: 88a8ae3ef155a3d⋯.jpg (469.58 KB, 2400x1600, 3:2, Stella_Moris.jpg)

File: 878eba690c9748b⋯.jpg (1.73 MB, 3135x2229, 1045:743, The_event_will_mark_Julian….jpg)

File: 4bf3ae3f07df09a⋯.jpg (297.94 KB, 1280x377, 1280:377, Q_3341.jpg)

>>14028446

Julian Assange’s 50th birthday marked with Parliament Square picnic

Press Association - 3 July 2021

Supporters of Julian Assange will hold a picnic opposite Parliament on Saturday to mark the 50th birthday of the WikiLeaks founder.

There will be giant picnic blankets in Parliament Square stencilled with a Free Assange slogan, and the Australian’s partner Stella Moris will cut a birthday cake.

It will be the third birthday he has spent in the high-security Belmarsh prison in London.

His supporters sailed past Parliament and the US Embassy earlier this week as part of a growing campaign to free him.

An attempt to extradite Assange to the United States was rejected in January, but he continues to be held in prison pending an appeal.

Ms Moris told the PA news agency that the US case had “sunk”, adding there is growing support across the world for Assange to be released.

She said: “The longer this goes on the clearer it is that this is a political case. Julian should be at home with me and our two children.

“This has gone on far too long – it has to stop. He is not a criminal.”

Ms Moris has asked the authorities in Belmarsh if the couple can get married, saying it should be a right for anyone.

She hopes Assange will be granted permission to get married outside the prison.

“We will celebrate his birthday – and have cake,” she added.

A number of Australian politicians have appealed to the US Government to drop its Espionage Act charges against Assange.

The MPs and Senators urged US President Joe Biden to take the “opportunity for urgent reconsideration”, following a UK court’s decision to deny the US extradition request earlier this year.

John Rees, who organises events to keep up the pressure for Assange’s release, said: “Momentum is building across the world for our campaign. The case against Julian is collapsing.”

https://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/national/19417535.julian-assanges-50th-birthday-marked-parliament-square-picnic/

Q Post #3341

May 23 2019 21:01:32 (EST)

>Q

>What can you tell us about Assange??

>>6572364 (/pb)

Under protection.

Threat is real.

Key to DNC 'source' 'hack' '187'.

Q

https://8kun.top/qresearch/res/6571752.html#6572364

https://8kun.top/qresearch/res/6572498.html#6572667

https://qanon.pub/#3341

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042216

File: 2c46e8ede486ee4⋯.mp4 (9.09 MB, 1024x576, 16:9, Police_seized_over_42_kilo….mp4)

File: 52f3d8de3f7a1c5⋯.jpg (71.28 KB, 1030x606, 515:303, The_Dutch_government_has_t….jpg)

Dutch court approves alleged drug syndicate leader Tse Chi Lop for extradition to Australia

Reuters/ABC - 2 July 2021

A Dutch court has approved an Australian request to hand over the alleged leader of an Asian drug syndicate who has been compared to Mexican drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Tse Chi Lop, a Chinese-born Canadian national, was arrested in January at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport at the request of Australian police while in transit from Taiwan to Canada.

The defence said it would appeal, and the matter will be decided by the Dutch Supreme Court.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) claims Mr Tse's organisation dominates the $90 billion-a-year Asia-Pacific drug trade.

A final decision on extradition will be made by the Dutch government.

Mr Tse has denied wrongdoing and contested his arrest, saying the Australian authorities in effect engineered his expulsion from Taiwan to Canada on a flight with a stopover in the Netherlands so that he could be detained there.

The defendant is alleged to have led a drug syndicate that is dominant in the Asia-Pacific crystal methamphetamine trade, which increased fourfold in the five years to 2019, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

He is wanted in Australia for his connection to Operation Volante, which dismantled a global crime syndicate operating in five countries.

According to the AFP, the operation resulted in the arrest of 27 people for importing and trafficking "substantial quantities" of heroin and methamphetamine into Australia in 2013.

Police seized 42 kilograms of drugs and more than $4 million in cash in the operation.

Jeremy Douglas, South-East Asia and Pacific representative for the UN drugs agency UNODC, said in 2019 that Tse Chi Lop is in the league of El Chapo or maybe Pablo Escobar referring to Latin America's most notorious drug lords.

Mr Tse has denied he is a drug kingpin.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-02/court-approves-tse-chi-lop-extradition/100264964

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042244

File: c788aad73ab7f04⋯.jpg (142.41 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Timothy_Sexton_in_costume_….jpg)

File: db62ceae2da31ea⋯.jpg (193.54 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Timothy_Sexton_in_the_1990….jpg)

File: e7a7fb85eca8365⋯.jpg (125.76 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Sexton_prompting_Cloudstre….jpg)

Top SA arts identity Timothy Sexton’s spectacular fall from grace revealed after sentencing for teen sex offending in the 1980s

At the apex of his career, one of SA’s top arts identities was exposed as a manipulative teen sex predator – kicking off a spectacular and deserved fall from grace.

Sean Fewster - July 2, 2021

It was a moment of artistic and personal triumph – the unexpected translation of a seminal Australian novel into, of all things, an opera.

In 2016, the much-anticipated production of Cloudstreet was about to take its first bow, all under the guiding hand of the State Opera of SA’s artistic director, Timothy Sexton.

The opera told the story of characters navigating “a changing world, tragedy, love and forgiveness” over a 20-year period.

At the time, few knew Sexton was not only the steward of a piece of grand art, but also the source of more than 20 years of torment for two women.

The pair had, as teenage girls, been beguiled, groomed, sexually abused and then discarded by Sexton – who also manipulated them into believing they had seduced him.

He had immersed them in his lies so successfully that they kept his criminal secrets for decades, fearing they might derail his stratospheric career in the arts.

On Friday, their pain ended – and their new leases on life began – when the District Court jailed Sexton, 60, for a near-record 14 years.

The women, whose identities remain suppressed, embraced one another to celebrate the end of a heinous experience that, prior to charges being laid, they had not realised they shared.

SONG SHEET

By his mid-20s, Sexton was already a recognised conductor and musician in high demand.

Colleagues and especially students considered him charming, dashing, handsome and easy to talk to.

His eventual victims met Sexton separately, in the 1980s, but through the same medium – his work as a singing teacher – and were immediately infatuated.

“Because of their feelings of affection, they wanted to be around him, to please him, to be liked by him,” prosecutor Carmen Matteo told jurors.

“They didn’t want ‘their Mr Sexton’ to get into trouble … each girl had a crush on him, and he would have known that.”

For a creative person, Sexton played from the most basic paedophile song sheet available – his style of grooming was spectacularly pedestrian.

Tragically his little gifts, flirtatious comments, nickname for his penis and making each girl feel “adult” worked, leaving them vulnerable to repeated abuse.

When he was done with them, he casually severed contact, demanding his victims be “mature” about it while paying no heed to their distress.

It was a mindset he would maintain to the bitter end.

REJECTED

From the moment of his arrest – which saw the State Opera request his resignation – Sexton maintained, and has continued to insist, he is innocent of any wrongdoing.

On the witness stand, he sought to convince jurors the girls had initiated all inappropriate contact – a move that echoed the allegations against him.

“There was nothing sort of coquettish or really, really flirtatious,” he said.

One girl, he claimed, had “planted a kiss” on him but he did not discipline her because “everyone gets to make a mistake”.

He was, he explained, the target of adolescent fantasy and the victim of misunderstood teaching techniques.

“Because singing is an internal physical activity, it was necessary to make certain corrections … quite often, the issue with students is bad posture,” he said.

Jurors rejected Sexton’s evidence and found him guilty, prompting him to file an appeal which is scheduled to be heard next month.

In their victim impact statements, the girls – now women – dubbed Sexton “an astounding narcissist”, a “weak human being” and “conceited, self-opinionated, cruel-hearted” predator.

In sentencing, Judge Geraldine Davison stopped short of agreeing with them.

“You are undoubtedly a very intelligent man who is hardworking and talented,” she said.

“The very reason you were able to commit these offences is the fact you were a talented man who ingratiated himself to all around him.

“You attracted, and took advantage of, young people who were susceptible to your charms.”

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/top-sa-arts-identity-timothy-sextons-spectacular-fall-from-grace-revealed-after-sentencing-for-teen-sex-offending-in-the-1980s/news-story/b5b0301adea640d27a40e95b2df17b34

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042279

File: e17fadb23cb8af4⋯.jpg (108.26 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, 50_years_after_Whitlam_s_C….jpg)

File: 60c22d97ea6dbc3⋯.jpg (118.81 KB, 906x1200, 151:200, The_author_Chen_Hong_with_….jpg)

50 years after Whitlam’s China visit, it’s imperative for Canberra politicians to learn his political sagacity

Chen Hong - Jul 02, 2021

1/2

Fifty years ago on July 3, a very special delegation from Australia arrived in Beijing, led by the then Australian opposition leader, Gough Whitlam. This visit was history-making, as called by Stephen FitzGerald, later Australia's first ambassador to China, "an expedition of bravado and exposure, but great political judgment and luck." Canberra at that time was still bogged down in the Cold War trap, stubbornly refusing to recognize the fact that Beijing had already been the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China. Whitlam was lambasted by the anti-China forces Down Under as making Australia a pawn of China, and himself, a "lickspittle Sinophile." It indeed had taken extraordinary political judgment and enormous courage for him to take this ice-breaking step.

Whitlam was a visionary au fait with the changing tides of the times. As early as 1954 he advocated diplomatic recognition of Beijing. His ground-breaking decision to visit China in 1971 was both wisely cognisant of the geopolitical reality of the world, and perceptively mindful of the historic inevitability to proactively engage and cooperate with the rising Asian giant with the biggest population and the greatest potential.

As then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai pointed out during his mid-night conversation with Whitlam and his delegation on July 5, "All things develop from small beginnings." After Whitlam took office as prime minister following his overwhelming victory in the federal parliament election in 1972, he decisively established formal diplomatic relationship with the People's Republic of China, steering Australia onto a speed track of constructive cooperation with China.

China never forgets Whitlam's pioneering efforts to promote mutual understanding, trust and friendship between the two countries. China always remembers Australia's invaluable contribution to its economic growth and national development. Recently declassified documents of the Australian government show that between 1959 and 1962, Australia increased wheat exports to China in defiance of the US' embargo on the fledgling People's Republic.

Since the late 1970s, China's reform and opening-up have greatly benefited from the Australian investments and joint ventures, which in turn also provided vibrant momentum to Australia's economic growth thanks to China's increasing and enormous imports of energy and mineral, food, dairy and other products from Down Under.

In 1972 the merchandise trade between China and Australia was valued at a meager A$100 million, but in 2020 bilateral trade volume skyrocketed to as high as A$ 229.623 billion, in spite of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent Chinese poll indicates that Australia still ranks among the first as a preferred destination for Chinese students, although Chinese parents are becoming increasingly nervy of the resurgence of racist sentiments and sometimes occurrences of violently verbal and even physical assaults.

It is therefore imperative that today's politicians in Canberra should modestly learn the political sagacity of Whitlam and other like-minded judicious Australian political leaders. A constructive bilateral relationship is the critical keystone to both countries' national interest, which any mature and independent government should do its best to ascertain and safeguard against ulterior motives of some foreign power.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042286

File: 5bf172d2626620b⋯.jpg (86.43 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Former_prime_minister_Bob_….jpg)

File: c791421caa66ccd⋯.jpg (125.75 KB, 1280x721, 1280:721, Chinese_professor_Chen_Hon….jpg)

>>14042279

2/2

It was thought-provoking that Whitlam's 1972 visit to China was ferociously condemned by Australia's then Liberal government led by prime minister Billy McMahon, who was timorously worried about his imagined vehement reactions from Washington. He criticized Whitlam's late night meeting with Premier Zhou as "an impertinence to the United States, and it is not likely to be forgotten by the American administration." However McMahon was dumbfounded and humiliated when Washington announced that on July 9 Henry Kissinger had also visited China and that US president Richard Nixon would be flying to Beijing in early 1972, on which Whitlam vindictively commented about his denigrators, "They're f..ked."

The current administration in Canberra needs to come to terms with its relations with China, in which pragmatism overrules ideological bigotry and recalcitrance. Australia's anti-China campaign has reaped in for itself nothing but economic and political losses. Australia's Morrison administration might also be massively stunned to know that "at present Australia's exports of food and beverage to China has dropped from 5.6 percent to 3.5 percent, while those of the other countries in the so-called Five Eyes alliance rose from 22 percent to 35 percent.

It is now high time for Canberra to come to grips with the present day international realpolitik, in which China will continue to be one of the biggest players. Meaningless contestation and confrontation with China will only result in Australia's losses while China goes on with its dynamism toward stability and peace and greater economic prosperity.

The author is president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies, and professor and director of the Australian Studies Centre, East China Normal University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227674.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042873

File: 7c25b990d6420b9⋯.jpg (495.53 KB, 825x937, 825:937, CONA_1.jpg)

File: 0f4e08684a7ebb6⋯.jpg (1.87 MB, 3600x2025, 16:9, E5KdkhYUcAAtsIx.jpg)

Chief of Navy Australia Tweet

I have just conducted my inaugural call with incoming Japanese Defence Attache, CAPT Reona Aso & his predecessor COL Shigehiro Noshita

#AusNavy's partnership w @ModJapan_en is founded on shared strategic interests & building a secure, prosperous & inclusive Indo-Pacific

https://twitter.com/CN_Australia/status/1410362982429642754

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042879

File: 792fea8704a0e82⋯.jpg (504.45 KB, 825x1018, 825:1018, MRF_D_15.jpg)

File: 07a8d7478c0b830⋯.jpg (3.15 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5NCui_UcAQQcyr.jpg)

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet

#Marines Posted during #ExerciseDarrandarra

Sharpening our embassy reinforcement skills with #yourADF

@USMC (photo) by Cpl. Colton K. Garrett

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1410742514307538945

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042885

File: 54f51d46179d458⋯.jpg (467.25 KB, 825x972, 275:324, III_MEF_1.jpg)

File: fced30619e711e5⋯.jpg (102.14 KB, 1244x825, 1244:825, E5AuynZX0AMZNI9.jpg)

File: 1399b7d4096773c⋯.jpg (221.82 KB, 1255x830, 251:166, E5AuypOXoAASsml.jpg)

III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet

“It was important for us to interact with the community so we could show our appreciation for the opportunity to train in Nhulunbuy. .”

-Australian Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gosling

Read about @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy’s training in Nhulunbym, Aus.

https://dvidshub.net/r/89la9z

https://twitter.com/IIIMEF/status/1409678132525756420

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042898

File: 94923b76e885bd4⋯.jpg (222.09 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, U_S_Marines_with_Charlie_C….jpg)

File: cd0e96d8dc28e7c⋯.jpg (172.75 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, U_S_Marine_Corps_Lance_Cpl….jpg)

File: ce16f4c04308e44⋯.jpg (199.21 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, U_S_Marine_Corps_Lance_Cpl….jpg)

File: 6b9a5d18f819212⋯.jpg (465.95 KB, 1000x1500, 2:3, U_S_Marine_Corps_Sgt_Donal….jpg)

File: 265225610f84068⋯.jpg (181.81 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, U_S_Marine_Corps_Sgt_Adam_….jpg)

>>14042879

>>14042885

U.S. Marines in Australia complete embassy reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation operations exercise

1st Lt. Gabriel Lechuga - 06.24.2021

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin successfully completed an embassy reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation operations exercise called “Darrandarra,” last week at the Australian Defence Force’s Northern Command depot in Nhulunbuy, NT, Australia.

The focus of Darrandarra was to enhance Marine Rotational Force – Darwin’s ability to assist the U.S. Department of State with reinforcing embassies in the Indo-Pacific region and evacuating American citizens whose lives are in danger due to rising civil unrest or political tensions.

The exercise was conducted in coordination with members of the Australian Defence Force who assisted the Marine Corps with logistical planning, exercise control and community engagement.

The planning phase of the exercise began at Robertson Barracks, where Marines and ADF members developed a plan that allowed Marine Rotational Force – Darwin to transport troops and equipment to Nhulunbuy using an Australian C-130 Hercules in addition to U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys.

Once in Nhulunbuy, Marines conducted various training activities at the simulated embassy on the depot, such as using non-lethal force to deescalate civilian riots, enhancing embassy security, and preventing unauthorized people from entering the embassy.

“Working side-by-side with the Australians proved critical to the success of the exercise. Sharing resources makes MRF-D and Northern Command a more efficient and capable force,” said exercise forward command element officer in charge, Capt. Zach Ball.

As the exercise scenario reached a point where the simulated embassy needed to be shut down completely, MRF-D’s Logistics Combat Element established an emergency evacuation center, which is used to safely process and evacuate American citizens. Marine Rotational Force – Darwin used Marines as role-players to make the training as realistic as possible.

An additional MRF-D and ADF priority while in Nhulunbuy was to conduct community engagements. Marines and members of the ADF showed support for the local community by attending the opening ceremony of the new East Arnhem Regional Council building, interacting with locals in Yirrkala—a small town in East Arnhem Land—and hosting a community engagement on June 18th.

The community engagement involved a static display of the Marine Corps’ MV-22B Osprey, where locals were able to tour it to get an idea of what it would be like to ride one. Additionally, Marines played sports with local children, let them try on their protective equipment like flak jackets and Kevlar helmets, and discussed their jobs and experience in the Marine Corps and in Australia.

“It was important for us to interact with the community so we could show our appreciation for the opportunity to train in Nhulunbuy. Everyone was friendly and excited to interact with Marines and ADF soldiers and see Ospreys,” said Headquarters Northern Command Operations Officer, Australian Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gosling.

Darrandarra, meaning “together,” demonstrated the Marine Corps' ability to operate with the Australian Defence Force, reinforce embassies, and conduct noncombatant evacuation operations to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise was a tangible demonstration to the Marine Corps and Australian Defence Force’s commitment to strengthening the current alliance and interacting with the community.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/399591/us-marines-australia-complete-embassy-reinforcement-and-noncombatant-evacuation-operations-exercise

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042906

File: baea9a4f15434c9⋯.jpg (578.25 KB, 825x1052, 825:1052, DOD_3.jpg)

File: 917777c54e13c66⋯.jpg (63.33 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5MX34vXIAsan_k.jpg)

File: 010ee6ed1f38635⋯.jpg (129.48 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5MX4KeWEAE6Mvj.jpg)

File: fee4385219cf02f⋯.jpg (133.4 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5MX4c_XoAAhIS1.jpg)

File: 505f0b20f781538⋯.jpg (155.07 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5MX4t9WUAA9N9e.jpg)

>>14036029

Department of Defence Tweet

Exercise Southern Jackaroo.

#YourADF, @USMC & @Japan_GSDF participated in the combined exercise recently, which included more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously and the first Javelin fired in the Mount Bundey Training Area.

bit. ly/3AjNvWe

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1410497372950499339

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042912

File: 9956d23b2b6eeeb⋯.jpg (100.97 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_Japan_Ground_Self_Defenc….jpg)

File: cd5cc606de74570⋯.jpg (244.61 KB, 1200x801, 400:267, Private_Harrison_Smyth_loa….jpg)

File: 85358bb92b739af⋯.jpg (240.94 KB, 1200x803, 1200:803, A_Japan_Ground_Self_Defens….jpg)

>>14042906

Tactical capability focus of Exercise Southern Jackaroo

Private Jacob Joseph - 30 June 2021

With more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously, the culminating activity of Exercise Southern Jackaroo, held from June 15-24, took months to plan, and included forces from the US Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.

Private Brendan Hannam, from 5 Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (5RAR), fired the first Javelin in the Mount Bundey Training Area.

“I didn’t realise I would actually get to fire a Javelin on this exercise,” Private Hannam said.

Private Hannam’s action involved a direct attack while the US Marines, just meters away, simultaneously fired a top down attack.

A coordinated fire mission from Australian MAG 58 and US .50cal machine guns followed against targets on the adjacent hillside.

Watching the heavy weapons at the support by fire position, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Officer In Charge bilateral exercises Major Mitsuo Matsuda observed a way to improve his soldier’s training with more barrel change drills.

“Japanese soldiers do not fire the same amount of ammunition on our live fire ranges so they do not get to change barrels very often,” Major Matsuda said.

Japanese forces also took advantage of the larger Australian ranges on day one, firing their Type 01 LMAT anti-tank missile at moving targets for the first time.

It was also the first time snipers from the three nations participated in a two-day, live-fire practice, which included moving targets travelling up to 40kmph and long-range shooting beyond 2km.

Australian and US gunners from 103 Battery and US Marine Corps Mike Battery used the exercise to test a digital link between gun detachments, according to Bravo Detachment Commander Bombardier Eduardo Osborne.

“There’s a digital radio inside the gun that can send trajectory and elevation information between computers,” Bombardier Osborne said.

While the exercise aimed to develop a combined arms relationship between militaries, there were also personnel exchanges, according to 5RAR Lance Corporal Joshua Young, who worked with Japanese and US forces at the urban training facility.

“We showed them how we did our individual up to section level SOPs, like quartering drills and signals, so they could operate without talking,” Lance Corporal Young said.

Soldiers practised urban clearances and explosive breaching serials, and received a visit from Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell who spoke about the importance of Australia’s strategic partnerships.

US Marine Rotational Force–Darwin Commanding Officer Colonel David Banning said Exercise Southern Jackaroo was a key exercise for the United States Marines based in Darwin with the rotational force.

“This is a critical building block in terms of our ability to gradually increase the complexity of what we’re doing with our partners,” Colonel Banning said.

“We’re focused on maintaining our tactical capability so we have the flexibility to respond to whatever situation we might encounter.”

The US Marines will participate in exercises Talisman Sabre and Koolendong in the coming months. The Japanese forces will return home in early July.

See all the images of Exercise Southern Jackaroo on the Defence News Gallery.

https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/S20212094

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/tactical-capability-focus-exercise-southern-jackaroo

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14042986

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

'The Alliance' | Episode 1

Sky News Australia

Jul 3, 2021

Kieran Gilbert, Annelise Nielsen & Adam Creighton look back at how a shared sacrifice in both WW1 & WW2 established a close bond between Australia and the United States.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15g9MmyS5Ck

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14049526

File: b1effa43343b7dc⋯.jpg (346.8 KB, 937x532, 937:532, MRF_D_16.jpg)

File: 2079d012e7719eb⋯.jpg (409.51 KB, 2048x1365, 2048:1365, 201775842_164487889047036_….jpg)

File: 16e4cbd397b3836⋯.jpg (309.48 KB, 1680x1120, 3:2, 201799881_164488595713632_….jpg)

File: f04fa9b268434be⋯.jpg (155.62 KB, 1942x1295, 1942:1295, 208552053_164487979047027_….jpg)

File: e2c1ba0112c5b63⋯.jpg (277.94 KB, 2048x1365, 2048:1365, 200930778_164488229047002_….jpg)

>>14036029

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post

July 2 2021

Here comes the guns

U.S. Marines participate in support to ground maneuvers training during Exercise #SouthernJackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 23, 2021. The training exercised U.S. Marines’, Australian Army soldiers’ and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers’ combined capabilities to give mounted and dismounted support to small unit ground maneuvers while utilizing multiple weapons systems.

(U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Micha Pierce and Cpl. Sarah E. Taggett)

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/164490145713477

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050764

File: 7241238f02940f6⋯.jpg (158.09 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_Vatican_said_the_trial….jpg)

Vatican indicts cardinal, nine other people in London realestate deal

FRANCIS X. ROCCA - JULY 4, 2021

The Vatican said it indicted Cardinal Giovanni Becciu and nine other people in connection with a costly investment in London real estate, the source of one of the biggest scandals of Pope Francis’s reign.

Cardinal Becciu, who was the second highest official at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State when it acquired the property, was indicted on charges of embezzlement, abuse of office and subornation. His trial will be the first of a churchman with his rank in Vatican City’s criminal court.

Pope Francis ordered an investigation in 2019 after the Vatican bank flagged as suspicious a request by the Secretariat of State for a €150m ($A236m) loan to refinance the acquisition costs of a building in London’s upscale Chelsea district.

Through a series of complex transactions, the secretariat had paid the equivalent of more than $US400m ($A531m) by 2018 for the property, which had sold for half that amount six years earlier, Vatican prosecutors told a London court last year. The Vatican was seeking the extradition of a middleman, Gianluigi Torzi, accused of extortion, embezzlement, fraud and money laundering.

Cardinal Becciu, 73, was a leading adversary of Cardinal George Pell during the Australian’s time as Vatican treasurer from February 2014 to June 2017. Cardinal Pell’s focus was on cleaning up the Vatican’s entrenched financial corruption and imposing modern accounting standards and transparency on its finances.

“I am the victim of a plot hatched against me, and I have been waiting for a long time to know any accusations against me, in order to promptly deny them and prove to the world my absolute innocence,” said Cardinal Becciu in a statement on Sunday.

According to the official Vatican News outlet, prosecutors didn’t originally consider Cardinal Becciu a suspect but concluded last May that he was behind efforts to acquire the London property.

They also allege that he tried to get a witness in the investigation to change his account.

Under Vatican law, the pope is required to sign off before a cardinal may be tried in a Vatican City court.

Four other former Vatican officials were indicted on various counts, including a former head and deputy head of the Vatican’s internal financial watchdog, and two former employees of the Secretariat of State.

“This matter constitutes a procedural blunder that will be immediately clarified by the organs of Vatican justice,” said Rene Brulhart, a former head of the Vatican financial watchdog, who has been indicted on a charge of abuse of office. “I have always carried out my functions and duties with correctness, loyalty and in the exclusive interest of the Holy See and its organs.”

Five outsiders were also indicted, including Mr Torzi, a lawyer for whom, Marco Franco, said he was preparing a comment on his client’s behalf. Other accused or their lawyers didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Vatican said that the trial would begin with a hearing on July 27.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/the-wall-street-journal/vatican-indicts-cardinal-nine-other-people-in-london-realestate-deal/news-story/fb3bf6faf925bde3abbfee6653695eae

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050768

File: 244dc0874c07502⋯.jpg (385.24 KB, 1240x1755, 248:351, 0001.jpg)

File: 2c749154c4b191b⋯.jpg (482.22 KB, 1240x1755, 248:351, 0002.jpg)

File: c5572fb35830729⋯.pdf (118.26 KB, 210703a.pdf)

>>14050764

Holy See Press Office Communiqué

Saturday 03.07.2021

By decree issued today, the President of the Vatican Tribunal has ordered the summons to trial of the defendants in the case related to the financial investments of the Secretariat of State in London. The trial will begin at the hearing on 27 July next.

The request for the summons for trial was submitted in recent days by the Office of the Promoter of Justice, in the persons of the Promoter Gian Piero Milano, the Deputy Alessandro Diddi and the Applicant Gianluca Perone, and regards ecclesiastical and lay personnel of the Secretariat of State and senior figures of the then Financial Intelligence Authority, as well as external figures active in the world of international finance.

They are:

- René Brülhart, who is accused of abuse of office;

- Msgr. Mauro Carlino, who is accused of extortion and abuse of office;

- Enrico Crasso, who is accused of embezzlement, corruption, extortion, money laundering and self-laundering, fraud, abuse of office, forgery of a public deed committed by a private individual and forgery in a private document;

- Tommaso Di Ruzza, who is accused of embezzlement, abuse of office and breach of confidentiality;

- Cecilia Marogna, who is accused of embezzlement;

- Raffaele Mincione, who is accused of embezzlement, fraud, abuse of office, embezzlement and self-laundering;

- Nicola Squillace, who is accused of fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and self-laundering;

- Fabrizio Tirabassi, who is accused of corruption, extortion, embezzlement, fraud and abuse of office;

- Gianluigi Torzi, who is accused of extortion, embezzlement, fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and self-laundering;

and against the companies:

- HP Finance LLC, referable to Enrico Crasso, to whom the indictment alleges the crime of fraud;

- Logsic Humanitarne Dejavnosti, D.O.O., attributable to Cecilia Marogna, accused of embezzlement;

- Prestige Family Office SA, attributable to Enrico Crasso, who is accused of fraud;

- Sogenel Capital Investment, which can be traced back to Enrico Crasso, to which the indictment alleges the crime of fraud.

Some of the aforementioned offences are also alleged to have been committed "in complicity".

The investigations, launched in July 2019 following a complaint by the Institute for the Works of Religion and the Office of the Auditor General, involved full collaboration between the Office of the Promoter and the Judicial Police Section of the Gendarmerie Corps. The investigations were also carried out in close and fruitful cooperation with the Public Prosecutor's Office of Rome and the Economic and Financial Police Unit - G.I.C.E.F. of the Guardia di Finanza of Rome. The cooperation of the Public Prosecutor's Offices of Milan, Bari, Trento, Cagliari and Sassari and their respective judicial police sections was also appreciated.

Elements also emerged against Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu, who is being prosecuted, pursuant to the law, for the crimes of embezzlement and abuse of office, also in collaboration, as well as subornation.

The investigations, carried out also with rogatory commissions in several other foreign countries (United Arab Emirates, Great Britain, Jersey, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Switzerland), have brought to light a vast network of relationships with operators in the financial markets that have generated substantial losses for the Vatican finances, having also drawn on the resources intended for the personal charitable works of the Holy Father.

The judicial initiative is directly related to the indications and reforms of His Holiness Pope Francis, in the work of transparency and rehabilitation of Vatican finances; work that, according to the accusation, was countered by speculative illegal activities and detrimental to reputation in the terms indicated in the request for trial.

Vatican City, 3 July 2021

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/07/03/210703a.html

https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/07/03/210703a.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050787

File: 501876aba6a4c35⋯.jpg (125.95 KB, 862x575, 862:575, A_suite_of_documents_on_Wi….jpg)

File: 2391387ec4d1530⋯.jpg (99.3 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Supporters_of_Bernard_Coll….jpg)

File: 5817830d4d28f60⋯.jpg (62.68 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Documents_cleared_by_the_C….jpg)

Court documents shed new light on man behind moniker 'Witness K' and how he met lawyer Bernard Collaery

Elizabeth Byrne - 4 July 2021

1/2

I can't tell you who Witness K is.

Even if I knew I couldn't say without risking jail time, because as a former spy for Australia's overseas intelligence service, his identity is protected under strict security laws.

But his notoriety has grown since he was charged with conspiracy to reveal classified information about alleged Australian espionage in East Timor, with his former lawyer Bernard Collaery.

It has been a long, curious and partly secret prosecution involving the discovery of key evidence in a handbag, the international courts in the Hague and the unwelcome exposure of alleged Australian espionage in East Timor.

When he finally fronted a Canberra court last month to be formally charged and sentenced, he and his wife were hidden behind tall black screens, in a room where even the glass doors were blacked out.

"Guilty your honour," were his only words to the court.

The voice that emerged from behind the screens was not deep or loud, instead sounded like the voice of a man in his late 70s you might say hello to on the street and pass by without a second thought.

When Witness K entered his plea and was sentenced to a three-month suspended sentence, it was the first time he had stepped foot in the court — despite multiple sessions in the lead up as lawyers fought over how secret the case should be, and what facts would be agreed.

Witness K's case has been polarising from the start, with a loyal crowd of supporters gathering outside every time it appeared in court.

Now documents cleared by the Canberra courts for public release have revealed something of the man, and the circumstances which led to this extraordinary chapter for Australia's intelligence community.

A career characterised by danger and trauma

Witness K had had a career of nearly four decades, starting in the navy in Vietnam and ending as a senior Australian Secret Intelligence Service (ASIS) spy.

But three psychiatric reports to the court gave perhaps the best insight into the man, who had suffered episodes of depression and anxiety since he was sent to Vietnam when still a teenager, and was more recently diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder.

One report noted his mother said he had been "crazy" when he returned from Vietnam.

The trauma listed by the doctors included his service on the "gun line" when he had been fired at and feared he would die.

Another said, "two major incidents seemed to have had a significant effect on his mental state, however, he never sought treatment or support for many years".

But the trauma did catch up with him, leading to several periods of stress leave, after breakdowns at work.

According to court documents, in 2005 it all came to a head when he missed out on a job he had been acting in for some time.

Witness K was profoundly disappointed and called for an independent inquiry.

And that is when Bernard Collaery was appointed his lawyer to help him through the legal process.

At the time Mr Collaery was also representing the government of East Timor.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050791

File: a8d7849d7871f33⋯.jpg (75.64 KB, 862x485, 862:485, A_letter_from_Bernard_Coll….jpg)

File: eca9840e9433735⋯.jpg (68.71 KB, 862x485, 862:485, East_Timor_claimed_a_treat….jpg)

File: b64afb5ae1a3200⋯.jpg (163.19 KB, 862x575, 862:575, ASIO_raided_Bernard_Collae….jpg)

>>14050787

2/2

'A process of vindication'

One of the key pieces of evidence in the case was a letter Mr Collaery wrote to Witness K in February 2013, in which he reflected on how the alleged spying operation arose in their discussions.

"As I have said to you I was troubled for some considerable time about the knowledge you unwittingly passed to me in my dual role as adviser to the Timor-Leste government," Mr Collaery said, as he also noted he had sought legal advice to confirm that there was no conflict of interest with him acting in both capacities.

In the letter, he advised Witness K his best legal option for his own case would be to seek an ex-gratia payment but noted his real objective was not money, but vindication.

"I set about for you a process of vindication that welded together two interlocking issues," Mr Collaery said.

"The interlocking issues are that you seek a remedy through the scope of the Timor-Leste government to have an independent inquiry into the actions that you most disapproved of, namely the activities of your clandestine mission in Timor-Leste that had nothing to do with national security."

The letter came only weeks before Timor Leste launched action against Australia in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague.

East Timor alleged a negotiated treaty on maritime arrangements in the Timor Sea was invalid because Australia had not negotiated in good faith and had engaged in espionage.

But as hearings were about to begin, ASIO swooped on the homes of Bernard Collaery and Witness K.

Key evidence found in Witness K's wife's handbag

The statement of facts released by the court revealed the letter from Mr Collaery to Witness K, as well as copies of letters exchanged between East Timor's then-prime minister Xanana Gusmao and Australia's then-prime minister Julia Gillard, were found in Witness K's wife's handbag.

The summary of facts said the key piece of evidence was found in a camera tripod bag in the hallway linen cabinet.

It was an affidavit intended for the International Arbitration Court, dated May 7, 2013, using Witness K's own name, and containing information consistent with statements made to the media by Mr Collaery.

The summary also stated a second affidavit signed in November was also found, both witnessed by Mr Collaery.

Documents were also seized from Mr Collaery's home, with TV footage from the time showing the agitated bees from his hive swirling around, as ASIO agents went to work inside.

Mr Collaery was in Europe preparing for the hearing at the Hague, but the raids put a stop to his star witness.

After all of that, the pair was not charged, even after Commonwealth prosecutors recommended a prosecution to then-federal attorney-general George Brandis.

It was not until 2018 that a new attorney-general, Christian Porter, authorised the case to proceed.

Court hears Witness K is now like any other retiree

While Witness K pleaded guilty and was sentenced last month, Mr Collaery, who is facing other charges, is fighting the case in the ACT Supreme Court.

Currently the parties are locked in a battle over what evidence is of national security significance and should stay secret, to be heard in a closed court.

Lawyers for the federal Attorney-General won round one, but Mr Collaery is awaiting the results of an appeal, as others including the ACT's Bar Association call for the prosecution to be abandoned altogether.

For Witness K, the matter is now at an end, and he is no doubt relieved he will not spend time in jail.

His barrister Robert Richter QC did his best to avoid even a conviction, telling the court Witness K had been a highly decorated officer but was now an elderly man, married with children.

"His retirement occupations are genteel and admirable," he said.

One of his doctors listed those activities.

"[Witness K] reports to be using playing music, fixing guitars, physical fitness and endurance exercises as his main coping mechanisms", he said.

Mr Richter also noted it had been many years since Witness K had known there would probably be a prosecution.

"The mental anguish he has suffered has been amplified," he told the court.

"There is no utility in convicting Mr K."

But Magistrate Glenn Theakston found Witness K had still deliberately breached security laws, convicting him, handing him a suspended sentence with a 12-month good behaviour order, and an opportunity to move on with his life.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-04/court-document-witness-k-bernard-collaery-cleared-public-release/100263168

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050812

File: d44b70057dfe755⋯.jpg (94.25 KB, 936x624, 3:2, Virologist_Danielle_Anders….jpg)

File: 75ce24403578821⋯.jpg (91.26 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Victorian_virologist_Dr_An….jpg)

>>14003983 (pb)

‘Eat a bat and die’: Vile threats against Wuhan lab conspiracy-buster

Wendy Tuohy - July 4, 2021

1/2

Before she agreed to run a fact check on a February 2020 article claiming COVID-19 probably leaked from Wuhan Institute of Virology as part of Chinese bioweapons research, Australian virologist Danielle Anderson was relatively unknown outside her highly specialised field.

Dr Anderson, who has extensive experience in bat-borne virus research, was one of two scientists asked to examine claims in the New York Post that the People’s Liberation Army had dispatched Major-General Chen Wei to Wuhan “to try and put the genie back in the bottle” after the SARS-CoV-2 virus escaped the lab.

Soon after she and her counterpart declared the claims to be misleading, the Victorian, who is the only foreign scientist to have worked in the Wuhan institute’s high-security BSL-4 lab, had her name trashed so viciously by extremists she had to call in police.

Dr Anderson’s crime, according to conspiracy theorists, was to have defended the professionalism of colleagues she had met in Wuhan as an unpaid visiting scientist during regular short trips from her lab at the National University of Singapore’s Duke Medical School.

“It is difficult to respond to this article because it is infuriating on a personal and professional level,” she wrote on the website Health Feedback of the Post’s claims.

“I have worked in this exact laboratory at various times for the past two years. I can personally attest to the strict control and containment measures implemented while working there. The staff at [Wuhan Institute of Virology] are incredibly competent, hard-working, and are excellent scientists with superb track records.”

The theory that the coronavirus leaked from the Wuhan lab is being investigated by US intelligence on the orders of President Joe Biden.

A joint China-World Health Organisation investigation, hampered by Beijing’s lack of transparency, said in February that COVID-19 was most likely to have been transmitted through an intermediate animal host and may have been spread through frozen wild animals in a Wuhan market. Former US president Donald Trump’s administration, on the other hand, enthusiastically promoted the theory that the virus leaked out of the Wuhan Institute of Virology – regarded as the least likely scenario of those examined by WHO’s medical experts.

Dr Anderson was last in Wuhan in November 2019 when, it is now believed, the virus was beginning to spread. She has known the director of the lab’s emerging infectious diseases section, Shi Zhengli, since meeting her at the CSIRO in Geelong in 2003. She refuted claims that scientists in the Wuhan lab became ill, saying had this been true she would have known.

Facebook’s decision to remove large amounts of misinformation about COVID-19 and replace it with fact-checked material, including Dr Anderson’s, infuriated extremist conspiracy websites so much that one published her email address.

The man dubbed America’s “most prolific” conspiracy theorist, Texan Alex Jones, named Dr Anderson as “the woman running projects with weaponised COVID” and claimed she “ran all the censorship for Facebook … and silences the president”.

Geelong-born Dr Anderson had no idea she was being targeted until a friend from New York asked: “Why am I seeing your face?”

The first email to hit her inbox read simply: “Eat a bat and die, bitch.”

When the onslaught became intense enough for her to call Singapore police, they took it seriously.

“They said to be aware of my surroundings, and that freaked me out a bit,” Dr Anderson said from Melbourne, where she returned to work last month. “I’m a runner and on one of the apps I use, Strava, it shows where your running route [is], so you can watch someone and figure out where they live, so I had to lock down my Strava.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050813

File: 5c180f0e7cac7ac⋯.jpg (205.04 KB, 959x639, 959:639, The_Wuhan_Institute_of_Vir….jpg)

>>14050812

2/2

For Dr Anderson – now a senior research fellow at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity – being dragged into the global information wars has “shaken” her trust in the way parts of the media industry work.

She is particularly concerned about the Australian book What Really Happened in Wuhan by journalist Sharri Markson, which is being marketed in part on the strength of an “unearthed” video showing scientists with bats at the Wuhan lab.

“To my knowledge, that was a video made several years ago to promote the lab,” Dr Anderson said.

“I didn’t know who [the author of the book] was until I saw the headline about the bat video, a ‘secret’ bat colony. There are many labs working with bats and have bat colonies in multiple countries.

“There are scientific meetings dedicated specifically to bat virus research and the last such meeting that I attended was in Colorado, USA.”

When she saw the “secret video” claim, “I thought, ‘This is just rubbish’ … It’s crazy and it gives the public a terrible impression of scientists.

“A colleague said to just think about what happened to climate change scientists, we’re in their shoes now, and that’s a really good point. I kind of want to reach out to climate scientists and say, ‘I know what you’re going through.’ ”

In response to Dr Anderson’s claims, Ms Markson said the video was important because WHO investigators had called it a conspiracy to suggest there were bats in the Wuhan labs.

“Contrary to Anderson’s claims, the video is not secret and the WHO should have examined it prior to insisting there were no bats in the Wuhan labs. Yet the WHO report did not once mention there were bats at the Wuhan Institute of Virology.”

Dr Anderson is sticking by her belief COVID-19 has a natural origin, saying: “The reason I think the virus escaping from the lab is a less likely scenario is if we look in the last 50 years, so many of the diseases and outbreaks that have happened have come from animals.”

But she is open to reading evidence to the contrary.

“If someone comes from a lab in China and says, ‘Look, this is what we’re working on and here’s the way it got out of the lab,’ I would not discount [it] and I am open to changing my view.

“My opinion is based on the evidence I have in front of me, and my collective research background. Virology training is my background and I am using that to make my decisions, not a politician saying, ‘This is what we should think.’

“Science is a self-correcting mechanism. If the evidence does change I expect as scientists our opinions will change. We constantly gain new knowledge and this is how we learn and advance the field.”

https://www.smh.com.au/national/eat-a-bat-and-die-vile-threats-against-wuhan-lab-conspiracy-buster-20210701-p5861i.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050829

File: 6122bef6d93c1c2⋯.jpg (61.09 KB, 800x600, 4:3, Ben_Roberts_Smith_faces_an….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith's long wait to face accusers

Sam McKeith - JULY 4 2021

1/2

After 12 gruelling days in the witness box at his defamation trial, Ben Roberts-Smith now faces an anxious wait to hear from those accusing him of war crimes in Afghanistan.

Mr Roberts-Smith, 42, is suing three newspapers in the Federal Court in Sydney over claims in 2018 media reports he says paint him as a criminal who broke the moral and legal rules of engagement during his military deployments.

Australia's most decorated soldier is also pursuing the outlets over an allegation he assaulted a woman at a Canberra hotel.

The war hero, who completed six tours of Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012, denies all claims. His accusers maintain they are true.

On Tuesday, the landmark trial was adjourned in its fourth week for at least a month after Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak prevented the Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times opening their defence.

It nonetheless gives Mr Roberts-Smith time to gather his forces after a lengthy stint in the witness box laying out his case against the papers.

Bruce McClintock SC opened by painting the Victoria Cross winner as a courageous, highly organised and disciplined leader who risked his life in battle under the SAS motto "Who Dares Wins".

In what is expected to be the veteran barrister's final trial, Mr McClintock described the 2010 Battle of Tizak, where Mr Roberts-Smith earned his VC, as a "high water mark" for the SAS and his client's devotion to duty and self-sacrifice.

He also alleged the defamatory articles were the result of a lying campaign against Mr Roberts-Smith by soldiers jealous of his stellar career and achievements.

Mr McClintock submitted his client lost hundreds of thousands of dollars after his reputation was smashed by the media reports and his speaking business "evaporated".

When he took the stand himself as first witness, Mr Roberts-Smith told the court the VC made him a tall poppy within the SAS and served to broaden attacks on him from envious associates out of "pure spite".

"It put a target on my back," he told the court.

The two-metre tall former corporal said the media reports left him devastated.

He also stridently defended his actions at several key engagements in Afghanistan that are the subject of the serious misconduct claims against him.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the trial of an April 2009 SAS mission in Uruzgan where he says two insurgents were killed near a compound known as Whiskey 108.

The respondents allege what in fact occurred was that two unarmed Afghans - one a man with a prosthetic leg - were brought out of a tunnel and taken prisoner.

The outlets claim an SAS soldier, codenamed Person Four, shot the older Afghan in the head with a silenced firearm on the orders of another SAS operator, codenamed Person Five.

They allege Mr Roberts-Smith carried the Afghan with the fake leg out of the compound and shot him with an extended burst of machine gun fire.

Mr Roberts-Smith vehemently denied the claim.

"There were no men in the tunnel," he said under oath.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050832

File: c5dfda49199061a⋯.jpg (91.94 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Ben_Roberts_Smith_outside_….jpg)

>>14050829

2/2

Another engagement where versions are diametrically opposed centres on an SAS mission in the village of Darwan, also in Uruzgan province, on September 11, 2012.

On Mr Roberts-Smith's version, he moved up an embankment with another soldier, person 11, and engaged an insurgent "spotter" in a cornfield.

Mr Roberts-Smith maintains he fired at the insurgent who was moving around in the field and later found a radio, known as an ICOM, near the fighter's body.

But that scenario was queried by the respondents' barrister, Nicholas Owens SC, who suggested in cross-examination the man was handcuffed, kicked off a cliff, dragged across a creek bed into the cornfield and shot.

"That is completely false," Mr Roberts-Smith told the court.

The trial has also been told of alleged assaults on Afghans, accusations Mr Roberts-Smith bullied another trooper and the practice of soldiers at the SAS pub in Afghanistan known as the "Fat Lady's Arms" drinking from the prosthetic leg of the man killed at Whiskey 108.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies ever drinking from the leg but concedes possessing two engraved glass replicas of the leg given to members of his squadron.

Australia's most acclaimed living soldier has also denied, after his exit from the SAS, writing threatening letters to another SAS veteran, burying USBs with secret material in his backyard or dousing his laptop with petrol and burning it out of panic.

"When I'm getting rid of a laptop that's what I do", he told the court.

On the domestic violence allegation, Mr Roberts-Smith gave some of his most impassioned testimony.

Asked if he punched the woman, Person 17, in the temple causing her to stagger and fall onto a bed in a Canberra hotel room in March 2018, Mr Roberts-Smith said: "I've never struck any woman and I certainly didn't strike Person 17".

"This a complete fabrication," he said.

He also denied photographing Person 17 while naked and asleep and later showing her the photos with the intention of having a "hold over her".

On Mr Roberts-Smith's version, the woman, with whom he had an extra-marital affair, was injured when she fell down stairs drunk at an event at Parliament House.

Once the trial resumes, it is expected to hear evidence from 21 current and former SAS members, and several Afghan villagers.

It has already heard from former Liberal MP Brendan Nelson - a reputation witness for the applicant - who described Mr Roberts-Smith as the most respected, admired and revered soldier Australian soldier in half a century, since Vietnam veteran Keith Payne VC.

Other notable witnesses set to testify include federal Liberal MP Andrew Hastie and Mr Roberts-Smith's ex-wife Emma Roberts.

The matter is next listed for mention on July 19 before Justice Anthony Besanko.

Lifeline 13 11 14

Open Arms 1800 011 046

https://www.lifeline.org.au

https://www.openarms.gov.au

https://www.mandurahmail.com.au/story/7325098/roberts-smiths-long-wait-to-face-accusers/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050847

File: e489ad65c2267ac⋯.png (426.08 KB, 862x485, 862:485, David_O_Byrne_said_he_woul….png)

File: 7767702feeb0cf9⋯.jpg (109.97 KB, 862x575, 862:575, David_O_Byrne_with_former_….jpg)

File: f4183dc0d6e85ff⋯.jpg (75.1 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Kristie_Johnston_has_spoke….jpg)

Resignations in the news

Tasmanian Labor leader David O'Byrne resigns amid sexual harassment allegations investigation

Emily Baker and James Dunlevie - 4 July 2021

David O'Byrne has resigned as Tasmanian Labor leader over allegations he sexually harassed a junior union employee more than a decade ago.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr O'Byrne said the "allegations raised will be dealt with through the confidential process initiated by the [Labor] state secretary".

"I intend to respect the confidentiality of that process and I will make no further public comment on it."

Mr O'Byrne was made Labor leader only in June, following the resignation of Rebecca White.

Mr O'Byrne announced on Wednesday he was stepping aside from his role while Labor investigated a complaint from one of his former employees at the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union about alleged behaviours in 2007 and 2008.

The complainant, who was 22 at the time, alleged Mr O'Byrne sent inappropriate text messages, twice kissed her without consent outside of work, then gave her a verbal warning regarding her performance when she asked him to stop.

On Wednesday, Mr O'Byrne apologised to the woman publicly and in a private letter, and thanked her for coming forward.

Mr O'Byrne said he had thought the "kiss and text exchanges" were consensual at the time but now realised that was not the case.

Today, Mr O'Byrne said "ongoing speculation about this matter is not in the best interests of the party".

"The focus of the party needs to be on holding the [Peter] Gutwein government to account and the current debate is a distraction from this central task."

"I have a life-long commitment to the cause of Labor and my decision to resign from the Leadership reflects this.

"I intend to remain in the Tasmanian House of Assembly as the Member for Franklin. I will continue to represent the people of Franklin and to represent them to the best of my ability.

"I will neither seek nor accept any shadow portfolios and will give my strong support to a new Labor leadership team."

It is understood the complaint about Mr O'Byrne was sent early last month but the investigation did not start until last week.

A second, separate complaint sent to Labor has alleged the Tasmanian branch has a broader "serious problem with sexual harassment".

The parliamentary Labor Party will meet on Wednesday, where Mr O'Byrne will formally resign the leadership.

It is not clear who will take over the role.

Former leader Ms White recently gave birth and was effectively forced out of the role after two election losses.

Braddon MP Shane Broad, who contested the leadership, is unlikely to have the support of the broader party.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr Broad said: "I'm having discussions with my colleagues and will have more to say in the coming days."

O'Byrne should go altogether, independent says

Kristie Johnston, the newly elected Member for Clark, said Mr O'Byrne should quit from politics altogether.

"I remain firmly of the view that he needs to resign from Parliament, not just the leadership position," she said on Sunday.

Referring to the former Tasmanian Labor president who resigned as a candidate in the April election, Ms Johnston said it was "hypocritical of the Labor Party to consider that Ben McGregor was not a fit and proper person to even be a candidate but now allow David O'Byrne to remain as an elected member".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-04/david-o-byrne-resigns-as-labor-leader/100266864

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050941

File: c527a3840b50851⋯.jpg (128.85 KB, 862x485, 862:485, At_16_years_old_Heather_Wy….jpg)

File: 5b8dfa7ca45cb08⋯.jpg (106.25 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Heather_Wynands_says_she_l….jpg)

File: 6acba6ed1781fa1⋯.jpg (64.31 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Heather_was_raped_on_the_d….jpg)

Heather was sexually assaulted by her chiropractor when she was a teenager, but took decades to report it

Kelly Hughes - 4 July 2021

1/2

One afternoon in 2016, Heather Wynands got in her car and drove along a dusty rural road towards the nearest police station.

She had just finished a dance recital in the South Australian regional town of Berri and was ready to report a crime that happened 30 years ago.

"Something just came over me," Ms Wynands said.

"I knew in that moment, I just had to go and do it."

She was raped by her chiropractor in 1988. It was the day of her end-of-year dance performance at the Chaffey Theatre in Renmark.

"I was so excited, I was on my Ps and mum had let me borrow the car for the first time to go to my chiropractors appointment," she said.

Through dance, she had developed issues with her hips and also had a mild scoliosis of the back.

"During that appointment I told him I was having trouble doing the splits, so he asked me to get down on the floor and do the splits for him, which I did," she said.

She could only go so far before she felt her hip locking.

"That's when he said, 'Oh, we're doing a new treatment that can help with that issue, it's an internal examination, it should only take 10 to 15 minutes'."

He asked her to undress and put a robe on.

"When I got into the change room, I thought this is really odd," she said.

"It dawned on me what was going to happen and I thought, 'He can't do this, surely?'"

At the time, she thought she had an escape. She was on her period.

"But, instead, he said, 'That's fine, take out whatever you're using and just get on the chiropractic bed when you're ready'," Ms Wynands said.

Not wanting to question his professionalism, she did what he told her.

"At that stage, I knew I lost all chances of getting out," she said.

"It took me years to understand the extent of what he did to me that day in the clinic room."

Heather did not want to be known as 'that girl'

All throughout high school and well into her adult life, she struggled with immense feelings of shame and guilt over what happened to her.

For years after the abuse, she battled with bulimia and substance abuse, and had "little care for herself".

"You grow up in a small country town, and everyone knows who you are," she said.

"No-one wants to talk about it, it makes them uncomfortable because it could be someone you know or someone you're related to."

She went to school with the chiropractor's daughter, making her more reluctant to come forward and report her assault.

"I wanted to protect her … and I wanted to protect myself from the shame of what we would have been subject to at school had it all come out," Ms Wynands said.

She also knew, if she spoke out about what happened, things would never be the same.

"If I had gone through with reporting my abuse, I would have been known as 'that girl'," she said.

Living in such a community, she said, the label would have "stuck" and she would have been an "outcast".

She and her mother believed the chiropractor's status in the community as a well-respected medical professional would make the police and people in the town doubt her story.

"We didn't go to the police because we were fearful the police wouldn't believe me and that would have added more pain," she said.

So, she buried her secret, trying desperately to "fly under the radar" in her small town, hoping no-one would find out.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14050950

File: 2c2d43d9aef24dd⋯.jpg (89.38 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Elisabeth_Shaw_says_there_….jpg)

File: cca177b1e80e700⋯.jpg (131.26 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Heather_Wynands_says_she_f….jpg)

File: 59375ca09985b7d⋯.jpg (112.62 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Heather_Wynands_wants_othe….jpg)

File: 21e3182e4cd36f9⋯.jpg (303.27 KB, 903x570, 301:190, Where_to_find_help.jpg)

>>14050941

2/2

Barriers to getting help

Support group Relationships Australia said experiences like Ms Wynands's were not uncommon, and that perpetrators in small towns were often people considered to be pillars of their local communities.

"People who are likely to engage in these sorts of behaviours could be very charismatic figures in the community, they could have stature and status," NSW Relationships Australia chief executive Elisabeth Shaw said.

"Because of their privilege in the community, they could get away with it. And in small towns, everyone knows your business and that's a very hard and unique set of circumstances when trying to report sexual assault."

Regional communities are often described as "tight-knit", but in cases of sexual assault, that becomes part of the problem.

While country towns often act as their own support networks in times of crisis, such as bushfires, they can also turn against those who disturb the status quo, and become places of exclusion and ostracism.

"Your popularity and your social connection rises and falls on your reputation and stature in the community," Ms Shaw said.

"So if anything happens to question that … it can feel catastrophic in terms of how you hold your own in that community."

She said for victims living in regional and rural communities, "there is a real fear and anxiety" over whether to report abuse.

"If you go to the police station, everyone [might] know you … so there's that sense you can't necessarily get a fair hearing … and that makes it extra tough," she said.

"There are very real barriers to getting help."

An abuse of power

In May, Ms Wynands's chiropractor Robert Linke was sentenced in Adelaide's District Court to five years in jail with a non-parole period of two years.

In sentencing remarks, Judge Patrick O'Sullivan described the assault as "an abuse of power."

"A young patient presented herself to you seeking chiropractic treatment," Judge O'Sullivan said.

"You were in a position of power in relation to your victim … you abused your power and you raped her."

For Ms Wynands, not being able to speak out at the time of the assault, made her question the seriousness of the crime.

"When I received the phone call about the decision, I just burst into tears," she said.

"I was relieved, because I was being believed.

"It was validation that what he had done … he should never had done."

No-one should be stopped from speaking out

At the time Ms Wynands was assaulted, she said the pressures of living in a small community meant she did not feel safe or supported reporting her abuse.

But she wants to change that culture.

"No-one should be stopped from speaking out," she said.

She said the decision to talk about what happened to her all those years ago has been "life-changing" and wants other women hearing her story to feel empowered.

"Do it. Without a doubt, do it," she said.

"We need to stand up, and report these people. We need to show them we are stronger than them and we won't put up with it anymore.

"I finally feel free, I feel like I can be me, and I don't have to hold my head in shame anymore."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-04/woman-speaks-out-after-sexual-assault/100235518

1800RESPECT - National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Service 24 hour helpline

1800 737 732

https://www.1800respect.org.au

Lifeline Australia - 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention service

13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Beyond Blue - Anxiety, depression and suicide prevention support

1300 22 4636

https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Kids Helpline - Free Australian telephone and online counselling service for young people aged between 5 and 25

1800 55 1800

https://kidshelpline.com.au

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14051007

File: ad706bf6b8b4fdf⋯.jpg (494.82 KB, 825x1092, 275:364, DOD_4.jpg)

File: d283a8e3589b8ee⋯.jpg (100.33 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5bVjjlWEAAQgso.jpg)

File: a34be7b954be7c3⋯.jpg (90.01 KB, 683x1024, 683:1024, E5bVj_eXIAM9jg8.jpg)

File: 5c3a7d9b9d62867⋯.jpg (92.58 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5bVkUfWUAMi78A.jpg)

File: 1fe2c8823e04350⋯.jpg (127.75 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5bVkh_XoAImQSh.jpg)

Department of Defence Tweet

Allies unite!

#YourADF is taking part in the multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment in USA, practising fighting against a notional enemy alongside the @USArmy, @canadianarmy and @BritishArmy.

bit. ly/JWA-21

#AusArmy #CommonGoals

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1411550358120378370

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14051012

File: 5968eef3957ce1a⋯.jpg (184.8 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Captain_Charlotte_Hargreav….jpg)

File: 1d18566bf8130ce⋯.jpg (171.59 KB, 1200x801, 400:267, Warrant_Officer_Class_Two_….jpg)

>>14051007

Allies unite for exercise in US

Captain Taylor Lynch - 28 June 2021

Personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Combat Brigade and supporting elements from the 6th Brigade are taking part in the multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment 2021 (JWA 21) at Fort Carson in the United States.

The 141 ADF personnel participating in the exercise left Gallipoli Barracks in early June, with the aim of strengthening ties with strategic allies and partners.

In the US, they are practising fighting against a notional enemy alongside the US, Canadian and British armies, with the Australians using a computer-generated concept of what the Army would look like in the year 2028.

Working long days and nights, the Australian contingent planned their manoeuvre for the notional war for weeks before the exercise commenced via a 24/7 digital simulation.

Brigade Major, Major Sam Thackray, said he was impressed with the contingent’s efforts during the planning phase, which gave the Australians a decent start when the simulated conflict began.

“JWA 21 presents a unique opportunity to work in a multi-national division, assessing our interoperability with our partners in a simulated environment,” Major Thackray said.

“The 7th Combat Brigade team was extremely well-prepared for the activity, conducting two exercises prior to deploying to Fort Carson to develop the knowledge required to participate effectively.”

Major Thackray said there were many advantages to working in person with the ADF’s strategic partners in the US, Canadian and British armies, and was grateful for the opportunity to deploy to the US.

“7th Combat Brigade has made a significant contribution to the ADF’s support on domestic operations including floods, bushfires and COVID-19 in the past 18 months, so we are making the most of the experience to update our warfighting foundations,” he said.

“For many of our people, this is their first time training in a multi-national team; they are enjoying the experience of employing future capabilities and are learning plenty.

“It’s a privilege to represent the ADF overseas.”

Commander of the 7th Combat Brigade Brigadier Jason Blain said he was pleased with how JWA 21 was progressing, outlining the importance of combined exercises with strategic partners.

“At any time, Australia has around 500 Defence personnel in the United States, working alongside our counterparts,” Brigadier Blain said.

“Our alliance is our strongest defence relationship, forged through fighting side-by-side on combat operations for over 100 years.

“The relationship is underpinned by cooperation through training exercises like the Joint Warfighting Assessment, combat operations, shared intelligence, capability development and deep people-to-people links.

“To be able to also share this learning experience with partners from the British and Canadian armies is a unique and valuable opportunity.

“Exercises like this remind us of our strong ties.”

All ADF personnel deployed on JWA 21 will continue to fight the simulated battle from Fort Carson until the end of June.

They will complete 14 days of quarantine on their return to Australia before going back to work.

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/allies-unite-exercise-us

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14053439

File: d59459b6670808a⋯.jpg (173.82 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Japanese_ambassador_Shingo….jpg)

Japan boosts military links to fend off China

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 4, 2021

1/2

Japan will step up joint military training and regional infrastructure projects with Australia, with the nation’s top diplomat in Canberra declaring the strategic partners must work together to prevent the Indo-Pacific becoming “a lawless jungle”.

Japanese ambassador Yamagami Shingo said Australia would not resist Chinese economic coercion alone, and vowed to work with Australia and other free countries to provide “a counterweight against such a dominant power”.

He said China’s “blatant ­attempt to change the status quo” in the East and South China Seas had direct relevance to Australia, which needed free access to the waterways for its economic security, and warned Australia could face disruption of its supply lines even closer to home.

Mr Yamagami said he hoped a new Reciprocal Access Agreement for the nations’ militaries, agreed in-principle between Scott Morrison and Japanese counterpart Yoshihide Suga last November, would be finalised by the end of the year, paving the way for “more complex and sophisticated” defence co-­operation.

The landmark defence treaty, which was delayed over concerns about legal indemnities for Australian troops on Japanese soil, will set out a clear framework to allow each nation’s military to operate in the other’s country, streamlining arrangements for joint exercises and humanitarian missions across the region.

Mr Yamagami suggested Japan was interested in making greater use of Australia’s remote training facilities and weapon ranges in the future, and undertaking more joint exercises with the Australian Navy.

“I am quite sure that with the conclusion of the RAA, we will have more of those exercises in Australia, and in Japan, because you have the advantage of a huge, tremendous land size – less populated compared with Japan – and the strategic importance of the Northern Territory, especially the Port of Darwin, is obvious to any strategist,” he said.

Mr Yamagami said there was no proposal yet for long-term rotations such as those by US Marines, but “in terms of conducting efficient military exercises, I think it is possible for them to stay here longer than they used to do.”

Greater interoperability was vital, he said, because “at the time of contingencies, we have to work closely together”.

At a “2+2” meeting last month between Foreign Minister Marise Payne, Defence Minister Peter Dutton and their Japanese counterparts Motegi Toshimitsu and Kishi Nobuo both countries committed to “opposing coercion and destabilising behaviour by economic means, which undermines the rules-based international system”.

The statement was a clear show of Japanese support for Australia, which has suffered targeted sanctions on more than $20bn of exports to China.

Mr Yamagami said the two nations would “speak out together” to maintain the rules-based order.

“The important principle we need to keep upholding is the rule of law; otherwise we will end up living in a lawless jungle,” he said.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14053443

File: 0531bef3a05945d⋯.jpg (126.17 KB, 800x537, 800:537, Exercise_Southern_Jackaroo….jpg)

>>14053439

2/2

Mr Yamagami said Japan’s trilateral infrastructure program with Australia and the US aimed to provide “higher quality” projects than Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative, helping developing nations to withstand Chinese pressure.

“If you look at Southeast Asia and Pacific island countries, nobody wants to be dominated by any particular hegemonic power. They need a counterweight against such a dominant power.

“We are also not here to lecture and hector. We are here to strike an equal partnership. In that regard we can make a lot of difference.”

He said the projects would offer wider benefits, without the money ending up “in the pocket of a small number of people”.

Mr Yamagami said there was also strong potential for Australia and Japan to co-operate more closely on space science and technology, noting the two countries were at effectively the same longitude, allowing the sharing of information from geostationary satellites.

The former head of the intelligence branch of Japan’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said his country shared “values and strategic interests” with Five Eyes countries, but wasn’t ready to pitch for formal membership of the intelligence sharing alliance.

He said Japan had “a lot of homework” to do in relation to its legal and organisational frameworks around the collection of intelligence.

“We have tremendous challenges in front of us … so rather than talking about the institution, on the ground we can keep building specific blocks of co-operation.

“That might be the most solid, and the shortest cut, to what we can achieve together.”

Mr Yamagami said his country was on the “frontline” of Chinese harassment, with Beijing using its coastguard and maritime militia to challenge Japanese sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

“If it can happen in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, it can happen anywhere,” he said.

“This is an issue for Australia too. Your cargo ships – their number one destination is China, number two destination is Japan, number three destination is South Korea.

“All of those cargo ships carrying Australian minerals go through the East China Sea, so this is an issue for Australia as well.”

Japanese Self Defence Force soldiers participated in Exercise Southern Jackaroo in June with Australian and US troops, and will take part in Exercise Talisman Sabre with the ADF and US Marines this month.

In May, Anzac Frigate HMAS Parramatta joined ARC 21 amphibious exercises off Japan, while the nations’ air forces conducted their first bilateral air combat exercises in Japan last year.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/japan-boosts-military-links-to-fend-off-china/news-story/b60b3e0b6bfcd3d93b6dfc6ebdb4d137

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057769

File: 9553c271b8b1ea1⋯.jpg (206.78 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Claire_Ashman_with_her_the….jpg)

At 27, Claire's husband forced her to join a cult. They were preparing for the world's end.

BILLI FITZSIMONS - JULY 4, 2021

1/2

The end of the world is near. Days are filled with preparations. Fear is high, as eternal blackness is nigh.

Women need to be covered from their neck to their elbows and ankles. Their clothing must be loose so that men cannot see the shape of a woman’s body and be tempted to commit a sin. Women need to learn how to make bread from scratch and how to sew clothes - to be self-sufficient when the apocalypse arrives on their doorstep.

The women prepare the menu and meals for all community members. They serve and clean-up afterwards, too.

There is no contraception. Women should have as many babies as possible. If you look around, there are pregnant 16-year-olds expecting ‘mystical’ babies.

The man is the head of the house. He is the breadwinner, working at the local convenience store for minimum wage.

There is mandatory mass and prayers three times a day. There is a strict hierarchy that includes a leader, an inner circle, and princesses and queens.

Welcome to The Order of St Charbel. On a “sacred” property in Nowra, nestled in NSW’s South Coast, 200 people live in a doomsday cult.

One of them was Claire Ashman.

Ms Ashman had joined the fringe religious group, who claim to be part of the Roman Catholic Church, in February 1997.

It was her husband, whom she had married when she was 19 years old, who forced her to move there. He told her he was attracted to the lifestyle of living in a small community. He was also interested in end-of-the-world prophecies.

“Since he was the breadwinner and controlled all the money, he literally sold our house in Melbourne from underneath us and we moved up to Nowra,” Ms Ashman explains.

“I thought, I'll sacrifice myself for my husband for a few years and then he'll see the futility of it and then we'll move on. But that wasn't the case.”

The concept of a strict religious group was not completely foreign for Ms Ashman. She had been brought up in Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a sect which was a breakaway from the Catholic Church.

In the strict religion, Ms Ashman was taught that women are submissive and obedient. They don’t aim for higher education and they sacrifice their lives for their husbands. She had left that group, but it wasn’t long before she was forced into joining another one.

So at 27 years old and with four children - the eldest of whom was seven years old - Ms Ashman joined the now-infamous Order of St Charbel.

The group was founded and led by William Kamm, who claimed he was the first person in history who could ask the Virgin Mary questions and receive answers.

“You could write a letter asking any question that you wanted of the Virgin Mary,” Ms Ashman explains to Mamamia. “The Virgin Mary would give Kamm the answer and he would write it down and give it back to the person. But whatever the answer was, you had to follow it, otherwise you would lose your special graces and any kind of special mission that would be given to you in the new holy era.”

The cult was even worse - even darker and more apocalyptic - than she had anticipated. And she had little choice but to be submissive and suppressed.

“I had no access to any money. I didn't have any friends. I couldn't go anywhere, even if I wanted to.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057774

File: 776dd001e9a81f3⋯.jpg (181.27 KB, 1128x752, 3:2, William_Kamm_in_2005_after….jpg)

>>14057769

2/2

It wasn’t until she read a book, The Beautiful Side of Evil, about a religious cult in America, that she began to realise what was happening around her. From the hierarchy to the indoctrination, she knew she was in a cult.

After about three years of living on the property, Ms Ashman began having suspicions that their leader, William Kamm, was impregnating young girls.

“They were apparently ‘mystical babies’ but obviously over time, you see that they're not mystical - he's the father.”

“I told my husband that I was horrified and disgusted and didn't want to live there anymore,” Ms Ashman remembers. “He just said William has permission from the Virgin Mary to be able to do this.”

There was, she explains, little she could do except protect her own daughters.

Whilst in the cult, Ms Ashman had four more kids - making her the mother of eight children. They all attended a primary school on the property, where they learnt that the world was going to be decimated.

When the kids returned home, they knew their house had been prepared for doomsday.

“You're just constantly fearing some new prophecy. You're hoarding food and clothing and blankets and making sure that the black plastic fits over everything. It's all prepared and hanging off of the windows so you can just drop it at a moment's notice…

“Surely God does not want us to live like this?” Ms Ashman remembers constantly asking herself.

In 2005, Kamm was convicted with aggravated sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in 1993, and sentenced to five and a half years in jail.

“You got what you deserved. Hopefully they’ll take you to jail,” Ms Ashman remembers thinking when she learnt of his arrest.

In 2007, he was convicted of five counts of aggravated sexual assault in relation to another 15-year-old girl in 1994 and 1995.

He was sentenced to 10 years in jail, and was released on parole in 2014.

Kamm’s conviction saw the closure of the cult.

For Ms Ashman, this wasn’t the end she was preparing for but the one she had been hoping for.

But returning to the ‘outside world’ wasn’t simple.

“It’s not just about being physically free, it’s about being mentally free as well.”

At 38 years old, Ms Ashman needed to learn how to set up a bank account for the first time and to wear ‘normal’ clothes.

It took several years for her to come to terms with what she had been through and to find her feet back in normal life.

Now, she often shares her story to reduce the shame and stigma many people who have escaped cults feel. At Vivid Sydney in August, she will share more of her story at the Sects, Lies & Cults panel, alongside other Australian cult survivors.

Meanwhile, in April, paedophile William Kamm won a legal battle to return to his “sacred” land in Nowra.

https://www.mamamia.com.au/the-order-of-st-charbel-cult/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057811

File: 20ee50cb1016e9f⋯.jpg (53.56 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Health_Minister_Greg_Hunt_….jpg)

OPINION: Greg Hunt has failed to vaccinate the nation and must go

Kevin Rudd, Former Australian prime minister - July 5, 2021

1/2

A defining quality of our Westminster parliamentary democracy is that cabinet ministers are held personally responsible for serious policy or performance failures in their portfolios. Across the decades, ministers have been kept on track by the knowledge that grave errors on their watch will result in their removal. This principle lies at the heart of accountable government.

In 2009, I had to lose Joel Fitzgibbon as defence minister after his office hosted a meeting between defence officials and his businessman brother. Nothing came of the meeting, but Joel acknowledged he had to go.

But this pales into insignificance with the rolling series of ministerial disasters we have witnessed under Scott Morrison, where the new rule has become one of bluffing and blustering through crises in the expectation that all will fade into political memory with no price ever being paid.

Around Morrison’s cabinet table sits: Michaelia Cash, who refused to fully cooperate with police investigating leaks from her office; Angus Taylor, who was caught trading in a falsified annual report; Bridget McKenzie, the architect of sports rorts; Alan Tudge, whose car park rorts put McKenzie to shame; Linda Reynolds, who mishandled an alleged rape in her office, then called the complainant a lying cow; Peter Dutton, another pork-barreller who wouldn’t let Border Force officials appear at the Ruby Princess inquiry; Christian Porter, who resisted an inquiry to establish that he was fit and proper for ministerial office; and the list goes on. They are now all part of political blur – in fact that’s Morrison’s strategy. But in the process he has effectively destroyed an essential Westminster convention.

Breakdowns of fundamental standards of governance don’t come much bigger than the Morrison government’s medley of pandemic policy and performance failures on aged care, quarantine and vaccination. For these reasons, Health Minister Greg Hunt should resign, or else Morrison should dismiss him now.

In February last year, Hunt’s department volunteered to take control of residential aged care nationwide and this was codified in his department’s pandemic manual. However, aged care has borne the brunt of coronavirus deaths on Hunt’s watch.

Three-quarters of Australia’s 910 coronavirus deaths have been in aged care. With no specific plan to protect residents, one-third of confirmed infections in aged care ended in death. This was despite Hunt publicly assuring residents and their families that the sector was “immensely prepared”.

Hunt’s aged care failures continue. Despite a raging pandemic, staff were quietly cleared to resume working across multiple facilities. Two-thirds are still not vaccinated. Hunt was the cabinet minister for aged care, and he failed.

His second area of policy failure is quarantine. Coronavirus can only enter Australia through a failed, leaky quarantine system. Although quarantine is a clear-cut federal responsibility, the states helped out in March 2020 by agreeing to hotel quarantine. It was a reasonable stopgap, but Hunt abused the states’ trust by treating hotels as a permanent solution.

Hunt’s failure to build regional quarantine hubs is inexplicable. Did he imagine hoteliers would act as quarantine stations forever? Wasn’t he alarmed by evidence of airborne spread through ventilation ducts? Didn’t he notice Howard Springs in the Northern Territory had a perfect record while hotels elsewhere across Australia leaked again and again?

Hunt planned to bring all Australians home by last Christmas. More than six months later, vulnerable Australians remain trapped overseas and exposed to ever more dangerous variants. When they tried coming home from India, Hunt threatened them with five years’ jail.

Sixteen months later, Hunt is finally looking at new quarantine stations in Melbourne and Brisbane. Neither facility will be open this year, leaving aside the question of whether it’s wise to place them in the middle of suburbia. Queensland’s developed plan for Toowoomba continues to be rejected, seemingly because Hunt is too obstinate to accept a Labor government’s idea. Quarantine was Hunt’s responsibility, and he failed.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057815

File: 5c5430020c0e9d0⋯.jpg (93.35 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Time_for_Greg_Hunt_to_walk.jpg)

>>14057811

2/2

Hunt’s greatest failure, however, has been on vaccination. At virtually every stage, bad decisions have sabotaged the rollout of safe, effective vaccines for the Australian people. As other countries rushed to sign vaccine contracts last year, Hunt’s department became notorious for not returning calls. An early overture from Pfizer, which was searching for partners to demonstrate the large-scale effectiveness of its vaccine, resulted in prolonged haggling between the company and Hunt’s officials — his department says no detailed offer for a nationwide rollout was put on the table. Scientists’ calls to bring online domestic manufacturing of mRNA vaccines were ignored.

By moving quickly, various European governments banked on an array of vaccines including Johnson & Johnson and GlaxoSmithKline and are now returning to a kind of normality. But not Australia. Hunt foolishly bet the house on a single “workhorse” vaccine, AstraZeneca, which could be manufactured cheaply in Melbourne.

Australia was not “well prepared” for the vaccination phase as Hunt arrogantly claimed. Nor were we at the “front of the queue” for the Pfizer mRNA vaccination. When the opposition warned the government to sign more contracts, Hunt lashed out at the comments as “weird and irresponsible” and claimed Labor had “no idea what you are talking about”.

Australia was slow to start vaccinating, guided by the fiction that we were “not in a race” and could safely hang back. Hunt dismissed calls for federal mass-vaccination centres, instead urging all eligible patients to start booking in with their GPs. This swamped clinics, which had to turn patients away because many doctors weren’t told how many doses to expect.

As the rollout creaked along, Hunt shifted blame onto the states. In March, his minions planted a dodgy story in the Murdoch press insisting supply limitations had been resolved and accusing the states of hoarding vaccines. NSW’s Health Minister Brad Hazzard hit the roof.

Hunt’s vaccine targets were clear: 4 million jabs by April; the nation “fully vaccinated” by October; and “widespread international travel” by the New Year. Those targets have all now slipped from view.

It isn’t Hunt’s fault that AstraZeneca proved too dangerous for younger people, but it was his responsibility to invest in a broader portfolio of vaccines. British citizens will start receiving their third “booster” jabs in September, while many Australians are left waiting for their first.

These policy failures have been compounded by communications failures. Where is the Australian advertising campaign to rival those fronted by Dolly Parton, Michael Caine and Elton John? Hunt personally poured fuel on the fire of hesitancy in May by suggesting older Australians could all receive mRNA vaccines later in the year. Having failed to ease fears about the safety and effectiveness of the AstraZeneca jab, Hunt hopes to boost the vaccination rate by pushing it among younger people.

Other failures include Hunt’s COVIDSafe app and the government’s failure to secure surplus mRNA vaccines from the United States, as Canada and South Korea did last month.

Over many months, Morrison and Hunt have unveiled a series of new “plans” to reset the rollout, each of which promised much but delivered little. Last Friday’s announcement by Morrison — a “four-phase plan” with hazy targets and no timeline — is part of the same. If you remove the wrapping paper it’s just another political mirage designed to project an image of competence after yet another week of chaos. But little actually changes.

For all these reasons, Hunt has failed as Health Minister. He must go.

What are the realistic chances of Morrison sacking Hunt? Unlikely, judging how Morrison has made a mockery of ministerial accountability throughout his term. Aside from the countless ministers who should already have been sacked, Morrison has failed to deliver a national integrity commission; he has attempted to de-fund the Auditor-General and the ABC; and he has deployed a politicised public service to cover up his government’s misdeeds.

After this pandemic, there will no doubt be numerous inquiries into what transpired at various stages of the crisis. I wholly expect Hunt to throw Brendan Murphy under the proverbial bus, given how Liberals have already started briefing against him to journalists. But the buck doesn’t stop with officials; it stops with ministers.

Kevin Rudd, who has received one AstraZeneca jab, is a former Labor prime minister.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/greg-hunt-has-failed-to-vaccinate-the-nation-and-must-go-20210703-p586jq.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057971

File: 4a317552e10858c⋯.jpg (508.93 KB, 825x978, 275:326, DOD_5.jpg)

File: dde89d3dcb1fa68⋯.jpg (81.54 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5WgkHbWEAYQgZ8.jpg)

File: 458d87c0809cc0a⋯.jpg (125.39 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, E5WgkV0XwAMz8tB.jpg)

File: 0bf1bf1d095db05⋯.jpg (121.84 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, E5WgkjqXMAEl5F0.jpg)

File: 6b6d26abfe84c31⋯.jpg (119.15 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, E5WgkxGXoAMpVHp.jpg)

Department of Defence Tweet

#AusNavy's HMAS Brisbane sailed into Sydney Harbour on 3 July with (Japan) @jmsdf_pao_eng destroyer JS Makinami, (South Korea) Navy destroyer ROKS Wang Geon and (United States) #USSRafaelPeralta.

The contactless, COVIDSafe port visit is ahead of Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1411210613200769032

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14057972

File: aa5603def81fc50⋯.jpg (619.67 KB, 825x1220, 165:244, TS_4.jpg)

>>14057971

TalismanSabre Tweet

Exercise Pacific Vanguard is the Air Maritime Integration Exercise workup activity, prior to Exercise #TalismanSabre!

#TS21 #TalismanSabre2021 #YourADF #AusNavy

@USNavy @jmsdf_pao_eng @Australian_Navy @AusAirForce

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1411833342639575040

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064316

File: f2cea9fa4f083ea⋯.jpg (507.99 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0001.jpg)

File: 70b83f8a597344d⋯.jpg (503.45 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0003.jpg)

File: 467ca12c3e6f416⋯.jpg (499.41 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0009.jpg)

File: 8a698ef86f28306⋯.jpg (434.89 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0010.jpg)

File: d309d6df9c1c6d2⋯.jpg (241.42 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0011.jpg)

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation

ASIO Corporate Plan 2021-2025

Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security - 1 Jul 2021

1/2

I am pleased to present the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s (ASIO) Corporate Plan 2021–25, as required under section 35(1)(b) of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

ASIO protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. Our corporate plan sets the foundation for ASIO to fulfil this purpose—describing the environment we operate in, articulating our key priorities, and detailing how we will measure our success.

ASIO’s work protecting Australia and Australians remains vital in a complex, challenging and changing security environment.

Threat to life

Australia’s national terrorism threat level remains at PROBABLE. There are individuals and groups that have the capability and intent to conduct an act of terrorism. This threat is not going away.

• The legacy of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant endures, and we have continued to see religiously motivated attacks in Australia and around the world. In the last year, we have worked closely with law enforcement counterparts to disrupt multiple terrorist plots.

• Ideologically motivated extremists—such as nationalist and racist groups—are now more reactive to world events, and in the last year this threat has grown in scale. Investigations are approaching 50 per cent of ASIO’s priority onshore counter-terrorism caseload, reflecting an international trend and our decision to allocate more resources to the threat.

Threats to our way of life

Our adversaries seek to covertly undermine our sovereignty, interfere in our democratic institutions and steal classified or sensitive information—across government, defence, academia and private industry.

All foreign states seek to influence others on matters of importance to them. This is a common feature of statecraft, and not of concern when it occurs in the open. Clandestine and deceptive interference and espionage, however, has the potential to cause serious harm to Australia’s democratic institutions, sovereignty, economy, and national security capabilities.

In the last three years, ASIO has seen examples of espionage and foreign interference targeting all levels of government, and in every state and territory.

• Foreign intelligence services and their proxies persistently seek to develop relationships with Australian Government figures, academics, journalists, and Australian businesses and their representatives in order to pursue objectives detrimental to Australia’s security.

• This includes attempts to obtain information about Australia’s national security priorities and capabilities, our defence technology, and our trade relationships. It also includes attempts to monitor diaspora communities in Australia. In some cases, foreign interference extends to intimidation and threats of physical harm against Australians.

In coming years we expect espionage and foreign interference will supplant terrorism as Australia’s principal security concern.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064323

File: 9819c9b8f3af8b2⋯.jpg (555.3 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0012.jpg)

File: 1a68f18f000584c⋯.jpg (405.45 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0013.jpg)

File: 724f960a3001e71⋯.jpg (407.09 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0024.jpg)

File: 7c1d88146a159de⋯.jpg (428.73 KB, 1040x1477, 1040:1477, 0025.jpg)

File: 88526d125c88652⋯.pdf (1.91 MB, ASIO_Corporate_Plan_2021_2….pdf)

>>14064316

2/2

Our partners

ASIO’s purpose is enabled by our strong partnerships with law enforcement; the National Intelligence Community; Australian state, territory and federal governments; industry; academia; and our international counterparts. These relationships are vital to our success.

COVID-19

The pandemic had a profound impact on our operating environment, evolving and intensifying the security landscape and introducing new challenges. Among other things, it placed a greater emphasis on how the online world shapes our environment—exacerbating the threat from extremism, and also from espionage and foreign interference.

We are meeting and defeating these challenges through the agility, ingenuity and diversity of our staff. ASIO officers are creative thinkers and problem solvers. We take advantage of new opportunities and technologies, adapting to our changing environment to counter the security threats we face.

Capability

The government has approved $1.25 billion in new funding for ASIO over the next 10 years, giving the Organisation an unprecedented ‘capability uplift’ and the assurance it can maintain its core capabilities and infrastructure. The capability program will support ASIO’s human-led, data-driven and technology-enabled approach, improving our capacity to operate in a more complex threat environment.

The investment will future-proof our response to security challenges posed by rapid technological change and an exponential growth in the volume of multi-source, multi-format and multi-language data. Smart use of technology, developed by partnering with the Australian technology sector, will sustain ASIO’s ability to ‘join-the-dots’ across this data.

Conclusion

ASIO’s success is enabled by the trust and confidence placed in us by government, our partners and the broader public. I am determined to build on this through a commitment to accountability and transparency. We act ethically, carry out our work impartially, and engage honestly and proactively with Australia’s intelligence oversight frameworks.

As Director-General, I am committed to being as open and transparent as I can be while safeguarding what needs to be protected. This corporate plan, and its performance measures, provide a window into what ASIO does to achieve our purpose, while protecting the sensitive capabilities that allow us to deliver operational outcomes.

While the security challenges facing our country are significant and evolving, ASIO remains determined to secure Australia and protect its people.

https://www.asio.gov.au/corporate-plan.html

https://www.asio.gov.au/sites/default/files/ASIO%20Corporate%20Plan%202021-25.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c038f8  No.14064412

>>14057815

Who writes this BS??

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c038f8  No.14064430

They are tying to kill us all. The alliance is on it's way. God bless the White Hats.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c038f8  No.14064443

>>14041172

This Guy should be in Gitmo.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064462

File: 6be5fa286f3d248⋯.jpg (148.44 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Foreign_Minister_Marise_Pa….jpg)

File: 4be01bb849f5ec2⋯.jpg (126.96 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_Save_the_Children_team….jpg)

Afghanistan angels left for dead as Taliban closes in

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 6, 2021

1/2

Hundreds of Afghans linked to Australian-funded “hearts and minds” projects will be left vulnerable to advancing Taliban forces after being denied access to a ­special visa program for those who supported Australia’s two-decade presence in the country.

Correspondence sent on behalf of Foreign Minister Marise Payne to one Afghan aid worker who helped deliver a $6.7m AusAID ­infrastructure project makes it clear he would not be considered for the Locally Engaged ­Employee Visa.

The former Central Asia ­Development Group employee is among about 50 Afghan aid workers heavily involved in Australian-led projects, including the flagship Children of Uruzgan program ­delivered by Save the Children.

The local workers and their family members, together with 100 contracted security guards and their families, will be forced to join the offshore asylum-seeker queue with millions of other ­Afghans seeking to flee the country. An estimated 200 Afghan interpreters directly employed by the Australian government are also still in the country awaiting immigration rulings.

The Department of Foreign Affairs ruling comes as the Taliban continues to gain territory across the country after the US, Britain and Australia pulled out their remaining forces, leaving the crumbling Afghan National Army to battle the insurgency alone.

The aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing ­security risks if his identity was ­revealed, was told on June 21 that he could not apply for the special Australian visa because he had been engaged through a subcontractor.

“The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has considered your application,” the letter, obtained by The Australian, reads. “Unfortunately, you are not eligible for certification under this visa policy as you were not considered an employee of one of the Australian government agencies identified in the legislative instrument.”

The man, who is now in hiding with his wife and five children, said his work on the Uruzgan Municipal Infrastructure Program from 2011 to 2015 had made him a Taliban target.

“I put my life at risk. It’s not just me, it is a risk for my family. If you were in my shoes what would you do? If I will die, the responsibility will be on the shoulders of the ­Foreign Minister,” he said in a ­recording from Afghanistan.

“I did honest work for (for Australia), I tried my best, and I always tried to spend the funds provided by the Australian government honestly, I did not give it to the mafia, or share the funds … with the Taliban or terrorist groups.

“They asked me several times and I said no.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064466

File: 2c4532df868fd17⋯.jpg (190.95 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, Major_Stuart_McCarthy_in_I….jpg)

>>14064462

2/2

Retired Army Major Stuart McCarthy said the rejection letter was an effective “death warrant”, with 15 of the man’s former colleagues already feared murdered.

“These people delivered projects that were vital to our counter-insurgency campaign at the height of Australia’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan, and yet we are leaving them to be slaughtered,” Major McCarthy said.

He said the failure to evacuate Afghans who had helped Australia could have long-term national security implications.

“What we are saying to the world is if you work for Australia in a conflict zone, you could be left behind when the going gets tough,” Mr McCarthy said.

Australian National University academic William Maley, who has spent decades researching ­Afghanistan, said the government had taken “a highly legalistic approach” in determining who could apply for LEE visas.

“The Taliban doesn’t care if a person was an employee or a subcontractor. It’s a meaningless distinction from their point of view,” he said. Professor Maley said there were also many recipients of Australian scholarships, which were heavily promoted by Australia through social media, who were now in danger.

“There is a much wider circle of people who are vulnerable by virtue of their connection to Australia,” he said.

Afghans who worked for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade must first seek ­approval from the department before applying for an LEE visa, while those who worked for the Australian Defence Force must initially apply through Defence.

The categories of eligible applicants date back to 2012, with the current government opting not to open up the program to contracted workers. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said: ­“Locally engaged staff who worked for us, and who have a legitimate case for a visa are being provided with an opportunity to come to Australia.

“The Australian government is working to ensure each case is considered swiftly and those at risk of harm who meet visa requirements are resettled to Australia as soon as possible. For privacy reasons, we do not comment on individual cases.”

The Department of Home ­Affairs said it was “urgently processing” Afghan LEE visa applications.

It said more than 230 Afghans had been granted the visas since April 15, including employees’ family members. Other nations are also struggling to evacuate their own locally-engaged employees, amid growing chaos within the country.

In recent days, the US abandoned Bagram Airfield – the centre of its operations over two decades – in a clear indication its withdrawal from the country was all but complete. The last of Australia’s soldiers are also believed to have left the country, but ­Defence refused to confirm or deny whether any remained.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/afghanistan-angels-left-for-dead-as-taliban-closes-in/news-story/22a4ac3a7ae4c642432dac6c19128237

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064520

File: 9b182584946a97f⋯.jpg (47.32 KB, 650x366, 325:183, Environment_Minister_Sussa….jpg)

>>14020145

Australia backed by 11 countries after calling foul play over China’s reef ‘in danger’ push

The Chinese-backed World Heritage committee draft decision to list Australia’s Great Barrier Reef as "in danger" has been rejected by the Morrison Government who claims the move was politically motivated.

Brianna McKee - July 6, 2021

Environment Minister Sussan Ley is at the helm of an internationally backed push to block the possible downgrading of the Great Barrier Reef by UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee which is currently chaired by a Chinese Communist Party diplomat.

Ms Ley made clear the federal government’s frustration with the move to reclassify the reef as "in danger" in a conference call with 16 nations on Monday.

It comes after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef was unexpectedly hit with a draft World Heritage Committee decision on June 22 recommending the site’s environment alert be lifted without proper consultation.

The Environment Minister blamed UNESCO’s move against the Great Barrier Reef on a Chinese push to punish Australia on the call which included diplomats from New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain, South Africa and Norway.

Eleven nations have supported Australia’s concerns over UNESCO’s verification process by signing a letter to the United Nation’s organisation’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan said UNESCO officials have not visited the site since 2015 leaving on-the-ground verification of the reef’s current state notably absent from the draft document.

He told Sky News Australia in an exclusive interview on Sunday that 14 of the 21 countries on the World Heritage Committee this year have signed up to China’s Belt and Road agreement.

Representatives of these nation’s will officially meet on July 16 to decide on the ratification of the draft decision under the guidance of World Heritage Committee Chair Tian Xuejun who is coincidentally Beijing’s Vice-Minister for Education.

China has slammed Morrison Government claims the draft decision was politically driven as “groundless smear and slander”.

Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Wenbin advised the Morrison government to “face up to its serious failings” in world heritage protection instead of politicising technical issues.

Mr Wang accused the government of “wantonly hurling unfounded accusations” at UNESCO in a bid to “shift the blame to others” during a Monday press conference.

Mr Canavan admitted the Morrison Government had to some extent brought the current contention over the Great Barrier Reef on themselves because the World Heritage Committee was using official Australian reports to back their decision.

“We’ve got ourselves to blame to some extent because when you read the UNESCO draft decision … they quote Australian government reports that say the reef is terrible and in very poor condition,” he said.

Despite government concerns China is pulling strings behind the scenes, environment groups in Australia and the United states have supported the reef being placed on the "in danger" list on the basis not enough is being done to address the impact of climate change.

A 2019 outlook report for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park noted climate change posed the most danger to coral reefs world-wide but the overall value of Australia's largest reef site was intact.

This comes after an "in danger" proposal was put forward by the World Heritage Committee in 2014 which triggered the development of the Reef 2050 Plan - the result of collaborative efforts between the Queensland and federal governments.

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/defence-and-foreign-affairs/australia-backed-by-11-countries-after-calling-foul-play-over-chinas-reef-in-danger-push/news-story/ccf470a1d5b8dcb3d5c317824f56d7da

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064525

File: 46130e7798a9cbc⋯.jpg (30.52 KB, 500x381, 500:381, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14064520

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 5, 2021

The Paper: According to media reports, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee announced on June 22 that it's considering to put Australia's Great Barrier Reef on a list of world heritage in danger. Australia's Environment Minister claimed "there were politics behind it". Australian media believed the Australian government was pointing the finger at China, as it chairs the committee. Do you have any response?

Wang Wenbin: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently recommended that the Great Barrier Reef be listed as a world heritage site "in danger", which represents a recommendation made by this professional advisory body of the World Heritage Committee based on long-term evaluation.

As a party to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, and especially a member of the World Heritage Committee, Australia should lead by example and respect the opinion of the professional evaluation institution. It should face up to its serious failings in world heritage protection and earnestly step up preservation efforts instead of politicizing technical issues, wantonly hurling unfounded accusations at UNESCO and its professional evaluation body and shifting the blame to others. Still less should it pressure the World Heritage Committee through innuendo and sensational media reports to sway the Committee's impartial and just decision.

We urge the Australian side to earnestly fulfill its obligations under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, take seriously the opinion of the professional body, take concrete measures to preserve the Great Barrier Reef world heritage site and take care of the treasure of the whole mankind.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1889823.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064545

File: d0f234fe4b42d34⋯.jpg (83.09 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, WA_Premier_Mark_McGowan.jpg)

File: b3bae899d6eed51⋯.jpg (283.38 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, CHINA_AGREEMENTS_UNDER_REV….jpg)

Chinese ties ‘vital’ to trade survival, say resource states

RICHARD FERGUSON - JULY 5, 2021

Queensland and Western Australia say their ties to China must continue unimpeded to secure billions of dollars’ worth of trade and thousands of jobs, as the resource states’ deals with the Asian superpower come under the scrutiny of the Morrison government.

Months after cancelling the controversial Belt and Road Agreement between China and the Andrews government in Victoria, Foreign Minister Marise Payne is set to decide whether to allow nearly 50 deals between Chinese entities and other state governments.

While many of the deals with China are likely to survive, the Queensland government warned Canberra on Monday that its agreements with the communist nation were helping to preserve government-to-government contact in the midst of a low point in bilateral relations.

And the West Australian government said it was vital it keep its ties with China to support $110bn worth of trade.

The NSW Department of Education has also handed over half a dozen “sister school” deals it has struck between its public colleges and primary and high schools in China to assess whether they are still in the national interest.

A spokesman for Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her state’s agreements with China helped to partly power its $63bn export industry and ensured the federal government maintained people-to-people contacts in the Asian superpower. “Trade equals jobs. That’s why Queensland has its own trade commissioners to help Queensland businesses gain access in overseas markets,” he said on Monday.

“(Trade and Investment Queensland)’s offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu provide in-market support to importers and distributors of Queensland products and services and are our advocates on the ground, an invaluable resource while travel ­restrictions are in place.”

The Foreign Arrangement Scheme (FAS) was introduced by the Morrison government earlier this year amid growing concerns that states and universities were engaged in foreign deals that contradicted Canberra’s foreign policy objectives, particularly with China.

More than 6000 university deals with foreign powers have been submitted to the foreign deals scheme for scrutiny, amid higher education sector claims that overseas partners had begun to withdraw from research due to the legislation.

Queensland’s 30-year sister state agreement – renewed in 2019 – includes department-to-department deals on science and technology research between Brisbane and Shanghai. South Australia has similar deals with Shandong Province which includes sub-department deals with the pair’s agricultural ministries. Western Australian has memorandums of understanding with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce’s Investment Promotion Agency and Beijing’s National Development and Reform Commission.

West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has called on Canberra to repair its relationship with China and labelled recent comments of senior Canberra officials on China as “insane”.

A state government spokeswoman said on Monday that China accounted for 56 per cent of the state’s good exports last year and the trading relationship made up a major share of its state revenue and gross product.

“It’s vital Western Australia continues to retain a strong relationship with its biggest trading partner which as a result creates and supports WA jobs,” she said.

In NSW, the deals submitted to FAS include a 2011 memorandum of understanding with the ­Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell earlier this year cancelled her department’s engagement with the Beijing-backed Confucius Institutes.

Australian Strategic Policy ­Institute executive director Peter Jennings said every deal with China had to be scrutinised due to its attempts to influence through different channels.

“Deals involving hard science research are probably more important, but the schools and council links are all part of the Chinese United Front influence network,” he said. “We spectacularly misread China and thought if our state and local governments reached out to the CCP we would have more influence in its direction, but that’s turned out not to be the case. “It’s absurd that Queensland has four offices in the ­People’s Republic of China. It has no business in foreign affairs and it shows our investment in China.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/chinese-ties-vital-to-trade-survival-say-resource-states/news-story/0fe58979cff04dbbc9ef48633741d74a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064583

File: 1f4e9f7a2f81454⋯.jpg (99.62 KB, 862x485, 862:485, China_has_accused_Australi….jpg)

File: 9d7b9aa851f52d5⋯.jpg (73.31 KB, 862x575, 862:575, China_is_hoping_to_help_pr….jpg)

>>14035922

China accuses Australia of COVID-19 vaccine sabotage in the Pacific

Natalie Whiting, Marian Faa and Annika Burgess - 6 July 2021

1/2

The Australian government has denied accusations it has been "sabotaging" China's aid programs with Pacific nations and using "political manipulation" to interfere in COVID-19 vaccine rollouts in the region.

Articles in Chinese state-owned media this week claim Australia has been "planting" consultants in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to obstruct the authorisation of Chinese-supplied vaccines.

The Global Times said it had "learned exclusively from sources" that Australia had been "racking its brain to undermine China's vaccine cooperation with Pacific Island countries," even accusing Australian authorities of threatening PNG officials.

Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Zed Seselja, who arrived in PNG this week for the first time since the pandemic began, told the ABC this was "absolutely not the case".

"Obviously, when we see that, it's rejected by the Australian government," he said.

"My message to people who may have read that, or other articles, would simply be to look at Australia's record during this period, and over a long period of time, of providing high-quality healthcare support and providing vaccine support."

China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin on Monday repeated the claims, warning Australia to "stop interfering with and undermining vaccine cooperation between China and Pacific Island countries".

"Some people in Australia use the vaccine issue to engage in political manipulation and bullying, which is a disregard for the life and health of Papua New Guinea people, goes against the basic humanitarian spirit, seriously interferes with the overall situation of global cooperation against the pandemic," Mr Wang said.

Jonathan Pryke, director of the Lowy Institute's Pacific Islands Program, said the accusations levelled at Australia were unfair.

He said Australia had stepped up its support to PNG during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing vaccines, medical equipment, and services to administer vaccines as the country works to control its outbreak.

"It's a bit unfair to be characterising it this way, that Australia is undermining Chinese actions," Mr Pryke said.

"I think, rather, we're just providing better alternatives than what China is offering to Papua New Guinea."

PNG initially held off accepting vaccine donations from China, until they received emergency use approval from the World Health Organisation.

200,000 doses of the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine arrived in the country a little over a week ago, but it has not been approved for general use yet.

"Once we complete the rollout plan and other critical details, we can make this vaccine available through the national program, but currently it's only for Chinese citizens," PNG's COVID-19 incident manager Dr Daoni Esorom said.

PNG's pandemic controller said earlier this week that the country was looking to ramp up its vaccination program now that it has AstraZeneca, Sinopharm and soon Johnson & Johnson doses.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064586

File: 6a6949473f55790⋯.jpg (117.7 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Australia_has_already_sent….jpg)

File: cfc47656bf5703d⋯.jpg (113.3 KB, 862x575, 862:575, President_Xi_Jinping_has_r….jpg)

>>14064583

2/2

Pacific nations caught up in regional vaccine diplomacy battle

A rollout of China's Sinopharm vaccine began in the Pacific in May after it was approved for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Despite the WHO approval, Sinopharm is not being administered in Australia.

In the same week Sinopharm was launched in the Pacific, Australia pledged to donate tens of thousands of additional doses of its AstraZeneca jabs to Pacific nations, in what some say points to a growing diplomatic rivalry between China and Australia in the region.

Sinopharm is said to be a key component of China's "vaccine diplomacy", where hundreds of millions of doses of Chinese-made vaccines are being offered to low-and middle-income countries around the world.

And while experts say China's efforts may deepen the coalition of developing countries that increasingly look to China for "global leadership," Mr Wang said Beijing's vaccine rollout in PNG had "no geopolitical purpose and no political conditions attached".

In the Global Times report, China instead accused Australia of using vaccines to push for political influence in the region.

Australia initially donated 8,400 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to PNG, and has since committed to supplying 10,000 doses every week, along with medical support.

Mr Seselja said the Australian government was simply "fulfilling our moral and economic responsibility".

"We come to these issues in good faith, and we'll continue to do things that are in the interests of our region and in the interest of our friends and neighbours, most particularly PNG," he said.

"As our region thrives, so does Australia thrive."

PNG willing to embrace any support

Pacific health officials have said they are not concerned about where their vaccines come from — they just want them to protect their citizens.

Dr Orovu Sepoe, an expert in PNG politics, said the country's foreign policy stance was to be a "friend to all and enemy to none".

"Because of the desperation for vaccines, and for other forms of assistance, our government will just stick their hand out and embrace the support of friends who are coming in to assist," Dr Sepoe said.

But she said growing diplomatic tensions between Australia and China needed to be managed carefully by PNG.

PNG had a worrying surge in coronavirus cases from March to May and has faced logistical issues getting immunisation programs running across the country.

The country, which has a population of 9 million, has so far administered just under 55,000 jabs.

PNG has officially recorded just over 17,000 cases and 173 deaths since the pandemic began.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-06/china-accuses-australia-papua-new-guinea-covid-vaccinations/100269320

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064590

File: b157782d332f342⋯.jpg (32.42 KB, 500x313, 500:313, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14035922

>>14064583

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 5, 2021

CCTV: According to media reports, Australia has planted several "consultants" in the national epidemic prevention center in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and proactively tried to set up hurdles to delay and thwart the authorization of and access to China-assisted vaccines, even blocking PNG leaders who want to welcome the Chinese vaccines. Does China have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: Those in Australia who take advantage of vaccine issues to engage in political manipulation and bullying coercion are being callous to the life and health of the people in PNG. What they've done is a breach of the basic humanitarian spirit and gravely undermines global anti-pandemic cooperation. China voices its deep concern over and firm opposition to such irresponsible behavior.

China is committed to forging a community of health for all. We always see vaccines as a global public good and do our utmost to help developing countries save more innocent lives. We have no geopolitical agenda and attach no political strings. We urge the Australian side to stop disrupting and undermining vaccine cooperation between China and Pacific island countries and work together with us to help protect the health and wellbeing of people in island countries and advance international anti-pandemic cooperation with concrete actions.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1889823.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064624

File: 6eed33692e02a9d⋯.jpg (228.36 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Peter_Ben_Embarek_center_t….jpg)

>>14050812

Exclusive: Western scientists face government probe, death threats for opposing COVID-19 lab-leak theory: source

GT staff reporters - Jul 05, 2021

1/2

Prominent US and Australian scientists focused on the COVID-19 origins tracing are now facing tremendous political pressure, and some have been sidelined for not yielding to politicians-driven conspiracy theory on the matter and received anonymous threatening letters with bullets, the Global Times learned from people familiar with the matter. Chinese experts have urged the US to stop politicizing the origin-tracing research and conduct a comprehensive investigation in the US.

Since the Biden administration ordered in May US intelligence agencies to report on COVID-19 origins within 90 days, several US scientists have been put at the center of the political storm. These scientists have been facing the suppression of Republicans. For example, Anthony Fauci, who advises US President Joe Biden and leads National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been a target of the GOP. Elise Stefanik, the House Republicans conference chair, sent a fundraising email recently with the subject "Fire Fauci" and senator Josh Hawley also tweeted that Fauci's recently released emails and investigative reporting about COVID-19 origins are shocking. The time has come for him to resign and for a full congressional investigation into the origins to take place, according to US media reports.

Under such growing political pressure, Fauci has been increasingly ambiguous on his rhetoric. Another US scientist, who also took part in the WHO-China joint team on the origins research, has also been a target of such attacks, the Global Times learned. After collaborating in the project with China, Peter Daszak, president of EcoHealth Alliance, was recused from the UN-backed commission work on the origins of the epidemic.

A source close to the matter told the Global Times earlier that the US scientist is being personally threatened by emails, phone calls and messages on social media, and people who attacked him generally have far-right and even white supremacism leanings. GOP members of Congress are whipping those extremists up now.

"There is a coordinated political campaign to undermine anyone involved in the origins work if they do not fit the lab leak narrative. This is coming mainly from the right wing circles in the US, Australia, and in Europe, mainly the UK," the source said.

In the meantime, some so-called "international scientists" seeking attention have been making grandstanding campaigns by issuing open letters to call for an investigation into the COVID-19 origins.

It's revealing that some so-called "international scientists" who recently called for a COVID-19 origins inquiry were politicians with political agendas. But many scientists who truly uphold the spirit of science - objectivity and impartiality - have been attacked by some governments and extremists, or even received death threats, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at Monday's routine press conference. Wang said that the right idea was to carry out more in-depth and detailed scientific studies in a wider range.

Death threats, unable to continue work

Letting politics to override science is not only prevailing in the US but also in Australia. Evolutionary biologist Edward Holmes at the University of Sydney, who released an open letter back in last April, is being probed by the Australian government. In the letter, Holmes claimed that there was no evidence that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans, originated in a lab in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei Province. Like many others who oppose the lab-leak theory, Edward Holmes has received a number of threatening letters with real bullets, the Global Times learned from the people familiar with the matter.

He was threatened that if he continued expressing opinions on the origins of the virus, he may face even further crackdown, a source close to the matter said. Due to the tremendous pressure Holmes faces, he is undergoing psychotherapy and is unable to carry out normal scientific research work, the source said.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064628

File: 570452388c07880⋯.jpg (216.29 KB, 1200x675, 16:9, Aussie_scientist_Danielle_….jpg)

File: aec2f061de1a4a7⋯.jpg (188.82 KB, 1000x750, 4:3, The_Last_And_Only_Foreign_….jpg)

>>14064624

2/2

According to a Sydney Morning Herald report in October, 2020, Holmes became the target of online harassment after he co-authored a paper in Nature Medicine debunking the pervading conspiracy theory that the virus was engineered in or escaped from a laboratory in Wuhan. He also received "death threats" from conspiracy theorists, the report said.

Though the US government and politicians have been pushing forward their political agenda in bashing China with the lab-leak theory, targeting a number of global scientists and the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), most scientists spoke out and dismissed the theory, reiterating that the most likely scenario is that the virus has a natural origin.

For instance, Danielle Anderson, the only foreign scientist who once worked at the WIV, was quoted as saying in a Bloomberg report on June 28 that no one she knew at the Wuhan institute was ill toward the end of 2019. Recently the Wall Street Journal falsely claimed three researchers from the lab were hospitalized with flu-like symptoms in November 2019. She also described the place as having the highest biosafety designation with very strict procedures.

After she told Health Feedback that it's "simply false" to label the WIV as a bioweapons research lab, she had her name "trashed so viciously by extremists she had to call in police," the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sunday.

"I really find it hard to think that if something escaped from a laboratory it would be this difficult to prove that concept. Among other things, it is an unknown virus that has no signs of genetic engineering inside," said Massimo Galli, director of Infectious Diseases at Milan's Luigi Sacco Hospital, the Adnkronos reported on June 22.

He said that there is a 99-percentage chance that the spread of the virus is a natural event. "This story of the laboratory virus does not have the slightest basis from a scientific point of view to be carried forward," added Galli.

Next country for tracing virus origins: the US

The US National Institute of Health issued a new antibody testing study that suggested the virus was present in some states in late December 2019, earlier than the first case reported in the country in January 2020. With some US scientists reporting more earlier cases, Chinese scientists have urged that these cases should serve as evidence for the next-stage virus-tracing investigations in the US.

In the All of Us study, by the US institutes released on June 15, researchers analyzed more than 24,000 stored blood samples contributed by program participants across all 50 states between January 2 and March 18, 2020. "In this study, the first positive samples came from participants in Illinois and Massachusetts on January 7 and 8, 2020, respectively, suggesting that the virus was present in those states in late December," it said.

However, the study authors noted several limitations to their study. While the study included samples from across the US, the number of samples from many states was low.

Yang Zhanqiu, a virologist from Wuhan University, told the Global Times on Monday that the research has shown the epidemic in the US probably emerged earlier than in Wuhan. In other words, the epidemic in the US was probably caused by a domestic virus rather than one transmitted from Wuhan.

But more large-scale epidemiological surveys are needed in the US to identify the relationship between these cases and those in other countries and regions, including Wuhan, to determine the origin and transmission route of the virus.

Yang mentioned the outbreaks of flu and pneumonia related to the use of E-cigarette in the US prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for the US to release epidemiological surveys into these outbreaks, if they did any, to find out if they were COVID-19 cases.

The US has nearly all the variants spreading around the world, based on this, the virus most likely originated in the US rather than the Wuhan lab, according to Yang.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1227825.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064631

File: 984568f1e8ce42c⋯.jpg (29.24 KB, 500x368, 125:92, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14050812

>>14064624

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 2, 2021

The Paper: Helga Zepp-LaRouche, President of the Schiller Institute, a US think tank, said recently that to accuse China of making the novel coronavirus is a malicious effort and an old trick by the West to smear China. She said if there was to be an investigation, then it should be carried out everywhere, not just in China. What is China's comment?

Wang Wenbin: China has stressed many times that origin-tracing is a scientific matter that should not be politicized. This position is supported by many scientists in the international community who uphold science, reason and objectivity. In addition to Ms. LaRouche, many other experts have also made their positions clear.

Dominic Dwyer, an Australian immunologist and infectious disease expert and a member of the WHO expert team, said there was no evidence to back up the lab escape theory. He said the "lab leak" theory plays into the political discourse of some countries, and is even supported by individual governments. The spread of this theory reeks of deliberate maneuver. Origin-tracing is extremely complicated work, and there is no evidence that China is concealing key information. Countries should stop fighting and start cooperating with each other. It's also important to carry out origin-tracing study in other parts of the world.

The Swedish Research Council recently held a webinar on how to discern false information and conspiracy related to COVID-19. At the event, Professor Andreas Önnerfors of Uppsala University said the allegations of "China virus" and "lab leak theory" are all conspiracy theories. By spreading such conspiracies, some aim to establish a narrative that China should be held accountable for the outbreak and transmission of the virus. Such practice distorts science, stokes racial discrimination, exacerbates division and poses threats to democracy at multiple levels.

Dr. Danielle Anderson, an Australian virologist who once worked at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, said the WIV "was a regular lab that worked in the same way as any other high-containment lab". She said there were strict protocols and requirements aimed at containing the pathogens being studied. She believes the virus most likely came from a natural source. She is convinced no virus was made intentionally to infect people and deliberately released. Anderson does think an investigation is needed to nail down the origin of the virus once and for all, but she's dumbfounded by the portrayal of the lab by some media outside China, and the toxic attacks on scientists that have ensued.

Massimo Galli, head of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the University of Milan-affiliated Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan, Italy, said at a committee for social affairs of the Chamber of Deputies that the coronavirus is an unknown virus with no signs of genome engineering inside and the "lab-leak" theory has no scientific basis at all. Galli and three other Italian experts believe that the virus is 99% likely to be the result of natural spillover.

We hope that all parties can respect facts and science, and jointly reject political manipulation of vilification under the pretext of origin-tracing, so as to create a favorable environment for global cooperation in origin-tracing and solidarity in fighting the epidemic.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1889275.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064810

File: 94397120db3d112⋯.jpg (83.99 KB, 1280x719, 1280:719, Detective_Inspector_Glen_D….jpg)

File: 64204dea591ded1⋯.jpg (56.9 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Task_Force_Argos_has_helpe….jpg)

Queensland detectives create huge sex abuse database to help fight crime

Queensland Police’s Task Force Argos has compiled the largest database of child exploitation images in the southern hemisphere - a horrid collection that has helped rescue children and take abusers off the streets.

Danielle Buckley - July 5, 2021

Queensland detectives have created the largest database of child exploitation images in the southern hemisphere to help in the global fight against child sexual abuse.

The cache of 150 million child abuse images compiled by Queensland’s Task Force Argos has been shared with the Australian Federal Police and Interpol and will allow international agencies to swap data on cases of child sexual abuse.

It comes as the state’s dedicated child sex abuse unit has rescued more than 200 children and charged 49 child sex offenders in the past 12 months.

Detective Inspector Glen Donaldson of Argos said by giving each image a serial number or “fingerprint”, the unit can prevent officers from wasting precious time chasing down old leads.

It also limits the number of images officers are exposed to, reducing their vicarious trauma.

“That is 150 million images that other police won’t have to categorise themselves,” Det Insp Donaldson said.

“When we’ve already seen an image before, we don’t want to have to expose our officers to that same image, we don’t want them spending time trying to find that child when that child’s already been found in Sweden or somewhere else.”

Every month the serial numbers of photos that have already been viewed are categorised and imported into Queensland Police’s software.

“So every month we’re increasing the size of that library which reduces the images our staff have to see,” he said.

Task Force Argos was set up to invest­igate institutionalised child abuse in 1997 and in the past two years the unit has rescued 451 children who were being sexually harmed.

In the past year there has been a major shift in the way material is categorised, following a 2017 report by the Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council.

Detectives used to comb through hundreds of thousands of images for one case – clogging up their time and delaying court cases.

Now Queensland Police have a “threshold” of 1000 images and 50 videos which gives prosecutors enough for the brief of evidence and allows officers to move onto victim identification.

“It was getting to the stage where we were seizing hundreds of thousands of images and under the old system, our staff had to visually inspect every single image and categorise it,” Det Insp Donaldson said.

The nine-category Oliver Scale, the system used to grade abusive material, was also changed to the four category Interpol system.

“Historically it was always whoever had the most images they were deemed the worst and they were given bigger sentences based on the number of images,” Det Insp Donaldson said.

“It’s a focus now on the nature of the images and the nature of the offender.”

https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/queensland-detectives-create-huge-sex-abuse-database-to-help-fight-crime/news-story/a1d8ed0d8b298fac6ef23c8b0d3a927d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064818

File: 332b95309603e18⋯.webm (12.1 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Inside_Task_Force_Argos.webm)

File: 836b0a75164ce5c⋯.jpg (102.23 KB, 1000x563, 1000:563, Argos_busts_online_child_p….jpg)

File: 1c0661b9d52d725⋯.jpg (1.59 MB, 1068x4274, 534:2137, STOP_CHILD_ABUSE_TRACE_AN_….jpg)

File: aa2092ceba58ae9⋯.jpg (1.78 MB, 1068x6590, 534:3295, Stop_Child_Abuse_Trace_an_….jpg)

>>14064810

Crack Aussie unit joins international hunt for pedophiles and victims

Mark Saunokonoko - Jul 6, 2021

The tiniest of clues can sometimes catch the biggest monsters.

And few in the world are more adept at catching online pedophiles, a task which requires painstaking and horrifically confronting work, than a specialist police unit in Australia.

Queensland Police's Taskforce Argos leads the world in hunting pedophiles who film and photograph sexual abuse of children and then share that content in the darkest corners of the internet.

Taskforce Argos and Australian Federal Police officers last month joined a two-week international operation, poring over the most sickening footage imaginable, hoping to identify a location where abuse of minors is happening so that a child can be rescued.

The vast Europol operation involving 19 countries led to six victims of child abuse being successfully identified and removed from harm.

"Participation in Europol's Victim Identification Taskforce is one way Argos investigators share their expertise," a Queensland Police spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

"The outcomes highlight the importance of international law enforcement cooperation in responding to the global nature of Internet-facilitated child sexual abuse offending."

Sadly, Europol has over 59 million unique images and video files in its child sexual abuse dedicated repository.

To prepare for its worldwide June operation, Europol specialists selected footage of child abuse victims whose location and identity had not yet been established.

As part of a team of 41 specialist detectives, QPS Argos and AFP officers helped assess over 300 documented series of abuse, including film and photos.

Eagle-eyed detectives zeroed in on accents and seemingly obscure background detail in footage, like tags on clothing, barcodes on household items, a poster on a wall or the sound on a television or radio show.

In 47 cases, a likely country of production was identified and law enforcement in those jurisdictions was alerted.

As part of its efforts to catch pedophiles and stop child abuse material, Europol regularly makes public photographs of some evidence to catch offenders and rescue victims.

Non-confrontational details of images extracted from child sexual abuse cold cases are made public in the hope that someone recognises a detail to narrow down the location of the victim.

The Europol initiative is called Trace an Object.

Since its launch in 2017, 12 children victim of child sexual abuse have been identified and removed from harm, and four offenders have been prosecuted.

Taskforce Argos detectives have busted open many cold cases, and are regularly called on by global law enforcement bodies for help in this most difficult arena of policing.

In the last year alone, their work has led to the identification of 201 children in circumstances of sexual harm, nationally and internationally.

Forty-nine child sex offenders have been arrested and hit with 402 criminal charges in the same period, because of Argos.

The crack Australian unit has referred 690 cases to law enforcement agencies in Australia and around the world in the last year alone.

https://www.europol.europa.eu/stopchildabuse

https://www.accce.gov.au/what-we-do/trace-an-object

https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-afp-join-international-hunt-for-pedophiles/03887cb3-01e9-43e3-8236-a84c6498eb97

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14064827

File: 21bcb117e82e6a1⋯.webm (14.4 MB, 640x360, 16:9, The_Children_in_the_Pictu….webm)

>>14064810

>>14064818

THE CHILDREN IN THE PICTURES

2021 DOCUMENTARY | 90MINS | POST-PRODUCTION

With unprecedented access, we go inside Task Force Argos, the world’s best investigative team dedicated to rescuing the children being sexually abused by highly organised dark web networks. As technology reaches into every corner of the globe, this has become the fastest growing serious crime in the world. Tens of thousands of children are being exploited and tortured. Argos is often the only hope these children have of being found.

https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/the-children-in-the-pictures-2021/36520/

The Children in the Pictures

These cops have the toughest job in law enforcement – protecting our children from online predators

'The Children in the Pictures' takes us inside Task Force Argos, a specialised police investigative team dedicated to protecting children from online sexual abuse. Argos infiltrates these global criminal networks, catching the predators and rescuing their victims. This is the fastest growing serious crime in the world and Argos is the thin blue line fighting a hi-tech, cat and mouse game where the stakes are the lives of innocent children.

The UN estimates that over 750,000 people are accessing child abuse images every second. The world of the abuse is secretive, seductive and successful. There is no platform where they do not exist. But at the heart of every image is a child- the most vulnerable members of our society. And this crime type shows no sign of slowing down. We aim to show the scale of the crime and what we all must do as a society to identify and rescue the children in the pictures.

We aim to bring a subject long kept in the dark into the light. We aim to show that this issues transcends crime and is about the way we use technology. The issues dealt with are issues that effect the growth and stability of society as the Internet spreads to more and more areas globally and carries with it ideas and behaviours that are not always beneficial.

The Children In the Pictures will carry the message of hope and promote citizen activism. Audiences will learn how we can all make a profound contribution to keeping our children safe. Our goals are to bring the issue into global mainstream consciousness; develop educational tools to reach schools, parents, victims and the families of victims and offenders; and promote community participation by providing a mechanism to enable any citizen to donate to the evolving tech that is vital in the process of identification and rescue of children.

However capacity to reach the broadest possible audience for a documentary and for the issues it raises the result from the million dollar grant that we have for the impact campaign. Education on the exact nature of the issues. Activism in changing definitions and legislation around the distribution of child abuse material. Promotion of initiatives where citizens can show support by donating to the technology used in investigations. Lobbying of media companies and telcos to protect the right of a child.

We are working with the elite in law enforcement and NGO's in this space. We have forged a partnership with the federal police and their new national centre to gather information and launch impact campaign

Additionally we are partnering with Entertainment for Change (EFC) whose sole responsibility is to manage the milestones of the impact campaign.

The audience will come away feeling that there is hope in the world by seeing those that devote their lives to the cause and will be able to assist in their own way.

We hope that parents will encourage internet hygiene in their children to lessen the threat of them becoming victims. Children themselves will learn how to identify potential threats to their safety.

Support this project

https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/project/the-children-in-the-pictures/

https://vimeo.com/564022452

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071638

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

‘Settle in for the long haul’: White House’s China warning for Australia

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 7, 2021

US President Joe Biden’s key Asia adviser has warned the Morrison government to settle in “for the long haul” as Beijing’s “harshness” towards Australia “appears to be unyielding”.

In a deeply pessimistic assessment that will unease Australians with personal and business links to China, the White House’s Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell warned Beijing was in no mood to adjust its policy towards Canberra.

“I’m not sure that they have the strategic thinking to go back to a different kind of diplomacy towards Australia right now,” Campbell said at an Asia Society online forum chaired by former prime minister Kevin Rudd.

“I see a harshness in their approach that appears to be unyielding,” Campbell said.

“I would have thought that we were basically settling in for the long haul, in terms of tensions between China and Australia,” he added.

The bleak assessment from the White House was given hours after Beijing’s foreign ministry continued its almost daily trolling of Canberra, calling Australia a “cat’s paw” of the United States.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Tuesday also warned further measures could be taken to cut Australia off from the world’s second largest economy.

“We will not allow any country to reap benefits from doing business with China while groundlessly accusing and smearing China and undermining China’s core interests based on ideology,” Mr Zhao said at a daily press conference in Beijing.

“When a certain country acts as a cat’s paw for others, it is the people that pay for misguided government policies,” he said.

In a fiery speech last week, President Xi said his China would not be pushed around by America or its allies.

“Anyone who would attempt to do so will find themselves on a ­collision course with a great wall of steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people,” Mr Xi said to huge applause in a speech marking the Chinese Communist Party’s 100th anniversary.

Xi also said his China would not tolerate “sanctimonious preaching from those who feel they have the right to lecture us”.

Campbell said Beijing’s current approach was a departure from previous Chinese administrations, which were more responsive to international sentiment.

“I would have thought previously that given what we had seen and the success of President Biden’s visits to Europe and a sense of other countries finding common cause with United States that China would be in the midst right now of a recalibration, a sense of pulling back some of its actions, particularly against Australia,” he said.

“But I think that is completely gone now.”

Campbell said Xi’s China had also demonstrated an unprecedented willingness to engage in multiple disputes at the same time.

Beijing has launching almost daily verbal attacks on Japan, while tens of thousands of People’s Liberation Army troops remain in a tense stand-off with India on their shared border.

“I see little yield, and if anything a rising sense of nationalism and a sense of aggrievement and a determination to continue to prosecute a very assertive case internationally across the board,” he said.

Campbell said the Biden administration believed China’s trade coercion campaign on Canberra was an attempt to “cut Australia out of the herd” of US allies “and see if they can affect Australia to completely change how it sees itself and sees the world”.

He said that attempt had completely backfired, a point reinforced in a spate of recent opinion polls showing overwhelmingly negative sentiment towards China in Australia.

President Biden is likely to host Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Washington in September for the first in-person leaders’ meeting of the Quad grouping.

Campbell said he expected the meeting would deliver “exciting” and “decisive” commitments on infrastructure funding in the Asia-Pacific, as well as the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

The co-ordination with Australia, Japan and India is part of the Biden administration’s increased commitment to the region.

“I think we recognise that the United States has a lot of work to do (in Asia),” said Campbell.

“We historically have a strong position in Asia. That position has slipped,” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/settle-in-for-the-long-haul-white-houses-china-warning-for-australia/news-story/4c5625e3ba64ff43e0f87f12970d19ef

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on5brIIInrI

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071644

File: 98b3c5bfb34d39c⋯.jpg (28.57 KB, 500x363, 500:363, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14071638

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 6, 2021

China News Service: Statistics show that Australian agricultural products' loss of market share in China provides an opportunity for US products to fill the gap. Over the past year, US exports of wine, beef, cotton, timber, coal and other products to China have all increased. In February this year, US export of wine in containers of two liters or less to China more than tripled compared with the same month last year. Commentators in Australia point out that Australia and the US are competitors in agricultural exports, the US will not protect Australia's economic interests, and the Australian government should not blindly follow the US, but adopt a more rational attitude in handling relations with China. What is your comment?

Zhao Lijian: China is stepping up efforts to foster a new development paradigm with domestic circulation as the mainstay and domestic and international circulations reinforcing each other. China is committed to achieving higher-quality development in a more open environment, which will unleash huge opportunities and space for cooperation. In the next 15 years, China is expected to import more than $30 trillion worth of goods. Committed to international economic and trade cooperation, China stands ready to share development opportunities with other countries and jointly build an open world economy.

That being said, mutual respect is the foundation and safeguard of practical cooperation between countries. We will not allow any country to reap benefits from doing business with China while groundlessly accusing and smearing China and undermining China's core interests based on ideology. When a certain country acts as a cat's paw for others, it is the people that pay for misguided government policies. From what you mentioned in your question, we can see how such a practice has served the country concerned.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1890104.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071715

File: b40ba9f8fd1199f⋯.webm (13.8 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Arrest_footage.webm)

File: 5f9f450659eb4ee⋯.jpg (119.48 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Examining_electronic_devic….jpg)

File: c5434d92fad37db⋯.jpg (117.68 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Investigators_at_search_wa….jpg)

File: 67750ac1ece802d⋯.jpg (92.65 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Investigators_at_search_wa….jpg)

New South Wales man charged with sexually abusing children overseas and possessing child abuse material

6 July 2021

A 35-year-old New South Wales man appeared in court today (Tuesday, 6 July 2021) after the Australian Federal Police charged him with 15 child abuse-related offences allegedly committed in two countries.

The investigation began in April this year after the AFP-led Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a person uploading illegal material, including some suspected of being self-produced in the Philippines, to a cloud storage device.

Investigators from the AFP's Eastern Command Child Protection Operations (CPO) team allegedly linked a Chippendale man, who is a New Zealand citizen, to the email addresses associated with the account.

A search warrant was executed at the man's home today (6 July 2021), with investigators seizing three mobile phones and an external hard drive. The digital devices will now be subject to further forensic examination.

The man was arrested and charged with 15 offences:

• Three counts of sexual intercourse with a child outside of Australia, contrary to section 272.8(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);

• Sexual activity (other than sexual intercourse) with a child outside of Australia, contrary to section 272.9(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);

• Six counts of producing child abuse material outside of Australia, contrary to section 273.6(1)(ii) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth);

• Four counts of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, contrary to section 474.22A of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and

• Using a carriage service to access child abuse material, contrary to section 474.22(1)(a)(i) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).

The maximum penalty for the offence of sexual intercourse with a child outside of Australia is 20 years' imprisonment. The other offences each carry a maximum penalty of 15 years' imprisonment.

He appeared before Sydney Central Local Court today (6 July 2021). He has been remanded in custody with his next court appearance scheduled for Wednesday, 1 September 2021.

AFP Child Protection Operations Detective Sergeant Joel Wheeler said the Sydney lockdowns had not slowed down the work of investigators who would continue to arrest people allegedly abusing children no matter the circumstances.

"This arrest should serve as a warning that law enforcement is dedicated to fighting child sexual abuse and bringing those who commit these offences before the court even through lockdowns," Detective Sergeant Wheeler said.

The ACCCE is at the centre of a collaborative national approach to combatting organised child abuse.

The Centre brings together specialist expertise and skills in a central hub, supporting investigations into child sexual abuse and developing prevention strategies focused on creating a safer online environment.

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.

http://www.accce.gov.au/report

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.

http://www.accce.gov.au/help-and-support/who-can-help

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protection children online can be found at ThinkUKnow, an AFP-led education program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

http://www.thinkuknow.org.au

Note to media:

Use of term 'CHILD ABUSE' MATERIAL NOT 'CHILD PORNOGRAPHY'

The correct legal term is Child Abuse Material – the move to this wording was among amendments to Commonwealth legislation in 2019 to more accurately reflect the gravity of the crimes and the harm inflicted on victims.

Use of the phrase "child pornography" is inaccurate and benefits child sex abusers because it:

• indicates legitimacy and compliance on the part of the victim and therefore legality on the part of the abuser; and

• conjures images of children posing in 'provocative' positions, rather than suffering horrific abuse.

Every photograph or video captures an actual situation where a child has been abused.

Editor's note: Vision of the arrest is available via Hightail - https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/we3JCFGJB9

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/new-south-wales-man-charged-sexually-abusing-children-overseas-and

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071758

File: a5a1e12321c5552⋯.jpg (110.62 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_s_legal_….jpg)

File: 4e71cc584f3217f⋯.jpg (186.21 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_is_suing….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith secures hospital records after claim ‘mistress’ faked pregnancy

Hospital documents have been handed to Ben Roberts-Smith’s lawyers that could be key in determining if his ‘mistress’ faked a pregnancy.

Perry Duffin - July 7, 2021

A hospital has handed over documents which could be important in stacking up Ben Roberts-Smith’s claim his “mistress” may have faked a pregnancy and abortion.

The SAS veteran‘s defamation trial is on hold because of Sydney’s Covid-19 outbreak, but administrative hearings are continuing in the background in the Federal Court.

Mr Roberts-Smith‘s lawyer, Paul Svilans, asked the court on Wednesday for documents produced by Greenslopes Private Hospital.

The contents of the documents were not revealed, but it is understood they could be crucial to determining the credibility of one of Nine’s key witnesses.

Nine newspapers, who are being sued by the soldier, claim Mr Roberts-Smith was having an extramarital affair with a woman who is known only as Person 17 in the final months of 2017.

Mr Roberts-Smith denied the woman was his “mistress”, as she was described by Nine, and said he was secretly separated from his wife at the time.

Nine claimed Mr Roberts-Smith punched Person 17 in the face while at a hotel in Canberra after she drunkenly embarrassed him in front of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, in early 2018.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies that, with the court hearing Person 17 was caught on CCTV falling down a staircase – he repeatedly said that was the cause of her head injury.

His barrister, Bruce McClintock SC, called the woman a “fabulist”.

The elite soldier told the court he had tried to break up with Person 17 multiple times and, during one bust up in early 2018, she claimed she was pregnant.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court he feared Person 17 was lying about the pregnancy to manipulate him – but she flew to Brisbane for an abortion at Greenslopes.

The SAS veteran said he sent private investigator John McLeod to follow Person 17 and film her at Greenslopes.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court she appeared on Mr McLeod‘s video to walk out of the hospital well-dressed and picked up her luggage without physical difficulty.

But, he continued, when Person 17 met him at a hotel she had a bandaged arm and appeared frail.

Mr Roberts-Smith said he and Person 17 argued upstairs when he confronted her with the video and she changed her story twice.

Person 17, Mr Roberts-Smith told the court, said she had the abortion earlier at a different hospital and then changed her story again to say she had a miscarriage.

Medical records from Greenslopes could be the key to determining the truth.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing Nine over claims he committed domestic violence against Person 17 and committed multiple unlawful killings – war crimes – while in Afghanistan. He says the claims are false and highly defamatory.

The trial itself is expected to resume on July 19, but Sydney‘s extended lockdown will run at least until July 16.

Even if the lockdown lifts on time, the trial may not be able to resume because most of Nine‘s witnesses live interstate, chiefly in Western Australia.

Those witnesses, many of whom are former or serving SAS soldiers, would be subject to WA‘s strict border quarantine controls which include weeks of quarantine for anyone returning from a Covid hotspot.

The court previously heard those witnesses and their lawyers would be, by and large, unable to fly to Sydney and then spend weeks in quarantine upon their return home.

Video links are not an option for the SAS soldiers giving evidence for and against Mr Roberts-Smith for a few reasons including national security concerns and because of the disadvantage it could cause for cross examination.

The court, on Wednesday, heard other documents are still being passed between lawyers and the Commonwealth government to determine if they disclose national security information.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/ben-robertssmith-secures-hospital-records-after-claim-mistress-faked-pregnancy/news-story/3d22a7804ef471ebc022ff595c9b3109

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071789

File: b5e8142c0be449a⋯.webm (10.06 MB, 640x360, 16:9, What_to_do_if_you_think_a….webm)

File: 18e30ede6adeed0⋯.jpg (75.28 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, James_David_Ryan_Sharp_the….jpg)

James David Ryan Sharp imported a child-like sex doll, Mount Gambier court hears

Jessica Ball - July 6, 2021

A child-like sex doll, school uniforms, underwear and child abuse material were among the discoveries uncovered in a raid on a South East man’s home, police allege.

James David Ryan Sharp – the first South Australian arrested under new Commonwealth laws last year – has admitted to a string of child abuse material offences.

He faced the Mount Gambier District Court on Tuesday after entering guilty pleas to all major indictable offences in the Mount Gambier Magistrate Court in December.

Sharp’s defence lawyer Nick Healy asked for the matter to be held to the October circuit while a psychological assessment was completed.

In a previous hearing, the court heard the man in his 30s was forced to relocate to Victoria after heavy media attention at the time of his arrest led to death threats.

Sharp was arrested in January 2020 after purchasing the doll from a consignor in China in December 2018, using a PayPal account and now faces a maximum 15 years in prison for possessing the doll.

Sharp was arrested by officers from SA’s Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Taskforce (JACET) after New South Wales Police and AUSTRAC, the financial intelligence and regulation agency, sent information to local police.

The man’s house was raided and the doll, computer, phone and bank card were seized with police alleging child exploitation material was found on the computer.

The man is also accused of buying children‘s clothing including school uniforms and underwear, online.

At the time of his arrest AFP South Australia Acting Commander Gail McClure said the dolls objectified children and desensitised their users.

“Some dolls are even robotic and designed to respond positively to the abuse,” she said.

“The Australian Federal Police does not condone any form of child exploitation, or activity of any kind that reinforces the sexualisation of children.”

“This includes sexual gratification activity using items depicting children – these anatomically correct dolls are legally considered child exploitation material.”

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/mount-gambier/james-david-ryan-sharp-imported-a-childlike-sex-doll-mount-gambier-court-hears/news-story/890d300af5565b4e017c585b953cc02c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071821

File: 5cc92001afb2629⋯.jpg (106.8 KB, 960x540, 16:9, The_horticulture_and_seafo….jpg)

From fresh produce to seafood, supermarkets are under pressure to stamp out modern slavery

Isabelle Lane - Jul 6, 2021

1/2

Supermarkets in Australia and around the world are under growing pressure to clean up their supply chains and rid them of modern slavery.

Discount chain Aldi last week became the first of Australia’s supermarkets to sign up to the Slave-Free Alliance, an offshoot of global anti-slavery organisation Hope for Justice.

Under the agreement, Aldi committed to conducting a human rights risk assessment of its operations as well as providing modern slavery awareness training to its employees and business partners, so suppliers and staff with product sourcing responsibilities can identify the signs of modern slavery and take action.

But University of Technology Sydney Business School modern slavery expert Martijn Boersma said Aldi’s decision to sign up to the Slave-Free Alliance was “more on the symbolic side of things than on the substantive side of things”.

Dr Boersma called on Australia’s supermarkets to address “structural pricing pressures” that put downward price pressure on suppliers, leading to them “cutting corners, underpaying people and other kinds of exploitation”.

“I think that specifically for a supermarket like Aldi, which positions itself as a ‘price fighter’, there’s a structural problem that needs to be addressed, and this goes for the other supermarkets as well,” he said.

“It’s nice that Aldi joined this alliance, but it is a symbolic measure, whereas dealing with those systematic price pressures is where they can take substantive action.”

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is an umbrella term that describes a range of labour and human rights abuses.

More than 40 million people around the world are estimated to be in slavery today, including 25 million in forced labour in factories, farms and fishing.

Traditional slavery was based on an ownership relationship, but in modern times slavery is “more of an illegal form of control over someone else, for example, through the confiscation of an ID or a passport, by incurring a particular debt that has to be paid off”, Dr Boersma explained.

“The common elements to it is that there is real coercion in the work that you do, and there’s an exploitative factor,” he said.

“Basically, it’s about those people being in slavery, losing control over their working conditions, and not being able to leave, not being able to exit the employment relationship.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071824

File: 0cb62c4b8220c73⋯.jpg (148.07 KB, 850x478, 425:239, A_migrant_worker_unloading….jpg)

>>14071821

2/2

In 2018, Australia passed a Modern Slavery Act, requiring some companies to report on “the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains and actions to address those risk”.

The act’s mandatory reporting requirements have resulted in some of the nation’s biggest retailers revealing cases of modern slavery in their supply chains.

Last year, Wesfarmers, which owns stores including Bunnings, Kmart, and Target, identified more than 340 “critical breaches” across its supply chain.

Woolworths Group revealed its audits had found seafood, cocoa and nuts suppliers in Bolivia, Ivory Coast and Vietnam had extreme risks of forced labour.

“This is due to the inherent risks in agriculture, high levels of product exported from high-risk countries, and substantiated cases of forced and child labour associated with a product category,” the company said.

In December, the federal government released a National Plan of Action to Combat Modern Slavery, a five-year plan for preventing, disrupting and prosecuting crimes of modern slavery.

Ripe for exploitation

One of the main areas of concern in Australia is the fresh food supply chain, Dr Boersma said.

Farmers rely on large, transient workforces, often migrant workers on visas and backpackers, to pick fruits and vegetables at ‘piece rates’.

Last year, Woolworths revealed it had found 332 Australian fruit and vegetable suppliers within its supply chain where workers were at risk of slave-like conditions, while Coles admitted that some farms supplying it with fresh produce were not covered by its ethical sourcing program.

“Australia has a very unique situation in that, specifically in fresh food supply chains, we rely on a large migrant workforce,” Dr Boersma said.

“Those people form a very precarious group of people that are easily exploited.

“We’ve seen, for example, backpackers being exploited, which is not quite modern slavery, but we’ve seen them be systematically underpaid.”

Tinned tuna and seafood’s slavery problem

Seafood is one of the industries plagued by modern slavery, with reports of people deprived of their liberty and forced to work under in appalling conditions in nations like Thailand.

The humble tinned tuna is a favourite cheap and nutritious of protein for many, but there’s a dark side to this product that can’t be ignored.

In 2019, researchers found that just one brand of tinned tuna on Australian supermarket shelves could confidently claim slavery was not involved in its supply chain.

Seafood is a “high-risk sector” for modern slavery “because it is sourced from overseas from areas such as Thailand that have a reputation for modern slavery and very poor working conditions in the industry”, Dr Boersma said.

Supermarkets should be directing their attention to these ‘high-risk areas’ and “put in place more due diligence in their sourcing”, he said.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/finance/consumer/2021/07/06/australia-aldi-modern-slavery

https://hopeforjustice.org

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071862

File: 46a2b2523bd5bb5⋯.jpg (454.73 KB, 825x975, 11:13, TS_5.jpg)

File: 2a514a45e66e22d⋯.mp4 (10.53 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, hmiBCVm_zugfWkzu.mp4)

TalismanSabre Tweet

A message from Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham, ADF Director for Exercise #TalismanSabre2021.

Since 2005, #YourADF and the @DeptofDefense forces have been welcomed into the @QldGov communities, and we are grateful for your ongoing patience and support!

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1411983228169330691

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071867

File: 9504b15e51804a6⋯.jpg (329.98 KB, 825x980, 165:196, MRF_D_17.jpg)

File: 6cbe668c6f9d472⋯.jpg (1.97 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E5kxAoUVEAYQSfz.jpg)

>>14036029

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet

We ride at dawn during #SouthernJackaroo trilateral support by fire training with #yourADF, and @Japan_GSDF

@USMC (photo) by Cpl. Sarah E. Taggett

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1412216624816394241

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14071884

File: 562fa878210bf3d⋯.jpg (433.99 KB, 825x950, 33:38, ACCCE_4.jpg)

File: 5c41545bc22e933⋯.jpg (116.72 KB, 1200x600, 2:1, DO_YOU_RECOGNISE_THESE_OBJ….jpg)

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweets

Thank you for all of your support helping spread the word of the #TraceAnObjectAUS initiative, but the fight continues! Can you identify any of these objects that have been taken from the background of child sexual abuse images and videos? Report at http://accce.gov.au/trace

https://twitter.com/ACCCE_AUS/status/1411918690476457986

*Trigger Warning: contains content that may be distressing to some people.*

https://twitter.com/ACCCE_AUS/status/1411918823343624194

Stop Child Abuse - Trace an Object

The smallest clue can often help solve a case.

http://accce.gov.au/trace

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14078813

File: 821531c207410ef⋯.jpg (55.72 KB, 701x468, 701:468, Julian_Assange_has_been_in….jpg)

File: c979b573703a1b1⋯.jpg (142.12 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Julian_Assange_s_partner_S….jpg)

US granted permission to appeal UK court's Assange extradition decision

ABC/AP - 8 July 2021

The US government has been granted permission to appeal a British judge's decision that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange cannot be sent to the United States to face espionage charges.

The judicial office said Wednesday that the appeal had been granted and the case would be listed for a High Court hearing.

No date has been set.

In January, a judge refused an American request to send Assange to the US to face spying charges over WikiLeaks' publication of secret military documents a decade ago.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied extradition on health grounds, saying Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh US prison conditions.

The judge ordered that Assange must remain in prison during any potential US appeal, ruling that the Australian "has an incentive to abscond" if he were freed.

Assange, 50, has been in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison since he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.

Assange spent seven years holed up inside Ecuador's London embassy, where he fled in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

US prosecutors have indicted Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

The prosecutors say Assange unlawfully helped US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published. Lawyers for Assange argue that he was acting as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment freedom of speech protections for publishing documents that exposed US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Assange 'very unwell' in prison

Assange's fiancée, Stella Moris, urged US President Joe Biden on Wednesday to drop the prosecution launched under his predecessor Donald Trump.

Ms Moris, who has two young sons with Assange, said outside the High Court that the WikiLeaks founder was "very unwell" in prison.

"He won his case in January, why is he even in prison?" she asked.

"I'm appealing to the Biden administration to do the right thing.

"This appeal was taken two days before the Trump administration left office, and if the Biden administration is serious about respecting the rule of law, the First Amendment and defending global press freedom, the only thing it can do is drop this case."

Ms Moris said she spoke to Assange about the decision, and described his situation as "endless purgatory".

"It's been six months and we haven't had any news," she said.

"But at the same time, it doesn't end here and so we have to prepare for we don't know how long this will go on for, and how long he will be imprisoned for in that terrible place.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-08/us-granted-permission-to-appeal-assange-extradition-decision/100276332

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14078818

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14078813

US wins bid to appeal Assange extradition ruling | ABC News

ABC News (Australia)

Jul 8, 2021

The US government will be allowed to appeal a British court's decision to block Julian Assange's extradition to the US.

In January, a judge refused an American request to send Assange to the US to face spying charges over WikiLeaks' publication of secret military documents a decade ago.

District Judge Vanessa Baraitser denied extradition on health grounds, saying Assange was likely to kill himself if held under harsh US prison conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urYjIN_4sFE

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079124

File: 71e2fec13bf2224⋯.jpg (173.91 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Christopher_Stain_leaves_t….jpg)

File: 9011f4ecc2e945b⋯.jpg (133.36 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Pedophile_Christopher_Stai….jpg)

Court of Appeal almost doubles sentence handed to pedophile Christopher Stain and calls for better education for judges

The soft sentence handed to a pedophile Bible studies teacher shows judges must be educated about the long-term effects of sex crimes on children, SA’s top court has ruled.

Mitch Mott - July 8, 2021

An inadequate sentence handed to a pedophile teacher who abused a 13-year-old student for more than a year shows a need for judges to be better educated about the long-term effects of abuse on child victims, South Australia’s top court has ruled.

Christopher Wright Stain, 67, was initially sentenced to three years, 10 months and 25 days in prison with a non-parole period of 14 months for maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child in the 1980s.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday unanimously agreed to increase Stain’s head sentence to six years and more than double his non-parole period to 3½ years.

It said the original sentence was so low it risked jeopardising public confidence in the courts and that the new non-parole period was “relatively merciful” in all the circumstances.

Court of Appeal president Trish Kelly, Appeal Justice Chris Bleby and Auxiliary Appeal Justice Malcolm Blue were critical of District Court Judge Joana Fuller’s sentencing remarks.

Judge Fuller took into account Stain’s claims he had been “blinded by his love” and his behaviour towards his victim had been dictated by “misguided compassion”.

The victim reported the abuse to police in 2020 while Stain himself had told several people, including a pastor and counsellor, about his crimes.

Stain went on to work at numerous other schools around South Australia.

Judge Fuller said the length of time before the victim made a complaint and Stain’s guilt and efforts to rehabilitate were factors against a longer sentence.

“In doing so, the judge has not taken into account that it is notorious that, in cases of sexual offending against young children, victims are often reluctant to come forward and make any complaint for many years after the offending,” the court said in its published judgment.

“In the words of (former Chief Justice John Doyle), to place excessive weight on the passage of time and the lack of criminal history in cases of this kind is to allow offenders to escape due punishment.

“It was not appropriate to attribute significant weight to delay and rehabilitation in circumstances where the delay in reporting was due to the very nature of the offending.

“The sentencing process in this matter has miscarried, resulting in a manifestly inadequate sentence.”

The court concluded there was a need for “continuing legal education of judges to ensure that they properly understand and appreciate the dynamics involved in the sexual predation of children, the profound harm caused to those children and the need to impose adequate punishment for these crimes”.

Stain was working as a teacher at a regional school when he met the victim in the early 1980s, when she was only 12.

He started a Bible study group at his home on Friday nights and invited the victim.

Over more than a year, Stain groomed the victim and started a sexual relationship, which only ended when the girl wrote him a letter begging him to leave her alone.

“The context of the relationship, and the complainant’s position as a child, made the conduct of the respondent predatory in nature from the outset,” the court said.

“The fact that (Stain) believed that he was in love with the complainant cannot, and does not, detract from this.”

Stain will be eligible for parole in late 2024 when he will be 70.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/court-of-appeal-almost-doubles-sentence-handed-to-pedophile-christopher-stain-and-calls-for-better-education-for-judges/news-story/ab2af14098566e6eae3ed15f22aaa392

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079271

File: 50d461ebd43a6d4⋯.jpg (79.87 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Former_Federal_Circuit_Cou….jpg)

Resignations in the news

Family Law judge Joe Harman resigns over ‘inappropriate’ conduct

NICOLA BERKOVIC - JULY 8, 2021

1/2

A family law judge has resigned after an independent investigation found he had engaged in behaviour that was “sexualised in nature and otherwise inappropriate” towards two women.

The investigation recommended Federal Circuit Court judge Joe Harman be referred to Attorney-General Michaelia Cash for possible removal from the bench.

Judge Harman, who is based in Parramatta, instead resigned, effective on Thursday. He would not have reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 until about 2034.

Judge Harman, appointed by the Rudd government in 2010 but on leave since August, was the subject of two complaints – from a court employee last July and a former law student in September – that were upheld by an independent conduct committee appointed by Chief Judge Will Alstergren.

The investigating committee found the women’s allegations were substantiated. The conduct involved inappropriate communication in 2015, 2016, 2019 and 2020, with one complaint also involving “two unwelcome hugs”.

Chief Judge Alstergren said he had personally met with each of the complainants and apologised on behalf of the court for Judge Harman’s conduct.

“The judge’s conduct is of great concern to the court, as is the harm caused to these young women,” he said in a statement.

“The court is ashamed that such conduct could occur, especially by someone of such standing and responsibility as a serving judge and in circumstances where he held a position of trust in respect to each of the complainants.

“The behaviour was totally unacceptable and inexcusable.”

He said he had acknowledged in writing the significant impact of the judge’s conduct on them and thanked them for their courage and fortitude in coming forward.

The investigating committee, made up of former Victorian Supreme Court judges Julie Dodds-Streeton QC, David Habersberger QC and Katharine Williams QC, and industrial law barrister Tessa Duthie as counsel assisting, found that “neither the judge’s medical condition nor his workload could justify or excuse his inappropriate conduct towards either of the complainants”.

The committee recommended the complaints be referred to the Attorney-General for her consideration as to whether procedures should be initiated for investigating whether a judge’s misbehaviour or incapacity warranted their removal from office.

Under the Constitution, a judge cannot be removed other than by the Governor-General on a recommendation from both houses of parliament for proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

The Chief Judge adopted the committee’s recommendations on July 1. He said the court had already made improvements to its judicial conduct procedures and was continuing to do so.

Judge Harman, admitted to practice in 1986 and the recipient of a NSW Premier’s Stopping Domestic Violence award in 2005, has lectured at the University of Sydney and Western Sydney University. He has a reputation among family lawyers for a fierce intellect but had a chequered judicial career and concerns have been raised about his mental health since at least the year after his appointment and his at times erratic behaviour on the bench.

He has spoken out numerous times about under-resourcing of the family law system and the pressure this placed on judges.

Judge Harman’s exit amid complaints about his behaviour has prompted renewed calls for a judicial commission to handle complaints about federal judges.

Revelations about the complaints come a year after former High Court judge Dyson Heydon was found to have sexually harassed six female associates.

In 2011, Judge Harman was suspended from sitting for a month and provided with judicial education and counselling following criticism of his behaviour in two appeal judgments.

He had refused to disqualify himself from a case involving a female lawyer with whom he’d had an extramarital affair and an “extremely hostile” breakdown of their business relationship.

Judge Harman had emailed at least 17 lawyers denigrating the woman the year before his appointment, alleging they had been involved in a three-year extramarital relationship, and then refused to stand aside from a family law case in which she was appearing before him.

The appeal court said he should have disqualified himself because of a reasonable apprehension of bias, noting that the “uncomplimentary email” had been sent only 15 months earlier.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079272

File: 23284cf8f15b327⋯.jpg (120.55 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_family_law_judge_has_qui….jpg)

>>14079271

2/2

In the other case he had charged and threatened to jail an elderly man, who suffered from dementia and spoke via an interpreter, for contempt after he was dissatisfied with the man’s answers and threatened to arrest the managing director of a bank.

The appeal court found Judge Harman had “failed to comply in almost all respects” with the rules and well-established authorities relating to contempt of court.

Several months later in 2011, a mother received a written apology from the court’s then chief, John Pascoe, after her three children were removed by Judge Harman from her care for refusing to visit their father.

Slamming the under-resourcing of the family courts, in a 2015 judgment Judge Harman said a 600 per cent blowout in western Sydney court lists was “distressing” for judges and had left children at risk.

He said he was juggling more than 700 cases and regularly sitting eight to 10 hours a day, could not address the “tsunami” of work.

He said delays in parenting cases poorly served the interests of children, who were “the future of our society” and likened sitting on the court to a doctor in an emergency ward.

“This situation is, for the judges of this court, analogous to a doctor operating upon a patient in a busy emergency room with the known certainty that two more patients will bleed out and die in the corridor while working on this patient and knowing full well that with more resources, two more sets of hands, no life need have been lost,” he said.

In a 2017 judgment, he said the delays litigants faced in Parramatta were “severe” and in 2014 he said the registry had five judges, which had dropped to two before rising again to just four.

In June last year, he said the court’s work had increased during the pandemic and his calendar was “significantly overfilled”.

Christian Porter, the former attorney-general, had sought legal advice on the design of a federal judicial complaints body – which has the backing of the Law Council of Australia, the Australian Judicial Officers Association and the federal opposition.

Senator Cash said the complaints involving Judge Harman were a matter for the court, which had been “thoroughly investigated and reviewed” by an independent conduct committee and Chief Judge Alstergren.

“Due to the highly sensitive nature of these matters, it would not be appropriate to comment on the specific details,” she said.

“It is an essential feature of the Australian system of government that our courts are independent and free of interference from the executive arm of government, and any oversight of federal judges must respect the independence of the courts.”

Federal Circuit Court judges are not eligible for a judicial pension, but can apply for a disability pension. The Finance Department declined to comment on Judge Harman’s remuneration.

Law Council president Jacoba Brasch QC said her organisation had “long advocated for a federal judicial commission”. She said the recent budget increases to family law were “most welcomed”.

“Under-resourcing is a problem but hopefully we’re turning the corner,” she said.

One of the two women whose complaints were investigated by the committee is being represented by Maurice Blackburn.

The Australian sought comment from Judge Harman through the court and his law firm but did not receive a response.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/family-law-judge-resigns-over-inappropriate-conduct/news-story/92197bc7f79c66fd81e50868a2f73c17

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079290

File: 7f46f96d4b225b9⋯.jpg (151.75 KB, 960x540, 16:9, The_Taliban_s_resurgence_i….jpg)

File: 8170ac99cc62018⋯.jpg (170.18 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Ben_Roberts_Smith_outside_….jpg)

>>14035776

Taliban circle as Afghan witnesses in Ben Roberts-Smith case wait in a safe house

Harriet Alexander - July 7, 2021

Four Afghan civilians holed up in a Kabul safe house while waiting to give evidence in former soldier Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation lawsuit are in mounting danger from Taliban forces, who have seized nearly a third of the country and are reportedly in striking distance of the capital.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s action against The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Canberra Times and three journalists was adjourned for at least three weeks on June 29 when COVID-19 border restrictions meant interstate witnesses would be locked out of their home states or forced to quarantine for two weeks on their return.

But as the proceedings wait for the threat of coronavirus to recede in Australia, the danger is advancing for three men and one woman on the other side of the world who claim to have witnessed alleged war crimes at the centre of the case. They are set to give evidence via video link from the offices of a law firm in Kabul.

The Taliban has been gaining ground in the north following the withdrawal of American and allied forces from Afghanistan, with 10 districts in Badakhshan province to the militant group in the past two days, according to Afghan officials, eight of them without a fight.

In Oruzgan province, where Australian troops spent much of their efforts during the war and where the alleged war crimes are alleged to have occurred, several districts have been taken over in the past week. The provincial capital of Tarin Kowt is the only district not under Taliban control.

The Afghan villagers are witnesses to the alleged murder of Ali Jan, who is alleged to have been kicked off a cliff and then shot in 2012 while he was under the control of Australian soldiers, contrary to the Geneva Convention. Two of the witnesses say they saw a tall soldier kick Ali Jan off the cliff before hearing gunshots. The witnesses say they later saw gunshot wounds to Ali Jan’s face and body.

Lawyers for the media outlets asked the Federal Court at the closure of Mr Roberts-Smith’s evidence last week if the Afghan witnesses’ testimony could be brought forward in light of the worsening security situation, but Justice Anthony Besanko opted for a longer adjournment to avoid the disruption of a stop-start timetable.

The media outlets are considering whether to ask when the case briefly appears in court on July 19 for the evidence by the Afghan witnesses to be brought forward. Hearings are not due to recommence until July 26.

Australian National University Professor William Maley, who specialises in Afghan politics, said Afghan towns that had fallen were now subject to strict totalitarian control, the women had been locked away and the Taliban were “on a roll”.

“In Afghanistan, what tends to predict big political change is not people becoming more or less popular but people calculating who’s likely to come out on top, because it doesn’t pay to be on the losing side in Afghanistan,” Professor Maley said.

“The American decision to withdraw, which the Australians have followed, played a role in the mass psychology of the nation and the security situation is starting to unravel.”

Adding to the complications, Mr Roberts-Smith’s legal team does not want to cross-examine the witnesses until it has seen documents that relate to the Brereton inquiry into the conduct of Australian troops in Afghanistan, which probed the same events. These are yet to be released by the Commonwealth.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/taliban-circle-as-afghan-witnesses-in-ben-roberts-smith-case-wait-in-a-safe-house-20210706-p587co.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079305

File: 27cf53851cfbab9⋯.jpg (67.09 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_decision_on_charges_in_t….jpg)

File: a407f3ff41e0a4f⋯.jpg (162.02 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Brittany_Higgins_at_the_Wo….jpg)

File: 924449747e14645⋯.jpg (107.39 KB, 650x1000, 13:20, Brittany_Higgins_arrives_w….jpg)

Australian Federal Police decision on Brittany Higgins charges will be made in coming weeks

A decision on whether to charge the man accused of raping former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins will be made in coming weeks.

Samantha Maiden - JULY 8, 2021

The Australian Federal Police has received advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Brittany Higgins case and will now decide whether or not charges will be laid in coming weeks.

ACT DPP Shane Drumgold SC has confirmed he has now examined the partial brief of evidence provided by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and returned his advice to the police investigating.

“As previously advised, on Monday, June 21, 2021 the ODPP (Office of Director of Public Prosecutions) received a partial brief of evidence, and a request to provide advice for consideration of prosecution,’’ Mr Drumgold told news.com.au.

“The Director of Public Prosecutions provided the advice to the Australian Federal Police on Monday, June 28, 2021.

“The content of that advice is subject to Legal Professional Privilege, and cannot be disclosed by the ODPP.”

AFP sources said the matter was progressing and a decision was expected in coming weeks. A partial brief of evidence can suggest further information and interviews need to be conducted.

On May 25, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw revealed that a brief of evidence would be sent to the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions over the alleged rape of Brittany Higgins within “weeks”.

“A brief of evidence is likely to be submitted to the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions in coming weeks,’’ Commissioner Kershaw said.

But Commissioner Kershaw cautioned MPs over asking him questions over the allegations now that it would potentially go to a “jury trial” if the matter is prosecuted in the courts.

“All of us would want justice for any victim in these circumstances,’’ Commissioner Kershaw told Senate estimates.

“I take an oath to protect the Australian community and to make sure that we do our job in investigating serious crimes.”

News.com.au broke the story on February 15, 2021 that a Liberal staffer alleged she was raped at Parliament House in Defence Minister Linda Reynolds’ ministerial office by a colleague.

In explosive allegations detailing the Morrison government’s handling of the incident, media adviser Brittany Higgins told news.com.au that she spent the last two years “internalising the trauma”.

She revealed that she was brought to a formal employment meeting about the incident in the room where the incident occurred – a decision the Morrison government has now accepted was an error by then Defence Industry Minister Linda Reynolds.

Ms Higgins was just 24 at the time of the incident and only months into her “dream job” of working at parliament.

The alleged incident occurred in the early hours of March 23, 2019, just weeks before Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election on April 10, 2019.

During his evidence in May, Commissioner Kershaw has also revealed the fallout from the Higgins matter had now sparked multiple reports of unrelated sexual misconduct allegations at Parliament House involving federal MPs and their staff.

“As at 17 May 2021, 40 reports have been received by the AFP since 24 February relating to 19 different allegations. Twelve reports were identified as sensitive investigations, 10 were referred to state and territory police for assessment, one is with the AFP for ongoing inquiries and one has been finalised,’’ he said.

“Seven matters do not relate to electorate officers, ministerial staff or official establishments, of those, five have been referred to state and territory police and two concluded with no criminal offence identified.”

https://www.news.com.au/national/australian-federal-police-decision-on-brittany-higgins-charges-will-be-made-in-coming-weeks/news-story/90b325207c60fa6b845236631090775c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079317

File: 7fc466c834bf01e⋯.jpg (835.47 KB, 5000x3333, 5000:3333, A_Chinook_helicopter_recen….jpg)

File: dd53e84ef4c8bea⋯.jpg (1.8 MB, 4032x3024, 4:3, The_nose_of_a_US_military_….jpg)

File: e9079b244e2a18e⋯.jpg (1.1 MB, 5000x3333, 5000:3333, One_of_four_new_Chinooks_p….jpg)

File: 641776d0f6f605c⋯.jpg (1.22 MB, 5000x3333, 5000:3333, The_first_of_four_new_Chin….jpg)

File: 351db3bbd5438d0⋯.jpg (1.09 MB, 5000x3333, 5000:3333, A_squadron_commander_from_….jpg)

Spectacular delivery of extra Chinooks, as ADF's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters remain dogged by safety issues

Siobhan Heanue - 8 July 2021

Australia has taken delivery of two new CH-47 Chinooks as part of a half-billion-dollar boost to its fleet of heavy-lift helicopters.

The delivery comes days ahead of major war games with the US taking place in Queensland, and as Australia's $3.8 billion fleet of 47 MRH-90 Taipan helicopters remains grounded because of safety and maintenance problems.

The first two of an extra four Chinooks arrived from the US to Townsville, carried aboard the largest military transport aircraft used by the US Air Force.

“The Chinook is Defence’s largest helicopter, with a long and proven track record of supporting ADF operations in Australia, our near region and further afield," Defence Minister Peter Dutton said.

Chinooks have been in service in Australia for 50 years, and again proved their dependability during the 2019-2020 bushfires, when they were used to evacuate people in cut-off towns and deliver firefighters, food and water to fire-ravaged areas.

In contrast, the MRH-90 multi-role helicopters, which are worth about $50 million each, have been suspended from flying since maintenance issues were discovered in May.

The fleet was also suspended in 2019 when problems with a tail rotor on one airframe was discovered.

The MRH-90s, made by Airbus, only started arriving in Australia in 2007.

The multi-role helicopters are unlikely to be available for the biennial military exercise Talisman Sabre, which begins in just days.

Soldiers 'stoked' to receive extra Chinooks

The Army's 5 Aviation Regiment, based in Townsville, took delivery of two of the new Chinooks, which were spectacularly disgorged from an American military transport plane.

"Every member of 5 Aviation [Regiment], whether they're an aviator or non-aviator, is super excited to see these coming in," said Major Nicholas Ludwick, one of the Regiment's Squadron Commanders.

"They're all very stoked, and it's just a huge vote of confidence from the government [in 5 Aviation]," Major Ludwick said.

He said gearing up for Exercise Talisman Sabre against the background of a global pandemic had been exceedingly challenging.

"It certainly adds a layer of complexity," Major Ludwick said.

"Planning in a lack of information is actually one of the strengths of the Defence Force.

"The plans leading up to Talisman Sabre remained deliberately flexible".

The large military event will see 17,000 troops mainly from the US and Australia exercising together in various locations around Queensland.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-08/chinook-fleet-boost-adf-ahead-of-war-games/100276144

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079345

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14079317

Heavy-lift aviation capability bolstered with arrival of new Chinooks from US.

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 8, 2021

The Australian Defence Force’s current fleet of Chinook helicopters has increased from 10 to 12, and eventually to 14, with the delivery of two CH-47F helicopters from the United States.

A US Air Force C-5 Galaxy transported the two helicopters to RAAF Base Townsville for Army's 5th Aviation Regiment, with the final two Chinooks expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2022.

The increase to the Chinook fleet will strengthen Army's airlift capability into the future and increase the ADF's ability to support operations globally.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/new-chinooks-boost-heavy-lift-capability

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbxoE2IE9Vw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079371

File: 42690d268ab39c7⋯.jpg (1.83 MB, 2736x1824, 3:2, Scott_Morrison_and_Yoshihi….jpg)

Opinion: Olympic values will deepen Japan’s ties with Australia

Yamagami Shingo - Jul 7, 2021

1/2

Are the Olympics still on? The answer is “yes”.

This comes despite tremendous difficulties and with the belief that the Tokyo Games will become a symbol of global unity in overcoming the pandemic.

Japan has an extensive list of thank-yous to those who are helping to pull off this enormous mission. At the top is the Australian softball team.

Last month, these true-blue embodiments of the Aussie Spirit became the first athletes to arrive in Japan. So touched was I that I sent them Tim Tams to signify my never-ending gratitude (the packets themselves were admittedly the non-endless type).

Australia’s support comes as no surprise.

Following the Tohoku earthquake, the then prime minister Julia Gillard was the first foreign leader to cross oceans and speak with survivors. True friends are with us during times of adversity.

But in the way that good friends often do, we’ve grown prone to complacency. We are yet to reach our peak potential.

More to offer

There is more Australia can offer the world’s second-largest advanced economy and its 126 million consumers.

For wine, the time is right. As of April this year, all tariffs on bottled wine (from champers to chardy) have been reduced to zero, thanks to our Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

Yes, the Japanese market is competitive, but not impenetrable.

For many Australian industries, Japan is one of their best customers. More than half of all Japan’s coal and iron ore is bought from Australia, as is almost half of our LNG. Aussie cheese, beef and sugar dominate supermarket shelves with respective market shares of 23, 45 and 82 per cent.

As Australia’s second-largest investor, with a whopping stock of $132 billion, Japan has good reasons for wanting to see industries here flourish.

The Ichthys LNG project alone amounts to an investment of $US40 billion ($53 billion) and is Japan’s single-largest overseas investment.

Japanese beverage giants such as Asahi and Kirin are heavily involved in this nation’s beer production. Australia’s share of the global production of rare earths has likewise been boosted by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Sojitz’s backing of Lynas.

And there’s more to be gained than capital. Emerging industries could utilise the technology and expertise of their Japanese counterparts.

The big one of course is clean energy. Just as Australia aims to become a leader in the supply of hydrogen, Japan is working towards increasing its use tenfold to 20 million tonnes by 2050.

Both nations are committed to a technology-led response to climate change. Both see hydrogen as their future.

Partnership on decarbonisation

We reconfirmed this just last month in our partnership on decarbonisation. But there are already about 20 Japan-supported clean energy initiatives throughout Australia.

In Victoria, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, J-Power, Iwatani, Marubeni and Sumitomo Corporation have commenced a pilot for the world’s first global hydrogen supply chain. Toyota has opened up a hydrogen refuelling station to complement its launch of the leading fuel cell vehicle on Australian roads.

In NSW, Idemitsu is supporting the H2N project to transform the Hunter into a hydrogen valley, and in SA, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has backed H2U’s Eyre Peninsula Gateway. More is on the way.

In Queensland, the long list of Japanese-sponsored projects is set to grow with Itochu’s potential investment in Gladstone. In Tasmania and WA, IHI is working with Australian counterparts to study the feasibility of ammonia production and transportation.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14079372

File: 63d1119b198b4f5⋯.jpg (2.79 MB, 2736x1824, 3:2, Yamagami_Shingo_Japan_s_am….jpg)

>>14079371

2/2

Australia’s global reputation for liveability also stands to gain. Japan’s know-how in the construction of smart cities and advanced railway systems can be leveraged more. The development of Greater Sydney has led to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, SMBC, Hitachi, UR, NEC and NTT signing agreements to partner with the state government on a range of pioneer initiatives.

Likewise, Marubeni has helped to significantly shorten commute times in Sydney’s northwest through Australia’s first fully automated railway. I join many Australians in dreaming of the day when high-speed rail dramatically transforms Australia’s economic and social landscape.

With the establishment of the Australian Space Agency, Australia’s space industry is ready for launch.

As the fourth country to successfully send a satellite into orbit, Japan is well placed to assist. There is no greater indication of this than the landing of Japan’s Hayabusa 2 capsule in Woomera last year.

This reinforced the co-operative framework built with the Australian Defence Force during the original Hayabusa’s landing, and is the first of many milestones to come in the history of collaboration between our space agencies.

Strengthening our economic co-operation and its underlying values will have a ripple effect beyond our shores. Our shared commitment to the liberalisation of trade led us to co-operate on the establishment of APEC, the conclusion of our EPA and the entry into force of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

But there is more to be done. Together, our nations can work towards the expansion of the CPTPP and the successful implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

We can engage more at the OECD. As staunch believers in the rules-based multilateral trading system, our co-operation is vital for the reform of the WTO, including its dispute settlement mechanism.

When the Aussie Spirit squad steps out on to the field with Japan for the opening match of the Games, I’ll be waving the Japanese flag. But I’ll also have on another emblem of Australia’s support for the Tokyo Olympics – the green and gold necktie John Coates gifted me.

This, along with the encouragement towards Japan’s hosting of the Games expressed in parliament by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, is indicative of the mutual trust our nations have fostered.

Thanks to this trust, our relationship has come to exemplify two of the three core Olympic values: friendship and respect. But we need to set our sights on gold. Because we can go further. Together we can achieve excellence.

Yamagami Shingo is the Japanese ambassador to Australia.

https://www.afr.com/world/asia/olympic-values-will-deepen-japan-s-ties-with-australia-20210707-p587kc

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085626

File: b7469097fc10a9a⋯.jpg (96.46 KB, 691x460, 691:460, Julian_Assange_s_fiancee_S….jpg)

>>14078813

U.S. offers that Assange could serve sentence in Australia in extradition appeal

William Booth and Rachel Weiner - July 8, 2021

1/2

LONDON — Should he be convicted of espionage in Virginia federal court, the United States has offered that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange could serve his sentence in Australia, a British court said Wednesday.

The assurance came as the Justice Department seeks to extradite Assange from London, where he is currently in custody.

A judge in Britain blocked his transfer to the United States in January, ruling that he was at extreme risk of suicide and might not be protected from harming himself in a federal prison.

Now, the United States has been granted an appeal before Britain's High Court, on the grounds that the lower-court judge did not hear assurances of how Assange would be treated in American custody.

According to the High Court, the United States consented to transferring Assange to his native country of Australia to serve any prison sentence. Should he serve time in a U.S. facility, the government pledged that Assange would not be held in total isolation or imprisoned at a "Supermax" facility in Colorado.

No date has been set for the hearing. The United States could also argue that the lower-court judge misapplied extradition law in how she weighed Assange’s health.

Experts said it was rare but not unprecedented for the U.S. government to agree to let a defendant serve a potential sentence in another country.

“Under the circumstances, it’s a concession that makes a lot of the sense for the U.S. to offer,” said Jacques Semmelman, a New York lawyer who specializes in extradition cases. “Otherwise, they are at risk of losing” any ability to try Assange. “It’s an interesting and rather creative move by the U.S. government.”

Amy Jeffress, former Justice Department attaché to the U.S. Embassy in London, cited similar assurances made in the case of accused hacker Gary McKinnon. Like Assange, McKinnon argued he was at risk of suicide in a U.S. prison. Similar assurances from the U.S. government won court approval, but then-Home Secretary Theresa May ultimately blocked his extradition.

“It is unusual … but the U.S. has agreed to conditions like this in prior cases,” Jeffress said.

The 50-year-old Australian publisher and hacktivist remains in London’s Belmarsh prison, where he has been held since the Ecuadoran Embassy in London revoked his political asylum two years ago. He spent almost seven years in a few cramped rooms at the embassy before he was arrested by British police for jumping bail.

In the United States, Assange is charged with 18 federal crimes, including conspiring to obtain and disclose classified diplomatic cables and sensitive military reports from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

His lawyers and supporters say he is a journalist who did nothing more than publish leaked information that embarrassed the U.S. government.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085629

File: 240e258c1ffb37e⋯.jpg (164.83 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Julian_Assange_addresses_t….jpg)

>>14085626

2/2

His former lawyer and fiancee, Stella Moris, said she had spoken with Assange on Wednesday about the ruling that the U.S. appeal can go forward.

Moris, who has two young children with Assange, called the case “an endless purgatory.”

“We don’t how long this will go for and how long he will be imprisoned for in that terrible place,” she told SBS News in Australia.

Moris has pleaded, first to President Donald Trump and now President Biden, to drop the case.

Under Biden, the Justice Department has pledged to stop seizing journalists’ communications in leak investigations and to hold accountable Capitol rioters who attacked members of the media.

But the administration has continued the case against Assange, who prosecutors say crossed the line from publisher to conspirator.

Former WikiLeaks associate Sigurdur Thordarson gave an interview last month saying he lied to U.S. investigators when claiming to have stolen information from Icelandic politicians, police and a bank.

WikiLeaks supporters, including Edward Snowden, have argued that the interview undermines the criminal case against Assange. But the Icelandic article, which contains no direct quotes from Thordarson, does not touch on the core allegations against Assange.

In the indictment, Thordarson’s claims are used not as the basis for charges but as background for what Assange told Chelsea Manning, who as an Army soldier exposed classified information through WikiLeaks in 2010.

Thordarson in the article also does not deny involvement in the hacking of U.S. targets, and tells the publication his activities were “something Assange was aware of or that he had interpreted it so that this was expected of him.”

In blocking his extradition in January, British District Judge Vanessa Baraitser said she had no doubt Assange could get a fair trial with an impartial jury in the United States.

Instead, she focused on evidence presented by Assange’s legal team that their client suffered from severe depression, had written a will and had sought absolution from a priest, and that a razor blade was found hidden in his cell.

She said that if Assange were convicted of espionage, he could be sent to a federal supermax prison, the Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colo., a facility where some inmates are kept in lockdown 23 hours a day with almost no human contact.

Baraitser said from the bench, “I am satisfied the procedures described by the U.S. will not prevent Mr. Assange from finding a way to commit suicide.”

In a subsequent hearing, Baraitser refused to grant Assange bail and release him from British prison, noting that the appeal process was not over and Assange “still has an incentive to abscond.”

Nick Vamos, a former head of extraditions for the Crown Prosecution Service and now a partner at the law firm Peters & Peters in London, said, “I don’t know why this appeal is taking so long.”

He said it was possible that behind the scenes lawyers for Assange, the Crown Prosecution Service and the U.S. government might have been negotiating charges or conditions of his confinement.

When the High Court does hear the U.S. appeal, the session could take a day or two. Even then, it may not be over. The losing side could make a further appeal to Britain’s version of the Supreme Court.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/julian-assange-extradition-appeal/2021/07/07/41bc3914-df2e-11eb-a27f-8b294930e95b_story.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085663

File: 5d20f572f41b510⋯.jpg (263.12 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Locals_wait_in_line_to_be_….jpg)

File: 635ea1eef6bc3e1⋯.jpg (168.5 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australia_has_flown_tens_o….jpg)

>>14035922

>>14064583

Covid-19: Australia ‘talks softly and carries a big ­vaccine’ in Pacific

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 9, 2021

1/3

It’s Australia’s other vaccine rollout – and this one’s not going too badly.

On Friday, a third plane in two days will fly from Australia to the Pacific carrying lifesaving doses of the Melbourne-produced AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

Its cargo follows two flights on Thursday carrying 70,000 doses to Fiji and 40,000 doses to Timor-Leste.

Those 120,000 doses are the first since the Morrison government’s decision to send up to 15 million vaccines to its near neighbourhood before mid-2022.

“Supporting our neighbours through this pandemic is a moral and economic responsibility,” says Zed Seselja, Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

It’s the silver lining of the decision to reduce the amount of AstraZeneca in Australia’s domestic rollout.

Some of the same actors undermining Australia’s domestic rollout – including the Queensland state government – are complicating what could be one of the country’s greatest aid efforts.

Claims by some Pacific churches that vaccines are “the work of Satan” are another problem.

Looming over it all is a high stakes battle for influence with China.

“The quantum from Australia is clearly influenced by them keeping an eye on the Chinese,” says Colin Tukuitonga, associate dean of the Pacific at Auckland University’s medical school.

Not that Professor Tukuitonga – who until late 2019 ran the ­region’s key scientific and technical organisation, Pacific Community – thinks the Morrison government’s commitment will entirely sideline Beijing.

“My suspicion is that regardless of that, some islands will continue to roll out the Chinese vaccines,” he says. “There are bigger issues at play here.”

“I have not been magnetised”

The speed of the rollout in Fiji is amazing by Australian standards. Almost 60 per cent of Fiji’s adult population – more than 330,000 people and rising – have had their first jab. Almost 10 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Along with the vaccines, Australian and New Zealand medical officers are on the ground helping Fijians in what is ground zero of the Pacific’s battles with a once-in-a-100-years pandemic.

Dan McGarry, an independent journalist based in Vanuatu, characterises Australia’s assistance as “talk softly and carry a big ­vaccine”.

That low-key approach is partly out of respect for a region whose leaders act with humility.

It is also out of respect for less internationally minded pockets of the Australian electorate.

The challenges are tremendous. On Wednesday, Fiji recorded 791 new cases of Covid-19. Another three deaths took the country’s official total to 39.

Misinformation has become a huge problem.

Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama addressed some of the theories swirling around the country in an extraordinary address on Thursday.

“I can tell you I have not been magnetised or ­microchipped by the vaccine,” he said.

“I have not received the mark of the beast, or any other creature.”

For all those challenges, Fiji’s vaccination drive demonstrates the heft of Australia’s Astra­Zeneca supply in the Pacific.

The weekly production at CSL’s Melbourne factory of about one million doses goes a long way in a region with a total adult-age population of about nine million.

Australia’s new commitment this week could shave 18 months off the rollout timeline for the tourism-dependent region.

McGarry, a Canadian citizen who used to edit Vanuatu’s Daily Post, says the Morrison government’s decision is the most consequential decision for the region since the pandemic started.

“There’s nothing bigger,” he says.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085666

File: 11bf13cc7582084⋯.jpg (166.84 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australian_aid_containing_….jpg)

File: b038f1e14f79db6⋯.jpg (148.99 KB, 1280x719, 1280:719, Chinese_Ambassador_Zeng_Fa….jpg)

>>14085663

2/3

Beijing is not impressed

China’s foreign ministry this week timed a tantrum for Senator Seselja’s visit to Papua New Guinea.

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused Australia of undermining the health of PNG’s 8.5 million people.

“Those in Australia who take advantage of vaccine issues to engage in political manipulation and bullying coercion are being ­callous to the life and health of the people in PNG,” Mr Wang said in a tirade remarkable even by the hardball standards of the Xi ­Jinping-era.

Those comments followed a story by the state-controlled Global Times that claimed Australia had “planted” consultants in PNG’s health system to delay approval of the Chinese-made Sino­pharm vaccine.

China’s new envoy, Zeng Fanhua, had his photo taken as he received the Sino­pharm doses at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport with PNG Planning Minister Rainbo Paita.

Two weeks later, only Chinese nationals working in the country are allowed to be injected with it.

“Australia has been racking its brain to undermine China’s vaccine co-operation with Pacific Island countries,” the Global Times reported.

Beijing’s foreign ministry spokesman Wang was still grumbling by the end of the week.

On Thursday evening he repeated that the Global Times report – denied by the Morrison government – revealed how Australia had “obstructed and sabotaged” China’s vaccine help.

“Compared to denying it all, it would be much better if the Australian side can state publicly that it welcomes China’s vaccine co-operation with Pacific island countries,” said Wang from his Beijing podium.

Jonathan Pryke, the director of the Lowy Institute’s Pacific Islands Program, says China has been “largely absent” during the region’s most profound health crisis.

“Where’s the financial support? Where’s the broader support for the health systems? They’ve provided some PPE and vaccines, but it’s really been piecemeal and tokenistic,” Pryke tells The Australian.

“They’ve found themselves on the backfoot and now they are trying to fight their way out of it through smearing.”

“Shooting ourselves in the foot”

Supply is not the problem right now in PNG.

Tens of thousands of AstraZeneca doses are soon to expire, such is the hesitancy among a population that has never had an adult vaccination program.

PNG Health Minister Jelta Wong has singled out Facebook as his country’s “biggest conspiracy theorists platform” and one of its chief obstacles to vaccination.

Queensland rugby league legend Mal Meninga has been enlisted to increase trust.

Other voices in Australia – including Queensland’s state government – have been less helpful.

Premier Annastacia Palas­zczuk’s warning last week about the use of AstraZeneca on Australians under 40 ricocheted around PNG and the wider Pacific.

Mr Pryke – who is based in Sydney and received his first Astra­Zeneca jab on Wednesday – says Australians, particularly political leaders, needed to be aware that their words travelled.

“We’re shooting ourselves in the foot here,” he says.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085669

File: 7ec87206a69746c⋯.jpg (133.21 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Nurses_administer_vaccines….jpg)

File: 94fa05f5634e148⋯.jpg (136.79 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Vanuatu_Prime_Minister_Bob….jpg)

>>14085666

3/3

Back up from Biden?

Vanuatu on Friday will join the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste in adding a Chinese vaccine to its rollout.

Prime Minister Bob Loughman was the first to get the Sinopharm vaccine – and smile for the Chinese embassy cameras – after the first doses arrived three weeks ago in Port Vila.

Yet even in the three countries that have allowed Chinese vac­cines, the majority of jabs in ­Pacific arms have been donated by the COVAX program to which China hasn’t contributed at all.

Graeme Smith, an expert on China in the Pacific, says Beijing’s approach is often “more about the photo op”.

“There’s a huge gap between the reality of Chinese support and the public perception,” says Dr Smith, a fellow at the Australian National University.

Fiji has the best health network in the Pacific, allowing it to speed up its vaccine distribution rate as Australia has ramped up supplies.

Timor is also jabbing at an ­impressive rate.

And some of the Pacific’s micro-states are almost entirely vaccinated, including Nauru, Palau and the Marshall Islands — three countries which, as it happens, all recognise Taiwan instead of the People’s Republic of China.

Nauru’s easy-to-reach population was covered by COVAX-supplied AstraZeneca. The US donated its Moderna vaccine to take care of Palau and the Marshall Islands.

New Zealand has also rolled out Pfizer doses across the Cooks Islands and Niue.

The outlook is much trickier in the far flung corners of the Solomons, Vanuatu and — most difficult of all — the provinces of PNG.

Senator Seselja says Australia’s help goes far beyond the delivery of vaccines.

“We are working with our partners across the region to strengthen their response and recovery from the pandemic, including through logistics, communi­cations, training, testing, economic and technical support as needed,” he says.

As the rollout gets into the ­Pacific’s most remote terrain, that Australian assistance could involve a request from its security ally. The single-dose American-made Johnson & Johnson vaccine looks ideal for the Pacific’s hardest to reach areas.

“You can have a team with a chiller bag and they go from island to island – and they don’t need to worry about going back again,” says Professor Tukuitonga.

The geopolitics are also promising.

US President Joe Biden’s top Asia adviser Kurt Campbell this week said the US was planning several “major initiatives” involving Pacific island nations.

It could be just the thing to complement the Morrison government’s latest Pacific step-up.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/covid19-australia-talks-softly-and-carries-a-big-vaccine-in-pacific/news-story/036fef4c97e0c755a81e367ca2665093

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085854

File: 3b1e173488f9da2⋯.jpg (83.04 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, Marayong_man_Bryan_Grange_….jpg)

File: 222970a43afa65d⋯.jpg (100.32 KB, 1024x767, 1024:767, Marayong_man_Bryan_Grange_….jpg)

>>13884365 (pb)

Pedophile tradie Bryan Michael Grange jailed for 30 years over ‘depraved’ child sexual abuse

LANE SAINTY - JULY 8, 2021

1/2

WARNING: Confronting

A Sydney tradie who sexually abused an eight-week-old infant and two girls under five has been sentenced to 30 years prison by a judge who lashed his actions as “shocking and depraved in the extreme”.

Stomach-churning details of the abuse Bryan Michael Grange inflicted on three children between 2014 and 2018 were aired in Downing District Court on Thursday as his sentence was handed down over several hours.

He will be in prison until at least 2044 after Judge Kara Shead sentenced him to 30 years’ prison for child sexual abuse as well as four and a half years for possessing child abuse material.

One of his victims was an eight-week-old baby who he opportunistically abused while the infant’s mother and Grange’s wife smoked a cigarette outside.

“All right-minded members of the community would be disgusted and disturbed,” Judge Shead said as she described the rape of the infant, for which Grange was sentenced to 21 years.

Another victim was a toddler, aged one or two when she was abused by Grange as he accompanied her in a public toilet.

A third girl was repeatedly molested by Grange over a number of years when she was aged between infancy and five years old.

“You are getting good at it,” he told the girl as he filmed her while inciting her to expose her genitalia to the camera.

He made numerous videos depicting him molesting the girls as well as filming their genitalia from carefully crafted camera angles.

Many details of the abuse are too graphic to publish.

The girls were known to Grange and his abuse was a severe breach of trust, both for the girls and their parents, the court heard.

Grange also amassed more than 30,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse, storing the sickening material across seven devices.

Hundreds of his videos and images were classified as the very worst kind, including videos of children who were restrained, forced into bestiality, and subject to highly degrading sexual acts.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085857

File: 8d4bc1de769c93f⋯.jpg (116.62 KB, 852x316, 213:79, Q_925.jpg)

File: 5cf32293938abaf⋯.jpg (324.1 KB, 844x513, 844:513, Q_1735.jpg)

>>14085854

2/2

Grange used his own name and credit card details to sign up to a subscription website where he spent $7156 on child abuse material.

Judge Shead stressed that possessing such images was not a victimless crime and often involved impoverished children in underdeveloped countries who had few protections.

“Those who make use of this product feed on that exploitation and abuse,” she said.

Judge Shead noted Grange had expressed some remorse to a psychiatrist and in a letter, but found it was “limited”, as was his insight into his crimes.

“He said he did not believe the victims would remember his offending and subsequently would not be affected by his actions,” she said.

“The suggestion that they suffered no harm because they were too young to remember must be rejected outright.”

“Further, equating sexually assaulting a child victim with cheating on his wife speaks volumes about the offender’s lack of insight into the true nature of his abhorrent offending.”

Grange pleaded guilty to a string of child sex offences, under both state law, concerning his abuse of the girls, and Commonwealth law, regarding his possession of abuse material.

Judge Shead noted his co-operation with police and early plea — which entitles him by law to a 25 per cent discount on his sentence — but said it was countered by the “overwhelming” prosecution case he faced.

“His voice, face, hands, home and car were shown in the footage he took,” she said.

“The Commonwealth charges involved the use of his name, his credit card, and he was in physical possession of the material.”

Grange appeared by video link from Parklea Correctional Centre, where he is in protective custody and permitted to leave his shared cell for 7.5 hours each day.

He continues to have the support of his wife, who saw him in prison twice a week before Covid-19 restrictions halted visitation.

Grange looked glum and stared at the floor as Judge Shead spent hours detailing his crimes on Thursday.

In the morning break, he asked his lawyer how much longer the sentence would go for.

“I don’t know,” the lawyer replied.

Grange chuckled and said: “Not that I’m going anywhere.”

He will be eligible for parole on March 29, 2044.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/pedophile-tradie-bryan-michael-grange-jailed-for-30-years-over-depraved-child-sexual-abuse/news-story/351937d65a05e3cef1913966b3805fc4

Q Post #925

Mar 10 2018 14:49:25 (EST)

This is not about religions or party affiliation.

EVIL is everywhere.

There are no drawn lines.

No boundaries.

Good vs Evil.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#925

Q Post #1735

Jul 27 2018 13:13:18 (EST)

There is nothing more precious than our children.

Evil has no boundaries.

https://genius.com/Slayer-evil-has-no-boundaries-lyrics

The choice to know will ultimately be yours.

These people are SICK!

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/07/27/cbs-honcho-les-moonves-will-be-accused-sexual-misconduct-in-latest-ronan-farrow-bombshell-report-says.html

To those who are courageous enough to speak out - we stand with you!

You are not alone in this fight.

God bless.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1735

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14085909

File: ca8e0d4b395ddad⋯.jpg (64.44 KB, 640x406, 320:203, Daniel_Hanson_s_youngest_v….jpg)

File: 0c60caa79baf915⋯.jpg (103.39 KB, 691x886, 691:886, Singer_Daniel_Hanson_raped….jpg)

File: b1fe564a96ab0bd⋯.jpg (128.61 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Hanson_pleaded_guilty_in_t….jpg)

Victims of serial rapist Daniel Hanson tell court of 'monstrous impact' on them

Giselle Wakatama - 9 July 2021

Newcastle women who were raped by former band frontman Daniel "Jimmy" Hanson have choked back tears, delivering emotional victim impact statements in court.

Hanson, 34, pleaded guilty to 23 counts of sexual and indecent assault relating to the abuse of 14 teenage girls and young women between 2005 and 2014.

Police facts tendered to the Newcastle District Court said Hanson would meet young girls at live gigs and ask for their phone numbers.

At the time of the offending, he was the frontman for the bands We built Atlantis and Falling for the Beloved.

They had minor success in the pub and festival scene in Newcastle, Sydney and Melbourne.

The court heard Hanson was aged between 18 and 24 when he abused his victims, the youngest of whom was 12.

Raped in school uniform in stormwater drain

The court was packed with supporters of Hanson's victims today, with media forced to sit in an overflow room.

Six of the 14 women he attacked when some of them were barely in their teens, told the court of the horrific impact Hanson's actions have had on their lives.

The first woman to give a victim impact statement fought back tears when describing her ordeal.

"I was the victim of sustained sexual and psychological abuse between 14 and 15, I was manipulated and coerced behind doors," she said.

"He encouraged me to skip school and took me to a stormwater drain and raped me in my school uniform … This man stole my innocence."

A second woman, who was just 12 when Hanson abused her, said he passed off the sexual abuse as something that normal best friends or "besties" do.

"He said If you want to be best friends you have to do bestie things," she said.

"I often have flashbacks, and feel alone, disgusted and sad but I was led to believe it was normal and what besties do."

A third victim described freezing when Hanson turned up at her workplace in 2018, years after he had abused her.

"From the age of 14 he took advantage of me mentally and psychically," she said.

The woman said she would never forget the crimes committed against her.

"I re-live it [the abuse] every single day, remembering the taste and smell are the worst parts."

Another woman said she regretted delaying her report to police.

"I am just ashamed I didn't come forward sooner," she said.

"You affected my social work and family life."

She went on to describe a constant downward spiral in her life, before demanding: "What gives you the right to have such a monstrous impact on my life?"

Another woman said her days of being a victim were over.

"I have finally found my voice and I will not be known as a victim of your abuse but someone who put a stop to it," she said.

The sixth victim impact statement read out in court described how the woman now lived a life of anxiety and trauma.

"I have an inability to trust people, I live daily imagining what I might have been if I had not met him."

My actions were 'unforgiveable'

A letter written by Hanson was read out in court as part of his defence.

He said he was remorseful.

"The way I acted and things I did are totally unforgivable and I am extremely sorry for the pain and humiliation I have caused these women and their families," he said.

"I will spend every day of my sentence to better myself, using every resource I can."

Crown prosecutor Carl Young rejected Hanson's insight into his crimes.

"A psychologist says he maintains distortions about certain behaviours he engaged in and seemed to struggle to accept responsibility for his conduct," Mr Young told the court.

"There is a lot more work to do for Mr Hanson as for his insight."

Hanson, who remains in custody, will be sentenced on July 15.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-09/rape-victims-of-newcastle-singer-daniel-hanson-at-court/100281468

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086036

File: ad9db0daba96df7⋯.jpg (106.42 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Bob_Montgomery_was_jailed_….jpg)

File: 08c5e234de1f633⋯.jpg (72.41 KB, 862x575, 862:575, _Max_was_raped_by_convicte….jpg)

The Queensland government paid child-sex predator Bob Montgomery to help 'protect' children

Josh Robertson - 9 July 2021

1/3

A celebrity psychologist now in jail for child sex offences was hired by the Queensland Government for years to assess the risk of paedophiles to children in its care.

ABC's Background Briefing has revealed Bob Montgomery was commissioned by Queensland's Department of Child Safety as an expert psychologist more than 20 times before he was jailed last year for raping boys in the 1960s.

A former child protection worker said case managers did not want to use Montgomery because "his reports always returned a 'low risk' to children", but he was one of the few experts in the field.

Documents obtained by the ABC under Right to Information laws show the one-time Big Brother psychologist charged up to $5,000 a report, receiving almost $70,000 from the department between 2009 and 2016.

Max*, who was raped by Montgomery at the age of 13, said it was "a hell of a lot of money paid by the government to this fellow who was actually living an incredible lie and deceiving everyone".

An improbable rise

A Background Briefing investigation has traced Montgomery's improbable rise from undetected serial predator and psychiatric patient to one of Australia's most influential psychologists and a go-to expert for authorities on sex offenders.

"I'm perplexed as to how he, with any degree of conscience, could navigate his way through that career and deceive so many people along the way," Max said.

"It's absurd that someone should even contemplate doing that and thinking they could get away with it."

Background Briefing has also found Montgomery was recruited to head up Bond University's psychology department in 1994 by another high-profile academic who was later jailed for child sex offences, the criminologist Paul Wilson.

Montgomery was also president of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and a Family Court-appointed expert in custody disputes involving child sex abuse claims.

A prolific media commentator who once boasted to a newspaper "my IQ is actually beyond measure", Montgomery appeared on TV shows including Big Brother, the Biggest Loser, the 7.30 Report and the Don Lane Show.

He is also the brother of James Alwyn Montgomery, a fraudster, bigamist and military impostor. By examining James' history, a psychiatrist in the US found him to have strong psychopathic traits.

Psychiatrist Warwick Middleton, one of the world's leading experts on trauma who has treated victims of high-profile Australian abusers, told Background Briefing that Bob Montgomery could also be a psychopath.

"Everything that is on the public record is not inconsistent with somebody who has significant psychopathy and who seemingly is fairly narcissistic," Dr Middleton said.

"He seems to take an inordinate sort of pleasure in his achievements and prominence."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086039

File: 948e88c08c00046⋯.jpg (87.15 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Dr_Warwick_Middleton_said_….jpg)

File: 96cb09d30cef117⋯.jpg (87.52 KB, 500x518, 250:259, A_younger_Montgomery.jpg)

>>14086036

2/3

Reports 'always returned a low risk'

Montgomery was used as a report writer and expert witness by child protection workers in Brisbane, Logan, the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one former child protection worker said that she was "shocked" to learn of Montgomery's historical child sex offences, but at the same time she was also "not surprised".

"Because his reports always returned a 'low risk' to children, it became questionable," she said.

"We just didn't want to use him. But he was the only one that we knew of that completed risk assessments on offenders that had been convicted of crimes against children.

"Sometimes, the feedback from team leaders was, 'That's all we've got to use', or 'Don't even bother with that family because it's going to come back low risk anyway'."

While his reports "didn't change the outcome in court … it made our job harder" when pressing for conditions around offenders' contact with children, she said.

A spokeswoman for the state Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs said Montgomery was used as a report writer "prior to the establishment" of its in-house legal unit.

"In making its decisions on child protection cases, the department relies on a range of evidence – Mr Montgomery's reports were but one piece of the evidence considered," the spokeswoman said.

Justin Dowd, a former New South Wales Law Society president and one of Australia's most experienced family lawyers, said "the fact [Montgomery] was involved in so many cases specifically involving care of children is enormously disturbing".

He said Montgomery was given "special recognition as somebody who can make recommendations to the court about what's in the best interests of children".

"It is a role that courts rely on heavily, so to have somebody in that position who has their own secret agenda is very disturbing indeed."

'I felt I had to be compliant'

Max was sexually assaulted by Montgomery, then his 22-year-old Sydney Catholic school teacher, while on a camping trip in 1966.

He said it took half a century before he learned there were other victims.

He told no one about the abuse at the time.

"It was painful, uncomfortable. I felt I had to just do what he said because he was my adult friend, an authority figure. I felt I had to be compliant and didn't know any better," Max said.

Three years earlier, Montgomery raped another 13-year-old boy in his care as a Scouts leader, but this also went unreported to police.

But Scouts NSW terminated Montgomery's membership in June 1965 after concerns were raised by parents about his behaviour with other children.

Scouts NSW said in a 2019 statement it cooperated with the recent investigation over several years and gave police as much information as possible.

After he was kicked out of Scouts in June 1965, Montgomery entered a Sydney psychiatric facility for treatment.

Months later, with nothing on his record to show what he'd done, he landed a job at Max's school.

Max said Montgomery's grooming of him included showing him a research lab with caged mice at the University of Sydney where Montgomery was studying psychology.

Max said years later others discouraged him from pursuing charges against Montgomery "due to the fact that it will be just too hard, he's too powerful, he's got too many rich or powerful or influential friends and I'd be outgunned".

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086042

File: 985af83cd5dc8f8⋯.jpg (82.41 KB, 862x575, 862:575, _Max_at_about_13_years_of_….jpg)

File: 2613fd757e97079⋯.jpg (310.96 KB, 1108x683, 1108:683, If_you_or_anyone_you_know_….jpg)

>>14086039

3/3

But in 2016 he gave evidence to the Royal Commission into child sex abuse, which led to a phone call from a NSW detective.

When he learned during the police investigation that there was another man alleging rape by Montgomery, Max said his shock gave way to "relief — they can't not believe me".

"There were other victims out there but just a few that were prepared to stand up [in court]," he said.

Montgomery denied the offences when he was arrested in 2019.

But last year he pleaded guilty to eight charges involving four victims, including two counts of buggery – the only charge applicable at the time – and five counts of indecent assault.

'The perfect con'

On December 7, 2020, Montgomery was sentenced to four years' jail in the NSW District Court.

Police braced for more victims in the wake of publicity around the court case but none have come forward.

Montgomery's wife Laurel Morris said he had confessed to the family about his offending before his arrest but "spent his whole life trying to make good".

She said it wasn't fair to suggest "somebody who's done something wrong when they were young, that they've never changed". She added she didn't believe it would make somebody's work biased.

A psychological report commissioned by Montgomery's lawyers said there was no evidence of psychopathy and that Montgomery was remorseful.

Dr Middleton said a diagnosis for psychopathy — a partly-genetic form of anti-social behaviour which "in simple terms [means] a person who has no conscience" — would require a proper, lengthy assessment.

But the facts of Montgomery's offending against his extensive public "pronouncements" suggested someone who could be a psychopath, he said.

"Not a lot of humility coming across is what I'm picking up … Bob Montgomery's life was just one giant lie," he said.

Dr Middleton said Montgomery's professional status was "the perfect con".

"When you're overly sympathetic to sex offenders under the guise of being an expert, you're also rationalising your own behaviour," he said.

Dr Middleton said it was unusual for an offender with multiple victims like Montgomery to "suddenly shut down [after] moving up to severe trauma, anal rape and things of that nature by the time he was in his early 20s".

He said he thought the coincidence of Montgomery working alongside Wilson was "a bit incredible".

"One of the things I've noticed over the years is the propensity for child sex offenders to find other child sex offenders. It's almost like they have greeting cards somehow," he said.

A Bond University spokesman said: "While Bob Montgomery left the university two decades ago, we are deeply disturbed and concerned that a man who operated under the pretence of being a person entrusted to help survivors, had actually been a perpetrator of serious crimes.

"We extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to the survivors."

The Australian Psychological Society declined an interview request with the ABC.

*Name has been changed

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-09/bob-montgomery-disturbing-rise-from-sex-predator-to-go-to-expert/100272888

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086073

File: 75b283b32e9afa1⋯.jpg (86.62 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, Tony_Podesta_built_one_of_….jpg)

File: 61501a903b41d76⋯.jpg (139.01 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, Steve_Ricchetti_a_counselo….jpg)

The Russia Inquiry Ended a Democratic Lobbyist’s Career. He Wants It Back.

Tony Podesta turned to art dealing after becoming ensnared in the Trump-Russia scandal. With his friends running Washington, he is eying a return to lobbying.

Kenneth P. Vogel - July 8, 2021

1/3

WASHINGTON — The collapse of Tony Podesta’s $42-million-a-year lobbying and public relations firm in 2017 amid a federal investigation shook K Street and rendered him toxic — a rare Democratic victim of the Trump-era scandals.

But that was only the beginning of his troubles.

Mr. Podesta, long an outsized character in the influence industry and Democratic fund-raising, turned to his enormous collection of modern art for solace and income. But when the pandemic sent the art market reeling, he sold the penthouse condo in Washington he had been using to show and sell his collection, and secured a loan from the government’s Paycheck Protection Program for struggling small businesses.

Discussions about consulting gigs and a return to a fund-raising circuit that had turned its back on him were halted by a combination of his declining income, pandemic restrictions and an infection from knee surgery that left him hooked to an intravenous antibiotic drip for months.

To top it off, he said, his email accounts and website were frozen after Chinese cyberthieves launched a wide-ranging phishing campaign using one of his domain names.

“It’s not been an easy time,” Mr. Podesta said in an interview, recalling a low point when he was being attacked on Twitter by former President Donald J. Trump and a television crew was on his block anticipating an indictment.

But the indictment never came.

The Justice Department dropped its investigation, Mr. Podesta’s health began improving and pandemic restrictions were lifting. Mr. Trump was defeated and Mr. Podesta’s longtime allies took control in Washington.

Now Mr. Podesta is exploring a return to a landscape he once dominated.

“I don’t want to recreate what I had, but I sort of miss working, and art alone doesn’t sustain me, because I love politics,” he said.

The reception he gets could help answer some questions about life in Washington after Mr. Trump. Did the backlash to the open access-peddling and corporate influence of the Trump era result in brighter lines between corporate lobbying, fund-raising and governing? Or has the capital simply returned to the clubby culture in which lobbyist fund-raisers like Mr. Podesta held sway?

Early indicators are mixed.

President Biden, who came to office with decades-long ties to Washington’s Democratic establishment, pledged not to accept campaign money from lobbyists or to allow them to serve in government agencies they had recently lobbied without a waiver. Nevertheless, he has drawn criticism from progressives and independent watchdogs for selecting former corporate lobbyists, consultants, lawyers and officials for a number of top administration posts, while lobbyists and consultants with close ties to his administration have capitalized on increased demand for their services.

Mr. Podesta, who has known Mr. Biden and some of his closest aides for decades, noted approvingly that the Biden campaign and the Democratic National Committee had accepted a combined $2,750 in donations from him last year, and that he had been welcomed at a virtual fund-raiser hosted by the campaign’s chairman, Steve Ricchetti, a longtime friend who once sold his lobbying firm to Mr. Podesta.

Mr. Ricchetti is now a counselor to Mr. Biden in the White House, while his brother Jeff Ricchetti, a former employee of Mr. Podesta’s lobbying firm, has seen his lobbying income increase significantly.

“They hire all these former lobbyists,” Mr. Podesta said. “They shouldn’t not take money from another former lobbyist.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086074

File: de2a7b4663a2ae6⋯.jpg (96.9 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, John_Podesta_the_younger_b….jpg)

File: 1b32213b7b99ce2⋯.jpg (90.75 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, Mr_Podesta_turned_to_his_c….jpg)

>>14086073

2/3

Mr. Podesta is not just any former lobbyist.

Over the course of three decades, he built one of the highest-grossing firms in Washington, representing companies and interests across industries and ideologies, including military contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing, big banks, a tobacco company, pharmaceutical makers and foreign governments including that of Hosni Mubarak, the authoritarian former Egyptian leader, Myanmar’s military junta and entities connected to the Saudi government.

His firm benefited from the perception that he had access to Democratic administrations and congressional offices — a perception enhanced by his fund-raising and personal connections to top Democrats. In 2016, Mr. Podesta donated or raised nearly $900,000 for the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton.

Her presidential campaign chairman was Mr. Podesta’s younger brother John, himself a stalwart of Washington’s Democratic establishment.

Both Podesta brothers became characters in the Russia investigation that loomed over much of Mr. Trump’s presidency. Emails stolen from John Podesta’s personal Gmail account by Russian intelligence revealed embarrassing rifts roiling Mrs. Clinton’s presidential campaign and Washington’s Democratic establishment.

Over the years, Tony Podesta became known for his flashy Italian suits and loafers and his pricey collections of art and real estate. At various times, he owned a Louise Bourgeois sculpture that was featured on the cover of the catalog for Sotheby’s prestigious contemporary art evening auction, as well as a three-bedroom condo in Manhattan’s Flatiron district and waterfront homes in Tasmania and Sydney, Australia; Venice, Italy, and the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington — each adorned with sometimes provocative art from his collection.

While he sold the lakefront home in Northern Virginia in 2007, former neighbors still discuss an installation in his guest bathroom consisting of a closed-circuit video camera installed inside a toilet allowing users to observe their bodily processes from a unique angle.

His primary residence now, a 7,000-square-foot house in Washington’s Kalorama neighborhood, houses a rotating display of his art, as well a wine cellar with thousands of bottles.

The art and the real estate attracted wide attention during Mr. Podesta’s headline-grabbing divorce from his second wife, Heather, 26 years his junior, in 2014, which involved teams of lawyers.

His firm’s demise stemmed primarily from its involvement in one strand of the special counsel’s investigation. The firm took on a client with ties to Viktor F. Yanukovych, who was president of Ukraine, in 2012, but initially failed to register with the Justice Department under foreign lobbying laws and found itself in the midst of a tangled investigation involving the Republican lobbyists Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, who had worked for Mr. Yanukovych’s political party before joining the Trump campaign and becoming central targets of the investigation by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III.

Though Mr. Podesta’s firm had disclosed the client under less-detailed congressional lobbying rules and retroactively registered with the Justice Department, that did not stop the special counsel’s office from subpoenaing the records and employees of his firm and others that worked with Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates.

Mr. Podesta questioned the motives and methods behind the special counsel’s investigation. He referred to one of the investigation’s lead prosecutors, Andrew Weismann, as “Inspector Javert,” the police character in Les Misérables who became obsessed with ensuring the capture and punishment of a parolee who had been convicted of stealing bread to feed his family.

“I didn’t even steal a loaf of bread,” Mr. Podesta said, asserting that he was targeted at least partly because the special counsel “thought it was a good idea to have a Democrat, clearly.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14086076

File: 8f977723bbe51f0⋯.jpg (828.31 KB, 852x1637, 852:1637, Q_1918.jpg)

File: aebe6b146cad368⋯.png (559.68 KB, 960x487, 960:487, TpZURtUs6ygD5AAsDQOOIhL8ix….png)

>>14086074

3/3

Mr. Podesta said his firm’s finances were stretched thin, partly because it paid as much as $5 million in legal fees for employees who were subpoenaed by prosecutors, and partly because the investigation spooked clients, who left the firm.

Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates were charged with unregistered foreign lobbying, tax fraud and other crimes in October 2017. The indictment identified the Podesta Group and a firm with which it worked on the Ukraine effort, Mercury Public Affairs, though not by name, as having worked as part of a “scheme” with Mr. Manafort and Mr. Gates to gain support for Mr. Yanukovych, while evading foreign lobbying disclosure requirements.

Within a day, the Podesta Group’s bank, citing the special counsel’s investigation and the draining of the firm’s accounts to pay the staff’s legal fees, canceled its credit line, rendering the firm illiquid, Mr. Podesta said.

He told his employees in a staff meeting that he was stepping back from the firm, citing attacks from Mr. Trump and his allies in the conservative media as making it “impossible to run a public affairs shop,” according to people in attendance.

The firm almost immediately began winding down. Mr. Podesta’s art was removed from its office walls and employees began leaving en masse, with a number of them banding together to start a new firm.

“We lost some clients over this, but the bank stuff was the killer,” Mr. Podesta recalled.

Months later, the special counsel referred the investigation of Mr. Podesta’s firm and Mercury to federal prosecutors in Manhattan. They conducted more interviews with lobbyists who worked on the Ukraine account, but informed Mr. Podesta, Mercury and their lobbyists in September 2019 that they would not be charged.

In the meantime, art had gone from being a hobby to a profession for Mr. Podesta, who sold the Bourgeois sculpture for $5.6 million. He had purchased it for $238,000 in 1994, he said, adding that he would have preferred to have donated it to the National Museum of Women in the Arts, to which he has made previous donations. That way, he said, “everyone could see it. Now it’s in some rich person’s home.”

He said, “In my life, I’ve donated a lot of more to museums than I’ve sold. In the last few years, I’ve probably sold more than I’ve donated.”

He continued paying his curator, Debra Corrie, whose salary had previously been paid partly by the firm. They relocated some of his art and their offices to a penthouse condo in Washington that Mr. Podesta bought for $2.6 million in 2018, where they showed the art by appointment.

Mr. Podesta said he was relying on art sales as his primary source of income, supplemented by Social Security and some investment income.

But when the pandemic hit, “the buyers all sort of left,” he said.

He sold the penthouse condo at a slight loss, unloaded his Flatiron district condo and secured a P.P.P. loan of nearly $43,000 to help cover his own salary, Ms. Corrie’s and that of a part-time employee, as well as rental fees and utilities at a professional art storage facility.

He said he did not think the loan ran afoul of the program’s mission of helping small struggling businesses. “Lots of people much bigger than I got loans,” he said, including Washington lobbying shops, high-priced law firms and special-interest groups like those with which he used to work.

Lately, he’s been operating his art dealership out of his Kalorama home, where his neighbors include the Obamas, and where he hosted a recent dinner for collectors and museum officials highlighting the works of Brian Dailey, a Washington-based visual artist whose work was featured in a Washington gallery show and on a monitor in Mr. Podesta’s kitchen.

Looking back at the investigation into his Ukraine lobbying that forced his exit from lobbying, he said “if I had known what I know now, I never would have taken this client,” adding “there were all sorts of places where errors were made, but there was no malice.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/us/politics/tony-podesta-lobbying-democrats.html

Q Post #1918

Aug 16 2018 17:08:07 (EST)

>>2633258

https://www.fara.gov/docs/5926-Short-Form-20170817-348.pdf

https://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=getFilingDetails&filingID=09B71870-0B05-4D45-A4B7-1B5AF0618975&filingTypeID=1

https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/50428

Nothing to see here.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1918

https://qanon.pub/?q=podesta

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089200

File: 022315200477381⋯.jpg (310.39 KB, 1920x1080, 16:9, Jiang_Duan_China_calls_for….jpg)

File: 8e95b4102bb1534⋯.jpg (150.92 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Beijing_has_been_increasin….jpg)

File: aa57efe6bf2d95e⋯.jpg (144.98 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Australia_resisted_calls_f….jpg)

China criticises Australia's human rights record at the United Nations

Stephen Dziedzic - 9 July 2021

China has launched another furious attack on Australia's human rights record at the United Nations, accusing the federal government of spreading "misinformation" and failing to prosecute troops who committed war crimes overseas.

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council held its regular review of Australia's human rights performance, with several countries pressing Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility, improve the treatment of Indigenous people and end the mandatory detention of asylum seekers.

A number of nations also pushed Australia to make sharper cuts to carbon emissions, with the Marshall Islands calling on the federal government to phase out coal-fired power in order to limit global warming.

But by far the strongest public criticism came from China, which has been using increasingly strident language to criticise Australia in international forums as the bilateral relationship sours.

China's representative at the UN, Jiang Duan, took aim at alleged war crimes committed by Australian troops in Afghanistan, which are being probed by a special investigator.

"Australian troops indiscriminately killed civilians in overseas operations, committed war crimes, yet they are still at large today," Mr Jiang said.

Mr Jiang also took aim at Australia's system of offshore detention, saying asylum seekers were "forcibly detained for long times, even indefinitely, with their basic human rights violated."

He also criticised "long-lasting and systematic discrimination and hate crimes against African, Asian and other minority groups" in Australia and accused the federal government of "spreading misinformation out of political motivation."

Australia accepted more than 150 human rights recommendations made by other countries, but it defended its border protection measures and did not back the call to phase out coal.

The Marshall Islands representative, Sam Lanwi, said he regretted Australia's decision because of the urgent threat posed by climate change.

"We hope that this recommendation will be considered in the future as it will be a key step in working towards the implementation of the Paris Agreement," he said.

Calls to raise age of criminal responsibility in Australia

Australia, represented at the United Nations in Geneva by Sally Mansfield, also did not back calls made by more than two dozen countries to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14.

Ms Mansfield told the Human Rights Council that state governments played a key role in determining when criminal responsibility should begin.

"Responsibility for criminal justice is shared between the federal, state and territory governments who are engaged in a process to consider this question, with some having announced an intention to raise the age within their respective jurisdictions," she said.

"Ultimately it will be a decision for each jurisdiction whether to raise the age."

But Simon Henderson from Save The Children told the committee that Australia's federal government needed to take the lead and press for reform.

"Children should be in school, not in detention," he said.

"These laws disproportionately impact Indigenous children. We urge Australia to reverse its position."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-09/china-criticises-australia-un-human-rights-council/100280736

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089209

File: 9c37dfabd2e32b1⋯.webm (4.89 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Australia_UPR_Report_Cons….webm)

>>14089200

United Nations Human Rights Council

Australia, Universal Periodic Review Report Consideration - 28th Meeting, 47th Regular Session Human Rights Council

8 July 2021

Adoption of reports by the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of Australia

35:12 - 36:40 - China, Mr. Jiang Duan

https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1w/k1woxfqfkz

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089243

File: 8854140655cff3e⋯.jpg (606.83 KB, 1134x1890, 3:5, Australia_s_Stained_Human_….jpg)

>>14089200

>>14089209

China urges Australia to face up to severe human rights violations at UN body

Liu Xin - Jul 08, 2021

1/2

Together with some countries and a UN body on refugee, China expressed grave concern over Australia's severe violations of human rights, including its soldiers' killing of innocent civilians in overseas military actions, detaining immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in offshore detention centers, and its domestic systematic race discrimination on Thursday at the 47th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

"It is with regret to see Australia not take China's suggestion… China urges Australia to take the universal periodic review as an opportunity to face up to and repent its own severe problems on human rights, stop various violations of human rights and take concrete measures to protect human rights," a Chinese representative said on Thursday.

Other countries and organizations also expressed similar concerns including Russia and Syria and the UN Refugee Agency.

Every five years each country's record and policies on human rights are put under the spotlight as part of a UN process known as the universal periodic review (UPR). Australia had its UPR on Thursday.

The Chinese representative pointed out that Australia's severe violations of human rights include its soldiers killing innocent civilians in overseas military actions and committing severe war crimes.

Australian special forces allegedly killed 39 Afghan civilians unlawfully in an environment where "blood lust" and "competition killings" were reportedly a norm, according to a long-awaited official report unveiled in November 2020.

Aside from the war crimes, Australia was criticized for setting up detention centers to forcibly detain immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers for a long time.

Representatives from other countries and non-governmental organizations also criticized Australia and called an end to the offshore processing of asylum seekers arriving by sea and to prohibit detaining children in immigration detention centers at the Thursday meeting.

Calls from 30 countries for Australia to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to at least 14 - amid concerns about the over-incarceration of Indigenous children - have simply been "noted," with the government pointing to the role of state and territory governments in legislating any such change, The Guardian reported.

But Australia rejected all these proposals.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089254

File: 38181c114b9ed59⋯.jpg (131.33 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Wuheqilin_s_latest_cartoon….jpg)

>>14089243

2/2

Australia's rejection has brought dissatisfaction to NGOs in Western countries. "Australia paints a picture of itself for the global stage that doesn't match the reality at home," said Sophie McNeill, Australia researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Government claims that Australia is committed to the human rights of refugees and asylum seekers are absurd so long as harmful offshore detention policies continue and people remain for years in immigration detention."

Some NGOs also criticized Australia for its poor record on Indigenous communities' human rights and treatment. The Human Rights Measurement Initiative (HRMI) revealed in an article on July 2 that Indigenous Australians had most of their human rights at risk. Seventy-one percent of experts surveyed believe Indigenous people are at risk of having their freedom from arbitrary arrest violated.

The Chinese representative pointed out that Australia also has long-term and systematic discrimination against Africans, Asians and other minorities and Muslims and indigenous people. It also has serious hate crimes.

However, instead of reflecting on its own problems on human rights, out of political purpose, Australia has kept spreading disinformation and uses human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries' international affairs, the Chinese representative said.

Closely following the US and a small group of Western countries, Australia has joined the anti-China campaign to smear China by hyping human rights topics, especially on China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

For example, in a joint statement on March 23, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta called on China to grant meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for United Nations experts, and other independent observers.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said that the door to Xinjiang is always open. We welcome any unbiased foreigners to Xinjiang, but firmly oppose any so-called "investigation" and "accountability" with presumption of guilt, and stand against anyone using this for political maneuver to pressure China.

"Speaking of 'accountability,' I wonder how Australia is doing with those investigations into their soldiers' grave crimes in Afghanistan that were exposed not long ago? Have they held the perpetrators accountable and punished them to do justice to the innocent victims? Will Five Eyes countries including the US and the UK, and the EU consider sanctions on Australia?" Hua asked.

The spokesperson added that "Besides, in Australia, there was the infamous White Australia Policy, under which genocide was committed against aboriginal people and 100,000 aboriginal children were forcibly taken away from their families. Did Australia hold accountable those who caused pain to the Stolen Generation?"

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228217.shtml

Infographic: Australia's Stained Human Rights Record

Deng Zijun - Jul 08, 2021

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228224.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089310

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

China is the ‘big international bully at the moment’

Sky News Australia

Jul 4, 2021

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Peter Jennings says he cannot see any country around the world currently which is “seeking to bully China”.

Instead, he said China is the “big international bully at the moment”.

Mr Jennings spoke to Sky News about Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent speech, marking the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efN5wa33_fo

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089317

File: 920eb7ffc2fd346⋯.jpg (124.51 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Australia_browbeating_Chin….jpg)

>>14089310

Australia browbeating China as a ‘bully’ only reveals the true oppressors

Li Haidong - Jul 09, 2021

In an interview with Australian media Sky News, which was broadcast on Saturday, Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said he cannot see any country around the world currently which is "seeking to bully China." Instead, he said China is the "big international bully at the moment."

Portraying China as a "big bully," Jennings slandered China on the international stage to mobilize ordinary people at home and abroad. This is to pave the way for the following fierce competition or confrontation against China at the public level. These so-called scholars are in essence stirring up troubles in politics.

The true bullies are the countries that stigmatize China as a "bully." Take Australia. The country has started a rumormongering campaign on China's domestic affairs. Australia is acting as a little brother of the US and provoking China in various fields. These are bully practices.

When delivering a keynote speech on the Communist Party of China (CPC) and World Political Parties Summit on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "China will never seek hegemony, expansion or sphere of influence."

Labeling China, a country that pursues peaceful development and mutual benefits, as a "bully" is to interpret China's development path in a malicious way. But they are clearly aware that they are playing this set of discourse with malicious intent, and they deliberately interpret China's development this way.

They are dark and twisted inside, so in their eyes, everything looks dark. As a result, their malevolence against China will become deeper with China's development, and the slander against China by these fake scholars and real politicians will intensify.

For centuries, the West has always been in an advantageous position. They are not accustomed to seeing a non-Western civilization that can rival them. China's global influence is mounting, and China tends to lead other countries in multiple domains. China does not pursue dominance, but China's impact has gradually got approval, which is in sharp contrast to the West, which has expanded its influence by means of wars and colonization. They describe China as "an elephant in the room," hyping China's threat. This embodies their narrow-mindedness. Haven't many Western countries themselves already been the "elephant in the room?"

When virtually delivering an address at the 9th World Peace Forum held in Beijing on Saturday, Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong also used the metaphor of an elephant when talking about China's rise. He said "China was like an elephant entering a swimming pool where there were other smaller animals. No matter how gentle the elephant was, it still needed to be careful of its every move, because it might, even unintentionally, step on the toes of the other animals."

This shows that adjacent countries have certain doubts about China's development, but it also reflects their comprehensive understanding of China and their positive acknowledgement of China's role in the region. Portraying China as an elephant indicates that they believe China will not attack and plunder them like the West. Meanwhile, it also reminds China and its neighboring countries that both sides need to attach more importance to each other's thoughts and claims.

With China's rise, it is inevitable to have some frictions with some countries on certain agendas. It requires every country to maintain its independent judgment on how to deal with these frictions. Xi said at the CPC and World Political Parties Summit on Tuesday that human society has "once again found itself at a historical crossroads" that leads to either hostile confrontation or mutual respect, seclusiveness and decoupling or openness and cooperation, zero-sum game or win-win results. He said, "the choice is in our hands and the responsibility falls on our shoulders."

China will handle the divergences with a mindset of equality and mutual benefit. Other countries involved should also try to put themselves in China's shoes and meet China halfway. These countries should avoid being misled by some countries outside the region with ulterior motives, such as Australia. This is a test for the political wisdom of all countries, especially those surrounding China.

The author is a professor at the Institute of International Relations of the China Foreign Affairs University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228258.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089665

File: f527aca84522460⋯.jpg (296.2 KB, 1920x960, 2:1, Internet_Watch_Foundation_….jpg)

File: 28f0d6a7585d2c5⋯.jpg (226.5 KB, 1506x1004, 3:2, Hotline_Director_Chris_Hug….jpg)

>>14064810

The net is closing on child sexual abuse images

There are 150 child sexual abuse laws around the world. Metadata is being used to bring them closer together

MATT BURGESS - 08.07.2021

1/3

Each day, a team of analysts faces a seemingly endless mountain of horrors. The team of 21, who work at the Internet Watch Foundation’s office in Cambridgeshire, spend hours trawling through images and videos containing child sexual abuse. And, each time they find a photo or piece of footage it needs to be assessed and labelled. Last year alone the team identified 153,383 webpages with links to child sexual abuse imagery. This creates a vast database of abuse which can then be shared internationally in an attempt to stem the flow of abuse. The problem? Different countries have different ways of categorising images and videos.

Until now, analysts at the UK-based child protection charity have checked to see whether the material they find falls into three categories: either A, B, or C. These groupings are based on the UK’s laws and sentencing guidelines for child sexual abuse and broadly set out types of abuse. Images in category A, for example the most severe classification, include the worst crimes and against children. These classifications are then used to work out how long someone convicted of a crime should be sentenced for. But other countries use different classifications.

Now the IWF believes a data breakthrough could remove some of these differences. The group has rebuilt its hashing software, dubbed Intelligrade, to automatically match up images and videos to the rules and laws of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the US and the UK, also known as the Five Eyes countries. The change should mean less duplication of analytical work and make it easier for tech companies to prioritise the most serious images and videos of abuse first.

“We believe that we are better able to share data so that it can be used in meaningful ways by more people, rather than all of us just working in our own little silos,” says Chris Hughes, the director of the IWF’s reporting hotline. “When we share data [currently] it is very difficult to get any meaningful comparisons against the data because they just simply don't mesh correctly.”

Countries place different weightings on images based on what happens in them and the age of the children involved. Some countries classify images based on whether children are prepubescent or pubescent as well as the crime that is taking place. The UK’s most serious category, A, includes penetrative sexual activity, beastiality and sadism. It doesn’t necessarily include acts of masturbation, Hughes says. Whereas in the US this falls in a higher category. “At the moment, the US requesting IWF category A images would be missing out on that level of content,” Hughes says.

All the photos and videos the IWF looks at are given a hash, essentially a code, that’s shared with tech companies and law enforcement agencies around the world. These hashes are used to detect and block the known abuse content being uploaded to the web again. The hashing system has had a substantial impact on the spread of child sexual abuse material online, but the IWF’s latest tool adds significantly new information to each hash.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089673

File: c8c8c0ccc780ed1⋯.jpg (106.61 KB, 1200x675, 16:9, Communications_Director_Em….jpg)

>>14089665

2/3

The IWF’s secret weapon is metadata. This is data that’s about data – it can be the what, who, how and when of what is contained in the images. Metadata is a powerful tool for investigators as it allows them to spot patterns in people’s actions and analyse them for trends. Among the biggest proponents of metadata are spies, who say it can be more revealing than the content of people’s messages.

The IWF has ramped up the amount of metadata it creates for each image and video it adds to its hash list, Hughes says. Each new image or video it looks at is being assessed in more detail than ever before. As well as working out if sexual abuse content falls under the UK’s three groups, its analysts are now adding up to 20 different pieces of information to their reports. These fields match what is needed to determine the classifications of an image in the other Five Eyes countries – the charity’s policy staff compared each of the laws and worked out what metadata is needed. “We decided to provide a high level of granularity about describing the age, a high level of granularity in terms of depicting what's taking place in the image and also confirming gender,” Hughes says.

Improvements in abuse detection technologies and more thorough processes by technology companies mean that more sexual abuse content is being found than ever before. Although some companies are better than others. Last year the non-profit National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received 21.4 million reports of abuse content from technology companies, which are required by US law to report what they find. It was more than any other year on record and the reports contained 65.4 million images, videos and other files.

Despite the increase in reporting of child abuse material one of the big challenges faced is the different reporting processes and standards around the world. It’s difficult to gather a full picture of the true scale of child sexual abuse online because of the differences in approaches. A 2018 legal review from the US-based nonprofit the International Centre of Missing and Exploited Children found a lot of inconsistencies. The review claims 118 countries have “sufficient” child sexual abuse material laws, 62 have laws that are insufficient and 16 countries don’t have any. Some countries with poor laws don’t define child sexual abuse, others don’t look at how technology is used in crimes and some don’t criminalise the possession of abuse content.

Separately, European Union-funded research conducted by international policing group Interpol and ECPAT International, a series of civil society organisations, found that there are “substantial challenges” with comparing information about child sexual abuse content and that this hampers efforts to find the victims. “This situation is complicated by the use of different categorisation approaches in ascribing victim characteristics and experiences of victimisation, which prohibit meaningful comparison between studies,” the February 2018 report says.

The IWF hopes its Intelligrade system will help out with some of these problems. “It almost reduces that need to create one law around the world that exists for child sexual abuse,” says Emma Hardy, the IWF’s director of communications. Previous academic research has recommended countries work on making their laws against child sexual abuse the same; although this is a logistical and political challenge. “The technology is filling the big gaps of legal harmonisation,” Hardy says. The IWF is now researching more countries where its tool could plot images against the laws – 20 countries are on a long list.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14089686

File: 4a102ac61fe6200⋯.jpg (155.43 KB, 1182x1058, 591:529, Child_Abuse_Image_Database.jpg)

>>14089673

3/3

A spokesperson for Google, which receives data from the IWF, says the increased granularity in the data should prove to be useful. “This new system will help this fight by making it easier for companies – large and small – to know what hashes are in IWF’s Intelligrade and how they correspond to imagery that is illegal under different and complex legal regimes,” the spokesperson says. They add that the “additional metadata” can help in the fight against child sexual abuse online. “Having a clear mapping of the classification across jurisdictions will help NGOs, industry and lawmakers identify differences in policies and regulation and hopefully result in better legislative outcomes,” the spokesperson says.

But beyond trying to close some of the legal gaps, Hughes says including more metadata in the work the IWF analysts do will help everyone understand the types of abuse that are happening and fight back against them. This is worth the extra time it will take IWF staff to review images, he says.

By including details such as the sexual abuse seen in photos and videos, analysts will be able to more clearly evaluate the types of abuse they are seeing and determine if criminal behaviour is changing. The IWF will be able to know how many instances of specific types of abuse are happening and the broad age groups of victims. It will also be able to tell which types of abuse are most commonly shared to which websites. Intelligrade is also being used to pull in and store the file names of child sexual abuse content, which can be used to understand the coded language child abusers use to talk to each other.

And adding extra data to images means that machine learning systems can be trained to more successfully detect different types of abuse. A database with more labels means images can be better understood by AI – the IWF is currently in the process of classifying millions of category A and B images it has access to from the UK government’s Child Abuse Image Database. “The plan is to be able to train classifiers not just to say ‘are these images criminal or not’, but to fine tune that classification to be able to say: ‘is this image containing beastiality’, for example,” he says.

The approach will allow the IWF to scour the web in search of new images and videos of child sexual abuse. “That's when we can start to reap the benefits for our own use,” Hughes says. “It means that we can better target content.”

https://www.wired.co.uk/article/child-sexual-abuse-images-metadata-iwf

https://www.iwf.org.uk

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14090039

File: 9bbe72e82d085ee⋯.jpg (240.25 KB, 2000x1000, 2:1, E4iQgAPVIAc94KX.jpg)

>>14064818

>>14071884

Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation

CLOSING THE NET - A podcast about online child sexual exploitation

‘Closing The Net’ is a brand new 10-part podcast series that for the very first time takes you inside the world of the Australian Federal Police and those policing the ‘borderless crime’ of online child sexual exploitation.

Hosted by father and Australian actor, Rodger Corser, the series highlights the work of the ACCCE, which is leading a collaborative response to pursue and prosecute offenders in this crime type and also to remove children from harm.

Throughout the series, listeners will meet some incredible people who dedicate their lives to ending this horrendous crime type – people who work tirelessly to track down and bring online child sex offenders to justice and to protect children, plus those who have a commitment to preventing abuse through education and by providing tools, knowledge and resources.

Research conducted by the ACCCE in 2020 has shown that in Australia today, only around half of all parents talk to their children about online safety. 50% of parents don’t know what to do to keep their kids safe online. Just 3% of parents are concerned about online grooming. And sadly, most believe online child sexual exploitation is too repulsive to even think about.

‘Closing The Net’ is working to change that, showcasing that knowledge is power and that our only chance to eradicate this issue is if we bring a ‘whole-of-community’ response.

The series will provide listeners with an understanding of what constitutes online exploitation and just how easily children can be targeted by anyone from anywhere.

The series also contains tips and advice for parents and carers around how to protect kids online, as well as how to identify and report offensive online behaviour.

Although some listeners may find parts of the content confronting, these are stories that need to be told. The issues they raise need to be acknowledged and talked about by parents, carers, teachers and community members.

https://www.accce.gov.au/closingthenet

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/closing-the-net/id1572951697

https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9vbW55LmZtL3Nob3dzL2Nsb3NpbmctdGhlLW5ldC9wbGF5bGlzdHMvcG9kY2FzdC5yc3M

https://open.spotify.com/show/4qkpQTDKpOami5cJ2DLqSG

https://app.stitcher.com/browse/feed/638077

https://tunein.com/podcasts/True-Crime-Podcasts/Closing-The-Net-p1457583/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

48d035  No.14090048

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14090039

Closing The Net - Official Podcast Trailer

Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation

Jun 24, 2021

Our new ten-part podcast series takes you inside the world of those policing the ‘borderless crime’ of online child sexual exploitation.

Hosted by Rodger Corser, the series highlights the work of the Australian Federal Police and the ACCCE, and will give you an understanding of what constitutes online child sexual exploitation, offer tips and advice on how to protect kids online, as well as how to make a report.

You will hear from 58 incredible people who have been personally touched by the issue and those who dedicate their lives to fighting the crime.

#ClosingTheNet is now available on all major podcast platforms, or at accce.gov.au/podcast

*Due to themes of child sexual abuse and exploitation, the content of this podcast may be distressing to some people. It is not suitable for children and listener discretion is advised.*

For advice and support, please visit accce.gov.au

#ACCCEpodcast #ChildProtection

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pT5SA7VQwlA

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14090614

File: 17044b7966fcce7⋯.jpg (93.79 KB, 890x534, 5:3, Stella_Moris_says_the_US_u….jpg)

>>14078813

>>14085626

US pledge that Julian Assange could serve any jail sentence in Australia is ‘grossly misleading’, partner says

In the event Assange is convicted, any transfer would need to be approved by the Australian government

Ben Doherty - 10 Jul 2021

US government undertakings that Julian Assange could serve any prison sentence in Australia were “grossly misleading”, his fiance has said, and “a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life”.

The US government is attempting to extradite Assange from the UK and put him on trial in the US for allegedly violating the Espionage Act by publishing classified information through WikiLeaks. He faces up to 175 years in prison if convicted.

But the US government lost its extradition application in January, when judge Vanessa Baraitser ruled Assange could not be extradited because of concerns over his mental health and risk of suicide in a US prison.

On Wednesday, the UK high court allowed the US government to appeal that decision, on limited grounds.

Stella Moris said the US undertakings were “not worth the paper they are written on” because Assange already held the right to apply to serve any sentence in Australia.

“What is crucial to understand is that prisoner transfers are eligible only after all appeals have been exhausted. For the case to reach the US supreme court [it] could easily take a decade, even two. What the US is proposing is a formula to keep Julian in prison effectively for the rest of his life.

“Julian would remain in a US prison under atrocious, solitary confinement conditions that the magistrate’s court said would end his life,” Moris said in a subsequent statement.

A spokesperson for the Australian attorney general’s department confirmed Assange, as an Australian citizen, would have the right to apply to serve his sentence in Australia if convicted and sentenced to prison in the US, but that no transfer could be agreed before legal avenues were exhausted.

“International prisoner transfers to Australia are initiated by an application from a prisoner after the prisoner has been convicted and sentenced,” the spokesperson said.

“If the Australian government received an application for the transfer of a prisoner from the US, it would consider the application at that time in accordance with Australia’s legal framework.”

In the event that Assange was convicted and applied to come to Australia, his transfer would need the consent of the Australian government, and of the state or territory government where he would be imprisoned.

Any transfer would also need the consent of the US government. In a suite of “assurances” provided to the UK high court, the US government said it “hereby agrees to consent to the transfer”.

Other assurances offered include that the US would not impose Special Administrative Measures (SAMs) – such as solitary confinement – on Assange, and that he would not be jailed at the “supermax” prison in Florence, Colorado. However, the US retained the caveat it could renege on those promises: “the US retains the power to impose SAMs on Mr Assange in the event that … he was to commit any future act that met the test to the imposition of a SAM”.

Assange turned 50 behind bars at Belmarsh prison earlier this month.

Moris visited him, accompanied by their four-year-old son, after the high court’s decision to allow the US appeal.

“Julian is very unwell,” Moris said after visiting. “Belmarsh prison is a horrible, horrible, place. Just yesterday, another prisoner was found dead in his cell. The suicide rate is three times higher than in other UK prisons. It’s a daily struggle.

“He won his case in January. Why is he even in prison? Why is he even being prosecuted? There is no legal case against him. All there is is an indictment based on lies.”

The Australian parliamentary friends of the Bring Julian Assange Home group has consistently called on the US government to drop its prosecution of Assange, and on the UK government to release him from prison and send him back to Australia.

“Like politicians in the US and UK, we are elected to defend our citizens’ rights. Voters expect us to hold accountable those who commit wrongdoing, not to punish those who expose it, such as Julian Assange,” the cross-party group said.

“Julian Assange is right now being arbitrarily detained in the UK for publishing activity. His treatment [violates] the convention against torture, and his persecution threatens journalists worldwide.”

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2021/jul/10/us-pledge-that-julian-assange-could-serve-any-jail-sentence-in-australia-is-grossly-misleading-partner-says

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14090918

File: b6fadc6747128f9⋯.jpg (190.16 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Tennis_coach_Tanya_Lee_53_….jpg)

Incest survivor Tanya Lee on how shame is hiding cries for help

Sydney tennis coach Tanya Lee was never bound, beaten or even threatened but was instead groomed by her father, who coaxed her into a secret sexual relationship from the tender age of nine that would last five years. She reveals her harrowing story.

Jack Morphet - July 10, 2021

1/2

The mere mention of incest makes some people squirm or snigger but the taboo is stifling cries for help from victims sexually abused as children.

Incest accounts for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all calls and messages to Kids Helpline from young people in NSW, according to exclusive statistics obtained by The Saturday Telegraph.

Incest is grossly underreported but leading academics and paediatricians suggest it could account for between 70 and 90 per cent of all child sexual abuse cases.

According to NSW Police, the “vast majority” of the thousands of children sexually abused in NSW every year know the perpetrator.

When incest is uncovered, families all too often attempt to sweep it under the rug for fear of shame or retaliatory domestic violence.

But the torment incest survivors endure is no less painful than any other child sexually abused by a priest, teacher, or paedophile.

As long as incest remains unacknowledged, victim/survivors like tennis coach Tanya Lee, 53, feel robbed of the compassion and justice afforded to children raped by complete strangers.

“Incest is the new ‘C word’, which has made it so bloody difficult to talk about publicly,” Ms Lee said.

“It is the greatest shame of all for people who are sexually abused by a family member, in my case my father, because people naturally feel uncomfortable with this topic and understandably so.

“Incest survivors’ shame is compounded as others don’t want to believe it is a common reality.”

Ms Lee was never bound, beaten or even threatened, but was instead groomed by an adoring father who showered her with affection and coaxed her into a secret sexual relationship from the age of nine. It would last five years.

It was not until a conversation with horrified friends four years after the relationship with her father petered out that Lee even understood society considers incest abhorrent.

“I adored him. He was my dad,” she said.

“I had always sought my father’s approval and my whole identity was based around pleasing him.

“I loved the food, music and sport that he loved.

“He loved cricket, so I did too and we would spend hours watching Test matches.

“I actually felt blessed and important because I was getting attention from my father, who otherwise could be cold and intimidating. I physically enjoyed the sex and his affection made me feel special.”

But the strain of keeping such a toxic secret mixed with deep-seated confusion about her upbringing triggered Lee’s lifelong struggle with alcoholism and binge eating.

“I was not aware of any psychological cost – that came later in life,” she said.

“We were like a couple who were obsessed with each other. All that makes my guilt worse.”

Remarkably, after Lee told her family about the incest and her father confessed to his abuse, she forgave him.

Lee’s story is typical of incest victims, according to retired paediatrician and 2019 Senior Australian of the Year Dr Sue Packer AM, who spent 29 years treating more than 1000 child sex abuse victims.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 1.4 million adults have experienced child sex abuse, and from Dr Packer’s experience nine in 10 perpetrators are family members or close family friends.

“Worryingly with most child sex abuse, the child does not talk because it’s too confusing and complex,” Dr Packer said.

“For many children the sexual abuse is compounded by the fact the abusing parent was the only one that ever showed them affection. There is loyalty to the parent.”

Confidential counselling service Kids Helpline has fielded a flood of crisis calls about incest this year, with the figures showing a 49 per cent spike in the first six months of 2021 compared to same period in 2020.

Children are not getting the help they need because sexual abuse inside the family home has been too difficult to discuss, according to Kids Helpline CEO Tracy Adams.

“It is uncomfortable to think children are sexually abused by those who have responsibility to care for them most,” Adams said. “But the statistics continue to highlight the vulnerabilities children have in their own homes.

“We’ve had a royal commission that highlighted sexual abuse in institutions, but as a society we still have to confront the fact children are vulnerable to sexual abuse in their own homes.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14090930

File: f008e86b15b201e⋯.jpg (139.12 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Incest_survivors_Hayley_Bl….jpg)

>>14090918

2/2

The majority of calls to Kids Helpline from children concerned about incest were aged between 13 and 18.

“It’s such an uncomfortable subject that it doesn’t get spoken about and because it doesn’t get spoken about it doesn’t get the attention and dedicated resources required,” Adams said.

“The impact (of incest) is lifelong for many people, but they themselves don’t discuss it because it makes others too uncomfortable.

“We have to be stronger than that.”

The NSW Police Force takes incest seriously but is hamstrung by a culture of secrecy surrounding sexually-based offences.

“When a crime is reported by a child, it’s important for the community, and police, to take them seriously,” a NSW Police Force spokeswoman said.

“We believe a big part of that is breaking the taboo. The community needs to say sexual abuse against anyone won’t be tolerated at any time.

“It’s time to remove the shame or embarrassment imposed on victims. It takes real courage to fight for justice.”

To help dispel the taboo surrounding incest, Lee has put together a new podcast called No Laughing Matter in which comedians including Adam Hills, Fiona O’Loughlin and Jean Kittson narrate victim’s stories.

The hope is audiences will be more receptive to confronting stories narrated by someone they feel comfortable listening to.

On the back of the podcast, Lee will call for a government-funded and managed 24-hour counselling service exclusively for incest victim/survivors, as well as better education around incest and a cultural change in attitudes.

Incest survivors are not aware of any crisis support hotlines with counsellors who specialise in this form of sexual abuse, despite the complex concerns of children confronted with the thought of breaking up their families.

One of the stories that features in the podcast is that of Hayley Blease, 44, whose family member threatened to kill her when she was just a young child if she ever revealed they were having sex.

While she masked her abuse with a smile, adults suspected something was wrong but did not intervene.

Now a mother-of-two, Blease still suffers anxiety from her abuse.

“I have never taken a drug in my life, not even an antidepressant, because I am continually in fight or flight mode in case he comes back,” she said.

“I don’t leave myself vulnerable but that makes me constantly exhausted.”

Blease wants to dispel the myth incest perpetrators are archetypal horror movie creeps, when in reality they are most commonly trusted family members and not uncommonly highly regarded members of society.

“I will never understand how someone can prey on a young child’s innocence,” she said.

“They aren’t the monster in the dark. They are the people you know.”

The federal government earlier this year pledged to spend $146 million in the next four years to create a new national strategy to prevent child sexual abuse.

Just how the federal government intends to prevent and better respond to child sexual abuse in Australia will not be known until the strategy is unveiled later this year, but The Saturday Telegraph can reveal incest will be a focus.

“The national strategy as a whole is focused on preventing and responding to all forms of child sexual abuse, including abuse that occurs within familial, online, institutional and other settings,” a spokesman for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said.

“Any child sexual abuse is abhorrent, and the Australian government is committed to addressing related crimes and harms in all their forms.”

The purpose of the strategy is to gather better evidence about child sexual assault as well as raise awareness, prevent offending, and support and empower victims.

Blease has established a GoFundMe page to help ensure the No Laughing Matter podcast series can continue and help reduce the prevalence of incest in Australia.

To donate, head to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/nolaughingmatter

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/incest-survivor-tanya-lee-on-how-shame-is-hiding-cries-for-help/news-story/ae8712801b246546b54579ee2c33fda1

Kids Helpline Phone Counselling Service - 1800 55 1800

https://kidshelpline.com.au

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14090954

File: 080eeb364d2c4d0⋯.jpg (44.48 KB, 488x308, 122:77, 58029903_1625115760560554_….jpg)

File: 37ac66068e14f86⋯.jpg (336.93 KB, 1200x799, 1200:799, Geoff_the_Giraffe.jpg)

>>14090918

>>14090930

Help us end alarming levels of child sexual abuse.

Hayley Blease is organising this fundraiser.

10 July 2021

1/2

Hello, I’m Hayley and a victim/survivor of child sexual abuse from a family member.

Incest (child sexual abuse by a family member) is an awkward topic, virtually taboo, but a vital one.

I have shared my experience of abuse by a close family member through the No Laughing Matter podcast series (www.nolaughingmatter.org.au). The Founder/Producer is my close friend Tanya Lee OAM.

No Laughing Matter needs your help to ensure the very important podcast project of incest awareness can continue. Their intention is to radically reduce the alarming statistics of incest in Australia.

And here is why; research says 70-80 percent of all child sexual abuse in Australia is from a ‘family member’. That is a concerning number and needs serious attention. Senior Australian of the Year 2019, Dr Sue Packer AM says the incest figure could even be as high as 90 percent.

As you can imagine, sadly, sexual abuse in the family home would significantly increase during COVID lockdown times. This makes their call even more urgent.

Often ‘incest’ is rolled into the bigger picture of ‘child sexual abuse’. Eight years ago, a Royal Commission was established to investigate child sexual abuse in Australian institutions, yet there have been no major investigations into incest. Why?

I am now in my 40’s and as a mother of two young teenage children, I have always thought if I could help save one child, I was doing enough, but my voice alone just isn’t powerful or loud enough, hence my alignment with the No Laughing Matter podcast series. I believe, by joining forces with other key people that share the same passion to make positive change with child sexual assault within families, we really can make a difference.

In early May this year, No Laughing Matter launched, with the aim to raise awareness and help make change. This also includes a call for the government to provide and manage a 24-hour counselling service, tailored exclusively for incest victim/survivors (current and past), along with a plan for better education across all levels of schooling and a cultural change in attitudes towards this forbidden topic. They believe it is time for a proactive movement to help ensure a lessening of the alarming statistics of child sexual abuse by a family member.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14090973

File: 38017542002306d⋯.jpg (2.02 MB, 1159x4407, 1159:4407, No_Laughing_Matter_Meet_Ou….jpg)

>>14090954

2/2

Australian comedians, actors, media and sports personalities including Adam Hills, Richard Fidler, Fiona O'Loughlin, David Field, Jean Kittson, Susie Porter and Craig Foster among others, have chosen to step up and support the No Laughing Matter Podcast series by narrating the Australian real-life stories on the specific topic of incest.

The podcast series has been financially established through donated time from good friends and some small donations from other good friends and supporters. But it is not nearly enough for them to continue their cause. They have made huge progress, but their work so far is really just the tip of the iceberg.

I am asking you for your help to allow No Laughing Matter to keep up its incredible work to get urgent change and to help stamp out child sexual abuse by a family member.

Your (Tax Deductible) Donations will help fund:

• continued podcast production and development

• website management

• technology growth

• administration support

• round-table events with key crisis line outlet’s CEO’s and other child sexual abuse agencies

• implementation of a call to the government for change

• employing part-time staff to manage, implement and pay for a strategic national marketing plan to keep raising awareness of the issue of incest.

Please join their (well overdue) movement to help ensure no more Australian children become victims of sexual abuse by a family member.

About No Laughing Matter:

No Laughing Matter trades as The CorriLee Foundation (ABN 88 230 386 478).

The NLM team is a start-up initiative with almost no income. The team consists of two people working on the project part-time and asking a lot of favours of friends and contacts. But now they desperately require more funds to ensure the project can continue.

The CorriLee Foundation will manage all donations in a centralised fund and will be used for the sole purpose of a continued No Laughing Matter podcast series awareness campaign and call for government change.

How can you help?

• Donate via this GoFundMe page or the donation button on the www.nolaugingmatter.org.au website and click the Donate button. *NB. Your tax-deductible donation receipt (via either platform) will be emailed separately, within a few days.

• By pledging your support in another way - email [email redacted].au

• Share the NLM story and their GoFundMe link via your socials – Instagram @nolaughingmatterau and Facebook @nolaughingmatterau

If you are a victim/survivor of incest and would like to share your story, go to the No Laughing Matter website and select the ‘Contact’ page for consideration of potentially having a podcast about your experience. *NB. All stories abide by their lawyer's guidelines and require due diligence and discrete fact-checking.

For further information on how you can play your part in helping make change, or hear more about the No Laughing Matter Podcast Series Project please go to their website.

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/nolaughingmatter

https://www.nolaughingmatter.org.au

https://www.nolaughingmatter.org.au/podcasts

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092203

File: 8e4fc935df353e1⋯.jpg (231.05 KB, 960x639, 320:213, A_group_of_special_forces_….jpg)

File: 32d446931212c20⋯.jpg (92.08 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Matt_Stock_during_his_time….jpg)

The Untouchables: Top detectives to investigate ‘disgraceful’ kill squad

Nick McKenzie and Chris Masters - July 10, 2021

1/2

A series of alleged murders by special forces soldiers which a military inquiry dubbed “the most disgraceful episode in Australia’s military history” will be investigated by an elite team of homicide detectives recruited from police forces across the country.

Until now, it has been unclear what the final report of the heavily redacted Brereton inquiry was referring to in November when it described the “disgraceful episode”, but multiple official sources have since confirmed that it involves an alleged rogue special forces patrol team accused of executing multiple defenceless prisoners and civilians during a months-long deployment to Afghanistan.

A defence source confidentially briefed on the patrol team’s activities told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald this group had been described to him as a “kill squad”.

The team of detectives being assembled to investigate the allegations is being recruited by a former Queensland Police homicide investigator, Commander Matt Stock, who is also a former policy adviser to Defence Minister Peter Dutton.

Applicants include some of the most experienced detectives from murder investigation squads across the nation, according to sources aware of the process but who are not authorised to comment publicly.

The team, dubbed the “untouchables” by one former detective, will work under the auspices of the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator, where Mr Stock was recently in a senior role.

The Office of the Special Investigator is a $75 million agency created by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Mr Dutton in response to the damning findings of the Brereton war crimes inquiry last November. Justice Paul Brereton uncovered credible allegations that special forces soldiers committed 39 murders in Afghanistan and covered them up by maintaining a mafia-like code of silence.

The Office of the Special Investigator is expected to face intense legal, political and media scrutiny as its teams work with the AFP to bring accused former SAS and Commandos operatives to trial. The AFP has never conducted a successful war crimes investigation and its ability to investigate the Brereton inquiry allegations looms as a test for AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw.

Mr Stock is one of two senior managers at the Office of the Special Investigator who will report to the investigatory body’s chiefs, former Queensland Police deputy commissioner Ross Barnett and senior Victorian Court of Appeal judge Mark Weinberg, QC.

Mr Stock is a highly experienced criminal investigator who previously served as a senior policy adviser to Mr Dutton when he was home affairs minister, and as a senior officer in the Australian Border Force. Former senior Queensland detective and one of Australia’s leading corporate investigators, Graham Newton, previously worked with Mr Stock and said he was highly regarded in policing circles.

“He’s a quintessential detective who is made for this role. He loves the chase and he doesn’t let go,” Mr Newton said.

Another former police colleague of Mr Stock said even experienced state homicide detectives were missing the cut as the Office of the Special Investigator seeks elite officers prepared to take on unpopular, gruelling investigations that may take years to wind through the courts.

The Office of the Special Investigator confirmed the agency had recruited investigators with “significant experience in managing complex investigations, including historical and overseas crimes” from the NSW, Queensland, South Australian, West Australian and Victorian police services as well as the AFP.

The final Brererton inquiry report provides no clues as to the identity of the alleged “kill squad” patrol, when it served in Afghanistan or if it involved SAS or Commando soldiers. But Justice Brereton’s inquiry found unnamed officers up the chain of command bore “moral command responsibility” for the conduct of soldiers engaged in what the senior judge described as “possibly the most disgraceful episode” in defence force history.

Converting the exhaustive Brereton inquiry, which included classified interviews with hundreds of soldiers and officers, into criminal charges is a monumental task for the Office of the Special Investigator and the AFP. Not only did many of the alleged murders occur years ago, experts are warning of a rapidly deteriorating security environment in Afghanistan that could interfere with evidence gathering.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092217

File: 9cd31af508fd84a⋯.jpg (126.07 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Afghanistan_is_falling_int….jpg)

>>14092203

2/2

Australian National University Professor William Maley, who specialises in Afghan politics, warned this week that the Taliban were “on a roll” and were placing Afghan towns they were capturing under totalitarian control.

However, the joint taskforce is not coming off a standing start. Several SAS insiders who served in Afghanistan, as well as local Afghan villagers, have already provided detailed sworn statements to the AFP. They include SAS soldiers who allege they observed or participated in unlawful executions.

Those statements have been gathered by a small AFP team of investigators which, since June 2018, has been probing some SAS members over allegations they directed the murder of Afghan prisoners. The AFP investigations were triggered by what the final Brereton inquiry report described as an “exceptional” referral by Justice Brereton to the defence force and onto federal police in late May 2018.

That referral and the subsequent investigations have produced two briefs of evidence, which have sat with the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, Sarah McNaughton, SC, for more than a year. The interplay of war crimes investigation and prosecution officials, powers and jurisdiction are a potential bureaucratic quagmire that no agency or politician envisaged when the Brereton inquiry began its four-year investigation in 2016.

In addition to the Office of the Special Investigator staff and state and federal homicide investigators, the personnel now involved in the sprawling investigations include a special counsel, Tim Begbie, SC, who is advising on what evidence from the Brereton inquiry is admissible. Ms McNaughton has appointed David McLure, SC, a former special forces officer turned Sydney silk, to advise the Commonwealth prosecutions agency on whether the evidence gathered by police is strong enough to charge suspects. And AFP commander Anthony McClement has also been appointed to oversee the AFP’s war crimes work with the Office of the Special Investigator.

AFP Commissioner Kershaw has assigned overall oversight of war crimes and related inquiries to two of the AFP’s highest-ranking officers, Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney and Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee.

Officials dealing with aspects of the investigation and prosecution structure, but who are not authorised to speak publicly, told The Age and Herald that critical decisions were at risk of being stalled. They include deciding which ex-special forces soldiers should receive immunity from prosecution and how to safeguard witness safety in Afghanistan and Australia.

The Brereton inquiry in November recommended several soldiers receive immunity because they had confessed to crimes that otherwise would have remained hidden and in doing so implicated more senior personnel.

”While it is ultimately a matter for the CDPP, the inquiry considers that the interests of justice and public policy in holding to account those in positions of authority in the defence force, who have caused their subordinates to commit crimes, makes these cases appropriate ones for such immunities,” Justice Brereton wrote in his final report.

“The evidence of such individuals is likely to be crucial in the prosecution of their superiors which should take priority, both because of the greater criminal responsibility of the superiors, and because of the greater national importance in holding the superiors to account, and showing that they are held to account.”

The Office of the Special Investigator, AFP and Commonwealth DPP will also be keen to avoid the fate of the most-recent Afghanistan-linked case in Australia, a failed military court martial of commandos accused of negligently causing the deaths of civilians in Afghanistan in 2009. Mr McLure was representing the accused in this case and his advocacy led to the case being thrown out by a military judge in 2011. In 2020, Mr McLure was appointed to prosecute Australian soldiers in a civilian court if the Commonwealth DPP authorises charges relating to alleged prisoner executions.

The AFP and Commonwealth DPP declined to comment.

If you are a current or former ADF member, or a relative, and need counselling or support, you can contact the Defence All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036 or Open Arms on 1800 011 046.

https://www1.defence.gov.au/adf-members-families/health-well-being/services-support-fighting-fit/need-help-now

https://www.openarms.gov.au

https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-untouchables-top-detectives-to-investigate-disgraceful-kill-squad-20210708-p58850.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092368

File: daf80d80d0060fe⋯.webm (10.11 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Chasing_Ghislaine.webm)

The venomous Epstein tapes: When VICKY WARD investigated Jeffrey Epstein, he tried to charm her… then threatened to get her sacked and put a curse on her unborn children. But she recorded it all - and what she reveals about Ghislaine Maxwell is shocking

VICKY WARD - 10 July 2021

1/4

Ghislaine Maxwell and I crossed paths soon after I moved to New York in 1997.

Though she was a few years older than me, we were both English, Oxbridge-educated and would sometimes be invited to the same parties. She was pin-thin, expensively dressed, funny, fun, clever, worldly and the effortless centre of attention.

She talked about sex a lot — and she liked to behave outrageously. During one Manhattan dinner I heard about, she told a British movie star to lie face-down on the floor; she jumped on his back and gave him a massage right there on the ground in front of everyone. Even as people laughed, one observer wondered if what she was doing was not inappropriate.

Usually, she was by herself. I had no idea whether or not she had a boyfriend.

But then, in the autumn of 2002, I was assigned to write an article for Vanity Fair magazine about an intriguing and very rich man called Jeffrey Epstein. I soon discovered that Ghislaine had had a complicated relationship with Epstein for over a decade.

They didn't live together, I was told. Some sources claimed she worked for him — although Epstein later denied this. He insisted they were not romantically involved, instead telling me she was his best friend.

What struck me as strange was that at the start of my reporting I'd bumped into Ghislaine at a friend's baby shower: and when I mentioned I was writing the article, she started to cry.

At the time I put it down to how unequal their relationship seemed. I'd heard she loved him and he did not love her back.

She wanted to marry him and have children, sources told me — though she had insisted otherwise. Meanwhile, he wanted to stay single and sleep with (many) other women, which he certainly did.

And Ghislaine, according to the sources, put up with this — they presumed because Epstein could provide her with the same lavish lifestyle she'd grown up with as the daughter of the late and crooked media mogul Robert Maxwell.

After his bizarre death in 1991, Robert's children (two of whom were accused but cleared of aiding their father's crime) were left — at least officially — more or less penniless. So, Epstein looked after Ghislaine financially, in return for her introducing him to the glitterati. That was the mythology.

But when I toured Epstein's house in 2002, 11 years after Robert Maxwell's death, there were photos everywhere of another ex-girlfriend, former Miss Sweden Ava Andersson Dubin — but none that I saw of his 'best friend' Ghislaine.

I asked him about this and he brushed it aside, saying there were 'lots of photos of lots of people' in the house.

My 2002 article was on Epstein's money. No one knew how he'd become so rich: he lived in what was said to be Manhattan's biggest private townhouse, a nine-storey mansion.

He had a huge ranch in New Mexico, an island in the Caribbean and his own Boeing 727 — on which he had recently flown Bill Clinton to Africa.

Adding to the mystery, he rarely went out. It was said, instead, that wealthy and powerful people came to him — he claimed to manage the fortunes of billionaires.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092376

File: 388a40ffe3d765a⋯.jpg (57.3 KB, 634x423, 634:423, In_the_autumn_of_2002_I_wa….jpg)

>>14092368

2/4

Our numerous phone calls as we arranged the interview — which was to be off-the-record, meaning I couldn't quote him — had shown me I was dealing with a mercurial control freak.

And he was true to form. He made a point of eating the sandwiches laid out for his 'tea', one by one, without offering me anything, despite the fact I was pregnant.

He had also left out a copy of a lurid book by the notorious French libertine the Marquis de Sade for me to notice on his desk.

We spoke for some time, and I left. Afterwards, weirdly, his assistant phoned me to tell me he'd thought I was 'pretty'. A messenger delivered a book to me at my home address: 'Maths For Dummies'. (I'd told Epstein I hadn't studied maths since I was 14.)

I was creeped out: I hadn't given him my home address — Vanity Fair's was easy enough to find — and the flattery was crass.

Then, even more uncomfortably, he began to bombard me with phone calls. These went on daily for months. From their tone — alternately smarmy and bullying — I knew he was hiding something. I just didn't know what.

He wasn't remotely charming or funny. He was deeply misogynistic: from a terrible joke about his desire to see his female staff only wearing Prada bikinis in his New York house, even in winter, to telling me he enjoyed being surrounded by women because he liked 'elegant things'.

Mostly, though, he was a thug, who soon told me he had compiled a dossier on my then-husband and me. He claimed that he could get my husband fired from his job, and me from mine.

He continually threatened to sue me personally, which, he reminded me, he knew I couldn't afford. Strangest of all, he threatened to put a 'hex' — a demonic spell — on my unborn children.

This crossed all normal boundaries — and it became an obsession for him. He wanted to know who my doctor was, where the babies would be delivered. And he warned me: 'I know all the doctors in this town.'

Because of the threats, I recorded him, on the advice of my lawyer. The transcripts of these conversations run to some 450 pages.

Now you will be able to hear parts of these, re-enacted by actors (sadly, I lost the micro-cassettes years ago) in my podcast Chasing Ghislaine, released on Audible next week. This is executive-produced with bestselling writer James Patterson, and we have also filmed a documentary series to be released by Discovery Plus later this year.

Now, of course, Epstein is dead: he was found hanged in his New York federal jail cell in 2019 in circumstances that continue to trouble conspiracy theorists.

Ghislaine, his alleged accomplice, is awaiting trial for sex trafficking and other offences, and faces up to 80 years behind bars if found guilty. She denies all the charges.

What you hear in them is a master manipulator at work: someone with many secrets to hide.

In 2002, for example, Epstein told me rich people don't go to the authorities when their money is stolen: they just want it back. Now I know what he meant.

I have discovered while preparing the podcast that, for 30 years, Epstein was embroiled in a shady underworld involving international espionage, blackmail, money-laundering and smuggling guns, diamonds and drugs.

He boasted that he was a 'hyper-fixer': someone who could move between different countries and cultures, exchanging information, but mostly making money through shadowy deals.

But, perhaps inevitably, what most fixated him during his talks with me were 'the girls'.

Again and again, he asked me: 'What about the girls? What have you got on the girls?' The answer, I know today, was 'not enough'.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092382

File: f1d6be6c0a80913⋯.jpg (94.45 KB, 634x950, 317:475, My_2002_article_was_on_Eps….jpg)

>>14092376

3/4

One woman who'd been to dinner at Epstein's house described the event to me as being like Eyes Wide Shut, the 1999 film starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman and featuring a debauched mass orgy.

There were parties, I heard, where Epstein and Maxwell cavorted with rich older men — among foreign women who looked much younger.

Now I know that, at the same time Epstein was demanding of me 'what about the girls?' he was raping 15-year-old Jennifer Araoz, a beautiful child from the poorer New York borough of Queens.

Jennifer's harrowing testimony and its devastating impact on her life are revealed in our podcast: she now runs a foundation, Survivors Initiative, to help girls like her.

For my Vanity Fair article, I did find two sisters, Annie and Marie Farmer. Separately, each told me that Epstein had sexually abused both of them, Annie when she was just 15. I believed them and I wanted to publish their story, but to my dismay, the sisters' allegations did not make into my Vanity Fair article.

The magazine's editor, Graydon Carter, says that he and the publication's lawyers didn't believe my reporting was sufficient, even though I maintain we had three sources supporting their allegations. (Carter has denied this.)

Troublingly, however, I have an email from December 2002 — just before the story was due to be published — from a colleague at Vanity Fair that reads: 'Bless you — guess who just appeared in Graydon's office? Jeffrey Epstein.'

It is, to say the least, highly unusual for the subject of an investigative magazine article to appear in the offices of the outlet profiling them — and perhaps especially in the editor's office.

Did the impeccably well-connected Epstein put pressure on the magazine to drop any hint of the sexual abuse I had uncovered about him? I don't know.

But there is no doubt Epstein was rattled by my forthcoming article. In one of our last and most unpleasant exchanges, he snarled that we had reached the point where this was no longer about a journalist and the subject of a magazine profile, it was about me and him: it was, he said, 'personal'.

His threats to my unborn children had affected me, and when I subsequently gave birth to twin boys, they were two months premature. I believe the stress of dealing with Epstein led to the premature births, and as they remained in the neonatal intensive care unit for weeks, then months, it was hard to forget his ugly threat to have a witchdoctor cast a spell on them.

As for Ghislaine?

Writing my magazine article, I was told by reliable sources that she was hopelessly in Epstein's thrall.

Stuart Pivar, a New York society art dealer and a former friend of Epstein's, told me that Epstein appointed him to watch over Ghislaine in the days after Robert Maxwell mysteriously fell to his death from his yacht in 1991.

Pivar said Epstein told him to make sure Ghislaine 'made it through this dark period'. But it was difficult to match the glittering social queen Ghislaine seemed at Manhattan parties with the woman described by the Farmer sisters, 'pathetic' in her emotional and financial dependency on Epstein, who treated her with disdain.

Annie told me Ghislaine had given her a topless massage when she was 16 — below the age of consent in America. Maria claimed Ghislaine had pretended to be asleep and held her hand while Jeffrey groped her one night in Ohio.

I had to put these allegations to Ghislaine in a deeply unpleasant phone call. She denied everything. She was furious.

And after the article ran — without, luckily for Maxwell and Epstein, the Farmers' allegations — I hoped never I'd never see the pair of them again.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092391

File: 5217574c39d7d3f⋯.jpg (62.45 KB, 633x496, 633:496, Virginia_Roberts_photograp….jpg)

>>14092382

4/4

But Ghislaine and I were to cross paths again a few more times.

We ran into each other a few years later in New York. This time, she had a new boyfriend, Ted Waitt. He had founded a computer hardware company and made a fortune. They'd met through Bill Clinton and now she boasted about flying helicopters and piloting a submarine that was attached to Ted's yacht, as well as the philanthropic work she was doing, saving the oceans.

She didn't mention Jeffrey Epstein — and why would she?

In 2009, he had been jailed for 18 months for solicitation of a prostitute and a minor in Palm Beach, Florida. Much of New York society had decided that he was a creep — though they didn't know that a U.S. Attorney, no less, had shut down a far more serious federal investigation into his crimes.

That might have been the end of the story. But in 2011, a photograph, taken in Ghislaine's London townhouse, emerged. It showed a young girl, Virginia Roberts, standing with Prince Andrew with his arm pulled around her waist as Ghislaine smiled beside them.

Roberts claimed that when she was 17 Epstein and Maxwell had 'pimped her out' to Prince Andrew. In subsequent years Ghislaine has denied this.

In 2011, the year that photograph emerged, Maxwell and Waitt separated. I last glimpsed Ghislaine in 2014 at a book party, but I don't recall talking to her. That was one of the last events many of her friends remember seeing her at in New York.

In 2015, after leaving Vanity Fair, I finally wrote a piece about the Farmers with the sisters' help, published in the Daily Beast. This laid out their claims of what had been done to them in the 1990s.

I've no idea what Ghislaine thought of that article. But the following year, 2016, I received a call — the number was withheld — and answered.

It was Ghislaine. She asked if I knew that I was on the witness list for Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who was then suing her for defamation. A spokesperson for Ghislaine had called Virginia a liar.

I was surprised by the call. I hadn't met Virginia, though I would later interview her.

But I couldn't get off the phone quick enough. Journalists don't want to be dragged into people's private legal actions. Our job is to report and to protect our sources.

Ghislaine left New York in 2016, I discovered. But in 2019 she emailed me out of the blue, asking to meet for coffee.

This was in the wake of allegations that Epstein had received an unduly lenient sentence in Florida — allegedly perverting justice for dozens of his victims.

I sensed that she wanted to see me for litigation purposes, so I did not reply to her note.

Since her incarceration a year ago, she has become perhaps the most hated woman in the world. People find the idea of a woman allegedly abusing other women — children, even — worse than if a man does it.

And Ghislaine isn't just any woman. She's educated, born into immense privilege, with an extraordinary contacts book.

But there are still many questions about her. Even those who thought they knew her well are in the dark about the true nature of her relationship with Epstein — and what they may or may not have done together.

Still others — particularly certain very rich, very powerful men — fear that, even from the grave, Epstein could yet bring them down.

Chasing Ghislaine is an Audible Original podcast released on July 15.

https://www.audible.com/pd/Chasing-Ghislaine-Podcast/B09887Z858

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9774291/VICKY-WARD-recorded-Jeffrey-Epstein-tapes-reveal-Ghislaine-Maxwell-shocking.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092455

File: d8c1a9dcbddea3b⋯.jpg (41.72 KB, 500x334, 250:167, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14042279

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 9, 2021

Shenzhen TV: Recently, mainstream Australian media published articles commemorating the 50th anniversary of former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam's visit to China, including articles written by Whitlam back then about his observations and insights during the visit. Whitlam believes that it is an unavoidable and objective reality that the CPC is in power in China and that Australia should have diplomatic relations with China which conforms to the trend of the times. Do you have any comment?

Wang Wenbin: We noted relevant reports. In July 1971, Mr. Gough Whitlam led a delegation to pay an "ice-breaking" visit to China as the leader of the Australian opposition Labor Party, making important and indelible contributions to the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia and the growth of bilateral ties. Looking back at this "ice-breaking" visit 50 years ago, people from different social sectors in Australia say that Mr. Whitlam exemplified great political wisdom, confidence and courage in choosing to establish diplomatic ties with China, a decision based on rational thinking by grasping and following the trend of the times. What he did shows that Australia is more than able to lead, rather than blindly follow, other countries in international affairs. They call on the Australian government to handle its relations with China in the same pragmatic and rational approach.

With relations between China and Australia severely strained, these thoughts and appeals are cause for some soul searching on the part of the Australian government. The two sides had more differences 50 years ago than today. Why is it that the Australian statesmen back then had the vision to follow the overwhelming trend and begin cooperation with China and engagement with Asia despite obstacles while today certain people in the Australian government are led astray by bias and choose to move against the invincible trend, constantly obstructing bilateral cooperation and even inciting confrontation? We urge the Australian side to take history as a mirror, heed the voice of insightful people at home, and revisit the original purpose of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Australia. We call on it to reject Cold-War mentality and ideological bias, do more things to promote bilateral mutual trust and cooperation in keeping with the spirit of the two sides' comprehensive strategic partnership and the interests of the two peoples, and refrain from historical retrogression.

…..

Kyodo News: We've learned that the case of Cheng Lei, an Australian citizen suspected of illegally providing state secrets to foreign countries, has been handed over to the procuratorate for review and prosecution. Can you confirm this?

Wang Wenbin: We've stated China's principled position on the case of Australian citizen Cheng Lei many times. She was arrested on suspicion of illegally providing state secrets to foreign forces in accordance with law. The case is under further process. China is a country governed by law. China's judicial authorities handle cases in accordance with law and the rights of Cheng Lei are fully protected.

http://za.china-embassy.org/eng/fyrth/t1891109.htm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092493

File: 2c1f2e4216f82bf⋯.jpg (260.21 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Massed_performers_appear_t….jpg)

>>14071638

Australia has shown great resilience in the face of China’s aggression

PAUL KELLY - JULY 10, 2021

1/3

The Australian government would endorse the view of President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific adviser Kurt Campbell that China displays a “harshness” that seems “unyielding” in its dealings with Australia – but the bigger question is whether China’s pressure can break our will or fracture our unity.

This is an existential moment for Australia, with much of the world watching. It is a dangerous situation because Beijing, having triggered the confrontation, can hardly afford to lose. Yet the remarkable feature so far is Australian resilience, the resolve of public opinion and the recognition by most of the business sector that economics cannot be traded against national security.

Campbell advised Australia to be “settling in for long haul”. In fact, this has been the operating rule for Scott Morrison for some time. He has worked urgently to build coalitions of “like-minded countries and liberal democracies” to “push back against coercion” and achieve an Indo-Pacific region that is “open, inclusive and resilient”.

China’s retaliation against Australia is integral to the escalating great power strategic competition between China and the US, the issue being whether Australia succumbs as a client state or maintains its autonomy via the regional balance of power. Morrison’s speeches make it clear this is how he sees the contest.

We cannot know Beijing’s calculations. Yet China must be surprised that Australia hasn’t buckled to some degree. If you had said to people three years ago that China would threaten Australia’s coal, barley, wine, beef, education, lobster and timber industries but the government and public would stand firm, the reaction would have been disbelief.

The transition is astonishing. One of Campbell’s revealing lines in his Asia Society remarks this week was his perception a decade ago that Australia was susceptible to shifting away from the US towards a closer relationship with Beijing. The opposite has happened.

This highlights past US worries about the economic potential in Canberra-Beijing relations but, more significantly, China’s madness in replacing seduction with coercion in its dealing with Australia.

Campbell, often called the President’s Asia tsar, said the Biden administration saw China’s economic retaliation against Australia as designed to “cut Australia out of the herd” of US allies and “to try to see if they can affect Australia to completely change how it sees itself and the world.”

This goes to national identity. It is exactly how Morrison sees the challenge. This was made clear in his Perth speech last month when the Prime Minister said today’s challenges were about “where we are and who we are – our principles, our values and, of course, our national character”. Morrison has bet the house on Australian resilience against Beijing’s pressure. The question therefore becomes: what is Australia’s potential fault line? There are many possibilities. A Liberal-Labor split over China; commercial revolt over the pressure; a public that loses faith; or a schism in the federation. If you are betting, put a fractured federation at the shortest odds.

The empowerment of the premiers during Covid-19 isn’t a passing phenomenon. Australian politics is being transformed. Sooner or later disputes over China policy will see the premiers flex their muscles – another instance of a core change in power relations.

During his Perth visit last month, Morrison saw West Australian Labor Premier Mark McGowan, after which McGowan launched an assault on the PM, extraordinary even by his standards. “We are acting against our own interests,” McGowan said.

“The Prime Minister has a view he needs to attack (China) on trade. I’m more pragmatic, I’m more attuned to the interests of Western Australia and West Australians jobs. We sell them literally 20 times as much as we buy from them, why do we want to undermine that?

“I have been very clear with the commonwealth. I’m a premier of a state that actually carries the nation’s economy.”

McGowan branded the recent language from federal politicians and senior officials about possible war with China as “absolute madness” and “insane”. He said: “WA continues to trade through Covid with countries that buy our products, particularly when iron ore is over $200 a tonne. That’s what’s supporting the national economy, and yet we have politicians who want to destroy that.

“We have a massive trade surplus with China that employs hundreds of thousands of Australians, particularly here in Western Australia. If we lose our trading relationship with China, the economic consequences for Australia will be absolutely catastrophic.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092499

File: d74963751035f28⋯.jpg (109.37 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Kurt_Campbell.jpg)

>>14092493

2/3

McGowan said he and Morrison had a “very different” view of China relations. Have no doubt, this is a deep dispute and McGowan has great leverage here. China’s foreign ministry welcomed his remarks. The iron ore trade is safe for the time being – but for how long? If China cuts back the iron ore trade, there will be a political crisis between Perth and Canberra and McGowan will sheet the blame to Morrison. And don’t doubt that he will get traction in the West.

The story with business is far better. Deeply experienced in China business dealings and chair of the Business Council of Australia Global Engagement Council, Warwick Smith, made three points to Inquirer: most states still enjoy effective relations with Beijing; business accepts the national security imperative embraced by the Morrison government on China; and business should take the initiative to engage with the Beijing government.

The Morrison government has worked hard to secure corporate alignment with its China policy. This became a political necessity. Failure on this front would have been disastrous. “We understand the position of the government,” Smith said. “The fundamental point is that China has changed; it’s not Australia that has changed. It means we have to work out how we adapt and maintain our commitment as a trading nation with a heavy reliance on North Asia.

“For nearly two years, the Business Council of Australia has run quiet, deeply private meetings with all security agencies and key departments in Canberra. We are not screaming into the wind. We want to promote trade and dialogue but we think the government is doing the right thing.”

The security agencies have been charged by government to prioritise dialogue on China with the business community. Smith calls the briefings “really useful”. They have involved, variously, Home Affairs head Mike Pezzullo, Defence Secretary Greg Moriarty, ASIO chief Mike Burgess, Office of National Intelligence chief Andrew Shearer, Australian Secret Intelligence Service chief Paul Symon, former ONA head Nick Warner and current chair of the FIRB David Irvine.

Interviewed by Inquirer, Smith said China “had kicked some own goals”, and he branded the 14 points released by China’s embassy as the conditions to repair relations as “stupid and nuts” – with Morrison tabling these points at the recent G7 meeting for the benefit of other leaders.

The potential for political schism was revealed last month when WA Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, now Assistant Defence Minister, attacked McGowan, saying his comments were “weak, gutless and contrary to the Australian national interest”.

Hastie said McGowan’s intrusion into foreign policy saw him operating in a “hysterical” manner beyond his “level of ­competence”.

While McGowan said Australia must not trade its values and must stand against foreign espionage, his remarks left the impression that Australia could fix the trade dispute with China. If the Premier believes this, he should explain how. But Hastie went further in his critique, saying McGowan’s attitude revealed why the federal government had been obliged to pass new laws to assert Australian sovereignty against the behaviour of some states. Make no mistake, this is dangerous territory in terms of policy and politics.

Smith sits on the BCA board, and is pivotal to business ties with China. He said Australia had to get the balance right. “What I’m saying on behalf of business is let’s have good dialogue with our governments, let’s understand the ­security reality – and uphold the security principles – but let’s recognise we are reliant on one of the fastest-growing economic entities in the world, which is going to have more impact on us not less.”

Foreign Minister Marise Payne, having cancelled Victoria’s Belt and Road agreement with China under new federal laws passed last year, will soon ­adjudicate on a bevy of further agreements involving state governments and institutions with China. Only this week, the West Australian and Queensland governments said negotiated ties with Beijing must remain to ­secure trade and investments.

While Victoria declined to resist the Belt and Road cancellation, Smith called upon the Foreign Minister to proceed with caution, saying most agreements were “benign”. Payne faces a difficult assessment: the need to cut down deals that infringe Australia’s security and sovereignty, while trying to avoid any federal-state eruption over China.

“Surprisingly, all the states have good relations with China,” Smith said. “I understand Mark McGowan’s views and respect them. He’s got a lot to lose if iron ore goes backwards. NSW has a very good relationship and diversified trade with China, as does Victoria and Queensland – even Tasmania and South Australia. The states are focused on holding and extending their trade with China.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14092503

File: 7ee454d00abea06⋯.jpg (122.24 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Warwick_Smith.jpg)

>>14092499

3/3

Federal Labor remains locked behind Morrison, aware that breaking bipartisanship on China would expose it to attack on national security grounds as well as taking an unpopular stance at a federal election. But as Covid-19 shows, premiers operate in a different political framing. It is hard to see them challenging Morrison on foreign policy in the near ­future, but if China’s campaign deepens over time then fractures in the federation seem guaranteed. This must figure in Beijing’s calculations to try to break Australia’s nerve.

Campbell’s remarks repeated earlier assurances from the Biden administration – from the President, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security adviser Jake Sullivan – that “we are not going to leave Australia in the field”.

The Morrison government has put much store by these remarks. Campbell said America’s position in Asia had slipped and that it must intensify its efforts to prevent China’s domination.

This confirms a high degree of common analysis of China between the Morrison and Biden governments. Campbell affirmed early impressions that despite leading governments of different political disposition, Biden and Morrison have “a tremendous sense of common purpose” about the Indo-Pacific.

Note, however, that Biden will soon have a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping, something Morrison is denied. The ­optics might not be good for Australia. The meeting might bring guidance on where Biden will resist Xi and where they will agree, a critical point for Australia.

Note also that China’s foreign ministry blatantly said Australia’s trade suffered because it was a “cat’s paw” to the US and then suggested America was making inroads into the Chinese market in the vacuum left by Australia.

Beijing always searches for the diplomatic wedge.

Few observers believe China will retreat from its pressure on Australia, despite the failure of its tactics so far. Smith warns we need to be careful with Australia being “heavily reliant” on iron ore revenues. Yet Beijing burns with resentment at such Australian market control and seeks alter­native sources of supply. Smith thinks Australia has medium-term security with iron ore but warns that “nearly 70 per cent of our raw wool goes to China”.

The economic partnership is being redirected. He said China’s new investment into Australia was “collapsing”. The task facing business is “to hold our trade and diversity our trade”. Meanwhile, Smith said the China-Britain Business Council met last week with Premier Li Keqiang and several Chinese ministries.

That’s right, Britain’s business community is speaking with China’s premier, with Britain part of the Five Eyes intelligence group, having backtracked on Huawei and sending an aircraft carrier to the South China Sea. The task facing nations was “to manage dialogue despite deep and extreme differences over technology and strategy”.

Could Australia’s business community mount such a venture? “It’s possible, yes,” Smith said. Maybe China wouldn’t accept such a proposal now but, at some point, “doors need to be opened”. If they are not, that will ultimately rebound on the Morrison government.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/australia-has-shown-great-resilience-in-the-face-of-chinas-aggression/news-story/9c84a95f4ca9cfad9ffcea889b1825ee

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb609c  No.14092695

File: dedbbd31a360332⋯.png (101.14 KB, 1411x657, 1411:657, 87966756413254.png)

File: 7460c73f4a68fdf⋯.png (45.74 KB, 1005x830, 201:166, 7865412453890.png)

https://www.whitepages.com/name/Douglas-Stewart/CT

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14098337

File: 00fc685a0e03840⋯.jpg (200.32 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_pedestrian_crosses_an_un….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

Lidia Kelly - July 11, 2021

MELBOURNE, July 11 (Reuters) - Australia reported its first coronavirus-related death of the year on Sunday and a 2021 record 77 new cases of the virus in the state of New South Wales, which is battling an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

State Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the numbers in and around the country's biggest city Sydney, already under a hard lockdown, are expected to rise.

"I'll be shocked if it's less than 100 this time tomorrow, of additional new cases," Berejiklian told a televised briefing.

On Saturday there were 50 cases, the previous 2021 record high. The recent outbreak stands at 566 cases.

Of Sunday's cases, 33 were people who had spent time in the community while they were infectious, raising the likelihood that the three-week lockdown of more than 5 million people in Sydney and surroundings will be extended.

"Given where we're at and given the lockdown was supposed to be lifted on Friday, everybody can tell it's highly unlikely at this stage," Berejiklian said.

There are 52 cases in hospital, or about one in 10 people infected in the current outbreak. Fifteen people are in intensive care, five require ventilation. The death, the country's first locally contracted case since December, involved a woman in her 90s.

Australia has fared much better than many other developed countries in keeping its COVID-19 numbers relatively low, seeing just over 31,000 cases since the start of the pandemic and 911 deaths.

The vaccination rollout, however, has been sluggish due to supply constraints and changing medical advice for its mainstay AstraZeneca shots.

Vaccinations are available for now only to people over 40 and groups at risk either due to their health or exposure to the virus at work. Of those hospitalised in Sydney, 11 are under the age of 35 and more than three-quarters of the patients have not had any doses, health authorities said.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-reports-first-2021-covid-19-death-highest-case-number-2021-07-11/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14098427

File: 88c8f7677a796b6⋯.jpg (303.79 KB, 825x891, 25:27, AD_23.jpg)

Alexander Downer Tweets

#EvonneGoolagong and #AshBarty. We love them both!!

https://twitter.com/AlexanderDowner/status/1413880945418117125

Glenn Ray @GlennInTassie

Replying to @AlexanderDowner

And I hope you hate George Papadopoulos as much as I do for lying about our Country.

Great night for our Aussie Legends.

https://twitter.com/GlennInTassie/status/1413884433489219591

Alexander Downer @AlexanderDowner

Replying to @GlennInTassie

Honestly, I never give him a thought!

https://twitter.com/AlexanderDowner/status/1413895545618378758

Glenn Ray @GlennInTassie

Replying to @AlexanderDowner

He’s blocked me twice.

He doesn’t like being called on his lies about his Australian conspiracy.

Have a great Sunday.

https://twitter.com/GlennInTassie/status/1414000919428042759

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14098440

File: 80717248695afb3⋯.jpg (110.94 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Independent_senator_Rex_Pa….jpg)

Time to abandon One China policy, says senator Rex Patrick

CAMERON STEWART - JULY 10, 2021

Independent senator Rex Patrick has called for Australia to consider abandoning its One China policy amid growing tensions over Taiwan in the first such call by a federal politician since the 1970s.

The move comes amid rising international tension over China’s political and military pressure on Taiwan, with Japan this week saying it would join the US in defending Taipei against a Chinese invasion.

It also comes when there is a growing push within the government for Australia to strike a free-trade deal with Taiwan in defiance of China’s wishes.

Senator Patrick said China’s belligerence over Taiwan at a time of heightened tensions between Beijing and Australia meant it was time to review the One China policy, which has been an accepted bipartisan Australian foreign policy position since 1972.

Any move to abandon the One China policy, which recognises Taiwan as a part of China, would be greeted with fury in Beijing and would almost certainly end diplomatic relations.

In practice, Australia treats democratic Taiwan much like an independent nation supporting deep economic, business and cultural contacts with the island, which is now Australia’s seventh largest export market.

“For nearly 50 years, Australia has, as a price for good relations with Beijing, agreed to the diplomatic fiction that Taiwan is part of China and that Taiwan will one day be peacefully reunited with the People’s Republic of China. That political sophistry has now run its course”, Senator Patrick said. “Australia needs to have an open national discussion, and consultation with our close allies, on the future of this foreign policy orthodoxy that is no longer credible and is becoming unsustainable.

“The Coalition government and the Labor opposition need to publicly address this question. It must not be dealt with through ­silence and acquiescence.“

Senator Patrick said change was needed because of Beijing’s increasingly belligerent and threatening behaviour towards Taiwan over the past year. “Last year, the Chinese Communist Party dropped their nominal commitment to peaceful reunification with Taiwan and embarked on a steady escalation of political and military pressure, including almost daily violations of Taiwanese airspace,” he said.

“Chinese President Xi Jinping has made clear his ambition to assert control over Taiwan and end the island’s democratic autonomy. Last week, he vowed to crush any opposition to ‘complete reunification’ and ‘utterly defeat’ any attempt for Taiwan independence.”

Although relations between Australia and China are at their lowest ebb in years, the Morrison government has no plans to review the One China policy.

“Australia’s longstanding one-China policy is the basis of our relations with China,” a spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

“We do not take a position on Taiwan’s future status, and encourage China and Taiwan to resolve any differences peacefully.”

Australia abandoned its recognition of Taipei in 1972 as part of its agreement to restore diplomatic relations with China.

No Western nation has full ­diplomatic relations with Taiwan and only 15 states recognise Taiwan as a sovereign nation, including Honduras, Nicaragua and Swaziland.

Australia has been forging closer trade relations with Taiwan even as its relationship with China has deteriorated.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/time-to-abandon-one-china-policy-says-senator-rex-patrick/news-story/32fee8f0ac4b75793f6117850f311517

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14098466

File: 14b5e8150bc9004⋯.jpg (200.94 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_last_six_remaining_Aus….jpg)

File: d65c0711ea998e2⋯.jpg (217.39 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Defence_Minister_Peter_Dut….jpg)

National day to honour Australia’s Afghanistan troops

ADESHOLA ORE - JULY 11, 2021

Australian troops who served in Afghanistan and Iraq will be honoured with a national day of commemoration, as the federal government confirmed the nation’s longest war is officially over.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the day would pay tribute to the great sacrifice of the two-decade conflict that cost the lives of 41 Diggers and scarred a generation of veterans.

“The contribution of our troops over a very long time has contributed to a period of stability, the ability for girls to be educated and importantly, from our perspective and that of our Five Eyes partners, there has not been an attack the scale of 9/11 for over twenty years,” he told Sky News on Sunday.

“I want those Diggers to hear very clearly the message that because of their efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, they have stopped terrorist attacks from taking place in our country, in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand and elsewhere.”

Mr Dutton said Australians were “eternally grateful” for the nation’s troops who served in the Middle East.

The Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan – following the withdrawal of Western troops – has sparked concerns for the safety of Afghan interpreters and officials who helped Australia during the two-decade campaign. Former prime minister John Howard weighed in this week, saying the country had a “moral obligation” to provide asylum to Afghans who worked with Australian troops. The officials face a near-certain death from the ­resurgent Taliban.

Mr Howard, who committed Australian troops to Afghanistan in 2001, said the nation needed to urgently help those who risked their lives for Australia, and their immediate family members.

Mr Dutton said Australia remained committed to following a “rigorous” approach for granting protection visas and would not compromise on its security clearances.

“We don’t make any apologies for that … my job, my responsibility is to make sure we act swiftly to make sure we get those people here who have provided us with support,” he said.

“We will continue to do the right thing. Since 2013, 1480 visas have been issued to these interpreters and their families, those locally engaged employees.”

The Australian has revealed that hundreds of Afghan interpreters, aid workers and security guards who worked for the Australian government during the two-decade conflict have been left in limbo, including many with multiple character references from ADF personnel.

Mr Dutton confirmed that the last of Australia’s troops had been withdrawn from Afghanistan, bringing to an end almost 20 years in the war-torn country.

Mr Dutton said that the decision to withdraw ahead of the September deadline was based on advice from the Chief of the Defence Force.

“That doesn’t mean that we won’t be part of campaigns with the United States, perhaps involving the SAS or Special Forces when we deem that to be in our national interest or the interest of our allies,” he said.

The US pulled all its combat troops out of Bagram Air Base on Thursday but 650 of its troops will remain as security for the embassy. US President Joe Biden had pledged to withdraw all American forces by September 11 — the 20 year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/national-day-to-honour-australias-afghanistan-troops/news-story/7cbcbae22fd6c40e041b6f2f71c2c7b0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

741eb6  No.14098496

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14057971

>>14057972

Three warships docked in Sydney for joint missile exercises

7NEWS Australia

Jul 10, 2021

Three international warships are docked in Sydney Harbour tonight after a week of joint missile exercises.

It wasn't hostile, it was a chance for the nations to see how they work together as China strengthens its hold on the Pacific.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLJHjr2oRf8

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

b869ef  No.14104252

File: 436f72efa931a58⋯.png (2.69 MB, 1060x1860, 53:93, Screen_Shot_2021_07_12_at_….png)

File: 4d2912b754996ac⋯.png (2.16 MB, 868x1876, 31:67, Screen_Shot_2021_07_12_at_….png)

Apparently filmed over Bankstown in Sydney AUS

Who authorised the use of military drones to spy on civilians living under draconian lockdown in Sydney?

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105467

File: 5be68ec4fd6c2f4⋯.jpg (60.93 KB, 862x485, 862:485, A_network_of_senior_busine….jpg)

File: f40a53702406d31⋯.jpg (53.35 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Australia_contracted_Pfize….jpg)

Senior business figures turned to former PM Kevin Rudd to intervene in bringing forward Australia's Pfizer vaccine supply

Laura Tingle - 12 July 2021

1/3

The bringing forward of millions of Pfizer vaccine doses last week followed a back channels intervention eight days earlier by a high-powered network which included a senior business figure despairing of the government's failure to secure enough vaccine supplies, and a former prime minister.

The revelation comes amid continuing controversy, and conflicting reports, about delays and shortcomings in Australia's vaccine supplies, and why Australia is currently only contracted for 40 million Pfizer doses this year.

With changing health advice about the AstraZeneca vaccine, Pfizer is the preferred vaccine for Australians under 60 until they are supplemented with supplies of the Moderna vaccine later in the year.

A spokesman for Health Minister Greg Hunt said on Sunday that the bring forward was a result of government negotiations conducted with Pfizer Australia.

In late June, senior Australian business figures based in the United States had discussed making contact with the vaccine manufacturer Pfizer to see whether it was possible for Australia to get earlier access to larger supplies of the Pfizer vaccine as the COVID-19 Delta variant emerged in Australia.

This came amid continuing reports that Australia had bungled its negotiations with the company in talks going back to June and July last year which displayed a "rude, dismissive and penny pinching" approach, according to one source.

Australia eventually signed a deal for just 10 million Pfizer doses in November 2020, four months behind other countries.

Health Department officials have flatly denied many of these reports, but the businessmen in the US who had connections with Pfizer were hearing even more graphic accounts of how badly offended the company had been by the response to its early approaches to Australia last year when it offered access to what is now to be a crucial part of our vaccine coverage.

As a result, one very senior Australian businessman — whose identity is known to the ABC but who wishes to remain anonymous — held two meetings with senior Pfizer executives in late June, only to be rebuffed.

Senior Pfizer executives told the businessman that if Australia was to make a more serious effort, after its treatment at the hands of relatively junior bureaucrats, it would have to come from much higher up, expressing their astonishment that Prime Minister Scott Morrison had not directly spoken to the Pfizer chairman and chief executive Albert Bourla, as former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had done on multiple occasions.

The executives suggested that, in the absence of Mr Morrison, former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd — who was known to them because of his work in the United States as head of the New York-based Asia Society — may have some influence.

The network of businessmen contacted Mr Rudd and set up an introduction to Dr Bourla. A Zoom meeting was arranged on June 30. Mr Rudd sent a text message to Mr Morrison to tell him he was going to make the call, making clear he would be representing himself as a concerned Australian and not in any way as an emissary from the government.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105470

File: e5fcef3d6185866⋯.jpg (522.5 KB, 1241x1755, 1241:1755, 0001.jpg)

File: 661e6479da4b494⋯.jpg (94.88 KB, 1241x1755, 1241:1755, 0002.jpg)

File: 28eff528f54dee9⋯.pdf (363.46 KB, sm_bourla.pdf)

>>14105467

2/3

In a letter to the PM, obtained by the ABC, Mr Rudd subsequently reported to Mr Morrison on June 30 that, on the call, he had congratulated Dr Bourla on Pfizer's success in producing the world-class vaccine and discussed various challenges and political pressures it faced around the world regarding distribution and intellectual property waivers.

"I also used the call as an opportunity to ask Dr Bourla whether there was any possible way, given Pfizer's current international contractual obligations, to advance the dispatch of significant quantities of the Pfizer vaccine to Australia as early as possible in the third quarter this year," Mr Rudd told Mr Morrison in the letter.

"My understanding was that there were current contractual arrangements with the Australian government to deliver a total 40 million doses by the end of 2021. I did so not as a representative of the Australian government, but purely in my private capacity as an Australian citizen who cares for his country's wellbeing.

"Dr Bourla indicated that they had limited flexibility because of their existing supply obligations around the world. Nonetheless, he also indicated that a number of their manufacturing facilities were producing ahead of schedule. In response to my representations, Dr Bourla said he would personally look at "what further might be able to be done. I thanked Dr Bourla for that.

"Dr Bourla indicated that, if it became physically possible to bring forward delivery, he would require a further formal contractual request from the Australian government to that effect. I replied that that was understandable. I added, of course, that would be a matter for the Australian government and that I would pass this on to you.

"Speaking on my own initiative, I floated the possibility of Australia perhaps seeking a large-scale advance order of Pfizer's 2022 vaccine "booster" which, from what I have read, is still under development.

"I speculated that it might perhaps be possible for the Australian government to consider a commercial offer for the 2022 booster that would also incorporate a bringing-forward of the current order for the 2021 vaccine into the early part of the third quarter of this year.

"Once again, I emphasised to Dr Bourla that this was speculation on my own part, rather than me acting in any way on behalf of the Australian government.

"As Dr Bourla lives in New York, we also agreed to catch up when I return there later this year."

With no news emerging of a bring forward, Mr Rudd subsequently called Treasurer Josh Frydenberg a few days later to make sure that he was aware of the conversation.

A week later, and facing trenchant criticism from state governments about shortages of vaccine supply, and the alarming outbreak of the Delta variant which has now locked down Sydney for an unknown period, Mr Morrison initially announced on Thursday that there would be an additional 300,000 doses of vaccines – including 150,000 from Pfizer – made available to New South Wales.

A story subsequently appeared in The Australian newspaper that evening saying the federal government had secured a deal with Pfizer to lift supply to approximately 1 million doses a week, three times the weekly average of 300,000 to 350,000 a week in May and June.

Mr Morrison conducted an early morning media blitz the following morning, telling the Nine Network's Today show on Friday:

"We have been working with Pfizer now for quite some period of time to bring forward our supplies … I commend Minister [Greg] Hunt and Professor [Brendan] Murphy and Lieutenant General [John] Frewen for the great job getting those supplies brought forward."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105476

File: 128952a29e2913e⋯.jpg (110.58 KB, 2000x1334, 1000:667, Mr_Rudd_says_he_spoke_to_A….jpg)

File: 530d43bc40a55db⋯.jpg (118.29 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Australia_will_soon_be_rec….jpg)

>>14105470

3/3

Pfizer subsequently released a statement confirming the bring forward but emphasising it did not involve an overall increase in the contracted 40 million doses agreed with Australia.

Guardian Australia reported on the weekend Pfizer's former president of global R&D, John LaMattina, saying Australia's delay in securing a deal with Pfizer, while "unfortunate", was understandable because its success in containing COVID-19 had afforded it more time than others.

But the amount Australia eventually secured in November was "clearly lacking" and "unconscionable", Guardian reported him as saying.

"Once the amazing and unprecedented efficacy of the mRNA vaccines was established, ordering a mere 10 million doses was unconscionable," he said.

"When both Pfizer and Moderna demonstrated the potent efficacy of their vaccines, every country should immediately have reached out to these companies to place their orders.

"In the case of Australia, enough vaccine to inoculate its entire population over the age of 18 should have been done at once. Assuming that is about 20 million Australians, this would have cost about US$780 million (AU$1.04 billion).

"How much has Australia spent on COVID-19 relief packages?"

PM met with Pfizer Australia execs on numerous occasions

A spokesperson for Health Minister Greg Hunt told 7.30 on Sunday:

"The Australian government at all levels have been proactively and continuously engaged directly with Pfizer throughout the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

"As part of this process, the minister has met with the Pfizer Australia country head Anne Harris on multiple occasions with a view to the announcement Friday on the timeframe achieved and at the level we had hoped for, which was the maximum that Pfizer had indicated might be available.

"While we were made aware of Mr Rudd's approach, we are not aware this approach had any impact on the outcome.

"The Horizons document released in June referred to the expected base of 600,000 doses per week in August up to the one million per week figure which was achieved on an ongoing basis and we thank Pfizer for their continued support.

"We appreciate all contributions from those outside of government, even if they made no material difference to the outcome."

Government sources said Mr Morrison had been in touch with Pfizer executives in Australia on numerous occasions to discuss the rollout.

Asked whether the bring forward of existing commitments was the only contract variation made with Pfizer last week and whether Australia committed to a large-scale advance order of Pfizer's 2022 vaccine booster, which is still under development, a spokesman for the Prime Minister said answers to those questions were still commercial in confidence at this stage.

A spokesperson for Pfizer in Australia says reports suggesting any third party or individual had a role in "contractual agreements reached between Pfizer and the Australian Government" were "inaccurate".

All discussions on supply and procurement with the federal government were led by Pfizer representatives in Australia, the spokesperson said.

Pfizer had a strong relationship with the federal government, with continuous engagement both locally and globally in support of the national vaccine program, including supply requests, the person said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-11/kevin-rudd-australia-covid-pfizer-vaccine-supply-senior-execs/100284902

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/20987041/sm_bourla.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105480

File: 8f28b5cd065f8f1⋯.jpg (241.03 KB, 825x478, 825:478, MT_7.jpg)

>>14105467

Malcolm Turnbull Tweet

Thank you @MrKRudd for speaking to the Chairman of Pfizer to secure an earlier delivery of vaccines. Staggered the vaccination of Australians was apparently not important enough to warrant a call from @ScottMorrisonMP or @GregHuntMP to the Pfizer boss.

https://twitter.com/TurnbullMalcolm/status/1414349397337407489

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105482

File: 3a3b77b53411942⋯.jpg (90.24 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Kevin_Rudd_wrote_to_Scott_….jpg)

File: 0c03c6b9fc502f0⋯.jpg (59.75 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Pfizer_has_denied_reports_….jpg)

>>14105467

Pfizer denies Kevin Rudd helped Australia gain earlier access to COVID-19 vaccines

abc.net.au - 12 July 2021

Pfizer has flatly denied any suggestion former prime minister Kevin Rudd was responsible for Australia securing earlier access to its vaccines.

The government announced last week that Pfizer had agreed to bring forward the delivery of doses that were scheduled to arrive later this year.

A letter obtained by the ABC revealed Mr Rudd wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to inform him that he had talked with the global head of Pfizer and personally lobbied him to accelerate the deliveries.

Pfizer has released a statement saying all negotiations have been conducted exclusively with the federal government.

"Recent media reports suggesting that any third party or individual has had any role in contractual agreements reached between Pfizer and the Australian government are inaccurate," a Pfizer spokesperson said.

"The only two parties involved in these agreements are Pfizer and the Australian government. "

Health Minister Greg Hunt said he spoke with the local head of Pfizer weekly, and sometimes multiple times a week.

"Pfizer could not have been more categorical, this is something we have done through multiple, multiple discussions," Mr Hunt said.

"That's actually what has achieved this outcome."

"I respect that individuals will sometimes take initiatives, and we welcome and thank them. But did it make a difference? No."

Mr Rudd has declined ABC News requests for an interview.

A spokesman for Mr Rudd said the former prime minister sought the meeting with the company at the urging of senior Australian business leaders, who were "deeply concerned by the government's failure to lobby Pfizer at its most senior levels".

In his letter to Mr Morrison, Mr Rudd said he had congratulated Pfizer chairman and chief executive Albert Bourla on producing a world-class vaccine.

"I also used the call as an opportunity to ask Dr Bourla whether there was any possible way, given Pfizer's current international contractual obligations, to advance the dispatch of significant quantities of the Pfizer vaccine to Australia as early as possible in the third quarter this year," Mr Rudd told Mr Morrison in the letter.

Mr Rudd's spokesman said Mr Morrison gave the former prime minister "some advice and later thanked Mr Rudd for his letter summarising the conversation".

"Mr Rudd has not claimed responsibility for decisions by Pfizer and — as he made clear to Mr Morrison — all negotiating powers rested with the federal government," the spokesman for Mr Rudd said.

"Mr Rudd would definitely not seek to associate himself with the Australian government’s comprehensively botched vaccine procurement program."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-12/pfizer-kevin-rudd-covid-19-vaccines-australia/100286370

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105484

File: 31995d3595ae124⋯.jpg (32.38 KB, 800x450, 16:9, Dutton_tears_into_Rudd_s_t….jpg)

>>14105467

Dutton tears into Rudd's talks with Pfizer

Daniel McCulloch - 12 July 2021

Peter Dutton has ripped into former prime minister Kevin Rudd over his approach to Pfizer executives.

Mr Rudd contacted the pharmaceutical giant to secure fast-tracked shipments of vaccines for Australia.

He then wrote Prime Minister Scott Morrison a letter to brief him on the discussions, with a deal announced eight days later.

“I suspect it wouldn’t take our greatest detective within the Queensland Police Service to identify who leaked that self-serving letter,” Mr Dutton told 4BC radio on Monday.

“Kevin claims credit for many things, it used to drive his Labor colleagues crazy.”

The defence minister suggested Mr Rudd was inserting himself into the public debate because he was “bored to death in retirement”.

“I wouldn’t pay much attention to it,” Mr Dutton said.

Mr Rudd met virtually with the global head of Pfizer on June 30 and asked whether the delivery of Australia’s doses could be brought forward.

The pharmaceutical boss agreed to investigate what could be done.

On Friday, it emerged that more Pfizer doses would be delivered to Australia sooner than expected, with one million doses to be rolled out each week from mid-July.

The Federal Government confirmed it was aware of Mr Rudd’s approach, but was not aware whether it had any impact on the outcome.

Labor frontbencher Chris Bowen was unimpressed by the government’s response.

“It’s a little petty as the government to make those comments,” he said.

“All Australians regardless of your politics can welcome all former prime ministers playing a constructive role.”

https://thewest.com.au/politics/dutton-tears-into-rudds-talks-with-pfizer-c-3376776

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105492

File: 7e7c38f5136b6b9⋯.jpg (219.39 KB, 825x633, 275:211, PD_6.jpg)

File: b35d304d35f7714⋯.jpg (179.03 KB, 1440x601, 1440:601, E6EQoegVcAIdg4k.jpg)

Peter Dutton Tweet

.@MrKRudd

https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP/status/1414430137060192256

Pfizer statement

Attributable to a spokesperson for Pfizer:

Recent media reports suggesting that any third party or individual has had any role in contractual agreements reached between Pfizer and the Australian government are inaccurate. The only two parties involved in these agreements are Pfizer and the Australian government.

Pfizer is committed to delivering 40 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTechCOVID-19 vaccine to Australia over 2021. Pfizer has met its contractual agreements to date and is on track to deliver the remaining doses by the end of the year.

All agreements and supply arrangements, including dose planning are exclusively made with the federal government, and details of the agreement and discussions are confidential. All discussions on supply and procurement with the federal government are led by Pfizer representatives in Australia.

Pfizer has a strong relationship with the Federal Government with continuous engagement both locally and globally in support of the national vaccine program including supply requests.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105569

File: ced323a34cedd18⋯.jpg (133.75 KB, 1024x576, 16:9, Ben_Waters_centre_outside_….jpg)

File: 89c1ff675634e30⋯.jpg (64.38 KB, 1024x576, 16:9, Waters_was_released_on_str….jpg)

Former SA Labor political adviser Ben Waters pleads guilty to child abuse crimes

He had a high-flying international career and a plum spot with the Opposition – now this ex-Labor staffer faces a 15-year sentence for child abuse crimes.

Sean Fewster - July 12, 2021

A former political adviser to a senior Labor MP has admitted downloading and transmitting child abuse material over an app infamously used by terrorist organisations.

Ben Waters now faces a maximum 15-year prison term for his crimes – including being in possession of videos of children under the age of 14 years.

Waters, 38, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, one month earlier than his next scheduled appearance.

He had been charged with one count of producing child abuse material through a carriage service and two counts of aggravated possession of child exploitation material.

He had been further accused of two counts of possession of child exploitation material.

On Monday, however, Commonwealth prosecutors said the nature of their case against Waters had changed, withdrew their original accusations and replaced them with three new counts.

Asked if the court should set a new date for the matter, Michael Dadds, for Waters, said that would not be necessary.

“He will be pleading guilty,” he said.

Waters, formerly the senior political adviser to Labor MP Nat Cook, was arrested in April alongside senior correctional services officer Stewart Ian Berry.

He has worked across several Labor MPs’ offices as an adviser for the past decade, and as a campaigner in London for the UK Labour Party for 3 ½ years.

The duo’s arrests, and that of a third man, were prompted by investigations into HIV-positive paedophile Jadd William Brooker.

In court documents lodged on Monday, prosecutors accused Waters of three offences.

They alleged that, between January 20 and 26 this year, at Adelaide and other places, he both accessed and transmitted child abuse material using the Telegram app.

Courts around the state have previously heard that app has been used by terrorist organisations including Islamic State, and by far-right extremists, for encrypted communication.

Waters was further charged with two counts of having possessed child exploitation material, at Adelaide and other places, in March this year.

The first count alleged possession of images and videos of children under the age of 14, the second of children aged between 14 and 17 years.

Waters, standing in the dock of the court with his hands clasped in front of him, pleaded guilty to all three offences.

Magistrate John Wells remanded him on continuing bail to face the District Court in September, when a date for sentencing submissions will be set.

Outside court, Ms Cook said she trusted Waters’ pleas would “enable justice to be served as quickly as possible”.

“My thoughts have been and will continue to be with victims and their families affected by these abhorrent acts,” she said.

https://www.themercury.com.au/news/south-australia/former-sa-labor-political-adviser-ben-waters-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse-crimes/news-story/b4f566998fd2c55de7a073c671833df1

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105608

File: 2d26c8ffdec86ea⋯.jpg (1.3 MB, 3682x2455, 3682:2455, _Abusive_and_undiplomatic_….jpg)

Assertive China has misunderstood Australia’s toughness

Beijing thought we could be bullied because it has mistaken the pseudo-intellectual bourgeois left support for an ‘independent’ foreign policy for mainstream attitudes.

Alexander Downer - Jul 11, 2021

1/2

For those of us living and working overseas, it may be embarrassing that Australians are seen as a people cowering in their gilded cage, believing state medical officers who think COVID-19 can be eliminated and vaccines are dangerous.

Fortunately, we’re still admired for something else: the tough resilience our government and people have shown to China’s aggression.

This month, the Chinese Communist Party celebrated its centenary. They’ve done it in style. President Xi Jinping has boasted of the party’s many achievements and issued bloodcurdling threats to countries that may cross China. That’s standard fare for the leader of an autocratic society.

Let’s be fair: their greatest achievement has been to lift 600 million people out of absolute poverty since Deng Xiaoping’s reforms began in the late 1970s. It’s a breathtaking achievement, not just for China but for humanity.

That is not to forget, though, there have been terrible setbacks: the ironically named great leap forward, the famines, the cultural revolution and the succession of grotesque human rights abuses.

But still, until recently, China had handled its prosperity and its new found global status with great diplomatic skill. Fifty years ago, it responded to the bidding of the Nixon administration and changed the global balance of power by establishing diplomatic relations with the United States. That left the Soviet Union isolated. From China’s point of view, it was a brilliant move – as it was by the Nixon administration.

Since the 1980s, China has used its economic power to leverage itself into the centre of international diplomacy. That’s made a lot of sense. The world needs China’s economy as one of its locomotives and it needs access to its huge markets.

In this environment, China was subtly able to play Western countries off against each other. I remember during a game of golf, the then Chinese ambassador saying to me she would like Australia to be like France: a close friend of China which invested more in the relationship with Beijing than with Washington. Not surprisingly, I told her that wouldn’t happen!

All the same, we were very happy to invest in the China relationship not just economically but in building cultural, political and security ties. All this culminated in what was a high moment for Australian diplomacy: an address to the Australian Parliament by the presidents of both the US and China within the same week.

My point is, the Chinese Communist Party had indeed achieved some great things, at least since the 1970s.

Well, recently China has thrown much of this away. China has pursued a disastrous diplomatic strategy that has undermined its geopolitical objectives and aligned itself with the Putin regime in Russia and the ayatollahs in Iran. It’s not a comfortable place to be.

One of the biggest miscalculations by the Chinese leadership has been to single Australia out for special punishment. Not only has the Communist Party’s strategy been inappropriate but it has shown a complete lack of understanding of the Australian zeitgeist.

We can’t be 100 per cent sure of the thinking that went into the attacks on Australia, but it doesn’t sound as though there was much debate in Beijing about it. The decision to target Australia seems to have been an impulsive one.

Apparently the Chinese leadership wanted to use Australia as an example. Australia had criticised China over Hong Kong, Xinjiang and the South China Sea. And, more dramatically, the Chinese leadership seems to have taken offence when Australia called for an international investigation into the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Common sense should have told Xi and his team to ignore the Australian call, or else simply to say they agreed.

Instead, the Australians were denounced and economic sanctions were imposed. Abusive and undiplomatic language emanated from the mouths of official spokespeople.

I’m not sure who could possibly have made the decision for the embassy to issue a list of behavioural changes Australia should make before constructive relations could be restored, but it must go down in history as one of the silliest and most counterproductive ploys any embassy has taken.

Most seriously for Beijing, it has underestimated the popularity and importance of Australia. It has assumed Australia was a small, weak and vulnerable nation that could be bullied into submission and reduced to being a client state.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

282019  No.14105613

File: 1b37cca6fb435e9⋯.jpg (58.99 KB, 612x393, 204:131, Chinese_Premier_Wen_Jiabao….jpg)

>>14105608

2/2

Calls for ‘independent’ foreign policy

Ever since I can remember, there has been a line of argument from the Australian left that Australia is only a middle power and it should pursue a “independent” foreign policy, which is code for cutting the painter with the US.

In Beijing, they seem to think that reflects a widespread view in Australia. They’ve learnt the hard way it doesn’t, it is the view of the pseudo-intellectual bourgeois left, not the mainstream of Australia.

Australia values it’s “great and powerful friends”. It knows they give it substantially more weight in the world than it could ever have if it didn’t have, above all, its alliance relationship with the US.

As has been made very clear by senior officials in the Biden administration over the past few months, the US has thrown its full support behind Australia over the dispute with China. So have Britain and major countries in Europe.

Just as seriously for China, America, Japan and India have consolidated their relationship with Australia through the Quad.

Within Australia, there is as close to unanimity on how to respond to China’s threats as could ever be hoped. Within Parliament there is very little disagreement with the Australian government’s determination to stand up to bullying by China. The business community has increasingly come on side, as have many commentators.

So when in Beijing they do a stocktake on how their treatment of Australia has worked out, they might like to take the following into account.

First, they have consolidated the security relationship between Australia, the US, India and Japan through the Quad. Second, the treatment of Australia as well as a number of other countries has driven America’s allies in Europe, which had fractured under the Trump administration, back into the arms of the US.

Third, they have done great damage to their relationship with Japan. Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister last week said for the first time Japan would support the US and Taiwan should China attack Taiwan. While I would expect that to happen anyway should such a war ever break out, it is a huge diplomatic setback for China that a Japanese leader would say such a thing. It just shows how isolated China has become, and that’s all its own work.

Despite all this, we need to show China that there is a pathway out of this ridiculous impasse. China needs to reopen high-level dialogue with Australia including ministerial meetings, and begin to do that through multilateral forums such as the G20, APEC and the East Asia Summit.

For Australia’s part, we need to make it clear we would welcome that dialogue – and the government has done that – and that while we do have differences over issues like Hong Kong, the Uighurs, the South China Sea and so on, we don’t pursue a policy of containment and we don’t welcome a new cold war.

In the meantime, it has been impressive to see Australia emerge as a strong, principled and admired country.

Alexander Downer was Australia's longest serving foreign minister, from 1996 to 2007, and most recently Australian High Commissioner to the UK.

https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/assertive-china-has-misunderstood-australia-s-toughness-20210708-p587vy

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

21b666  No.14110865

File: a41c17506471688⋯.png (28.34 KB, 782x534, 391:267, ClipboardImage.png)

SEND TO ALL MP's and POLICE

Australian Vax push isn't supported by the data:

Never before have dying people who get the flu been listed as dying from the flu, NEVER

72.7% of people who died from COVID-19 had pre-existing chronic conditions certified on the death certificate.

https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/covid-19-mortality-0

Chronic conditions - Chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia. Common chronic conditions include cancer, heart disease and diabetes.

https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/chronic-conditions

Number of COVID-19 deaths in Australia as at June 2021, by age and gender

https://www.statista.com/statistics/1245896/australia-number-of-coronavirus-deaths-by-age-group-and-gender/

The median age of deaths is 86 years (range: 27 to 106 years).

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-at-a-glance-4-july-2021

The vaccines are not safe.

COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 08-07-2021

The TGA has received and reviewed 355 reports of deaths in people who have recently been vaccinated

https://www.tga.gov.au/periodic/covid-19-vaccine-weekly-safety-report-08-07-2021

There is no research data on safety or effectiveness:

Many of the large-scale clinical trials that will provide evidence of safety and effectiveness are still progressing and these results will be provided to the TGA as they become available. The TGA will also evaluate quality data (such as how the vaccines are manufactured).

https://www.tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines-undergoing-evaluation

In West Australia they passed this referring to the vaccine as poison:

Public Health Act 2016 (WA) – Instrument of Authorisation – Authorisation to Supply or Administer a Poison [SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) VACCINE – Australian Defence Force] (No.2) 2021

Guidance

An authorisation by the Chief Health Office under the s. 197 and s.198 Public Health Act 2016 (WA) to authorise relevant Australian Defence Force employees to supply and administer the COVID-19 Vaccine.

https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/public-health-act-2016-wa-instrument-of-authorisation-authorisation-supply-or-administer-poison-sars-cov-2-covid-19-vaccine-australian-defence-force-no2-2021

The “experimental”, or "provisionally approved" as it's called in Australia, "vaccine" itself is in violation of Article 32 of the Geneva Convention. Under Article 32 of the 1949 Geneva Convention IV, “mutilation and medical or scientific experiments not necessitated by the medical treatment of a protected person” are prohibited. According to Article 147, conducting biological experiments on protected persons is a grave breach of the Convention.

https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/ihl/INTRO/380

The "vaccine" is in violation of all 10 of the Nuremberg Codes which carry the death penalty for those who seek to violate these International Laws.

https://media.tghn.org/medialibrary/2011/04/BMJ_No_7070_Volume_313_The_Nuremberg_Code.pdf

The Australian Government is KNOWINGLY engaging in Crimes Against Humanity

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

3a6b69  No.14112163

File: 3ae46c73260c11d⋯.jpg (67.48 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Julian_Assange_s_biologica….jpg)

File: aaaa71174c0ac66⋯.jpg (92.7 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Julian_Assange_and_Stella_….jpg)

File: 2bc08b726525cbf⋯.jpg (134.82 KB, 958x639, 958:639, Stella_Moris_with_her_and_….jpg)

Saving Julian Assange: Meet the people closest to the Wikileaks founder

Karl Quinn - July 13, 2021

A documentary that offers rare insight into the efforts of Julian Assange’s father and the mother of his two children to keep him out of the clutches of the US security apparatus will have its world premiere next month.

Australian director Ben Lawrence (Ghosthunter, Hearts and Bones) was granted unprecedented access to the people closest to the imprisoned Wikileaks founder as he fights US attempts to extradite him from Britain to face espionage charges that carry a maximum 170-year sentence: his father John Shipton, a retired self-taught builder with a six-year-old daughter in Melbourne; and Stella Moris-Smith, the human rights lawyer who began a relationship with Assange while he was holed up in the Ecuadorean embassy and is the mother of his two youngest children.

Lawrence’s film Ithaka, which will have its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival in August, includes video-phone calls between Moris-Smith and her fiance from inside London’s Belmarsh Prison, where he has been held since April 2019.

Shipton and Moris-Smitth were not especially willing participants in the film, according to Lawrence, but they put aside their reticence for their shared cause – trying to save Assange. Lawrence said they had seen the film and it felt “authentic”. “But they both felt like they didn’t want to watch it more than once,” he said.

Assange is an absent presence in the film. He has not been photographed since 2019, but the video phone footage, shot between August 2020 and April this year, offers brief glimpses.

At least it will if its director can get clearance to use it. “Because of the ongoing legal hearings everything can be used against them,” Lawrence says. “They’re extremely cautious about what is discussed and how they live their lives.”

Lawrence says the Assange recorded on the phone between August 2020 and May 2021 is “underweight, bearded” and probably experiencing depression. “But he’s surviving,” he says. “He looked better than he did when he was arrested.”

When Assange’s half-brother Gabriel approached the filmmaker last July to see if he’d be interested in working on a documentary, Lawrence assumed he’d be covering the story that began with the release of the material leaked by US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea (then Bradley) Manning in 2010. “But when I got to the UK it all fell by the wayside,” he says. “I just became fascinated by John, this man who at a late stage of his life has embarked upon this odyssey across Europe. Then slowly Stella became more and more involved. The people are what grabbed me when I got there.”

The resemblance between the 76-year-old father and his 50-year-old son is striking, even if Shipton can’t, or won’t, see it.

“John says the apple fell from the tree and rolled far away – he denies there are any similarities,” Lawrence says. “But everyone who knows both of them, and Stella in particular, will say how similar they are. The physical similarities are striking, but what people have told me is the way they view the world, the way they describe the world, their interests are very similar.

“That makes it quite a fascinating look at parents and children, what is nurturing and what do we pass on, because John didn’t see Julian from when he was two or three until he was in his 20s.”

Shipton describes himself in the film as “Aspergic”, and talks about his isolation as a young man, his inability to understand and connect with people. “He’s a very engaging person but also very abrupt, abrasive with the world at times,” Lawrence says. “The way he frames the world is unique.”

By its nature, Ithaka can not offer us much of an insight into the man at its heart. “Where previously Julian had the ear of the world, now John and Stella are left to speak for him,” observes Lawrence.

Rather, it seeks to remind the world of the issues at stake – freedom of information, accountability, the public’s right to know – and the forces squaring off in this fight. An older man and a single mother (and their supporters) on one side, an infuriated US on the other.

“I think a lot of people have disengaged from this story,” Lawrence says. “This is a different door through which to engage with it, a more humanistic view.

“I understand there might be a bit of reluctance through fatigue or because people have made their minds up about Julian, but I think there’s a greater story here: how do we feel about what he’s done, how do we feel about what’s been done to him, and is it proportionate?”

https://www.smh.com.au/culture/movies/saving-julian-assange-meet-the-people-closest-to-the-wikileaks-founder-20210712-p588zx.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c6d4e9  No.14112426

>>14105613

I hope those two swamp creatures arrive in President Trump's Cross Hairs. Just Vermin.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

c6d4e9  No.14112433

>>14105482

Gitmo Trials are going to be busy with these Aussies. Can't Wait

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112475

File: cf4bc852e42a6ea⋯.jpg (777.29 KB, 1250x833, 1250:833, Chinese_Foreign_Ministry_s….jpg)

China-Australia tensions flare over South China Sea

Michael Smith - Jul 13, 2021

1/2

China has accused the Morrison government of “political manipulation” for supporting an international court ruling rejecting its territorial claims in the South China Sea, as security tensions in the region rise.

The fifth anniversary this week of a 2016 ruling, which found in favour of the Philippines and challenged China’s claim to resources in the region, has reignited a stand-off between Beijing and Canberra over the sensitive South China Sea issue.

It came as the United States used the anniversary to warn it would defend the Philippines against any attack by Chinese forces in the South China Sea, and as Beijing claimed it had chased a US warship from islands in the region this week.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne reaffirmed the Australian government’s support for the Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which found China’s historic claims in the region were invalid.

“The Australian government has consistently called on the parties to the arbitration to abide by the tribunal’s decision, which is final and binding on both China and the Philippines,” she said.

The Chinese Embassy said on Tuesday it deplored the Australian government’s statement on the South China Sea and reiterated China’s rejection of the ruling, which it said was illegal.

“The award of the arbitration is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or participate in the arbitration, nor does it accept or recognise the award,” an embassy spokesperson said.

“We urge the Australian side to view the historical merits and facts of the South China Sea issue in an objective manner and stop any political manipulation.”

Australia has stepped up its activities in the South China Sea this year in co-operation with the US and other allies.

China’s claims in the region, as well as over Taiwan, top security tensions between the US and its allies.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken marked the anniversary of the tribunal ruling on Monday by saying the US was committed to defending Philippine forces from attack in the South China Sea.

The Biden administration reaffirmed the Trump administration’s policy that the US would not take a neutral stance on the ruling as previously thought. The US said it would actively support the Philippines.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112476

File: 8107b75e7ce0885⋯.jpg (545.37 KB, 2000x1331, 2000:1331, Australian_US_and_Japanese….jpg)

>>14112475

2/2

Activity in the disputed waters has stepped up this year. The arrival of more than 200 Chinese fishing boats around a disputed reef in March triggered a diplomatic row between China and the Philippines.

The US reportedly sent a warship to the disputed Paracel Islands this week in what it said was a routine freedom of navigation operation. Chinese state media said it had been sent away with a warning.

The 2016 ruling technically undermined China’s claim to resources within the sea located within its controversial nine-dash line - an ambiguous territorial marker it has been using for 70 years to claim the bulk of the South China Sea. However, it has no enforcement mechanism and China has never recognised the decision.

Five south-east Asian countries have locked swords with Beijing in the resource-rich region: Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei. Australia and the US have no territorial claims.

China also this week revived its criticism of Australia’s human rights record at the United Nations, in the latest sign Beijing has no plans to tone down its rhetoric against the Morrison government.

China’s Foreign Ministry singled out offshore detention centres, the treatment of Indigenous Australians and alleged war crimes in Afghanistan in what it said was evidence of “serious human rights violations”.

“While turning a blind eye to its own human rights abuses, Australia points fingers at other countries’ human rights conditions based on lies and rumours. This fully exposes Australia’s hypocrisy on human rights issues,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Monday.

Mr Zhao was the Chinese foreign ministry official who angered Prime Minister Scott Morrison last year by tweeting a doctored photo of an Australian soldier slitting the throat of an Afghan boy. In March this year, he also compared Australian government’s refugee detention centres to concentration camps.

His comments echoed some made by China in Geneva last week at the UN Human Rights Council’s regular review of Australia’s human rights performance.

Mr Zhao said on Monday “hate crimes” targeting African-Australians, Asian-Australians, Muslims and Indigenous people in Australia were serious.

Most of his criticism focused on the treatment of Indigenous Australians during the early days of colonisation, the White Australia policy and high unemployment and low life expectancy among Indigenous Australians.

He reiterated criticism of off-shore detention centres and accused Australian troops of committing war crimes in Afghanistan.

https://www.afr.com/world/asia/china-australia-tensions-flare-over-south-china-sea-20210713-p589bm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112479

File: e98d0554468817c⋯.jpg (1011.83 KB, 1173x2023, 69:119, Marking_the_5th_Anniversar….jpg)

>>14112475

Foreign Minister Marise Payne

Statement - Marking the 5th Anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Award

12 July 2021

Five years ago today, an Arbitral Tribunal established in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) reached a clear and unanimous decision on the South China Sea arbitration between the Philippines and China.

It found that China’s claim to ‘historic rights’ or ‘maritime rights and interests’ established in the ‘long course of historical practice’ in the South China Sea were inconsistent with UNCLOS and, to the extent of that inconsistency, invalid.

The Australian Government has consistently called on the parties to the arbitration to abide by the Tribunal’s decision, which is final and binding on both China and the Philippines.

Our position is guided by our principled support for international law and UNCLOS. UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. It contains clear rules that apply to all countries for maritime claims, the lawful uses of maritime spaces, including freedom of navigation and overflight, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

Adherence to international law is fundamental to the continuing peace, prosperity and stability of our region. It allows all states – big and small – to resolve disputes peacefully.

Australia will continue to support the right of all countries to seek to resolve disputes peacefully and in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.

https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/marking-5th-anniversary-south-china-sea-arbitral-award

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112485

File: 01d2b82cb7dbf52⋯.jpg (882.82 KB, 1238x1166, 619:583, Chinese_Embassy_Spokespers….jpg)

>>14112475

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks - 2021/07/13

We deplore the recent statement by the Australian side on the South China Sea issue. China's sovereignty, rights and interests in the South China Sea have been formed in the course of a long history. They are supported by abundant historical and legal basis and upheld by the Chinese government all along.

The South China Sea arbitration violated the principle of state consent. The arbitral tribunal exercised its jurisdiction ultra vires and rendered an award in disregard of law. The arbitration has major fallacies in fact-finding and application of law and violates UNCLOS and international law. The award of the arbitration is illegal, null and void. China does not accept or participate in the arbitration, nor does it accept or recognize the award.

China and countries concerned have effectively managed differences through dialogue and consultation. China firmly protects the friendly, cooperative relations with regional countries, and firmly safeguards peace and stability in the South China Sea. We urge the Australian side to view the historical merits and facts of the South China Sea issue in an objective manner and stop any political manipulation.

http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1891607.htm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112489

File: 692ab5a6d343838⋯.jpg (31.4 KB, 500x312, 125:78, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14112475

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 12, 2021

China News Service: The 47th Session of the Human Rights Council deliberated on the Third Cycle of Universal Periodic Review on the human rights conditions in Australia. The representative of China criticized human rights problems in Australia. Russia, Syria and the UN Refugee Agency also expressed their concerns. Australian media commented that "the strongest public criticism came from China". What is your take on that?

Zhao Lijian: China's criticism is the strongest because there is solid evidence for Australia's numerous human rights violations.

The systemic discrimination and hate crimes targeting African Australians, Asian Australians and other minorities as well as Muslims and Indigenous people are very serious in Australia. Historically, Australia committed genocide and forced labor against the Indigenous people, which led to massacre and enslavement. The Indigenous population ranged from 750,000 to one million before colonization. But it fell to 74,000 in the 1930s. The Indigenous people were deprived cruelly of their languages and cultural rights. From 1910 to 1970, the Australian government adopted the White Australia policy and assimilation policy. It established English residential schools where the Indigenous students were forced to go so that they were separated from their families and their groups. In the schools, the students were banned from speaking their Indigenous languages, which brought 110 out of the 300-plus languages to the verge of extinction. Australia forced the adoption of nearly 100,000 Indigenous children in white families or specialized institutions to cut their language and cultural ties with their original groups, making them a "stolen generation".

Even till this day, the Indigenous Australians are living in dire situations. From 2018, the average unemployment rate of the Indigenous people is around 20%, nearly four times that of the national average. The average life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is 7.8 to 8.6 years shorter than that of non-Indigenous people. The infant and child mortality rate is twice that of other groups. By March 2020, Indigenous people account for nearly 30% of the incarcerated in Australia, far higher than the proportion of Indigenous population.

In addition, Australia set up off-shore detention centers in third countries, where a large number of immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers are forcibly detained for a long time or indefinitely with their basic human rights gravely violated. Australian troops committed serious war crimes in their overseas military operations in Afghanistan and other places. But they get away unpunished.

While turning a blind eye to its own human rights abuses, Australia points fingers at other countries' human rights conditions based on lies and rumors. This fully exposes Australia's hypocrisy on human rights issues. The Australian side should stop attacking and smearing other countries under the human rights pretext, do some soul-searching and resolve its own human rights issues well.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1891450.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14112492

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14112475

Australia needs to do some soul-searching and put its own house in order.

SpokespersonCHN发言人办公室

Jul 12, 2021

It's hypocritical for Australia to point fingers at others' human rights conditions based on lies, while turning a blind eye to its own human rights abuses. Australia needs to do some soul-searching and put its own house in order.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRvDLWqz40A

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

a0f179  No.14115769

>>14112492

China still trying to deflect?

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14119986

File: c7cb2ea4e6ca9f7⋯.mp4 (1.86 MB, 1024x576, 16:9, The_Chinese_auxiliary_gene….mp4)

File: 788aad336eeb15e⋯.jpg (100.29 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_Tianwangxing_is_expect….jpg)

Chinese spy ship returns to waters off Queensland ahead of Defence's largest war-fighting exercise

Andrew Greene - 14 July 2021

The Australian military is closely tracking a high-tech Chinese surveillance ship making its way towards Queensland ahead of large-scale military exercises which begin this week.

Defence sources have told the ABC the auxiliary general intelligence (AGI) vessel Tianwangxing (which translates as "Uranus") is scheduled to arrive on Friday.

The vessel is then expected to monitor the Talisman Sabre 2021 war games involving Australia and the United States, which will be officially opened today.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton confirmed Australian Defence Force (ADF) assets had been closely monitoring the Chinese military vessel for "several days".

"We are aware that the People's Liberation Army (Navy) general intelligence ship Tianwangxing is approaching Australia's east coast via the Torres Strait," he said.

"We have been monitoring its approach to Australia for several days as part of Australia's broader surveillance effort."

In 2019, the same Type 815 vessel was also tracked by the ADF as it travelled to Australia to monitor the biennial Talisman Sabre war games.

The Tianwangxing is fitted with advanced communications systems including several clearly visible spherical domes, which shield dish antennas that collect and intercept radio signals and give it a distinct profile.

"We fully expected a ship of this class to arrive in our region during the exercise and have planned for its presence, as we do for every iteration," Mr Dutton said.

"The presence of similar vessels did not detract from Talisman Sabre 2017 or Talisman Sabre 2019, and we are confident that it will not impede this year," he added.

A military official, who spoke to the ABC on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly, said the Tianwangxing was keeping a deliberately low profile.

"The ship is in full EMCON (emissions control) at the moment, only broadcasting signals it absolutely has to," the official said.

"[It is only] responding to calls and hails by insisting that it is operating in accordance with international maritime law".

In a veiled reference to Beijing's activities in the South China Sea, Mr Dutton said Australia "respects the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same".

Talisman Sabre is described as "Australia's largest war-fighting exercise", but this year the number of international participants has been scaled back due to COVID-19.

Along with forces from the United States and Japan, this year the activity will also include military personnel from Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The Chinese Type 815 ship is expected to remain outside Australian territorial waters but within Australia's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Coral Sea as it monitors the fortnight-long war games.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-14/chinese-spy-ship-returns-to-australian-waters/100289192

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14119991

File: 084b91772b6a472⋯.jpg (422.11 KB, 825x1130, 165:226, TS_6.jpg)

File: 42f933141b9695d⋯.mp4 (2.57 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, R97z2abYBUCLoAgB.mp4)

>>14119986

Talisman Sabre Tweet

1 more sleep until #TalismanSabre!

International forces? ✔

#COVID safe? ✔

Geared up & ready? ✔

The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow & #TS21 activities will ramp up over the coming days. Don't miss out on the action & stay tuned on our socials!

bit. ly/TS21-Info-

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1414762617638375425

https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14119998

File: a0fad65d8795136⋯.jpg (474.59 KB, 825x1206, 275:402, TS_7.jpg)

File: bcd41e0f0a68d50⋯.mp4 (2.02 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, TCwesHlQFM_c1wuK.mp4)

>>14119986

Talisman Sabre Tweet

We are on!

Australia’s largest joint exercise with the US #TalismanSabre is now underway with the opening ceremony held at #AusAirForce Base Amberley.

bit. ly/TS21-

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1415144073682378757

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/show-strength-talisman-sabre

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120003

File: 998abdb6f1ead85⋯.jpg (165.74 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Australian_Army_soldiers_o….jpg)

>>14119986

>>14119998

Show of strength for Talisman Sabre

Major Cameron Jamieson - 13 July 2021

The stage is set for the ADF and its United States (US) partners to undertake high-end joint land combat against a capable enemy force during the field component of Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21).

Starting this month, the ninth iteration of the biennial exercise will see ADF forces advancing to contact as part of a campaign to defeat an enemy force operating along the north-eastern coastline.

The land component of TS21 will focus on a combined Australian-US effort to close with and destroy an enemy force that has lodged and is defending key terrain.

The land manoeuvre will be executed in concert with amphibious and maritime manoeuvre forces, supported by offensive air support, and the overarching coalition joint force operations will be coordinated by the ADF’s Deployable Joint Force Headquarters.

Commander of ADF’s Deployable Joint Force Headquarters Major General Jake Ellwood said the latest TS exercise was essential in guaranteeing that high levels of interoperability were further enhanced between US and Australian forces.

“Talisman Sabre demonstrates that American and Australian militaries can quickly join forces and execute highly complex multi-domain operations in a demanding environment,” Major General Ellwood said.

“The exercise will also provide an opportunity for forces from the United Kingdom and Japan to operate alongside Australian and US forces during the amphibious landings, and some broader participation by forces from Canada, New Zealand and the Republic of Korea.

“Overall, these exercises provide an outstanding opportunity to develop broader interoperability with friends, partners and allies within the region and further afield.”

Major General Ellwood said TS21 was an opportunity to highlight that it is the sum of many capabilities, drawn together through high levels of interoperability, which makes for a highly potent and agile force.

“Our forces will yet again stand ready to operate side by side in any circumstance, be it to provide humanitarian support, to maintain peace or to fight,” Major General Ellwood said.

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/show-strength-talisman-sabre

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120011

File: 29b1e4a1262635b⋯.jpg (504.11 KB, 825x1016, 825:1016, TS_8.jpg)

File: fba295337036928⋯.jpg (1.14 MB, 3276x2196, 91:61, E6PRW1bVIAU7TX0.jpg)

File: 87a0553ba7aeb89⋯.jpg (1.1 MB, 3276x2116, 819:529, E6PRZzXVoAAg_cS.jpg)

File: c74a72b1f5bf812⋯.jpg (1.56 MB, 4096x2557, 4096:2557, E6PRZ0aVcAE6GDr.jpg)

File: 8fb6d9988c0b16e⋯.jpg (663.71 KB, 3200x1800, 16:9, E6PRcFiUcAQRvmE.jpg)

>>14119986

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Some shots from todays ceremony!

#YourADF and @DeptofDefense marked the commencement of Exercise #TalismanSabre at #AusAirForce Base Amberley today.

#TalismanSabre2021 #TS21

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1415205016952922117

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120016

File: 962d81d96120245⋯.jpg (566.44 KB, 825x1011, 275:337, RM_1.jpg)

File: 973aa5c4b87671e⋯.jpg (244.47 KB, 1500x1000, 3:2, E53GKzfWQAArr_g.jpg)

File: a7c22b83a77370f⋯.jpg (170.65 KB, 1500x1000, 3:2, E53EzDNWUAAadm0.jpg)

File: 96ad3baaa77e2fc⋯.jpg (266.95 KB, 1500x1000, 3:2, E53Ez15XEAI7ueA.jpg)

File: e7b79256d89c012⋯.jpg (113.49 KB, 1000x563, 1000:563, E53E4TjX0AQdyLJ.jpg)

>>14119986

Royal Marines Tweet

Down Under…

#RoyalMarines of @40commando have returned to Australia for @TalismanSabre. Commandos began their deployment acting as a 'pre-landing force' to pave the way for larger amphibious forces to land ashore.

Check it out: http://ow. ly/xToN50FsC2a

https://twitter.com/RoyalMarines/status/1413503821683126273

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/july/09/210709-royal-marines-in-australia

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120020

File: 13fb880adfddbb2⋯.jpg (197.64 KB, 1500x1000, 3:2, 1.jpg)

>>14119986

>>14120016

Royal Marines head on training raids in Australia

royalnavy.mod.uk - 09 July 2021

Royal Marines have carried out raids on sun-scorched beaches in North Queensland at the beginning of a busy deployment alongside allies in Australia.

Bravo Company of Taunton-based 40 Commando landed from helicopter carrier HMAS Canberra – flagship of the Royal Australian Navy – alongside troops of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, in the Cowley Beach Training Area, nearly 10,000 miles away from their Somerset home.

The commandos attached to the Australian light amphibious infantry to form a ‘pre-landing force’ designed to secure beaches and beachheads to clear the way for larger amphibious forces to land ashore.

The green berets and A Company of the 2nd Battalion carried out patrols before Chinooks and landing craft brought in waves of troops, armoured vehicles and artillery to shore for the main thrust inland, all with Australian Tiger attack helicopters in support overhead.

It marks the commandos’ return to Australia’s eastern coast to continue their work started in 2019, when they also attached to the 2nd Battalion.

“Over the next three days we practised break contact drills, navigation and patrolling through the jungle in our small 12-man team, as well as being shown and taught drills by our Aussie partners,” said Bravo Company’s Marine Sam Eva.

“This included beach marking, their landing drills and their rendezvous point drills.”

The marines swam 400 metres to shore in the waters of the Coral Sea from their landing craft and patrolled into the wilds of the training area, which is in a 19-mile zone on the Queensland coastline and also includes Lindquist Island, one of a string of protected islands in the region.

The commandos were ashore three days ahead of the main force completing their missions and worked in small 12-man teams on a range of intensive training scenarios, before later launching raids via Chinook alongside A Company from HMAS Canberra later in the exercises, known as Sea Explorer.

This was all part of preparations for the upcoming Exercise Talisman Sabre, which is Australia’s largest war-fighting exercise that takes place every two years.

On the sun-scorched terrain and on idyllic beaches, the commandos are spending part of the Aussie winter, in which temperatures can still reach 27°c, attaching themselves to the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment and training with allies from the USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, and New Zealand.

Talisman Sabre has been scaled back this year because of Covid-19 guidelines, with a maximum of 2,000 troops from outside Australia taking part in the exercises around the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Townsville - around 150 miles south of where the marines have been training so far.

“The deployment will give Bravo Company the opportunity to work with their Australian counterparts and other allies, allowing us to strengthen relationships, test each other’s skills and lay the foundations for future joint operations,” said 40 Commando’s Lance Corporal Miller.

Talisman Sabre will include amphibious landings, field and logistics training, urban operations, air combat and maritime exercises.

Bravo Company completed preparations for going Down Under with a mountain training and tactical exercise around Garelochhead in Scotland, including climbing Beinn Ime and Ben Vorlich.

LCpl Miller said: “The aim was to practise our navigation, teamwork and mountain skills while summiting these peaks.

“Over the two days we were fortunate enough to experience some of the most breath-taking views in the UK and also experience every type of weather Scotland had to offer.”

The arduous exercises also included working in small 12-man teams – a part of the evolving way in which Royal Marines’ are working – for the first time for many of the marines and using small drones to assist in making battlefield decisions.

https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2021/july/09/210709-royal-marines-in-australia

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120147

File: b63f89ea1ec91f9⋯.jpg (115.79 KB, 960x640, 3:2, The_Tianwangxing_is_sittin….jpg)

>>14119986

Australia ‘very wary’ of Chinese spy ship sitting off Queensland coast

Anthony Galloway - July 14, 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia is wary of a high-tech Chinese surveillance ship sitting off the Queensland coast monitoring military exercises between Australian and American forces.

The Chinese vessel is keeping an eye on the biennial Talisman Sabre war games involving Australia and the United States, which were officially opened for 2021 on Wednesday afternoon.

The Australian Defence Force has been monitoring the Chinese spy vessel, called the Tianwangxing, for a number of weeks. The auxiliary general intelligence ship, which is fitted with advanced communications systems, is sitting within Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone but outside its territorial waters.

Similar Chinese ships sat off Australia’s coast and monitored the war games in 2017 and 2019.

Mr Morrison said the vessel was not in Australia’s territorial waters, but the government was still “very wary” of the Chinese ship’s presence.

“We are wary, I’ve got to tell you,” he told radio station 2SM.

“But they are in an area where they are allowed to be, and we know they are there and we are keeping a close eye on it.”

Mr Morrison said Australia supports freedom of navigation in international waters and expected similar treatment when Australian ships operate near China’s territory. Australia has so far resisted conducting freedom of navigation exercises in the South China Sea.

“They’re allowed to be there and the law says they can be there – the Law of the Sea – just like the law says we can be up in the South China Sea,” Mr Morrison said.

“And so we would just simply say that we think the same tolerances and the same appreciation of those international laws should apply.

“Of course we watch them. And they are watching us.”

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the Australian government “fully expected” a ship of this nature to be arriving in the region during the joint exercises with the US and had “planned for its presence”.

“The presence of similar vessels did not detract from TS17 or TS19 and we are confident that it will not impede this year,” he said.

“Australia respects the right of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace, just as we expect others to respect our right to do the same.”

Liberal MP Dave Sharma, a former senior diplomat, said the Chinese ship’s presence “does not strike me as the act of a friendly nation”.

A spokesperson for Defence said it was aware the ship was approaching Australia’s east coast via the Torres Strait.

“Australia monitors all vessels operating in our maritime approaches,” the spokesperson said.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-very-wary-of-chinese-spy-ship-sitting-off-queensland-coast-20210714-p589pi.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120179

File: 4b6a68167ff8395⋯.jpg (24.39 KB, 500x300, 5:3, Rupert_Murdoch.jpg)

Murdoch and his press empire fuel anti-China feelings using media as a political weapon

GT staff reporters - Jul 14, 2021

1/2

A survey conducted by the Australia Institute shows that more than 42 percent of Australians believe that China and Australia will go to war sooner or later.

Where are Australians getting this inexplicable unease and fear? Observers and analysts point out that Rupert Murdoch, an Australian-born American media tycoon, has played a major role in this, acting as a sugar daddy behind the global anti-China opinion front.

Murdoch's media empire spans the globe. Through his company, News Corp, he owns a large amount of big name media brands such as The Wall Street Journal, The Sun, The Australian and Fox News.

At the moment, Murdoch and his News Corp seem to be weaving a web of anti-China opinion around the world, willfully using their media power as a political weapon. Meanwhile, widespread anger is brewing with the unrest caused by the unethical "reports" of his media legions.

Agitator of negative feelings towards China

It is no longer news that China-Australia relations are now frozen. But few people probably know that this situation might have been fueled by the media outlets owned by Murdoch's News Corp.

In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, some Australians helped the Chinese Embassy collect medical supplies to support Chinese people in the fight against the pandemic. Unfortunately, these actions were not reported by Australian mainstream media, which instead amplified the rumors that Chinese overseas companies were hoarding medical supplies and causing shortages in the Australian market.

When the epidemic began to rage in Australia, local media turned a blind eye to the fact that Chinese organizations had assisted a number of Australian companies in sourcing epidemic prevention supplies in China but continued to smear China. These claims were ultimately proven to be completely nonsense but they did serious damage to China's image in the eyes of the Australian public.

Observers pointed out that such a consistent negative environment in the public opinion against China is inseparable from News Corp which has the absolute monopoly of the Australian press.

Murdoch controls 70 percent of Australia's print media, notably The Australian, the national daily newspaper with the largest circulation. He also owns Sky News Australia and the most popular website in the country, Australian News.Net.

The Global Times found that it is difficult to see much objective reporting on China in these Australian media outlets under News Corp, who keep hyping the "China threat theory" and repeatedly spin lies on topics like Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet and 5G technology.

In addition to these clichés, they have also created rumors like Chinese "interference" in Australian politics, news reporting, and academic freedom. Fueled by these fake news, some Australians have even come to the absurd realization that anyone in Australia who is not hostile to Beijing is likely to be suspected of being a spy.

The Global Times also learned that the conspiracy theory that "the novel coronavirus disease came from Wuhan Institute of Virology" was first created and spread by News Corp's media.

Australian "celebrity journalist" Sharri Markson has been publishing "exclusives" in News Corp's The Daily Telegraph and The Australian since May last year with a clear "formula" for fabricating anti-China rumors: first, find or create a piece of information out of nothing; second, package it into "top-secret intelligence documents" to create a sense of mystery and credibility; and third, interpret and distort it wildly to slander China.

Even if these stories turn out to be unfounded, after they are amplified by similar news agencies, the slander against China still leaves a bad image.

Murdoch's chain of production of conspiracy theories about China in Australia has also been replicated by News Corp in the UK and the US.

For example, Fox News, an American multinational cable news television channel, has made several statements against intellectual property such as "China's theft of US intellectual property" and "compensation from China for the COVID-19 outbreak," which have manipulated public opinion against China.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120184

File: 58ca377c72093f9⋯.jpg (80.49 KB, 860x573, 860:573, Australian_ex_PM_Kevin_Rud….jpg)

>>14120179

2/2

Loss in the Chinese market

Murdoch was born in 1931 in Australia. His father, Keith Murdoch, also worked in the newspaper industry but never built a media empire. He left to his son the Sunday Mail and The News, both in Adelaide, which had a low circulation back then. But what Murdoch learned from his father is how to use the power of media as political influence.

Murdoch later travelled to London and since then, British politics has never been quiet. Murdoch was instrumental in both the election of Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair and, in more recent years, Brexit.

In the US, Fox News has always been the opinion ground of the right-wing conservatives who have continuously tried to make waves in American society.

In May 2020, former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd wrote an article on the Guardian titled "The Murdoch media's China coronavirus conspiracy has one aim: get Trump re-elected." He pointed out that what Murdoch was doing was influencing US presidential politics.

In an interview with Esquire in 2008, Murdoch said that he loved competition and all he wanted is to win.

Therefore, journalism ethnics were never an option in Murdoch's business philosophy.

In order to win, his journalists will go to any lengths, even fabricating stories. In 2011, Britain's News of the World had to close after it was involved in a scandal about the hacking of government officials to obtain news.

Several analysts pointed out that Murdoch is a media baron with no moral bottom line.

Murdoch once harbored the ambition of entering the Chinese market. In 1993, he purchased Star Media and actively participated in the establishment of Phoenix TV. In 1999, he married Deng Wendi as his third wife who also became News Corp's "main helper" to enter China.

However, after failing to get the approval from China's broadcast regulator in 2005, News Corp acquired the evening time slot from Qinghai Satellite TV. It changed the platform logo to bypass supervision and aired some programs from Star TV in the mainland which were later suspended for passing the red line.

Since then, News Corp's business in the mainland has been gradually hampered. It decided to sell its main assets in China in August 2010. At that point, the development center of Murdoch's media group in Asia shifted from China to India.

Come for profit, go for loss. After that, Murdoch's media immediately took a sharp turn towards China.

The eventual backfire

The West, which allowed the expansion of Murdoch's media power, has seen him continue to grow and that has backfired.

In Australia, Murdoch holds enormous political influence.

He has been accused of involvement in several leadership changes in Australia. Australian former prime ministers like Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull have cited News Corp and its huge influence as a reason for their downfall. Moreover, the few Australian media outlets that News Corp does not own have described Turnbull's fall as a "coup" led by Murdoch.

As a result, Rudd repeatedly criticized Murdoch by calling him "an arrogant cancer on democracy" and launched a petition calling for a royal commission into News Corp's dominance of Australian media, arguing that Rupert Murdoch's media companies employ tactics that "chill free speech and undermine public debate," the Guardian reported.

In Britain, Murdoch's tabloid The Sun has long presented readers with a demonized view of the European Union which has been directly linked with the subsequent Brexit deal. British politics has been in turmoil ever since.

In the United States, Fox News controls the real power of the American right-wing media and was a staunch ally of the Trump administration. In 2016, Murdoch briefly assumed the direction of Fox News and helped propel Trump into the White House by sharply reducing the visibility of Trump's opponents during the election campaign.

The "Foxification" has deeply poisoned American society.

A survey in March found that only 12 percent of Fox News viewers believed that climate change was caused by humans, compared with 62 percent of the rest of the United States.

Murdoch and his media groups are bringing about political chaos and social division in many countries like the US, Britain and Australia, and continues to promote a social anti-intellectual tide and the rise of right-wing forces.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228601.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120210

File: 0ce353cfebd85f3⋯.jpg (400.74 KB, 825x934, 825:934, CCGIS_3.jpg)

File: faf16c7028ab5cd⋯.mp4 (1.34 MB, 640x360, 16:9, vXD2a6BGjkb7kRWs.mp4)

>>14035922

Chinese Consulate General in Sydney Tweet

Papua New Guinea(#PNG) is the third pacific island country to administer Chinese #vaccines across the country, which demonstrates China's firm commitment to making its vaccines a global public good and a practical move to promote building a global community of health for all.

https://twitter.com/ChinaConSydney/status/1415235032394858502

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120228

File: 09a820671e8a74c⋯.jpg (70.08 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Chinese_President_Xi_Jinpi….jpg)

File: 49337b751fa45c4⋯.jpg (147.63 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, An_iron_ore_mine_in_WA.jpg)

File: 14385502ee31bd4⋯.jpg (280.37 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Containers_stacked_at_a_po….jpg)

Australian exports to China surge to new high

WILL GLASGOW - JULY 14, 2021

Australia’s exports to China have set a thumping new record in the first six months of 2021, underlining the “strategic nightmare” of Beijing’s dependence on West Australian iron ore.

Elevated iron ore prices motored Australia’s goods exports to $US76.8 billion ($103bn) for the first half of the year — up 36 per cent, or more than a third, on the previous record first six months in 2019.

Australia’s share of China’s total goods imports also hit a record high at 6.1 per cent, according to data released by China’s customs officials.

“The total value of goods exports to China hasn’t just eclipsed the previous record high — it has smashed it,” said James Laurenceson, director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at Sydney’s University of Technology.

Australia’s surging exports to China were achieved despite a 15-month-long trade coercion campaign by Xi Jinping’s administration after the Morrison government last April called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus.

Imports of iron ore, a key ingredient in steelmaking, have continued to enter China without any trouble at customs.

Huge demand from China’s steelmakers — along with supply problems from rival iron ore producer Brazil — have seen Australia achieve record export levels during the worst period in the bilateral relationship in half a century.

China imports more than 60 per cent of its iron ore from Australia, a situation Australia’s former Ambassador to China Geoff Raby has called a “nightmare” for Beijing’s strategic and defence planners.

The party-controlled tabloid the Global Times said the new trade numbers showed there was an “urgent need for the country to diversify” from Australian iron ore.

“The rapid increase in iron ore prices has greatly boosted the costs of steel production in China, driving up the steel prices and other downstream production costs, which is not conducive to the country‘s economic development,” the Global Times wrote in an editorial.

Beijing’s unofficial ban of Australian coking coal — previously its dominant supplier — has sharply increased the cost of the other main ingredient for China’s steelmakers.

China’s officials have complained about the high price of iron ore and the country’s dependence on Australia as a supplier for more than a decade.

The Rudd government in 2009 blocked an attempt by the Chinese state giant Chinalco to buy Rio Tinto, which along with BHP is the biggest iron ore producer in Australia.

Chinalco still owns 15 per cent of Rio Tinto.

The two companies are together developing the Simandou iron ore mine in West Africa, an ambitious project which Beijing hopes will reduce iron ore prices.

Australian iron ore is far from the only import of concern for Xi’s leadership team.

China’s top source of imports is Taiwan, which it considers a wayward province and was the source of 9.1 per cent of China’s goods imports in the first half of 2021.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is the dominant supplier for mainland Chinese tech giants.

The new customs data shows that China’s next five biggest sources of imports in the first half of 2021 were allies of its biggest strategic rival the United States and the US itself.

Japan was in second place with an 8 per cent share, followed by South Korea (7.9 per cent), the US (7 per cent), Australia (6.1 per cent) and Germany (4.8 per cent).

Professor Laurenceson said China has had political disputes with all of its top five import sources.

“So clearly trade and some political tension with China can coexist,” he said.

“But no other exporter is facing the same breadth of trade disruption that Australia is.”

Along with iron ore, liquefied natural gas — Australia’s second biggest export to China — has been undisturbed.

Sales of Australian wool, another resource on which Chinese producers are dependent, are also at record levels.

The wine and lobster industries have felt the most pain.

A more than 200 per cent tariff on Australian wine exports last November shuttered the $1.3 billion export trade almost overnight.

The hugely China-exposed $600m lobster trade has also been devastated after they were added to Beijing’s unofficial blacklist 8 months ago.

US President Joe Biden’s top Asia adviser Kurt Campbell last week warned that Beijing’s punishment of Australia “appears to be unyielding” and advised the Morrison government to settle in “for the long haul”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/australian-exports-to-china-surge-to-new-high/news-story/c7546f5d17b136239f40e0c639b36b1b

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120237

File: 6ed9b76d11de5e7⋯.jpg (146.2 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, An_iron_ore_mining_site_in….jpg)

>>14120228

GT Voice: Surging iron ore prices fuel China’s diversification efforts

Global Times - Jul 13, 2021

Despite the continuous decline in volume, China's iron ore imports in June still recorded a rebound in value from the previous month, an indication that it has become an urgent need for the country to diversify sourcing of the commodity.

China's iron ore imports reached 89.42 million tons in June, down 0.4 percent from May, while in US dollar terms, the import value grew 7.43 percent month-on-month to $16.78 billion, according to Chinese customs data released on Tuesday.

Among all the key commodities China imported in the first half of this year, the difference between the trends of the volume and value in China's iron ore trade is the most obvious. While iron ore imports gained 2.6 percent to 560.71 million tons in the first six months, the value of which surged 85.6 percent in US dollar terms to $93.01 billion, showed customs data.

The figures point to the stark fact that with iron ore prices surging to record highs, the urgency of China's diversification efforts has also been raised to an unprecedented level.

The rapid increase in iron ore prices has greatly boosted the costs of steel production in China, driving up the steel prices and other downstream production costs, which is not conducive to the country's economic development. Moreover, it is not just China's domestic industries that have suffered from the overheated prices, the global industrial chain may have also seen the adverse impact of the price transmission. This is because China is also a major steel exporter with total steel exports at 37.38 million tons in the first half of 2021.

At a time when China, as the world's largest iron ore consumer, hasn't sharply increased the import of the raw materials so far this year, there are also doubts as to whether the demand arisen from the global economic recovery was that strong to prop up the rapid climb of iron ore prices in recent months.

Against the backdrop, Chinese regulators have taken measures aimed at clamping down on soaring iron ore prices. Last month, China investigated the trading volume and prices of iron ore as part of its effort to stabilize the domestic market. Yet, it remains to be seen how iron ore prices will perform in the future.

Meanwhile, regardless of how complex the reasons are behind the iron ore pricing, there is a growing consensus that China needs to accelerate its iron ore diversification push in an all-round approach.

While at least 60 percent of China's iron ore imports is from Australia, other iron ore suppliers such as Brazil, India and South Africa are also believed to have the potential when it comes to increased supplies to China. In the first six months of this year, trade between China and South Africa soared 70.4 percent in US dollar terms, followed by trade between China and India with a growth of 62.7 percent, both outperforming the former's trade performance with other major trading partners. The iron ore trade is probably a big contribution behind such spectacular trade performance.

In addition, improving the utilization rate of steel scrap is also considered a necessary move to help reduce China's dependence on iron ore imports. In 2020, China's scrap utilization reached 260 million tons, which is estimated to reach 320 million tons by 2025, according to media reports.

Overall, the adverse impact of the record high iron ore prices on relevant industries has strengthened China's resolve to diversify the supplies of the important commodity, and such effort is bound to pay off as time goes by.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228581.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120266

File: 2d46c7d7078c9c1⋯.jpg (55.06 KB, 890x534, 5:3, Australian_prime_minister_….jpg)

US vows to work with Australia to oppose China’s ‘unfair’ trade practices

European Union set to join as third party if dispute between Australia and China moves to next stage at World Trade Organization

Daniel Hurst - 14 Jul 2021

1/2

The Biden administration has vowed to work with Australia to push back against China’s “unfair” trade practices, as the Morrison government seeks international support to fight Beijing’s tariffs on Australian wine.

With the US declaring it has “Australia’s back”, Guardian Australia has learned the European Union is also set to join as a third party if the dispute between Australia and China moves to the next stage at the World Trade Organization.

Trade experts say Australia stands to gain from the involvement of major players such as the EU and US, because they have larger ranks of trade litigation specialists and the wine dispute is likely to be more complicated than the barley tariff fight.

The trade minister, Dan Tehan, is set to fly from Vietnam to Japan on Wednesday as part of a two-week trip seeking to diversify Australia’s trade links amid growing tensions with China and to “champion support for a functioning global rules-based trading system”.

The US, EU, Japan and the United Kingdom are among those to have already joined as third parties in the WTO case on China’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on Australian barley, the first of a series of trade actions taken by Beijing as the relationship deteriorated last year.

But it is understood Australia has not yet received any requests to join the consultations on the more recently launched challenge against China’s tariffs on Australian wine.

In both cases, China has argued the tariffs are justified by Australia “dumping” products at low cost on the Chinese market and propping up the sectors with unfair subsidies – claims Australia denies.

Over the past two weeks, Guardian Australia has made inquiries with a range of countries as to whether they are likely to join as third parties in the case over the wine tariffs.

A spokesperson for the US Trade Representative (USTR) responded that the US was “engaging with allies such as Australia on addressing China’s unfair, non-market, and anti-democratic practices that harm our workers and businesses”.

The USTR, Katherine Tai, and Tehan had committed to enhance cooperation, the spokesperson said, adding: “The United States will pursue those shared objectives through the WTO as appropriate.”

A spokesperson for the American embassy in Canberra also said the US would “work with friends and allies to push back forcefully when we see countries attempt to undermine” the rules-based international order.

“We have Australia’s back against economic coercion, and other countries do too,” the US embassy spokesperson said.

The comments may be seen as an attempt to push back at China’s bid to drive a wedge between Australia and its US ally on trade. Some analysts in Australia also believe Australia suffered collateral damage from the Trump administration’s trade tactics.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120270

File: 4f37fade053eed6⋯.jpg (80.55 KB, 890x534, 5:3, Joe_Biden_Scott_Morrison_a….jpg)

>>14120266

2/2

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, last week amplified claims American exporters to China had gained at the expense of Australian exporters.

Zhao said Australia was acting “as a cat’s paw” for the US, and Australians were paying for their government’s “misguided policies”.

“We will not allow any country to reap benefits from doing business with China while groundlessly accusing and smearing China and undermining China’s core interests based on ideology,” Zhao said.

Australia formally requested consultations with China on the wine tariffs late last month, a step that must occur before a WTO panel can be established to hear the dispute.

Guardian Australia understands the EU will join as a third party if the issue cannot be resolved in talks, seeking to ensure WTO rules are consistently and correctly interpreted and applied. That would not mean the EU was taking sides.

The UK said it reserved its rights “in disputes where it has a substantial interest”.

“We will be following the matter closely and look forward to seeing the parties’ submissions in due course,” a spokesperson for the Department for International Trade said.

New Zealand said it had not made a decision to join any additional disputes “at this stage” but noted it frequently joined cases.

New Zealand had joined the barley case “because it raises systemic issues of importance to the effective functioning of the multilateral rules-based trading system”, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said.

“The system is currently facing unprecedented pressures – not least as a result of the trade impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

A source at the Japanese embassy in Canberra said Japan had joined the barley case “to engage constructively from the viewpoint of reinforcing the multilateral free trade system and facilitating peaceful resolution” of the dispute.

The source would not say whether Japan was likely to join the wine dispute, but it was “regularly exchanging views on trade issues with Australian government at various levels”.

“We see the implications of these issues are not limited to those between Australia and China; similar issues have arisen to a number of other counties including Japan,” the source at the Japanese embassy said.

“Japan also has the experience in the past of facing export restrictions by China on rare earths and requested and realised an establishment of WTO panels.”

Canada said it had been speaking on an ongoing basis with Australia to support and strengthen the rules-based trading system, and “continues to assess” whether to participate in the wine dispute. It had already joined the barley case.

“China’s trade remedy duties on Australian barley could have effects on global trade in barley, including on Canadian barley,” Global Affairs Canada said.

Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the trade-reliant country “attaches great importance to the rules-based multilateral trading system” and had participated as a third party in the majority of disputes brought to the WTO over the past year.

Trade experts predict the barley dispute could take two to three years to conclude, while the wine one could take even longer.

Jeffrey Wilson, the research director at the Perth USAsia Centre, said in both cases Australia would have to turn up with a complex set of legal arguments – a task that could be assisted by third parties with greater legal capacity.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/14/us-vows-to-work-with-australia-to-oppose-chinas-unfair-trade-practices

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120280

File: 7b3add9c5ef2d7b⋯.jpg (26.72 KB, 800x450, 16:9, Anthony_Caruana_has_been_f….jpg)

Pedophile NSW priest placed in custody

Greta Stonehouse - 14 July 2021

A Catholic priest convicted of sexually abusing 12 young boys in NSW, including one he told was "pleasing a man of God", awaits his sentencing behind bars.

Anthony William Peter Caruana, 79, has been found guilty of 26 charges including four counts of homosexual sex, the last being a majority verdict reached on Wednesday before the jury was discharged on a final count of indecent assault.

Judge Robyn Tupman thanked the jurors for all their time and effort following nearly 11 days of deliberation they "studiously attended to," and six weeks of evidence.

She said they were "perhaps overwhelmed by some of the things" heard.

The teacher and dormitory master took advantage of young boys at training, on excursions, in their rooms, and other parts of Chevalier College in NSW Southern Highlands, in the 1980s.

As a rugby coach, he held onto one 12-year-old's genitals while showing him how to pack a scrum, at a swimming carnival he grabbed those of a year-seven boy underwater after calling him over in the pool.

He attacked one 13-year-old multiple times in the band storage room while cleaning musical instruments.

On one occasion he grabbed the teenager's hands, forcing them down his pants, saying words to the effect of "God will love you if you do what I say" and "you're pleasing a man of God" as the boy struggled against his grip.

The former conductor testified that he never indecently touched any of the children, including one to whom he read his mother's monthly letters inside his own private room upstairs and not in the public dormitory.

He claimed his visits to the shower blocks were to ensure "no bastardisation," of big boys bullying the little ones, and denied fondling children in the dormitory saying they would playfully jump on him.

But in 1989 he left the school after complaints were made about his conduct towards those under his authority.

That same year, a questionnaire was filled out in Caruana's handwriting that demonstrated his sexual interest in boys aged 11 to 15.

One response spoke of feeling there might be something wrong with "my sexual problem".

"I was always worried it would be found out and now that it has, it has shattered me," read an answer to a question about having a "bad feeling".

When asked about any desire to change something by "magic", he responded: "This feeling I have towards young boys".

In giving evidence Caruana said he had left out a crucial part of the passage, which should have read "in my dreams".

Despite admitting to his former Missionaries of the Sacred Heart manager that he was a pedophile in the 1990s, in the witness box he said it was all because of "his dreams" that he had been worried.

Judge Tupman said she would recommend that Caruana be placed in "strict segregation given the nature of offences and his vulnerable age," when placed in custody.

Up to 12 of the complainants are expected to write victim impact statements for Caruana's sentence hearing on August 18.

His bail was revoked following the final verdict.

https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/pedophile-nsw-priest-placed-in-custody-c-3400366

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14120285

File: 46df908f095a254⋯.jpg (93.95 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Ben_Roberts_Smith_outside_….jpg)

>>14035776

Media seeks urgent hearing for Afghan witnesses in Roberts-Smith case

Michaela Whitbourn - July 14, 2021

Media outlets being sued for defamation by Ben Roberts-Smith have asked the Federal Court to hear evidence urgently from four Afghan witnesses in Kabul amid a deterioration in the security situation, but the war veteran’s lawyers say it would be too risky to hold a hearing during Sydney’s COVID-19 outbreak.

Sydney’s growing cluster of COVID-19 cases has wrought havoc with the Federal Court trial and in late June Justice Anthony Besanko called a four-week halt in the case against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Justice Besanko had scheduled a planning hearing for July 19, with a view to resuming the trial a week later on July 26. However, the NSW government confirmed on Wednesday that a lockdown in Greater Sydney, now in its third week, would be extended by at least another two weeks from Monday.

Lawyers for the media outlets have asked the court to consider resuming the trial for one week only to hear evidence from four Afghan witnesses who will be questioned via videolink from Kabul while the parties appear in a courtroom in Sydney. The witnesses are living in a safe house in Kabul awaiting the call to give evidence.

Counsel for the media companies, Nicholas Owens, SC, has previously told the court “the security situation in Afghanistan is deteriorating rapidly” following the withdrawal of coalition forces.

But Mr Roberts-Smith’s barrister, Bruce McClintock, SC, told the court during an online hearing on Wednesday that “we are very concerned about the public health aspects of such a hearing”.

“Since your Honour adjourned the proceedings two weeks ago, the situation vis-a-vis the virus has worsened very considerably in NSW,” he said. “We are not in any sense trying to prevent the respondents calling the Afghan witnesses, but we do have real concerns about the practicality of doing so and the public health risks.”

About 20 people would need to be present in the courtroom to hear from the Afghan witnesses, Mr McClintock said. He said at least one of the Afghan witnesses was accusing Mr Roberts-Smith of a murder and it would be “unfair and unjust to try and cut back the representation” to mitigate the public health risk.

Mr McClintock said he believed there was a “negligible” chance the trial could resume on its scheduled start date of July 26, and Mr Owens agreed, “unless there is a dramatic change”.

When the trial was adjourned, it had entered its fourth week of what is anticipated to be a run of up to 10 weeks.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing The Age, the Herald and The Canberra Times over a series of stories starting in June 2018 that he alleges accuse him of war crimes and an act of domestic violence against a woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. He denies all wrongdoing. The media outlets are seeking to rely on a defence of truth.

Mr McClintock suggested it might be necessary for Justice Besanko to consider relocating the trial to Adelaide or Perth if, for example, Sydney entered a protracted lockdown “for another two months”.

“If we need to keep this case going, depending on what happens in Sydney, it may be necessary to consider those things,” he said.

The parties return to online court on Monday to make submissions on issues related to the Afghan witnesses.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/media-outlets-want-urgent-hearing-for-afghan-witnesses-in-ben-roberts-smith-trial-20210714-p589is.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14126998

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre 2021 Opening Ceremony

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 15, 2021

The official Opening Ceremony to launch Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) took place at RAAF Base Amberley on 14 July 2021. VIPs in attendance included the Minister for Defence Peter Dutton, US Acting Charge d Áffaires Gavin Sundwall, and Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell.

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States. This year's exercise also includes forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom

TS21 aims to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios including, force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations.

All attending participants within the large-scale operations adhere to COVID-19 safe guidelines.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/talisman-sabre-kicks-queensland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQN2fvcVqO0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127001

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

We are ready - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 15, 2021

Thousands of troops have deployed to the Townsville Field Training Area ready to take part in Australia's largest bilateral training activity with the United States, Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

The ADF conducts the Exercise with the United States Defense Force and a number of other nations every two years to test Australia's interoperability in complex warfighting scenarios. This year Townsville is playing an important part in the activity with military personnel setting off from Lavarack Barracks.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/international/sabre-drawn-troops-ready-action

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgH2b3UA-P8

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127057

File: e80b5ca54b83bc9⋯.jpg (518.36 KB, 825x1049, 825:1049, AYS_6.jpg)

File: f8dc0992e0a0598⋯.jpg (319.62 KB, 1709x1139, 1709:1139, E6TCaJiVcAIo3cB.jpg)

File: 05432ea8ed527d0⋯.jpg (816.66 KB, 2500x1663, 2500:1663, E6TCdHlVUAES_YQ.jpg)

File: 4e2c0a3568e7bfa⋯.jpg (2.15 MB, 4032x3024, 4:3, E6TCeJOVIAAeZBg.jpg)

>>14119998

Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Attended opening ceremony of Exercise @TalismanSabre 2021.

Japanese warship and 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment of #JGSDF @ModJapan_en are participating.

Looking forward to many more exercises with Flag of Australia to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1415471695859650563

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127067

File: 96f8ce62cacdd78⋯.jpg (527.74 KB, 825x1054, 825:1054, DOD_6.jpg)

File: f4008e523516d46⋯.jpg (1.89 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6UoP2zXoAEG6xp.jpg)

File: 49c363907d76f3e⋯.jpg (1.5 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E6UoRaAXEAINlhM.jpg)

File: b432b0c99ae50ae⋯.jpg (2.39 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6UoSi8XIAMBBvB.jpg)

File: 96c30f5948836ec⋯.jpg (1.42 MB, 2965x4096, 2965:4096, E6UoTiSXIAMf5qw.jpg)

>>14119998

Department of Defence Tweet

The Talisman 'Sabre' has been drawn in Townsville, Queensland!

#AusArmy troops have hit the ground running, ready to train alongside their (United States) counterparts.

bit. ly/WeReady-

#YourADF #TS21 #TalismanSabre2021 @TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1415581979865718795

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/sabre-drawn-troops-ready-action

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127077

File: 9da280064d24c72⋯.png (2.01 MB, 1200x800, 3:2, Private_Samuel_Bennett_lef….png)

File: 46d056c6db3f70a⋯.png (1.79 MB, 1200x801, 400:267, Private_Jesse_Stroud_from_….png)

>>14127067

Sabre drawn, troops ready for action

Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - 15 July 2021

The Talisman ‘Sabre’ has been drawn in Townsville, Queensland, for Australia’s largest bilateral training activity with the United States.

Thousands of troops are preparing to deploy into the Townsville Field Training Area in the coming days.

Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21) is conducted every two years with the United States Defence Force and a number of other nations.

This year, Townsville is playing an important part of the activity, with military personnel setting off from Lavarack Barracks.

Commander 3rd Brigade Brigadier Kahlil Fegan said his forces were ready to hit the ground running with their foreign military partners after the exercise began on July 14.

“Exercise Talisman Sabre is strategically important because it’s an opportunity to train with one of our key coalition partners, the United States, in an environment that prepares Australian forces for high-end warfighting,” Brigadier Fegan said.

“It’s an opportunity for our soldiers – from our senior officers right through to our newest soldiers – to operate with foreign soldiers and understand how they work so if we ever have to work together in a contested environment, we can.

“This year we'll have the great pleasure of being able to train with a number of other nations in our own backyard up in the Townsville Field Training Area, up in the ranges.”

Explaining the exercise scenario for his soldiers, Brigadier Fegan said, in simple terms, it was about helping Australia’s neighbours.

“Our part of the exercise is based around the scenario whereby a fictitious foreign country, offshore to Australia, is dealing with a situation where an enemy force has manifested,” he said.

“As a result, the Australian Government has been asked to send in forces to help deal with that threat and restore that particular nation to normal government and governance.

“So that’s the scenario we are dealing with this year. It is exceptionally complex.

“There’s a lot of detail in it, and that makes the challenge of what we'll be doing with it very exciting.”

Private Jesse Stroud from the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, said he was excited to get to work out in the training area.

“During Talisman Sabre, I'll be an all-terrain vehicle driver, driving the quad bikes, the six-wheelers,” Private Stroud said.

“The vehicles ferry the stores throughout Talisman Sabre, so we stay pretty close to platoon headquarters.

“Today we are just getting them cammed up [camouflaged] and putting the stores on the vehicles and getting them ready to take up to the high range.

“What I’m looking forward to on Talisman Sabre is doing my job and driving the vehicles.

“This is my first Talisman Sabre, so it will be good to see all the joint services working together.

“We've got US Marines, Air Force, and the Navy involved; just that joint task force, so it will be good.”

TS21 is taking place across Queensland and involves more than 17,000 military personnel, including from the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

There are fewer international participants than previous years due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.

Exercise observer personnel from India, Indonesia, France and Germany were based in Australia.

All the foreign forces entering Australia have complied with state quarantine and travel requirements.

TS21 began on July 14, and activities will peak between July 18 and 31.

You can view more images here.

Follow the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 action here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/sabre-drawn-troops-ready-action

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127084

File: bbf27d890a946e0⋯.jpg (414.86 KB, 825x1102, 825:1102, TS_9.jpg)

File: 70d66f97e0ff7c6⋯.jpg (1.12 MB, 4096x2766, 2048:1383, E6TrX6JVEAQdAJA.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

A #TS21 first

The @USArmy will fire a Patriot missile for first time in Australia during #TalismanSabre.

http://bit. ly/Patriot-AUS

#YourADF #TalismanSabre2021 #AlliesAndPartners

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1415515328444911616

https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2021-07-14/talisman-sabre-exercise-australia-patriot-missile-2145244.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127095

File: 62ad7798eb2dd4d⋯.jpg (16.45 KB, 910x568, 455:284, A_Patriot_missile_is_fired….jpg)

File: 501a9931f38beed⋯.jpg (95.7 KB, 910x568, 455:284, U_S_Marines_are_ferried_as….jpg)

>>14127084

US Army to fire Patriot missile for first time in Australia during Talisman Sabre

SETH ROBSON - JULY 14, 2021

A combined task force of 17,000 U.S., Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean and British troops kicked off the biennial Talisman Sabre drills Wednesday in Australia.

The participants include a U.S. expeditionary strike group from the USS America, the amphibious assault ship based at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, along with 70 fixed-wing aircraft and 50 helicopters, task force commander Australian Army Maj. Gen. Jake Ellwood said in a telephone interview from Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Brisbane.

Live-fire training is scheduled at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, but participants will range as far afield as Darwin in the Northern Territory and Evans Head, New South Wales.

A Patriot missile defense system will fire from Shoalwater Bay at a pair of drone targets on Friday.

“This will be the first time a Patriot has fired from Australian shores,” Ellwood aid.

The Patriot was brought south by troops from the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade out of Sagami General Depot, Japan, according to deputy exercise director U.S. Army Col. Jerry Hall.

The proposal to deploy the missile defense system to Australia was hatched in 2009, he said during the same interview from RAAF Amberley.

A key part of the exercise is getting U.S. and Australian forces to work together with the Patriot, Hall said. The U.S. Army coordinates its employment of the system closely with the Air Force to integrate air and missile defense.

Australian Sen. Jim Molan, a retired major general, wrote in The Australian newspaper May 3 that his country was “more than likely” to experience a missile attack in any conflict between the U.S. and China.

“Many ordinary Australians, not just those who personally -experienced global conflict, are awakening to the sombre reality that war is not just possible in our region, but likely,” he wrote.

Talisman Sabre will also involve space, cyber, land, air and sea operations, Ellwood said.

U.S., Australian, British and Japanese troops will operate together from Australia’s amphibious ship, the HMAS Canberra, he added.

Japanese forces Down Under include the newly formed Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, a force modeled after the U.S. Marine Corps that’s charged with defending outer islands. The unit sent troops to Talisman Sabre in 2019.

Australia has developed its amphibious forces in recent years, Ellwood said.

“We are capable of significant amphibious operations,” he said, noting the ability of the Canberra and Australia’s other amphibious ship, the HMAS Adelaide, to conduct simultaneous operations during the 2019 exercise.

About 5,000 members of the U.S. expeditionary strike group will not go ashore during the training but about 2,000 other U.S. troops have just emerged from two weeks in quarantine, Hall said.

Getting thousands of troops into Australia during the coronavirus pandemic has been an extra challenge, he said, comparing it to adding another warfighting domain.

https://www.stripes.com/branches/army/2021-07-14/talisman-sabre-exercise-australia-patriot-missile-2145244.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127170

File: 4e4036b615a520b⋯.jpg (295.6 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, People_wait_in_line_outsid….jpg)

>>14020199

Melbourne joins Sydney in lockdown as COVID-19 spreads in Australia

Byron Kaye and Renju Jose - July 15, 2021

SYDNEY, July 15 (Reuters) - The Australian state of Victoria was ordered into a five-day lockdown on Thursday following a spike in COVID-19 infections, joining Sydney as the country's two main population hubs battle an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant.

From midnight, the state of 6.6 million people was told to stay home except for grocery shopping, essential work, exercise, healthcare and getting vaccinated. The lockdown in Australia's second-largest city of Melbourne is its fifth since the pandemic began a year and a half ago.

Combined with a stay-home order already in force in Sydney, the measure means nearly half Australia's 25 million population is under lockdown.

"You only get one chance to go hard and go fast," Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews told a televised news conference.

"If you wait, if you hesitate, if you doubt, then you will always be looking back wishing you had done more earlier. I am not prepared to avoid a five-day lockdown now only to find ourselves in a five-week or a five-month lockdown."

Melbourne spent about third of 2020 under curfew as the epicentre of the country's initial outbreak, suffering most of Australia's 31,400 cases and 912 deaths to date.

But it had largely avoided new infections while an outbreak in a Sydney beachfront suburb - 900km (560 miles) north - quickly spread through that city and surrounding areas last month.

That changed this week when a team of Sydney furniture movers travelled to Melbourne while infectious and introduced the virus to an apartment building.

By Thursday, dozens of Melbourne venues were listed as virus-exposed including a shopping centre, public transport routes and the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground stadium during a football match attended by thousands of people.

After nearly two weeks without a new case, the state had recorded 18 new infections in the past two days, spooking authorities who have emphasised the ease with which the Delta variant can travel between even passing contacts.

Adjoining South Australia state reintroduced mandatory quarantine for people arriving from Victoria, while neighbouring New Zealand also suspended quarantine-free arrivals from the state. With a "travel bubble" pause already in place with New South Wales, most direct flights between the countries are now effectively grounded.

STABILISING SYDNEY

The Victoria lockdown came as the New South Wales authorities reported a dip in daily cases, prompting hopes that a lockdown in place in Greater Sydney since June 26 will not be extended beyond a scheduled end date later this month.

"Whilst the case numbers are bouncing around, we are seeing a stabilisation. They are not growing exponentially," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in Sydney.

Berejiklian described the new case numbers as a "welcome drop", but warned infections could rise due to the growing number of infected people moving around in the community, particularly in Sydney's south-west.

Case numbers would still need to drop significantly for the city to leave lockdown, given 28 out of the 65 new infections reported were people active in the community, she added.

Of the more than 900 people in New South Wales who have been infected during the latest outbreak, 73 have been moved to hospital, with 19 people in intensive care. Two deaths have been reported, the first for the country this year.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, under pressure due to a sputtering vaccination rollout, said he would ask state leaders at a pandemic cabinet meeting on Friday to endorse a new programme of relief payments for businesses impacted by lockdowns.

Lockdowns "should be a last resort but sometimes with the Delta variant you come to that position a lot more quickly than you used to", Morrison said.

Just over 12% Australia's adult population of around 20.5 million have been fully vaccinated, with officials pointing to changing medical advice for vaccines and supply constraints.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-tracking-fresh-covid-19-cluster-melbourne-linked-sydney-outbreak-2021-07-14/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127190

File: 0b81766bca6f4dd⋯.png (727.3 KB, 650x1000, 13:20, Daniel_Jimmy_Hanson_frontm….png)

>>14085909

Lead singer gets 28 years prison for raping girls as young as 12

Lead singer Daniel “Jimmy” Hanson has been sentenced to 28 years’ prison for child rape and sexual assault of girls as young as 12 that he lured using his status as a band front man.

Candace Sutton - JULY 15, 2021

1/2

Lead singer Daniel “Jimmy” Hanson has been sentenced to 28 years’ prison for child rape and sexual assault of girls as young as 12 that he lured using his status as a popular musician.

The former frontman for bands Falling for Beloved and We Built Atlantis bowed his head in the NSW District Court as Judge Penelope Hock read out the sickening details of his crimes.

Beamed into the court from Shortland Correctional Centre in Newcastle, NSW, he kept his eyes cast down as the Judge listed his sexual acts against 14 females, “who were all children with two exceptions”.

She described how he used “a degree of force” and “caused pain” and “trauma” to the girls’ intimate parts during nine years of “unrepentant continual predatory sexual offending”.

In two cases, he put his hands around the girls’ necks, one who was nine years younger than him having had his “hand around her throat and pulling her hair”.

Hanson’s tactics to lure his victims, Judge Hock said, included flattery, threats, and coercion against girls, one of whom was 10 years younger than him.

He would convince the girls to take a bus ride in their school uniform, then he raped and sexually assaulted them at a favourite location, a stormwater drain under an overpass at Jesmond, west of Newcastle.

Other locations included his home, or when he became homeless, the living room of a 14-year-old whose mother had allowed him to sleep there, assaulting the girl two to three times a week for up to three months.

Appearing in prison greens from the maximum security prison in Cessnock, the 34-year-old listened as Judge Hock outlined his typical modus operandi as a well-known entertainer seeking sex from underage girls.

He would meet young girls at his band’s live gigs, flatter them, send them nude photographs, trick them into frightening sexual encounters and swear them to secrecy.

Hanson would use coded references for sexual favours he forced on the girls, calling them “besties things”.

Hanson pleaded guilty to 23 charges of child sex and indecent assault, including having sexual intercourse with a person aged between 10 and 14, and being an adult maintaining an unlawful relationship with a child.

Two offences of persistent sexual abuse of a child carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The offences were committed on victims aged from 12 to 22 years, between 2005 and 2014.

In custody since his arrest in 2019, Hanson’s earliest release date will be after a total of 21 years served, in August 2040.

The NSW District Court heard he befriended a 12-year-old year 7 girl on MySpace using the name “Jimmy Beloved” and claiming he was 18 years old.

Actually aged 22 at the time, he flattered her telling her she was “his bestie and she was beautiful”, Judge Hock told the court.

He met her off the bus at Jesmond and took her to the stormwater drain where he indecently assaulted her, then sexually assaulted using force.

When she refused, he became “agitated and insistent” and she “was frightened but wanted to please him”.

On the next occasion, he committed sexual intercourse on the 12-year-old causing her pain, the committed another sexual act.

In messages afterwards, he said: “good girl. It’s our little secret, don’t tell anyone”.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127192

File: dfbe1c52c8e80ce⋯.jpg (91.27 KB, 650x1001, 50:77, Hanson_actively_sought_out….jpg)

>>14127190

2/2

On the third occasion, by which time he’d turned 23, he again caused her pain and when she asked him to stop because it hurt, did not and then “became angry and said he would walk her back to the station”.

One victim who entered a relationship with Hanson recalled a party at which he had become so intoxicated that he passed out and he was angry because people were laughing at him when he woke up.

Hanson then pushed the girl “with such force she fell to the ground”.

On another occasion he became angry and pushed her so that she fell, hitting her head on a cupboard.

Judge Hock described victim impact statements delivered to the court last week as “eloquent” depictions of how their young lives had been devastated by Hanson.

She said the young women had experienced “self harm, feelings of worthlessness, panic attacks” and that one had said, “my teenage years were stolen from me”.

One victim described how Hanson had “love bombed” her when she was a 14-year-old girl, convinced her to wag school and then “raped her at a storm water drain”.

It was one of six victim impact statements read at Hanson’s sentencing hearing last week

The now grown woman described how she had felt “broken and unfixable” with her innocence stolen.

“I was brainwashed into thinking this was something special,” she said, NewsLocal reported.

While “barely a woman” she had become “the victim of sustained and psychological abuse” and had struggled to rebuild her life since.

The District Court heard how the victims’ encounters with Hanson had disastrous effects on their lives, resulting in nightmares, flashbacks, isolation and loss of control.

Court documents revealed between the ages of 18 and 24, Hanson showed sexual interest in young women under 16 and would use his status and popularity to seek sex from fans, going by the pseudonym “Jimmy Beloved”.

Police facts detailed how he would meet young girls at live gigs, ask for their phone number before sending them messages of a sexual nature, including nude photographs.

Then he would lure them into having frightening sex encounters, telling them “it’s our little secret”.

One victim was just 12 when he repeatedly sexually assaulted her.

In a victim impact statement she said he would say, “If you want to be best friend, we have to do besties things”, which was a reference to sexual favours.

Another victim told of her numerous suicide attempts following the abuse, feelings of shame, guilt and fatigue.

“My scars are a constant reminder of what you put me through. Each day is a battle mentally and physically, my first intimate experience was destroyed,” she read to the court.

“I now feel empowered, brave and determined, moving forward and never taking a step backwards.”

A letter written by Hanson was read out to the court, in which he expressed his remorse and claimed “full responsibility” for his actions.

“I am ashamed and embarrassed. The way I acted and what I did are totally unforgivable,” the statement said.

“I’m sorry for the pain and humiliation I have caused these women and their families.

“I won’t ask for leniency, I will use every day of my sentence to better myself, I am deeply sorry and hope my sentence can offer closure to my victims, and a chance to rebuild.”

Hanson’s barrister Peter Krisenthal said the offender had a difficult childhood during which he had been a victim of sexual assault when aged 11 and 12.

“It’s apparent at the time it was all about him, but he can see the malice of his behaviour, he’s accepted full responsibility. That is a powerful way of thinking,” Mr Krisenthal said.

However, Crown Prosecutor Karl Young said Hanson’s offending had taken place over many years and that the former singer had actively sought out young victims.

“There is some limited insight but a psychologist says he maintains distortions about some behaviour and seemed to accept responsibility for his conduct,” Mr Young told the court.

One of Hanson’s victims directly addressed the offender last week, telling him: “Today is the last day I identify as one of your victims.”

https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/lead-singer-gets-28-years-prison-for-raping-girls-as-young-as-12/news-story/c313a7a2c575296a3be5bce3fd7fca93

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127207

File: 67a6c3216624042⋯.png (642.3 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Police_investigations_into….png)

File: ab02956c8bc196a⋯.png (566.92 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Brooker_s_early_guilty_ple….png)

>>14020172

>>14105569

HIV-positive SA pedophile Jadd William Brooker admits to 38 crimes against children

HIV-positive pedophile Jadd William Brooker is officially one of the worst predators in SA history, having now admitted to 38 crimes against children.

Sean Fewster - July 15, 2021

HIV-positive pedophile Jadd William Brooker has confessed to two more child-abuse crimes – officially making him one of the worst sex criminals in South Australian history.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, Brooker pleaded guilty to the final two charges that had been laid against him.

He admitted that, at Glenelg between January 1 and February 18, 2017, he produced child exploitation material.

He also pleaded guilty to having communicated with a child, for a prurient purpose, on November 6, 2018.

The confessions mean Brooker now stands to be sentenced, in the District Court, for 38 child-abuse and sex crimes committed over a six-year period.

Brooker, 38, of Glenelg East, has already earned two sentencing discounts for pleading guilty to dozens of child-sex charges.

He will receive up to 40 per cent off his prison time for confessing to seven crimes just weeks after his arrest in September, and 15 per cent for 32 guilty pleas in May.

Previously, the court has heard Brooker expressed his intention to infect adults and children with HIV and filmed himself attempting to do so, meaning a victim had to be tested.

Prosecutors alleged he had committed “category five” crimes – involving acts such as coerced bondage, sadism, torture or bestiality – against six children and teenagers.

They also alleged the 4.5 million files of child abuse material on Brooker’s electronic devices could link him to pedophiles in Australia and around the world.

Investigations into that material led to the arrests of ex-Labor staffer Ben Waters – who on Monday pleaded guilty – ex-corrections officer Stewart Iain Berry and a third man.

Prosecutors last month dropped two of Brooker’s remaining charges but said they would proceed with two more.

On Thursday, Brooker – who has been in custody since his arrest – was remanded in custody to face the District Court in September.

At that hearing, a date for sentencing submissions will be set.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/hivpositive-sa-pedophile-jadd-william-brooker-admits-to-38-crimes-against-children/news-story/813889f00436b5892592db39a12c622c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127230

File: b01c16439459c60⋯.mp4 (10.29 MB, 640x360, 16:9, SA_man_who_paid_child_abus….mp4)

File: 8a6de05b4f19bbb⋯.jpg (131.67 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Andrew_William_Richards_ou….jpg)

Andrew William Richards pleads guilty to paying $65k to child abusers

This man pleaded guilty to paying child abusers $65,000 to watch kids get victimised – now see him try to claim that he only did it to rescue them.

Sean Fewster - July 15, 2021

An Adelaide man has pleaded guilty to paying child abusers in the Philippines $65,000 to watch their crimes live and online over a 15-year period.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday, Andrew William Richards confessed to abhorrent crimes that leave him liable to serve a 25-year prison term.

Outside court, however, Richards told a different story – insisting he had acted to help law enforcement officials around the world, not encourage harm to children.

He claimed to have spent the money purchasing “17 houses” for orphans to live in, saving them from a life of exploitation, and that he was proud of what he had done.

“I was into child rescue … you’ve got to have pictures and that to win the confidence of the terrorists,” he said.

Asked why he had pleaded guilty, Richards replied: “I’m not going to fight … I want the truth to come out, and it’s going to come out.”

Richards, 62, of Elizabeth, pleaded to two counts of encouraging child sex offences outside of Australia and using a carriage service to access child exploitation material.

He was arrested by the SA Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team in July last year, following investigations by another agency.

The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre identified and singled out payments he had made, and was making, to persons in the Philippines.

Court documents assert that, since 2006, Richards had paid “known facilitators of child abuse material” approximately $65,000 to view their activities.

During a search of Richards’ home, officers located child abuse material and extensive communication with residents of the Philippines.

Information gleaned during the search was provided to Philippines authorities to try to identify the victims and perpetrators.

On Thursday, after entering his guilty pleas, Richards was remanded on continuing bail to face the District Court in September, when a date for sentencing will be set.

Outside court, Richards said he looked forward to his September hearing.

“I grabbed them to use them for the terrorists, to gain their confidence, so someone could go and do the rescue,” he said.

“I bought 17 houses over the years … it’s where the kids ended up safe and secure because they’re all orphans.

“Everything will come out in the wash at the end … the name of the game is getting into the District Court, then it will all come out.”

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/andrew-william-richards-pleads-guilty-to-paying-65k-to-child-abusers/news-story/9a0a05b7118a20344e4968c2aad1b3ec

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127248

File: deb0f6e1d2b660d⋯.jpg (104.55 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_venue_hire_policy_woul….jpg)

File: 4d0a3cac4880624⋯.jpg (48.25 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Michael_Shoebridge.jpg)

File: 278385aa84b5169⋯.jpg (279.57 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Clive_Hamilton.jpg)

State’s venue policy and China link an arts-breaker in Western Australia

PAUL GARVEY - JULY 14, 2021

Performers from regions annexed by China have been barred from appearing at venues owned by the Western Australian government.

Any event linked to the likes of Taiwan or Tibet would be prohibited from hiring most of Perth’s major performance venues under a policy prepared this year by the Perth Theatre Trust.

The policy, which has also been used to bar the Australian Christian Lobby from renting venues across WA, prohibits bookings from organisations “identifying with countries whose political status is unclear or in dispute”.

“This includes countries which have been annexed, occupied or have otherwise declared their independence,” it says.

The hire policy drew a furious response from ethnic groups and foreign policy experts, who said it appeared to be aimed at appeasing China. WA Premier Mark McGowan has been an outspoken advocate for China, by far WA’s biggest trading partner, and has criticised the federal government and Prime Minister Scott Morrison over their handling of Australia’s relationship with the superpower.

Ramila Chanisheff, head of the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women’s Association, said the policy was “baffling” and went against Australian values of equality. “It’s just abhorrent to hear, it is difficult to believe, and I would question whether it’s legal,” she said.

Her association is a frequent user of government-owned venues in other states and has never encountered resistance from government agencies.

Zoe Bedford, the executive officer at the Australia Tibet Council, was shocked to learn of the policy and said it appeared a clear result of Chinese pressure. “This sort of interference is definitely creeping into Australian institutions. It’s really damaging, it shuts down free speech and stops people from hearing about human rights concerns in China.”

Michael Shoebridge, the director of defence, strategy and national security at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the policy appeared to be squarely aimed at Taiwan, despite engagement with the country being aligned with Australia’s position.

He said if there was increased sensitivity to cultural performances, it should be aimed at Chinese state-directed events that are a “clear” part of China’s plans to build influence in Australia.

“Australia needs to be doing more to engage with Taiwanese entities, including performing arts, business, education and other people-to-people links as a deliberate way of helping reverse the international isolation that Beijing has been inflicting on Taiwan and its people,” he said.

Last year, the Perth Theatre Trust apologised to the Chinese government after it allowed the Taiwanese Acrobatic Troupe to perform at the State Theatre Centre.

Clive Hamilton, a professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University and author of Silent Invasion: China’s Influence in Australia, said the policy reflected the “unseemly” relationship between China and WA’s political and business leaders.

“I would bet my bottom dollar that the Perth Theatre Trust has been pressured by a Chinese entity in adopting that policy,” he said. “It amounts to a violation of the principle of artistic independence and it’s the type of thing that should never take place in Australia.”

The latest hire policy was approved by the Trust on March 15 and updated again on July 1.

The policy could complicate any events linked to a host of groups from around the world, including any with links to Palestine, West Papua or other disputed territories.

Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute, said the WA government’s closeness with China meant it was obvious the policy was aimed at Taiwan. “The WA government is very open about its desire to have enduringly close relations with China and if that means stopping pro-Taiwan groups from booking theatres, that would obviously advance that cause,” he said.

The Perth Theatre Trust was contacted for comment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/states-venue-policy-and-china-link-an-artsbreaker-in-western-australia/news-story/2adacf08c27fc06a085871df4ca7faf3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14127263

File: 152004ee603da46⋯.jpg (25.6 KB, 800x450, 16:9, Minister_Peter_Dutton_has_….jpg)

>>14064462

Defence minister wary of Taliban turncoats

Daniel McCulloch - 15 July 2021

Peter Dutton has fanned fears Afghan interpreters seeking safety in Australia may have switched allegiances to the Taliban.

The defence minister is under growing pressure over delays in processing visa applications as the security situation in Afghanistan rapidly deteriorates.

Hundreds of Afghan interpreters, contractors and security guards who worked for Australia are seeking protection as the Taliban reclaims control of the country.

Graphic videos have emerged of Taliban tactical and military commanders conducting brutal and bloody reprisals following the departure of allied troops.

Mr Dutton said Australia needed to be wary about which Afghans were allowed into the country.

"We will bend over backwards as we've done to support those people who have helped our defence personnel out but it's not a blanket approval process," he told 2GB radio on Thursday.

"Somebody who was loyal and faithful to us in 2012 or 2013 might now be friends with the Taliban or switched allegiances."

The minister also raised concerns about the scope of some applications.

"There are applicants that have made their application to include extended family members," he said.

"Now, we don't do that. We are not taking cousins and great aunts and the rest of it. It is immediate family."

Mr Dutton raised the hypothetical prospect of bringing somebody out with question marks over their security, only for the individual to commit a terrorist attack in five or 10 years.

"People would rightly condemn us and we're just not going to compromise on the checks and balances we have got in place," he said.

The minister has previously made similar arguments about Lebanese people brought to Australia after a civil war in the 1970s.

"Let's learn from the mistakes we made in the past and make sure we continue to have an intake through the migration program that is in our country's best interests," Mr Dutton said.

"We are generous, that's the reality, and we provide support to those people that have protected and saved the lives of our diggers.

"But in some of those cases, where those people pose a security threat, they are not coming to our country."

https://thewest.com.au/politics/defence-minister-wary-of-taliban-turncoats-c-3407732

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14134711

File: 96b03ff7d14d9b4⋯.jpg (178.73 KB, 822x808, 411:404, A_Geraldton_man_s_charge_o….jpg)

File: 2243d7ee7c80586⋯.jpg (99.74 KB, 940x627, 940:627, The_prosecutor_told_the_Ge….jpg)

Commonwealth prosecutors drop charge against Geraldton man relating to importing child-like sex doll

Francesca Mann - 16 July 2021

A WA Midwest man, accused of importing a child-like sex doll, has had the charge levelled against him dismissed.

The 62-year-old man was one of two Geraldton men charged by the Australian Border Force (ABF) late last year, after officers intercepted two air cargo packages from Hong Kong as part of separate investigations.

He had previously indicated through his lawyer he would plead not guilty to the charge of importing a tier two prohibited good.

But the prosecutor told the Geraldton Magistrate's Court on Monday that the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) would not pursue the case.

In a statement, the CDPP said the matter had been assessed and would not proceed "as there were no reasonable prospects of conviction."

ABF officers also charged the 62-year-old with possessing child exploitation material after a search of his house last year.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday and his bail was extended ahead of his next appearance in the Geraldton District Court in October.

A second Geraldton man, who was also charged with importing a tier two prohibited good, will face court later this month.

The 65-year-old has not yet been required to enter a plea.

Under the Customs Act, prohibited tier two goods include child abuse material, weapons, some chemicals and human tissue.

The maximum penalty for importing a tier two good is 10 years' imprisonment and fines of up to $555,000.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-16/child-like-sex-doll-charge-dropped/100297428

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14134725

File: ec26e4681142b56⋯.jpg (372.02 KB, 825x899, 825:899, GP_297.jpg)

George Papadopoulos Tweet

Alexander Downer accused of spying by US Republicans in Mueller probe | 7NEWS

https://twitter.com/GeorgePapa19/status/1415752992020652036

Alexander Downer accused of spying by US Republicans in Mueller probe

Kelly Burke - 25 July 2019

The former Trump staffer at the heart of allegations into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election has taken to Twitter to attack the former Australian foreign affairs minister and ambassador to the UK.

George Papadopoulos has accused Alexander Downer of being a "Clinton errand boy and a wannabe spy", after former US Special Counsel Robert Mueller was grilled in a congressional hearing in Washington DC on Wednesday.

The questioning centred on a now-infamous meeting at a London bar in May 2016 between Downer, who was then Australia's high commissioner to the UK, and Papadopoulos, who was working on Donald Trump's presidential campaign at the time.

The final report into Mueller's investigation into whether anyone on the Republican Trump team conspired with Russia to discredit his Democrat opponent - and whether Trump himself then sought to obstruct justice by hindering the investigation - named the meeting in the London bar as the catalyst for an FBI investigation into alleged Russian interference that was launched two months later.

Over gin and tonics at the swank Kensington Wine Rooms in London, Downer says Papadopoulos told him Russia was sitting on damaging material the could derail Hillary Clinton's campaign.

Papadopoulos, who was subsequently convicted of lying to the FBI, has consistently denied this allegation made by his nemesis, who he dubs "the Devil from Downunder" in his memoir Deep State Target.

Papadopoulos claims he was set up by Downer, who was acting for Australian, UK and US intelligence agencies, a claim the former Australian ambassador says is "a little bit sad".

Twitter taunt

On Tuesday, Downer appeared to be goading Papadopoulos on Twitter, by revisiting the Kensington Wine Rooms with his daughter Georgina and tagging the former Trump aide.

"With @GeorginaDowner at Kensington Wine Rooms. I’m spying on her for CIA, FBI, MI6, ASIS, ASIO and many more!!! Another fantastic conspiracy theory is born! @GeorgePapa19"

On Wednesday, Republicans peppered Mueller with questions about whether Downer had been sent to spy on Papadopoulos.

Ohio Republican Jim Jordan listed Downer and an Australian official, Erika Thompson, who was working with him at the time, as two of four "human sources" the FBI used to "swirl around" Papadopoulos.

"In one of these meetings, Mr Papadopoulos is talking to a foreign diplomat (Downer) and he tells the diplomat, 'Russians have dirt on Clinton'," Jordan said.

"That diplomat then contacts the FBI and the FBI opens an investigation based on that fact."

Russian connections

Papadopoulos, a 31-year-old from Chicago, pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 14 days' prison for lying to the FBI about his contact with Russian nationals and an inscrutable Maltese identity called Joseph Mifsud, who is believed to have high-level connections within the Russian government.

Papadopoulos claims it was Mifsud who told him Russia had dirt on Trump's presidential rival Clinton.

Devin Nunes, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, suggested Downer was acting as an informant for the FBI.

"So Downer conveys a rumour he supposedly heard about a conversation between Papadopoulos and Joseph Mifsud," Nunes said to Mueller at Wednesday's hearing.

"(Former FBI director) James Comey has publicly called Mifsud a Russian agent.

"Yet your report does not refer to Mifsud as a Russian agent.

"Misfud has extensive contacts with Western governments and the FBI.

"For example, there was a recent photo of him standing next to Boris Johnson, the new prime minister of Great Britain.

"What we are trying to figure out here, Mr Mueller, is if our NATO allies or Boris Johnson have been compromised."

The hearing was shown a photo of Mifsud standing with Johnson.

Trump has claimed the Mueller report completely exonerated him from all allegations of Russian collusion and interference in the investigation.

In his congressional testimony on Wednesday, Mueller said he had not exonerated Trump of obstruction of justice.

But he said charges were never considered because he received legal advice that a sitting president was constitutionally immune from indictment and criminal prosecution.

However, Mueller agreed there was no legal impediment to a president being charged with a crime after leaving office.

https://7news.com.au/politics/world-politics/alexander-downer-accused-of-spying-by-us-republicans-in-mueller-probe-c-365172

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14134744

File: 751a55bbb69e670⋯.mp4 (5.88 MB, 640x360, 16:9, ASIO_launches_Why_I_Spy_ca….mp4)

File: 78ca72a1885c877⋯.mp4 (2.49 MB, 640x640, 1:1, 218030646_178634324298008_….mp4)

‘Why I Spy’: ASIO’s new social media campaign to attract a more diverse group of recruits

The nation’s top spy agency is using Instagram and YouTube to recruit spooks in a new campaign aimed at increasing diversity in its ranks.

DAVID HURLEY - July 16, 2021

The nation’s top spy agency will launch a major recruitment drive on Friday and use social media to try and attract people from across the community.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) “Why I Spy” campaign will launch on the spy agency’s Instagram page, which went live on Wednesday, before being rolled out on YouTube and Twitter.

The agency, which targets terrorists and foreign spies, will tell the stories of current employees to try and attract a diverse set of recruits.

More intelligence officers and analysts – the frontline staff who collect and connect the dots to keep Australians safe – are needed by the agency.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of ASIO, said a key aim of the campaign is to make the secretive agency as open and transparent as it can be.

“(It) highlights the diversity of ASIO’s curious, clever people – and the diversity of jobs we have available. People think spies are Bonds or Bournes, but real-world intelligence work is much more nuanced, and requires a far more complicated mindset,” Mr Burgess said

“ASIO is looking for clever, curious people who can think outside the box.

“There is no ASIO type – people of all types can work at ASIO.

“Our employees include former nurses, zoologists, teachers, engineers, music conductors, tradies, geologists, philosophers, surf lifesavers, lawyers and even journalists.

“Trench coats and fedoras are a fun throwback to our past, but not the reality anymore. Our spies are your neighbours and friends and members of your community. They are carers, parents, grandparents and community volunteers. They pay mortgages, coach sporting teams, look after loved ones.”

As part of the campaign Mr Burgess has shared the story of how he became the nation’s top spy.

After graduating from university he saw a mysterious job ad in a newspaper and rang for more information before being recruited.

One female intelligence analyst describes how she juggles being a mum with catching terrorists.

“My usual week consists of examining terrorist groups, going to the zoo, reading classified material, swimming lessons, briefing senior ASIO managers, and building Lego forts,” she said.

A male intelligence officer described being inspired to work for ASIO after the September 11 attacks.

“If you’d told me I’d grow up to be a spycatcher, I would have laughed at you,” he said.

“My first job was entering data on the night shift for the police … the 9/11 terrorist attacks profoundly changed my priorities.

“I landed a job as an ASIO admin officer and a couple of years later I became an intelligence officer.

“That’s how I caught my first spy. I didn’t catch him in the act … it didn’t play out like a movie.

“It started with a human source providing a scrap of information. We started connecting the dots.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/why-i-spy-asios-new-social-media-campaign-to-attract-a-more-diverse-group-of-recruits/news-story/f8dbfcda04113a4abeff89f1b5bc7947

https://www.instagram.com/p/CRWNcNeHhsS

https://www.instagram.com/asiogovau

https://twitter.com/ASIOGovAu

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14134789

File: 04236256d403f88⋯.jpg (497.92 KB, 825x1089, 25:33, TS_10.jpg)

File: 7dfd29adafda272⋯.jpg (840.44 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6Y3lcNWEAArSeB.jpg)

File: 9196265266f9779⋯.jpg (1.42 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6Y3l3pWUAAdnZg.jpg)

File: 86960da78eff51e⋯.jpg (1.69 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6Y3m1xXoAApMk1.jpg)

File: c19d0a6ee3c073a⋯.jpg (1.45 MB, 4096x2900, 1024:725, E6Y3nqaX0AI7wis.jpg)

>>14127084

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Here's a sneak peek of the US military rehearsing the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing in Australia yesterday, with the actual firing taking place this morning at Shoalwater Bay.

Stay tuned for the real footage

http://bit. ly/PAT-AUS

#TalismanSabre #TS21

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1415880293442015233

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/patriot-missile-firing-will-be-first

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14134793

File: 8b9e24e64cff797⋯.jpg (231.85 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, United_States_Army_personn….jpg)

File: 43434d86e45aa24⋯.jpg (197.33 KB, 1200x802, 600:401, A_United_States_Army_M901_….jpg)

>>14134789

Patriot missile firing will be a first

Private Jacob Joseph - 16 July 2021

At first glance, the rectangle crates might have looked innocuous, but the two containers loaded onto the US transporter housed some of the American firepower that will soon be on display during Exercise Talisman Sabre.

The pair of MIM-104 Patriot missiles were loaded for transport to a launcher at Shoalwater Bay ahead of the exercise in which they will be fired for the first time in the southern hemisphere.

They had been temporarily stored at an ammo point commanded by Captain Barend Nieuwoudt, of the 10th Force Support Battalion.

“There were a lot of checks and balances done to get these weapons and a lot of research to get the technical data we require,” Captain Nieuwoudt said.

The Patriot guided surface-to-air missile was developed in the 1980s to defend against aircraft and to provide cover for NATO forces against the signatories of the Warsaw Pact.

It was later upgraded to intercept tactical ballistic missiles and has since been deployed to the Middle East by the US and its allies.

Three different types of Patriot missiles are in service, according to US Army air-defence artilleryman Staff Sergeant Brendon Street, with the PAC-2 Patriot missiles to be fired during Talisman Sabre.

“Metal balls inside the missile shoot out and impact the warhead that’s coming in,” Staff Sergeant Street said.

During the firing, it is planned that missiles will track target drones more than 20km away at speeds of up to Mach 4.

Additional live-fire events will include M777 Howitzers and the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System vehicle-based rocket artillery.

In another first, the advanced field artillery tactical data system will coordinate fires between Australia and United States artillery.

The live-fire will also include F/A-18s and naval gunfire from Australian, Japanese and American ships.

Talisman Sabre officially opened on July 14 with a ceremony in Brisbane.

This year, personnel from Canadian, Japanese, South Korean, New Zealand and UK militaries join a variety of US Defence Forces, including the Space Force, and Australian personnel for the exercise.

After the live-fire exercises at Shoalwater Bay, an amphibious landing will be conducted at Bowen before cavalry and infantry training in Townsville.

The exercise will finish at the end of the month.

Follow the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 action here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/sabre-drawn-troops-ready-action

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/patriot-missile-firing-will-be-first

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

33504d  No.14134868

File: 49d9317c1b4c9e5⋯.jpg (11.85 MB, 7136x4392, 892:549, SouthAfricaSatanists3.jpg)

South African satanists.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141277

File: ff26cd3e8409075⋯.jpg (165.53 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_lone_passenger_sits_at_a….jpg)

File: 93d14b4e9f7e706⋯.jpg (131.46 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_lone_woman_wearing_a_pro….jpg)

>>14020199

Sydney tightens lockdown as Australia's COVID-19 cases rise

Byron Kaye - July 17, 2021

SYDNEY, July 17 (Reuters) - The Australian city of Sydney on Saturday ordered a shutdown of building sites, banned non-essential retail and threatened fines for employers who make staff come into the office as new COVID-19 cases kept rising three weeks into a citywide lockdown.

Authorities in New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, also banned hundreds of thousands of people in the city's western suburbs - the worst affected area - from leaving their immediate neighbourhoods for work, as they recorded 111 new cases in the prior 24 hours, up from 97 the day before.

The state also recorded an additional death from the virus, taking the total to three since the start of the year and the national total to 913 since the pandemic began.

"I can't remember a time when our state has been challenged to such an extent," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian told a televised news conference.

The city of 5 million people, Australia's largest, has been under lockdown since June 26, with a planned end date of July 30, after an airport transit driver brought the virus into the community and sparked an outbreak of the highly infectious variant, according to the authorities.

More than 1,000 people in the city and surrounding districts have since tested positive. Of most concern to health leaders is the number of infectious people who were active in the community before they tested positive, with 29 reported on Saturday, in line with previous days.

"We are chasing our tail in terms of the cases," state Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said at the news conference.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said the "tempo of the police response will increase" across Greater Sydney and regional areas.

Stores that can remain open in Sydney include supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware outlets. All building work must stop until July 30 including cleaning, property maintenance and home renovation, authorities said.

People who lived in three of Sydney's local government districts - with a total population of 612,000 - were banned from leaving their district for work unless they were emergency workers. The city already has a work-from-home directive for businesses, but employers who told staff to attend the office could be fined A$10,000 ($7,402.00).

Neighbouring Victoria state also reported a jump in daily COVID-19 cases to 19, from six the previous day, raising fears it may extend a short lockdown that was scheduled to end on Tuesday.

Victoria and Greater Sydney have a combined population of about 12 million people, meaning nearly half of Australia's population is under some form of lockdown.

All but one of the new cases in Victoria was active in the community before diagnosis, but every case was linked to a known chain of transmission, Victorian Health Minister Martin Foley said.

Australia avoided the high infection and fatality numbers of many other countries in the initial stages of the pandemic due to an assertive response that included closing borders, stay-home orders and economic stimulus measures.

But 18 months on, the federal government faces criticism over its sluggish vaccine rollout. Just over 10% of Australia's 25 million people are fully vaccinated, according to government data, a fraction of the rates in the United States and Britain.

Even so, Australia's death rate from the novel coronavirus, just over 900 deaths out of about 31,500 cases, is still low by comparison.

The Australian economy had surged back to life after dipping into recession last year, but the latest lockdowns and state border closures threaten to tip it back into negative growth.

No other states reported additional cases on Saturday.

($1 = 1.3510 Australian dollars)

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/rising-covid-19-cases-australias-victoria-state-raise-prospect-longer-lockdown-2021-07-17/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141315

File: 438a1194bf45cef⋯.jpg (217.38 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Scott_Morrison_demands_ans….jpg)

File: 8007fd596d9454c⋯.jpg (196.88 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, World_Health_Organisation_….jpg)

Scott Morrison demands answers over COVID origins after WHO Wuhan lab leak concession

Scott Morrison has demanded answers over the origins of COVID-19 to “protect the world” from further pandemics.

Tyrone Clarke - July 16, 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the “world deserves answers” around the origins of COVID-19 after the WHO chief declared it was “premature” to rule out a leak from the Wuhan lab.

World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom said China now had to cooperate with efforts to further investigate the virus’ origins and conceded there was a “premature push” to rule out a lab leak.

"We ask China to be transparent and open and to cooperate," he said during a news press conference in Geneva, Switzerland on Thursday.

Asked for Australia’s reaction to the Director-General’s statements, Mr Morrison said the Commonwealth had always wanted to know the truth about the origin of the virus “for the sake of world health”.

“What happened and how can we prevent it from happening again? That is just an honest Australian question,” the Prime Minister said.

“We don't know about the lab and whether that was the initiation of this or not. It may well have been, it may not have been.

“I don't have a view either way and I'm not in a position to make that judgement.”

Mr Morrison said Australia had always sought to understand the nature of the virus to “protect the world against a pandemic that has destroyed the lives of millions”.

The virus had also “destroyed the livelihoods of even more, and has destroyed the world,” he said.

“The world needs answers to this and the world deserves answers to this and those who have lost their lives and their livelihoods.

“They deserve answers and Australia will continue to ask the get those answers.”

It comes more than 12 months after the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Marise Payne led the world by calling for an independent inquiry into COVID-19.

The subsequent WHO investigation conducted jointly with Chinese researchers in Wuhan found the virus likely transmitted from bats to humans via another animal.

But calls have grown louder for China to allow another international scientific team to investigate the likelihood of a lab leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

President Joe Biden in May ordered the US Intelligence Community to reinvestigate the origins of the COVID-19 virus with a renewed focus on the lab leak theory.

“The US intelligence community has ‘coalesced around two likely scenarios’ but has not reached a definitive conclusion on this question,” Mr Biden said.

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/politics/scott-morrison-demands-answers-over-covid-origins-after-who-wuhan-lab-leak-concession/news-story/b0f36abb176d41fb2c5d77d3846cbf79

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141320

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14141315

Premature to rule out lab leak: WHO

Sky News Australia

Jul 16, 2021

The head of the World Health Organisation has acknowledged it was premature to rule out a potential link between the coronavirus pandemic and a lab leak.

In a rare departure from his usual position, the director-general conceded investigations into the origins of the coronavirus in China was hindered by the absence of raw data.

He is now urging China to be more transparent.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2WEFoZ9DLw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141323

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14141315

PM says world 'deserves answers' over COVID origins

Sky News Australia

Jul 16, 2021

Scott Morrison has demanded answers over the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic to “protect the world”.

Mr Morrison said the Commonwealth had always wanted to know the truth around the virus’ beginning “for the sake of world health”.

“What happened and how can we prevent it from happening again? That is just an honest Australian question,” the Prime Minister said.

“We don't know about the lab and whether that was the initiation of this or not. It may well have been, it may not have been.

“The world needs answers to this and the world deserves answers to this and those who have lost their lives and their livelihoods."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHuwa2b1-Ok

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141341

File: eda1de93eae77ca⋯.jpg (227.63 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Australian_scientists_envi….jpg)

>>14020145

Australian scientists, environment groups urge UN to put Great Barrier Reef on ‘in danger’ list, criticize govt’s short-sightedness, incompetence

Huang Lanlan and Zhao Juecheng - Jul 16, 2021

Disappointed with Australian officials’ short-sightedness and incompetence when it comes to environment protection, environment groups and renowned scientists in Australia submitted joint letters to UNESCO, calling to put the Great Barrier Reef on its “in danger” list.

The anxious Morrison government is trying to lobby against this change using any means available, according to some observers. Its officials even blamed China for the possible downgrading, which “fully shows the government’s narrow-mindedness and all-pervasive to China,” Chen Hong, a professor and director of the Australian Studies Centre under East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Friday.

In the joint letter that 10 leading ENGOs in Australia sent to UNESCO on Tuesday, CEOs of the organizations noted that poor water quality continues to degrade inshore coral reefs, and Australia’s progress to achieve its Reef 2050 Plan water quality targets has been very slow.

“Representing over 4 million Australians who love the Great Barrier Reef,” the groups recommended UNESCO to inscribe it on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and “to develop corrective measures” to protect this ocean jewel, the letter stated.

Earlier, after UNESCO released a draft decision of suggesting placing the reef onto “in danger” list in June, five Australia’s authoritative coral reef experts also sent a joint letter to show their strong support for it. UNESCO “has made the right decision,” they wrote.

Consideration of whether to downgrade the reef’s World Heritage status to “in danger” is purportedly to be discussed at the ongoing 44th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC), which is scheduled to be held between July 16 and 31.

The 2,300-kilometer Great Barrier Reef, being included on the World Heritage List in 1981, has suffered great damage in the past decades due to climate change and environment deterioration, marine experts said. In recent years, the reef has “tragically…[undergone] three severe coral bleaching events,” read the joint letter of the five Australian scientists.

Coral bleaching occurs when the coral loses the symbiotic algae they need to survive, explained Wang Yamin, a professor at Shandong University’s School of Oceanography. Several reasons including temperature [rise], pollution and human activity can lead to coral bleaching, it said.

Severe, large-scale bleaching events frequently taking place in the same area is uncommon, meaning the reef there has faced serious ecological threat, Wang said.

“Considering the Great Barrier Reef’s current situation, I think it’s not too much to remove it from the World Heritage List, let alone downgrading its status to ‘in danger,’” he told the Global Times on Friday.

As many as 71 percent of Australians think the Great Barrier Reef is in danger, while 77 percent support the WHC to put it on the ‘in danger’ list, showed a polling conducted by Australian Marine Conservation Society in July.

Nonetheless, ignoring appeals from domestic environment experts and the general public, the Australian government insists on preventing the possible status downgrading of the reef for the sake of its own economic interests, Chen said. He criticized the government as shortsighted, “only considering the short-term commercial benefits” this top tourist destination can bring.

Worse still, the public found that the Morrison government attempts to cover up its incompetence in the reef protection through politicalizing the “in-danger” list. Australia’s environment minister Sussan Ley groundlessly claimed that “there were politics behind” the “flawed” decision, according to a Reuters article in June.

Liberal senator James Paterson even directly linked the UNESCO draft decision to China, which chaired the current WHC, saying the decision was motivated by “geopolitical considerations” “under a chair from China,” reported The Australian newspaper in the same month.

It’s surprising that Australian government regards the draft decision, being made to further protect the reef and its surrounding environment, as an attack from China, Chen said. “Rather than baselessly blaming China, Australia should stop its conspiracy theories and take responsible for its own environmental problems,” he noted.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228844.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141365

File: 3850a244c80b672⋯.jpg (175.86 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, Barista_Michael_Drennan_wa….jpg)

>>14020172

>>14105569

Web of depravity: How a South Australian pedophile ring was busted

It began with a barista, a logistics manager and a perverse conversation – and turned into a fast-spreading child abuse probe that toppled a political spin doctor.

Sean Fewster - July 17, 2021

1/2

A disturbing online conversation between a barista and a logistics manager sparked a child-abuse investigation that has taken down a senior South Australian political adviser.

For the first time, the Sunday Mail can reveal the domino effect that led police from Michael Drennan to Jadd William Brooker, and then to former ALP staffer Benjamin John Waters.

An investigation by SA’s Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, which is still ongoing, has resulted in at least 10 arrests and almost 50 confessions so far.

And it all began with Drennan – who now claims to be “ashamed and embarrassed” by his crimes – having a truly chilling conversation with Brooker over an encrypted app.

THE FIRST DOMINO

In August 2020, Drennan lived in Ethleton, was working as a barista and making plans to marry his longtime boyfriend.

Away from work, however, the now 34-year-old was using WhatsApp to chat with men involved in the creation, downloading and transmitting of child-abuse material.

Soon he, too, was collating perverse images and videos to swap with like-minded deviants.

The most pivotal of Drennan’s many online conversations was with Brooker – at the time the project manager for a global logistics and transport company.

Drennan asked Brooker, who was based in Glenelg East, if he had “any boy pictures I can see”, saying “I hope I find my boy soon”.

As their disgusting exchange continued, Brooker – who is HIV-positive – told Drennan that he wanted to infect children and adults with the potentially lethal virus.

Days later, when JACET detectives were alerted to Drennan’s online activities and raided his home, they found that conversation still stored in the app.

They very quickly realised Drennan was but the first domino in a much larger scene.

WORST OF THE WORST

JACET detectives moved against Brooker almost immediately and, on his devices and in his virtual storage cloud, found more than 4.5 million images, videos and files.

Among the first 350,000 pieces of data to be analysed were 10,000 examples of child-abuse material, including instances of sadism, coerced bondage and torture.

In excess of 7000 images did not exist anywhere else on the internet – meaning Brooker had abused children in person, filmed his crimes and distributed them.

One veteran detective dubbed it “the worst and most degrading set” of offending he had seen “in 14 years of investigations”.

The “homemade” material depicted Brooker acting upon his sick desire by abusing two teenage males, and so detectives moved to find the young men.

One, they learnt, had already died by suicide as a result of the trauma he had sustained – the other was rushed to have testing for HIV.

But Brooker’s criminality was not limited to his own offending.

In addition to the images, detectives found 50,000 communications between Brooker and other pedophiles, giving them a trail to follow.

As Brooker moved through the court process – and was caught asking his mother to delete his accounts – JACET continued its investigation.

The messages led them not only to their next three targets, but into the halls of Parliament House.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141369

File: 08fe84416b97cdd⋯.jpg (194.45 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Jadd_William_Brooker_told_….jpg)

File: 5ccef221d789f13⋯.jpg (102.58 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Benjamin_John_Waters_plead….jpg)

>>14141365

2/2

THE ADVISER

In March, JACET stunned the state with two high-profile arrests.

One was a well-known name among SA’s political players – internationally experienced political adviser Benjamin John Waters.

A veteran SA Labor operator for a decade, Waters, 38, had been working for opposition human services spokeswoman Nat Cook following stints with the UK Labour Party.

The other was Stewart Iain Berry, a senior officer and acting manager for the Department for Correctional Services.

Berry, 37, of Port Lincoln, had allegedly used covert video cameras to film adults, children and babies, then shared that material online. He is charged with producing, possessing and transmitting child abuse material and indecent filming.

JACET alleged Waters and Berry could be linked to one another through their unlawful online conversations about children, particularly young males.

They further alleged the men had communicated with a 27-year-old Victorian man who had, in turn, been chatting online with Brooker about sexually abusing children.

Soon after the duo’s arrests, Berry’s counsel informed the court her client was “co-operating fully” with SA Police.

JACET subsequently arrested another SA man allegedly linked to the group.

Detectives also continued work on at least six other prosecutions, all arising from the initial arrest of Drennan.

Those matters are ongoing. Berry and the other SA man have yet to enter pleas.

Drennan pleaded guilty to multiple counts of possessing and disseminating child exploitation material and and was sentenced to two years’ jail, with a 13-month non-parole period.

Brooker confessed to his 38 crimes in three separate chunks, earning himself multiple sentencing discounts along the way. His offences included maintaining an unlawful sexual relationship with a child and possessing and transmitting child abuse material.

Waters, conversely, wasted no time pleading guilty to the charges against him of accessing, possessing and transmitting child abuse material – securing up to 25 per cent off his eventual penalty.

In a stroke of karma, Waters and Brooker will both face the District Court on the same day in September.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/web-of-depravity-how-a-pedophile-ring-involving-several-prominent-south-australians-was-busted/news-story/84ee09fe2771f90198837e1376031d9f

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141506

File: 5e242c632d0f41c⋯.jpg (89.24 KB, 858x536, 429:268, Ghislaine_Maxwell_pictured….jpg)

File: 0763fe3af9e73e2⋯.jpg (281.54 KB, 960x600, 8:5, British_socialite_Ghislain….jpg)

File: 5b9728648bbb958⋯.jpg (92.44 KB, 960x600, 8:5, Virginia_Roberts_Giuffre_c….jpg)

>>14035867

Ghislaine Maxwell accused of having ‘near-total amnesia’ over alleged abuse

Court documents reveal she could not recall a single flight with a victim on Jeffrey Epstein's jet, despite logs showing they made 23 trips

Josie Ensor - 16 July 2021

One of Jeffrey Epstein's accusers said Ghislaine Maxwell must have been suffering “near-total amnesia” when she claimed under oath that she could not recall ever flying together on the paedophile's jet, newly released court documents reveal.

Lawyers for Virginia Roberts Giuffre mocked Ms Maxwell’s “extraordinary lack of memory about her involvement in the abuse”, according to documents that were unsealed on Thursday in a victory for Ms Giuffre in her civil lawsuit against the British socialite.

“For instance, (Maxwell) cannot even recall a single flight on Epstein's private jet with Ms Giuffre, even though flight logs show that (Maxwell) had 23 flights with Ms Giuffre while Ms Giuffre was underage”, the attorneys wrote.

Ms Guiffre, who claims she was recruited as a teenager by Ms Maxwell, 59, and forced to sleep with Epstein and his acquaintances, sued Ms Maxwell for $50 million (£36 million) for defamation after she claimed she was lying about the abuse.

“Finally we are getting some transparency. There is hope”, Ms Giuffre wrote on Twitter after Manhattan federal Judge Loretta Preska announced her decision to release them.

The newly released documents from the now-settled 2015 case show Ms Maxwell’s lawyers had sought to limit any disclose of her finances to just her net worth, saying the “scope of [Ms Giuffre’s] requests are overly broad and obviously intended to harass and embarrass Ms Maxwell”.

Lawyers for Ms Giuffre hoped the financial records would help inform any settlement they would reach.

Also among the documents was a handwritten call log of messages left for Epstein in the early 2000s, many of which were from Ms Maxwell.

Some appear to be routine notes on mundane topics - call-back requests and a message from an acquaintance who pulled a muscle and had to cancel a lunch meeting - while several of them mentioned massage appointments.

One includes a request for someone to stay at Epstein’s Florida mansion to “help train new staff with Ghislaine”, while one says someone is going to “meet with Ghislaine and go with her to the Ranch”, presumably referring to Epstein’s New Mexico estate.

Ms Maxwell is currently awaiting trial on criminal charges of sex trafficking, which she denies.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/07/16/ghislaine-maxwell-accused-epstein-victims-lawyer-having-near/

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4355835/giuffre-v-maxwell/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141528

File: 8bcfc1f32dceb3d⋯.jpg (538.77 KB, 825x1013, 825:1013, VRG_103.jpg)

>>14141506

Virginia Roberts Giuffre Tweet

Judge Orders Ghislaine Maxwell's Private Documents To Be Unsealed. Finally we are getting some transparency.There is hope.We must maintain vigilant in order for the truth to see the light of day. #FreedomIsntFree #UnityAgainstPedos @ArtisticBlower

https://twitter.com/VRSVirginia/status/1414201724844142599

Judge Orders Ghislaine Maxwell's Private Documents To Be Unsealed, Set To Expose Juicy Details About Jeffrey Epstein & Bill Clinton

https://radaronline.com/p/ghislaine-maxwell-judge-private-docs-unsealed-bill-clinton-jeffrey-epstein/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141586

File: 9e57aba878d7514⋯.jpg (430.67 KB, 825x1013, 825:1013, TS_11.jpg)

File: b0a1e1ab29e7e29⋯.jpeg (1.48 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E6aw1NQWUAABDX4.jpeg)

File: c5d672f84486cd2⋯.jpg (1.21 MB, 3200x2400, 4:3, E6aw1xrXsAkqQsI.jpg)

File: 124aa5d6194ea54⋯.jpg (1.46 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6aw2h_WYAIjkBk.jpg)

>>14127084

Talisman Sabre Tweet

An Australian first!

The @USArmy MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile has been successfully fired on Australian soil for the first time during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021. Great job to all involved

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1416013593812865027

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141592

File: 94901c4517cdcc7⋯.jpg (417.36 KB, 825x1090, 165:218, TS_12.jpg)

File: 1b720b690383ae4⋯.mp4 (9.85 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, awo6W46_EEGSFYie.mp4)

>>14141586

Talisman Sabre Tweet

HERE IT IS

Check out the footage from the first Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil yesterday, improving the combat readiness of Australian and US forces.

#TalismanSabre #TS21

@USArmy @AustralianArmy @38thADA

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1416212175522312196

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141604

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14141586

First Patriot Missile launch in Australia

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 17, 2021

US military personnel completed the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil at Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, commencing on 14 July 2021.

Held every two years, TS21 aims to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The exercise includes a Field Training Exercise incorporating force preparation (logistic) activities, amphibious landings, ground force manoeuvres, urban operations, air combat and maritime operations. Activities will peak from 18 - 31 July across Queensland.

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

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141624

File: bf149428be0072a⋯.jpg (517.96 KB, 825x897, 275:299, USI_PC_1.jpg)

File: 5d147a0d240c8cb⋯.jpg (175.94 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, E6YJe0WVkAAKl1W.jpg)

File: 7ac0c52f3be2c48⋯.jpg (243.91 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, E6YJe0fVUAQOEqJ.jpg)

File: e38a794ebf24216⋯.jpg (154.84 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, E6YJe0kVgAAopj3.jpg)

File: 4410db59ef10280⋯.jpg (194.24 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, E6YJe0mVgAEVVdq.jpg)

>>14119998

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Tweet

U.S. @PacificMarines with @3dMarineDivision train during #TalismanSabre 2021; a large-scale, bilateral military exercise that enhances the (United States-Australia) alliance & provides peace and stability in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

https://twitter.com/INDOPACOM/status/1416208530562973696

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141653

File: 9d9a9df7f608e97⋯.jpg (940.92 KB, 825x1857, 275:619, DOD_7.jpg)

File: 846e6076decf12a⋯.jpg (2.31 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E6eiP_OWUAIyRJJ.jpg)

>>14119998

Department of Defence Tweet

Working in partnership

#AusArmy Private Louii Hornibrook will be taking part in Exercise Sea Raider, the amphibious element of Exercise #TalismanSabre.

Standing with Private Hornibrook is (Japan) Seargent Kotaro Tsuda, (United States) Lance Corporal Christopher Hren & (United Kingdom) Lieutenant Jones.

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1416279014323499010

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141676

File: 49a54916d27d953⋯.jpg (150.04 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, PHILIPPINE_SEA_June_13_202….jpg)

>>14119998

United States Pacific Fleet

Expeditionary Strike Group 7 arrives for exercise Talisman Sabre

Lt. Cmdr. Sherrie A. Flippin - July 16, 2021

CORAL SEA - The forward-deployed ships of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, arrived off the coast of Australia, July 16, in preparation for the biennial bilateral exercise Talisman Sabre (TS) 21.

Led by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Talisman Sabre 21 is a large-scale, exercise between Australia and the U.S. to strengthen the military to military alliance and enhance our collective capabilities to respond to a wide array of potential security concerns.

“Emerging events in the Indo-Pacific region underscore the importance of presence to ensure a rules-based international maritime order,” said Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander Expeditionary Strike Group 7. “Talisman Sabre 21 allows the U.S. alongside partners and allies, to further enhance our ability to respond to any contingency as part of a joint or combined effort in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Conducted biennially since 2005, across northeast Australia with more than 30,000 military participants, Talisman Sabre is Australia’s largest military exercise with the United States and is a demonstration of our strong alliance that is underpinned by deep levels of cooperation and trust built over decades operating and training together.

The U.S. maritime component of Talisman Sabre 21 features the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious ready group (ARG), which includes the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42), along with embarked elements of the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

During Talisman Sabre 21, the America ARG-MEU team will integrate with the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, and Republic of Korea Navy for maritime operations further enhancing their ability to respond to crises as part of a joint or combined effort. Partner nations will train together to operate and sustain each other in a contested maritime environment, conducting integrated amphibious and air defense operations, as well as tactical maneuvering and replenishments-at-sea.

“Credible, ready forces help preserve peace and prevent conflict. Exercises like Talisman Sabre provide effective and intense training to ensure our forces are capable, interoperable, and deployable on short notice,” said Capt. Greg Baker, commodore Amphibious Squadron 11. “As our forces integrate throughout this exercise we will develop more innovative ways to fight tonight.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14141679

File: f001790a49258a4⋯.jpg (1.34 MB, 3694x2078, 1847:1039, Expeditionary_Strike_Group….jpg)

>>14141676

2/2

At the heart of Talisman Sabre, the U.S.-Australia alliance dates back more than 100 years, encompassing every modern world conflict since World War I. Maintaining and building trust with like-minded allies and partners is crucial to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and the America Expeditionary Strike Group have been a cohesive unit from the beginning of the deployment, “said Col Mike Nakonieczy, commanding officer 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “As we further our Naval Integration we also seek to build enduring, mutually beneficial relationships and invest in training with like-minded partners and allies throughout the region.”

Along with regional alliances and partnerships, the Navy is also a steward of the marine environment wherever its ships operate, including the Great Barrier Reef. Prior to Talisman Sabre, crews received training on environmental protective measures to minimize potential impact on marine life, which the Navy employs in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection and Endangered Species Acts. Australian environmental advisors have been integrated in every step of the Talisman Sabre planning process.

Likewise, mitigation for the continuing COVID-19 pandemic in partner nations has been a key component of Talisman Sabre planning. U.S. military forces continue to take appropriate force health protection measures, helping to mitigate the spread of COVID while maintaining the commitment and capability to train and operate in the COVID environment.

Together, the forward-deployed ships of ESG 7 and elements of the 31st MEU are operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

TS21 is a large-scale, bilateral military exercise between Australia and the U.S. involving more than 17,000 participants from seven nations. It is a demonstration of our strong alliance underpinned by deep levels of cooperation and trust built over decades operating and training together. TS21 advances the Indo-Pacific Pathway’s initiative to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and interoperability with allies and partners. TS21 also supports the U.S. National Defense Strategy by enhancing our ability to protect the homeland and address the full range of potential security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

https://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/130889

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14145027

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119986

Second Chinese spy ship en route to Australia ahead of US military exercises

Sky News Australia

Jul 18, 2021

A second Chinese spy ship is approaching Australia's coast ahead of a major military exercise with the United States, Sky News can confirm.

The People's Liberation Army general intelligence ship, the Haiwangxing, is approaching Australia's east coast via the Solomon Sea.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton says the ADF has been monitoring the ship's approach as part of a broader surveillance effort ahead of Exercise Talisman Sabre.

Mr Dutton says the vessel, like its sister ship, has acted lawfully during its transit expects it to continue to do so.

"Defence will continue to monitor the presence of these vessels,” he told Sky News.

It is understood the ADF has planned for international interest in the military exercises and has taken steps to safeguard information security of participating forces.

Joint exercises with the US military have historically attracted the interest of China but this marks the first time two intelligence ships have been deployed by Beijing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4yoSeceKMQ

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147666

File: d309acc79838862⋯.jpg (40.18 KB, 850x478, 425:239, Peter_Dutton_is_surprised_….jpg)

>>14145027

Peter Dutton is 'surprised' China has sent a second spy ship to monitor Australian operations

Defence Minister Peter Dutton says by sending a second spy ship, China has "obviously made a decision to have a greater presence".

AAP/SBS - 18 July 2021

Defence Minister Peter Dutton is surprised China has decided to send a second spy ship to monitor Australia-US military exercises off the east coast.

He said it is not unusual for China to deploy a ship during such manoeuvres, having done so in both 2017 and 2019.

"We are surprised there are two vessels, but obviously the Chinese have made a decision to have a greater presence," he told reporters.

"We would expect them to operate and conduct themselves within the rules of international law."

Trade Minister Dan Tehan was also not too concerned, saying all countries have the right to use their ships to monitor exercises.

"The thing that is important is everyone understands that we have rules and we want everyone to adhere to those rules and when it comes to freedom of navigation," he told Sky News' Sunday Agenda program.

"It's the same for our trade rules. There are trade rules in place and we want everyone to adhere to those. That's the best way that you can keep our region free, open, peaceful and prosperous."

Mr Tehan was speaking from South Korea as part of a regional tour that has also taken in Singapore, Vietnam and Japan.

The visit comes at a time of growing trade tensions with China.

"We have stated quite clearly that we want to see our trade diversify," Mr Tehan said.

"We think it is vital to ensure that as markets come and go, as demand for our commodities come and go, that we have got the options there for our exporters."

He said Australia is doing everything it can to keep the region free, open and resilient.

"What we need to be doing on the economic and the trade front is to ensure that we can maintain the rule based system," he said.

"That has meant our region has grown like no other region in the world and has benefited all countries in this region."

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/peter-dutton-is-surprised-china-has-sent-a-second-spy-ship-to-monitor-australian-operations

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147712

File: 3605af33e4bf3b9⋯.jpg (267.22 KB, 1862x1048, 931:524, Jeffrey_Epstein_and_Ghisla….jpg)

Ghislaine Maxwell was a 'tyrant' with Jeffrey Epstein victims: book

Accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre says Maxwell was in love with Epstein and could be a 'tyrant' with his victims

Emma Colton and Andrew Murray - 17 July 2021

One of the most outspoken Jeffrey Epstein accusers said Ghislaine Maxwell was a "tyrant" with the convicted sex offender’s reported victims and was still in love with him despite his "obsession" with young girls.

Accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre said Maxwell "could be a tyrant, often glaring at her whenever she became distracted from her ‘work.’ It was clear to Virginia that Maxwell was in love with Epstein. But Epstein and Maxwell rarely slept together or shared intimate moments, like holding hands or kissing," according to excerpts of a new book, "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story," which will be released on Tuesday.

"Virginia said this was because Maxwell was never able to satisfy Epstein’s insatiable appetite for girls. Maxwell came to accept his obsession as long as those encounters remained purely sexual," the excerpt says.

The book was written by Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie K. Brown, who has written extensively on Epstein, and details that Giuffre met Maxwell and Epstein at former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago country club in 2000 when she was 16.

Maxwell reportedly approached Giuffre at the country club and asked her if she was a masseuse. Giuffre, using the nickname "Jenna," said she hoped to one day become a masseuse, prompting Maxwell to offer her a job interview to work for Epstein.

"Maxwell suggested that Virginia meet [Epstein] to apply for the job. Virginia was skeptical, pointing out that she didn’t have the proper training. But Maxwell assured her that she could learn on the job, noting that it looked as if Virginia was serious about her vocation—based on all the sticky notes she could see poking out of the anatomy book in her hands. She gave Virginia her address and phone number. ‘Why don’t you come by after work?’ Maxwell left, with a cheery, almost motherly goodbye," an excerpt of the book says.

Giuffre took her up on the opportunity, and met Epstein at his lavish Palm Beach home.

"Maxwell had prepped her, telling her to treat the session as a tryout. ‘If you do well,’ Maxwell told her, ‘then maybe you could become Jeffrey’s traveling masseuse, seeing the world and getting paid well for it.’ In the beginning, it all seemed legitimate. Maxwell showed Virginia some techniques, starting with Epstein’s feet, and then moving to his calves, instructing her to use upward strokes to push the blood up his legs," the book says.

Epstein and Maxwell’s relationship with Giuffre grew, with them reportedly asking questions about her childhood and learned she had been a childhood runaway.

During one interaction, the pair "teased" Giuffre for being "a naughty girl," a label Giuffre denied.

"I’m a good girl. I just was always in the wrong places," Giuffre replied.

"It’s okay," Jeffrey replied, according to the book. "I like naughty girls."

"With that, he flipped over, exposing [himself]. She looked at Maxwell for guidance, but the proper English lady was now topless. She began to undress Virginia … ," the book says.

Maxwell has denied having a sexual relationship with Giuffre, but the accuser says that Maxwell and Epstein shared "a kindred hedonism," with Maxwell facilitating his "obsession" with young girls.

"It was an arrangement whereby she would bring him the girls, and he would give Ghislaine the kind of self-indulgent life that she was accustomed to growing up," Giuffre says in the book.

Maxwell was arrested last July and charged with enticement of minors, sex trafficking of children, and perjury.

A federal court in New York unsealed dozens of documents in her sex trafficking case on Thursday, including documents from a previous defamation lawsuit filed by Giuffre against Maxwell.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/maxwell-epstein-tyrant-victims-book

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

385d61  No.14147736

>>14147666

Wake up Mr Dutton. They are the alliance!!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

385d61  No.14147742

>>14141653

Thanks for you service. Stay Safe

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147749

File: 041b8ff46354f32⋯.jpg (800.6 KB, 1600x2416, 100:151, Perversion_of_Justice_The_….jpg)

>>14147712

Book excerpt: Herald reporter Julie Brown’s excavation of Jeffrey Epstein’s sordid past

JULIE K. BROWN - JULY 16, 2021

1/3

When Miami Herald reporter Julie K. Brown first began investigating Jeffrey Epstein in October 2016, the case had long grown cold.

Epstein’s victims — now grown women in their late 20s and early 30s — were still traumatized. They had never forgotten how prosecutors in the criminal justice system had failed to protect them and hold their predator accountable for his crimes. The series revealed how Epstein and others involved in his sex trafficking operation were given unprecedented immunity — and the serious nature and scope of his crimes that were covered up.

Brown’s investigative series was published by the Herald in November 2018. Almost immediately, federal prosecutors in New York opened a new criminal case against Epstein — and eight months later, Epstein was arrested by the FBI on sex trafficking charges. With Epstein in a federal jail awaiting trial, Brown and Miami Herald visual journalist Emily Michot traveled to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in July 2019 to try to uncover more about the sex crimes he may have committed on his private island in the Caribbean, sometimes referred to as “Pedophile Island.”

This is an exclusive excerpt from Julie Brown’s book, “Perversion of Justice,” published by HarperCollins/Dey Street Books, which will be released on July 20. It can be ordered here.

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perversion-of-justice-julie-k-brown/1137108722

I had been trying for months to carve out some time to visit St. Thomas and take a trip out to Epstein’s “Pedophile Island,” which was also sometimes called “Orgy Island.” Sources on St. Thomas were sending me information about Epstein’s exploits on his island, Little St. James, as well as documents about his purchase of the larger island nearby, Great St. James.

A lot of people suspected that Epstein’s island was being used for sex trafficking. It’s a remote location, accessible only by boat or helicopter, providing a perfect cover for the sexual abuse that victim Virginia Giuffre and other women were alleging happened there.

I was also planning to meet with a source who called himself Chef James. His emails suggested that he knew a lot about Epstein. He told me, for example, that while Epstein was on work release at the Palm Beach County jail in 2008 he spent over $100,000 in catering bills for food that he brought into his “office.” A lot of that food went to deputies who were making upwards of $42 an hour monitoring him.

I thought Chef James may have worked for Epstein but given the avalanche of tips I had to wade through, I honestly didn’t have time to find out who he was.

Both Chef James and another source whom I called Island Mike claimed, without proof, that Epstein had the fix in with the former governor, John de Jongh Jr., and had even hired the governor’s wife, Cecile, to work for him at his St. Thomas-based company, Southern Trust, which was purportedly a data-mining venture.

St. Thomas is a poor island, and it wouldn’t take a lot to get the local politicians to look the other way when it came to doing what Epstein wanted.

In fact, St. Thomas was probably the perfect place for Epstein.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147751

File: 3f265009836b802⋯.jpg (45.7 KB, 704x396, 16:9, Julie_K_Brown.jpg)

>>14147749

2/3

On our first night in St. Thomas, Emily and I finally secured two rooms with the help of Island Mike and then set out to meet Chef James at a little restaurant in town.

Mike must have been a little worried about us because he offered to come along and just sit at the bar to keep watch. I wasn’t worried, but Emily, as usual, kept asking questions.

“Who is this guy again?’’

“How do you know him?’’

“So, let me get this straight, you don’t have any idea who he is?’’

In hindsight, I should have done more homework.

That evening, as I was waiting for the Chef, I was exchanging texts with Lauren Book, a Florida state senator and child abuse survivor who had become involved in pushing for an investigation into whether there was any wrongdoing on the part of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office in connection with Epstein’s work release scam.

Chef James was supposed to join us about 10 p.m., after he got off work, presumably from his job at a restaurant on the island.

As we waited, Emily became more nervous. I kept texting Lauren about the investigation, wondering whether I should return to the hotel and write a story that night. It had already been a long day, and I couldn’t even recall whether Emily and I had eaten anything.

Then Lauren mentioned that she had received a number of threats, from people who were warning her against pursuing anything connected to Palm Beach Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. This got my attention. This was a gutsy move because Lauren’s father, Ron Book, is one of the most powerful lobbyists in Florida.

I then called Ron to find out more. I knew he was using all his power to determine where the threats were coming from.

“Well, a while back there was this guy who kept sending Lauren these terrible emails, she was afraid for her life,’’ Ron said. “We had to hire security and try to find the guy. He only went by the name Chef James.’’

“Chef James? Are you sure?’’ I said, leaving the restaurant and walking outside so that no one could hear the alarm in my voice.

I told Ron that a guy using that very name was about to come to the restaurant to meet with Emily and me.

“Get out of there fast,’’ Ron said.

I returned to the restaurant and Googled my email for Chef James’ email address. I couldn’t believe it. This guy had sent me more than 50 emails since 2016, well before I even wrote about Epstein. He had first written me about my Florida prison series. Turns out he claimed to be a former inmate at Suwannee Correctional Institution in Florida who had served 25 months for a sex crime he claimed he had never committed.

It was well past 10 and no one had showed up looking for us, so that was a good sign. But as we were paying our bill, two men appeared and sat at the bar, staring at Emily and me. I asked them where they were from, and they told me the Middle East.

Island Mike, who knows everyone on St. Thomas, didn’t recognize them and motioned for us to leave. Seeing that we were getting up to go, they sneaked out first. Mike escorted us out, where the men were standing outside smoking cigarettes. Mike asked for a smoke, and they began chatting.

Mike was still talking to them when we pulled away in our rented Jeep and headed to the hotel. We were both a bit shaken.

We got to our rooms and I could hear Emily next door, piling the chairs and a nightstand in front of her door.

I put my night clothes on, fell into bed and slept so soundly that I didn’t hear my phone or Emily knocking at my door around midnight.

NBC had just published a story about Epstein being found unconscious in his New York jail cell.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147752

File: 1360d1821e1e8e1⋯.jpg (207.31 KB, 1140x823, 1140:823, Julie_Brown_right_and_Emil….jpg)

>>14147751

3/3

When I awoke and checked my phone the next morning, and saw all the messages, I immediately knew that I wasn’t going to be able to make the boat trip to Pedophile Island with Emily and Island Mike that morning.

Reports were sketchy, but it appeared that on Tuesday Epstein had been found unconscious, with injuries to his neck, on the floor of his cell. It was not clear whether he had tried to commit suicide or whether he had been attacked. Initial reports were that Epstein had been moved into a more secure protective custody unit because he had received threats from other inmates.

Depending on which account you read, his cellmate, a corrupt former cop named Nicholas Tartaglione, had either tried to kill Epstein or he had prevented Epstein from hanging himself.

Tartaglione, 51, wasn’t talking. His attorney said his client claimed he was friendly with Epstein and had nothing to do with what happened. He theorized that Tartaglione was being set up because the ex-cop had filed complaints on the prison’s inhumane conditions.

The incident happened in a secure cellblock. The two were housed in a windowless room, infested with insects and rats, with standing water on the floor.

For reasons that remain unexplained to this day, the Metropolitan Correctional Center had bunked a hulking accused quadruple murderer with a 66-year-old nerd with an egg-shaped penis who happened to be the nation’s most famous child molester.

Then the surveillance video of the incident disappeared. Prison officials said it was inadvertently destroyed. Tartaglione had an illegal cell phone. But the government wasn’t releasing its contents.

Epstein’s injuries were not serious, and he was placed on a suicide watch.

Meanwhile, the Capitol police in Tallahassee, Florida, were investigating threats made against a Florida state senator. Lauren Book made an appeal to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to investigate Sheriff Bradshaw’s handling of the Epstein case. Two days later, she got several more calls warning her to stop.

“Little girl, you don’t know what you’re getting into,’’ one of the callers said.

https://www.bradenton.com/news/local/crime/article252712233.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14147756

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14147712

>>14147749

How Miami Herald's investigation & Jeffrey Epstein survivors helped blow up a sweetheart deal

Miami Herald

Dec 20, 2019

When the Miami Herald launched the Perversion of Justice investigation in November 2018, it awakened the world to a decades-long injustice suffered by dozens and perhaps hundreds of young girls, many of whom had never spoken about their abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein. In 2019, as a result of the Herald’s reporting, the top federal prosecutor for the Southern District of New York revived the case and Epstein was arrested in July. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman, in announcing Epstein’s indictment, noted that prosecutors were aided in their investigation by “some excellent investigative reporting.’’

See how the investigation unfolded: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/article238237729.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u7_j6CWbCU

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

385d61  No.14147805

>>14141323

This to taking away attention from him and his pedo mates. Child abuse victim says PM’s friendship with his rapist’s son is ‘absolutely monstrous’

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153436

File: 0bbed8c4369db3e⋯.jpg (79.51 KB, 890x534, 5:3, Ben_Roberts_Smith_is_suing….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial to resume to hear from four Afghan witnesses

The court has heard at least one witness expected to say they saw the Australian soldier murder a farmer by kicking the handcuffed man off a cliff and then ordering him shot, an allegation Roberts-Smith denies

Ben Doherty - 19 Jul 2021

Ben Roberts-Smith’s Covid-derailed defamation trial will resume in a week, with the federal court to hear from four Afghan witnesses from a village where the ex-SAS soldier is alleged to have murdered an unarmed civilian in 2012. Roberts-Smith strenuously denies the allegation.

But beyond those witnesses, the already delayed trial almost certainly faces further postponement because of Sydney’s uncontrolled coronavirus outbreak.

The four Afghan witnesses all lived in the village of Darwan in Uruzgan province, when it was raided by Australian SAS forces on 11 September 2012.

At least one witness, the court has been told, is expected to give evidence they witnessed Roberts-Smith murder a farmer named Ali Jan by kicking the handcuffed, kneeling man off a small cliff and then ordering him shot.

Roberts-Smith denies the allegations, and has told the court “there was no cliff … there was no kick”, and that the man purported to be Ali Jan was an enemy “spotter” who was lawfully killed in a cornfield within the military’s rules of engagement.

Roberts-Smith is suing three Australian newspapers for defamation over a series of reports he alleges are defamatory and portray him as committing war crimes, including murder.

The four Afghan witnesses have been housed for several weeks in a Kabul safe house, awaiting their opportunity to give evidence. With the withdrawal of coalition troops from Afghanistan, the Taliban is violently resurgent across the country, recapturing control of dozens of districts and cities.

Thousands of government troops have surrendered or defected – handing over their arms to the Taliban – or have fled across Afghanistan’s borders to neighbouring countries.

While Kabul is not believed to be in imminent danger of Taliban takeover, Nicholas Owens SC, for the newspapers, said it remained a matter of urgency the Afghan evidence was heard.

There was, he said, “a real risk of the evidence of the Afghan witnesses becoming unavailable”.

“There is an ongoing risk to people in Kabul, there are credible reports of imminent terrorist attacks. It’s a dangerous environment, notwithstanding there’s no current threat that it will be overtaken by the Taliban.”

Australian National University emeritus professor William Maley provided evidence to the court of a potential “cascade effect” where large numbers of people who don’t support the Taliban nonetheless switch their allegiance to the terror group for their own safety.

“We’re not going to get an orderly two-week notice period that the Taliban is going to attack Kabul,” Owens said. “If things change, they are going to change very quickly.”

There are fears too, attacks on electricity and communications infrastructure in Kabul could cripple any opportunity to give evidence. As well, with the Taliban seizing more and more territory, witnesses might not be able to return to their homes in southern Afghanistan or come back to Kabul at a later time.

Justice Anthony James Besanko said the Afghan witness evidence would be heard from Monday 26 July, with those witnesses appearing by video link early morning Kabul time.

Beyond the four Afghan witnesses, further progress of the trial appears likely to be delayed further still with continued Covid-19 lockdown orders in force in Sydney and travel restrictions with other Australian states.

The majority of the witnesses – including at least 21 former and serving SAS soldiers – are interstate, and either cannot get to Sydney without an exemption or could not return home afterwards.

The court may be forced to consider moving the trial interstate, but this would bring significant security complications – including moving safes and secure documents, and vetting new court staff – and would take at least two months.

Roberts-Smith, one of the most decorated soldiers in Australian military history, is suing the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and the Canberra Times for defamation over a series of ­reports published in 2018. He alleges the reports are defamatory because they portray him as someone who “broke the moral and legal rules of military engagement” and committed war crimes, including six allegations of murder.

The 42-year-old has consistently denied the allegations, saying they are “false”, “baseless” and “completely without any foundation in truth”. The newspapers are defending their reporting as true.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/19/ben-roberts-smith-defamation-trial-to-resume-to-hear-from-four-afghan-witnesses

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153439

File: 454448913068db2⋯.jpg (65.64 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, Chaplain_Kenley_Frederick_….jpg)

File: b5a77f768454825⋯.jpg (74.55 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Chaplain_Kenley_Frederick_….jpg)

File: 6940a0caa65910e⋯.jpg (172.58 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, In_Malaya_a_guard_of_honou….jpg)

Changi POW hero named as serial child abuser

Former Army chaplain Kenley Saunders has been named as an alleged child abuser in a Supreme Court case against the Anglican Church.

Janet Fife-Yeomans - July 18, 2021

Former Army chaplain Kenley Saunders lived a double life as a hero in the deadly Changi prisoner of war camp, but a wicked paedophile back home.

The late padre, who after the war joined St Luke’s at Concord, has been named as an alleged child abuser in a ­Supreme Court case against the Anglican Church brought by his victim, who as a boy attended the church every Sunday with his parents.

The sexual abuse continued when the boy joined the notorious Church of England Boys’ Society, which was exposed in the child sex abuse royal commission as hiding a network of predators.

Saunders, who died in 1983 aged 82, appointed a colleague, the late Alan Thomas, as a branch governor of CEBS and Thomas is also named in court documents as abusing the boy while on the society’s camps.

The church admits it employed Saunders and Thomas, but claims to have lost all the documents from that time in the mid-1960s.

Through his lawyers, the boy, now a man aged 65, is appealing for parishioners and children from that time to help.

The man’s lawyer Jason Parkinson said the case was a sign the national redress scheme was not working, with average payments at just over $70,000 while courts are awarding common law damages five and six times as much.

“The courts take these cases extremely seriously and the damages are what these victims are entitled to according to the law,” leading child abuse lawyer Mr Parkinson said.

CEBS, which has changed its name in some places to the Anglican Boys’ Society and Boys’ Ministry Australia, was a youth group set up by the Anglican Church for boys aged between six and 16 years, and had various branches within num­erous dioceses of the church.

Neither Saunders nor Thomas were among the CEBS leaders named as paedophiles during the royal commission’s hearings.

Saunders enlisted in the AIF as a chaplain at the age of 38 and served in Malaya before he was captured with the 2/18th Battalion by the Japanese at the fall of Singapore in February 1942.

He remained in Changi, where records show he ministered to fellow prisoners and presided over many funerals, until the Japanese surrendered in 1945.

Mr Parkinson of Porters Lawyers said he almost joined CEBS himself as a boy when he went to Sunday school.

“I missed out by a whisker. As I grew up, Sunday school took a back seat,” he said.

He said he did not know when cases like this would stop emerging because generally people do not talk about their abuse until the age of about 55 and the internet had helped by letting them know they are not alone.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/changi-pow-hero-named-as-serial-child-abuser/news-story/a985df1874eead4c981ddf82cd8fd4fb

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153450

File: eb2cd06ef0108fd⋯.jpg (97.93 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, WA_Arts_Minister_David_Tem….jpg)

>>14127248

Western Australia forced to review Taiwan hire ban

PAUL GARVEY - JULY 18, 2021

Taiwan has urged the government of Western Australian to abandon the policy that effectively bars performers with links to the country from venues across the state.

WA Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman late on Friday announced that the Perth Theatre Trust’s contentious venue-hire policy – which blocked the hire of state-owned theatres to groups with views at odds with those of the government, or which had ties to China’s disputed territories – would be subjected to a ­review.

The Perth Theatre Trust signed off in March on a policy to refuse venue hire to organisations “identifying with countries whose political status is unclear or in dispute” – a reference that foreign policy experts have said was aimed squarely at Taiwan.

In 2020, the Perth Theatre Trust made a formal apology to the Chinese consulate after an acrobat from the Taiwanese Acrobatic Troupe raised a Taiwan flag during a performance at one of the trust’s venues.

Oliver Weng, the executive director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia, said in a statement to The Australian that Taiwan was WA’s eight-biggest export market and said stronger ties between the two governments should be fostered.

“Taiwan has a multicultural society, vibrant democracy, dynamic economy and friendly people. Taiwanese performing arts groups have regularly visited Perth and other state capitals to promote cultural exchanges and build people-to-people links,” Mr Weng said.

“We believe such cultural and economic co-operation is in our mutual interest and should be valued and encouraged without let or hindrance.”

WA Premier Mark McGowan has been an ardent advocate for repairing the relationship between Australia and China, describing comments from senior federal politicians and officials about potential conflict with the superpower as “off the planet” and “insane”.

China is by far WA’s biggest export market, consuming the bulk of the iron ore production that delivers billions of dollars of royalties into the state’s treasury each year.

Mr Weng said Taiwan was one of the biggest markets for WA’s iron ore, base metal and copper ore exports. Taiwanese companies are also involved in Fortescue’s Iron Bridge project and the Prelude and Ichthys LNG projects.

“Through our joint efforts, Taiwan came eighth-largest export market and tenth-largest trading partner to Western Australia in 2020,” he said.

The planned overhaul of the policy followed revelations that the theatre trust had blocked the Australian Christian Lobby from hiring the Albany Entertainment Centre and the Perth Concert Hall for an event featuring ACL managing director Martyn Iles.

The ACL had warned that the ban appeared to be in breach of the Equal Opportunity Act, and the trust on Friday rescinded the ban and announced the fresh review after seeking legal advice from the State Solicitor’s Office.

Mr Iles told The Australian that the venue-hire policy’s implications for groups with ties to Taiwan and other disputed territories was “crazy” but consistent with what he said were the “authoritarian instincts” of WA’s Labor government.

“It’s not very surprising to me that they even promote the interests of an authoritarian regime over the interests of nations that are striving for freedom,” Mr Iles said.

Mr Templeman said when announcing the about-face on the ACL that the updated policy would reflect “the values and guiding principles” of the Perth Theatre Trust.

Asked if the reassessment would extend to the ban on groups with links to disputed territories, a spokeswoman for the minister said only that the policy would be “comprehensively” reviewed.

Kevin Carrico, a senior lecturer in Chinese studies at Monash University, said the existing policy’s clause about countries whose status was unclear or in dispute was consistent with Chinese efforts to stifle Taiwan’s international presence.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/western-australia-forced-to-review-taiwan-hire-ban/news-story/d8e5d247b6245b3487e205c7d0e5504c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153456

File: 0330997f208d33a⋯.jpg (237.71 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_Australian_Institute_o….jpg)

>>14020145

Coral repair raises hopes for reef as heritage vote looms

MICHAEL MCKENNA - JULY 18, 2021

1/2

The Great Barrier Reef is showing signs of recovery with some of the best coral coverage recorded in years, according to a survey of the natural wonder conducted by the commonwealth’s chief independent marine science agency.

The Australian Institute of Marine Science assessment – which found “minimal impact” from last year’s coral bleaching and increases in hard coral across 85 per cent of the reefs surveyed year on year – comes as UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee meets this week to consider whether the site should be formally declared “in danger”.

The results of the AIMS annual monitoring program, which has been monitoring the condition of the reef since 1985, will be used by Environment Minister Sussan Ley in her final push to lobby committee members against ratifying the draft ruling on Friday.

The institute’s chief executive, Paul Hardisty, said the reef continued to face a significant threat from climate change.

“There is some encouraging news in this report and another good year would continue the ­recovery process, but we also have to accept the increasing risk of marine heatwaves that can lead to coral bleaching and the need for the world to reduce carbon emissions,” Dr Hardisty said.

The AIMS Long-Term Monitoring Program, the latest results of which will be released on Monday, found coral recovery across all three of the Great Barrier Reef’s regions – northern, central and southern – stretching 2300km along Queensland’s coastline.

A respite from severe weather events over the past year allowed the recovery, the report finds.

Yet while the survey, conducted between August 2020 and April, shows widespread recovery from coral bleaching events in 2016, 2017 and last year, scientists said it might not be enough to avoid the “in-danger” listing.

In the reef’s northern region, hard coral coverage increased to 27 per cent – near its recorded high of 30 per cent in 1988 – from its lowest level of 14 per cent in the 2018-19 survey report, with the central region at 26 per cent, up from its low of 12 per cent in 2018-19. The southern region was found to have 39 per cent hard coral coverage – up from 23 per cent in 2019.

Anything above 30 per cent is considered high coverage.

AIMS researchers also found the severity of bleaching was generally low where it existed and that 75 of the 127 reefs visited had no bleaching. The survey found just four crown of thorns outbreaks across 3000 individual reefs.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153459

File: 3e0438e2355b1a5⋯.jpg (251.73 KB, 1300x850, 26:17, REEF_HEALTH_CHECK.jpg)

>>14153456

2/2

Ms Ley, who has spent the past week in Europe lobbying World Heritage Committee members, said the new AIMS survey results showed it was possible for the Great Barrier Reef to recover from environmental damage.

“The report recognises the very real challenges for the reef in the face of changing climates and extreme weather events, but it also underlines the capacity of the reef to recover,” she said.

“The clear message from this year’s survey is that coral recovery can take place, and is taking place, in the right conditions.

“The release of the full report underlines our view that the World Heritage Committee proposed listing had not been based on the latest information.”

Ms Ley has previously accused the World Heritage Committee of blindsiding the government by moving to change the reef’s alert level without consultation or on-the-ground verification.

Marine scientists, including James Cook University researcher Scott Heron, said signs of recovery should not distract from the underlying threat to the reef. “Any improvement in coral cover in this report should not veil the continuing and increasing threat that ­climate change poses to the health of the reef and the people that rely on it,’’ Dr Heron said.

He added that the increase in coral bleaching events caused by climate change had reduced the time for the reef to recovery.

Queensland Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said while the results of the AIMS survey were encouraging, more work needed to be done – in particular, to tackle the threat of climate change. “It’s positive to see that coral resilience and recovery … it’s a sign of the work we’ve done to-date around water quality and research,’’ she said.

“But we need to continue to help the reef with more action on renewable energy and carbon farming to ­address the impact of climate change.”

Last month, UNESCO said it had recommended the Great Barrier Reef be downgraded to an “in-danger” listing because bleaching in 2016, 2017 and last year had compounded problems of pollution run-off and water quality, leaving no doubt the reef was facing “ascertained danger”.

The government had lobbied the World Heritage Committee to stop an earlier embarrassing downgrade for the reef, with then environment minister Greg Hunt succeeding in holding off the change in May 2015.

The federal and Queensland governments have recently committed new funding and passed stricter run-off laws in a bid to stave off an “in-danger” listing.

Ratifying the decision to declare the reef endangered will require at least 14 votes. Last week, the federal government hosted ambassadors from more than a dozen countries for a snorkelling trip as part of lobbying efforts.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/coral-repair-raises-hopes-for-reef-as-heritage-vote-looms/news-story/6ad83500a5364d7f1696b49be8ebbe3d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153505

File: a128922a8256523⋯.jpg (876.8 KB, 938x1439, 938:1439, PD_7.jpg)

File: b431ea9e2e7ca90⋯.jpg (783.73 KB, 2048x1128, 256:141, 217821111_359282452220231_….jpg)

File: 9d04610fcee6216⋯.jpg (589.2 KB, 2048x1443, 2048:1443, 214782242_359282098886933_….jpg)

File: d4b673f5f0fa54d⋯.jpg (886.96 KB, 2048x1536, 4:3, 217818342_359282132220263_….jpg)

File: e07d59a9024c052⋯.jpg (765.94 KB, 2048x1519, 2048:1519, 217895071_359289832219493_….jpg)

>>14119998

Defence Minister Peter Dutton Facebook Post

19 July 2021

Talisman Sabre is Australia's largest military exercise with the United States. Some 17,000 personnel, including 8,000 from the ADF are engaging in multiple warfighting training scenarios. Yesterday I visited their training area at Shoalwater Bay to view a live fire exercise and to speak with personnel. They are working hard together, strengthening the Australian-US Alliance, and improving combat readiness.

https://www.facebook.com/PeterDuttonMP/posts/359299705551839

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153524

File: 280f538c24a2c02⋯.jpg (546.97 KB, 825x1127, 825:1127, TS_13.jpg)

File: ff24805f83101d0⋯.jpg (185.22 KB, 936x624, 3:2, E6o5UfHWEAA4rlN.jpg)

File: e8ccbe506aea4c3⋯.jpg (573.63 KB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E6o5U8qX0AQg3Ag.jpg)

File: 1483f6ef429cd8f⋯.jpg (4.25 MB, 4096x2811, 4096:2811, E6o5VZYXIAIah0l.jpg)

File: 97986b2c8413652⋯.jpg (1.06 MB, 4096x2730, 2048:1365, E6o5WEpXIAAbuD.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Shots of yesterday's #LiveFire

Australian and American have fired on Shoalwater Bay in a combined strike during #TalismanSabre2021.

Stay tuned for the footage!

http://bit. ly/LiveFire21

#AlliesAndPartners #TS21 @DeptDefence @DeptofDefense @USMC @USArmy

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1417008095239319552

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/weapons-unleashed-powerful-demonstration

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153531

File: de4023e63429ce2⋯.jpg (89.02 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Rockets_are_launched_from_….jpg)

File: 9c9f157ab734e20⋯.jpg (729.51 KB, 2400x1601, 2400:1601, M777A2_Howitzers_of_the_1s….jpg)

>>14153524

Weapons unleashed in powerful demonstration

Warrant Officer Class 2 Max Bree - 19 July 2021

A pair of shells flew over the water and slammed into Townshend Island within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area on the afternoon of July 18.

At sea, the five-inch guns of HMAS Ballarat and USS Rafael Peralta unleashed a further barrage of rounds, beginning the Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 firepower demonstration.

The bombardment didn’t relent as HMAS Parramatta and Japanese destroyer JS Makinami opened fire with guns of their own.

Further inland, a US Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter launched 20mm rockets towards Mount Phipps, accompanied by a UH-1Y Venom helicopter.

They also moved to Townshend Island where the Venom attacked with its minigun, fast-firing .50-calibre rounds and rockets.

Not to be outdone, two ARH Tigers fired 30mm rockets before dropping flares and unleashing a stream of .30-calibre rounds.

They also launched Hellfire missiles over the water at Townshend Island.

A 1000-pound bomb that exploded by the base of Mount Phipps announced an attack run by two F/A-18A/B Hornets.

They tore through the sky above Shoalwater, with loud “burrrrrrrrr” sounds resonating through the area as they strafed with 25mm cannons.

Ground-shaking booms erupted as nine US and Australian M777 Howitzers opened fire, before crews raced each other to launch their remaining nine, high-explosive rounds.

Commanding an M777 was Bombardier Dean Russell, 105th Battery of the 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, who barked orders as his crew reloaded and fired their gun.

“Not much would survive at the other end,” he said.

“There would be a lot of trees splintering and shrapnel flying around. You’d be wanting to get low if you were there.”

Back at Townshend Island, American F-35 Lightning IIs attacked with bombs and multiple 25mm cannon strafing runs.

US Army and Marine Corps High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) emerged from a hide and together fired a stream of about 20 rockets beyond Mount Phipps.

Task Force Fires commander US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Roe Lemons controlled the system, and said it could hide for months before emerging to deliver long-range precision fires.

“It’s wheeled, it can go anywhere. It’s very easy to hide,” Lieutenant Colonel Lemons said.

“It has the same effects we typically see from aviation, but it can provide that from a ground-based platform.

“We can transport it in anything from a C-130 and up.

“We fly can in, we shoot that mission, then we get out of the area.”

It was the first time in his six-year career that Bombardier Russell had seen HIMARS fire and fast jets attack over the gun line.

“Some of the new guys in the detachment had ear-to-ear grins,” he said.

“It’s amazing to imagine how far HIMARS can shoot and how much ground it can cover on the other end.”

A host of international representatives viewed the demonstration along with Minister for Defence Peter Dutton.

His remarks reminded everyone of the strength of Australia’s 70-year alliance with the US.

“It sends a clear message to anybody who would want to do harm to Australia,” Mr Dutton said.

The demonstration and exercise such as Talisman Sabre also show that Australia can operate on a world-class level with America, according to Mr Dutton.

“Our region has changed significantly in recent years and we need to make sure we have the greatest investment in our people and our equipment,” he said.

“We maximise our capacity to keep Australia safe through a deepening of our relationship with the United States, our Five Eyes partners and others who are contributing to Talisman Sabre.”

Get the latest Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 action here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/weapons-unleashed-powerful-demonstration

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153541

File: ce9562e18127b9c⋯.jpg (350.9 KB, 825x975, 11:13, TS_14.jpg)

File: ab0f61c3d3a463e⋯.mp4 (5.35 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, 0ksn3AfYbP8xbHrv.mp4)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Thank you, Townsville!

The city and people of Townsville received a show of gratitude on behalf of #TS21 with a special flypast from @AusAirForce.

#TalismanSabre2021 #TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1416993787830747136

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153560

File: 42f8bef2e4fc59f⋯.jpg (556.03 KB, 825x1016, 825:1016, USDOD_1.jpg)

File: 9d86f4db4686100⋯.jpg (1.54 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E6nFRs6WQAwbqFH.jpg)

File: 3ed627260bc9615⋯.jpg (1.21 MB, 3712x2475, 3712:2475, E6nFSfVXsAITAAb.jpg)

File: 3a5b601083e5c73⋯.jpg (1.73 MB, 4068x2712, 3:2, E6nFTwLXEAYbOaO.jpg)

File: 539f1ce60db3888⋯.jpg (1.66 MB, 3888x2592, 3:2, E6nFUgWXoAIXeAR.jpg)

>>14119998

United States Department of Defense Tweet

Capable ✔

Interoperable ✔

Responsive ✔

Combat-Ready ✔

During exercise #TalismanSabre, @3d_Marine_Div and @AustralianArmy are training together to support a peaceful, stable and #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific. Check out @TalismanSabre to see more of the exercise!

https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense/status/1416880519338397697

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153573

File: 49c0d8d7545c922⋯.jpg (580.52 KB, 825x1336, 825:1336, LJA_2.jpg)

>>14119998

United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Tweet

Deterrence through partnerships and alliances is critical to America's defense. The @TalismanSabre exercise in the @INDOPACOM theater is a perfect example of that–with 17,000 personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the ROK, and the U.K. participating.

https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1416433534487699460

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14153576

File: a47bd522e6eec85⋯.jpg (105.21 KB, 800x480, 5:3, The_comprehensive_supply_s….jpg)

>>14119986

>>14145027

Magnifying legal Chinese ship presence near US-Australian military drill unreasonable: experts

Liu Xuanzun - Jul 18, 2021

Recent coverage by Australian media on the legal presence of surveillance ships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy near ongoing US-Australian military exercises has been unreasonable magnified, particularly when Western countries like the US do the same on China, Chinese experts said on Sunday.

China has dispatched two Type 815 auxiliary general intelligence ships to locations near Australia amid the Talisman Sabre 2021 large-scale military exercises involving Australian and US forces, Australian news website abc.net.au reported on Sunday.

The Chinese military had not made any announcement on this mission as of Sunday evening.

For the past two versions of the Talisman Sabre exercises in 2019 and 2017, China deployed one surveillance ship to study how US forces interact with their Australian counterparts but this was the first time a second surveillance vessel has been sent, according to the Australian news report.

Both PLA ships are expected to remain outside Australian territorial waters, with one sailing through the Torres Strait toward Queensland and the other approaching from the Solomon Sea, around Papua New Guinea, the report said, adding that the PLA Navy's activity is consistent with freedom of navigation laws under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

It is unreasonable to exaggerate the legal presence of the Chinese ships as threats when Western countries like the US are frequently conducting close-in reconnaissance activities on China from both sea and air, which are much riskier, a Chinese military expert told the Global Times on Sunday.

The US deployed at least one surveillance ship to the South China Sea in at least 161 days in the first six months of 2021 to attempt to monitor activities of Chinese submarine in the region and provide anti-submarine intelligence support, the South China Sea Strategic Situation Probing Initiative (SCSPI), a Beijing-based think tank, said in a report released last week.

US naval surveillance activities were accompanied by aerial monitoring with more than 2,000 US spy aircrafts conducting close-in reconnaissance on China each year, the SCSPI said.

US warships also frequently trespassed into Chinese territorial waters in the Xisha and Nansha islands and US spy planes often change their identification codes to look like civilian aircrafts when conducting close-in reconnaissance operations, observers said.

Western countries should get used to China's legal maritime activities as the PLA Navy continues to develop, the expert said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1228979.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

a0f179  No.14154581

>>14153576

So China got busted spying on Talisman Sabre and are going "you do it too!"

>US warships also frequently trespassed into Chinese territorial waters in the Xisha and Nansha islands and US spy planes often change their identification codes to look like civilian aircrafts when conducting close-in reconnaissance operations, observers said.

Sure thing there comrade Hin Pin Lin

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14155417

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre 21, Queensland, Australia, 07/19/2021 #KnowYourMil

GEORGEnews

Jul 19, 2021

Highlights to date, of our U.S. Marines assigned to 3d Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3d Marine Division, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 on Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Queensland, Australia, July 19, 2021. TS21, the ninth iteration and conducted since 2005, occurs biennially across Northern Australia. Australian, U.S. and other multinational partner forces use Talisman Sabre to enhance interoperability by training in complex, multi-domain operations scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns.

https://george.news

https://www.todaysmilitary.com/military-life/futures-magazine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVLQfCsie9c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

2e2e22  No.14158907

>>14158900

Statesanons love aussie anons, God bless brothers… stop letting your government be faggots

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159491

File: 805010a1a0f7d96⋯.jpg (91.05 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, A_lone_passenger_wearing_a….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia's COVID-19 lockdowns cover more than half the 25 million population

Renju Jose and Jonathan Barrett - JULY 20, 2021

SYDNEY (Reuters) - More than half of Australia’s 25 million population is under lockdown after a third state imposed movement restrictions on Tuesday to contain the spread of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant.

Australia’s coronavirus case numbers and deaths are well below other developed nations, but the country’s use of lockdowns due to a sluggish vaccination rollout is putting pressure on the national government with polls at their lowest in a year and just months before elections are due to be held.

South Australia, a state of 1.8 million people, imposed a seven day lockdown after detecting five infections linked to a returned traveller, just as neighbouring Victoria state extended a five-day lockdown by a week after it failed to stop new cases.

“We hate putting these restrictions in place but we believe we have one chance to get this right,” South Australia premier Steven Marshall told reporters.

Sydney, the country’s largest city and where the latest Delta outbreak started before spreading to other states, is in its fourth week of a five week lockdown.

New South Wales state, of which Sydney is the capital, logged 78 new cases on Tuesday, from 98 a day earlier, its biggest daily dip since Sydney went into lockdown.

At least 21 of the new cases were infectious while in the community before they were diagnosed, a number that authorities said must be near zero for Sydney’s lockdown to be lifted by a July 30 target date.

“We are seeing more hospitalisations, more admissions to ICU, more people on ventilators - we have to stop the spread of COVID,” NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said in Sydney, referring to intensive care units (ICU).

Ninety-five people with COVID-19 are in hospitals in NSW, with 27 in intensive care and 11 on ventilators. Five deaths have been reported in the state during the latest outbreak, taking the national total to 915 deaths and just over 32,000 cases.

Australia has used a system of lockdowns, tough social distancing rules and swift contact tracing to suppress the infection rate to a fraction of the levels recorded in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom and United States.

However the virulent Delta strain and a low COVID-19 vaccine coverage in Australia, with just over 14% of adults fully vaccinated, is testing health services.

Though 13 million Australians were under lockdown, Federal Health Minister defended the country’s response to the pandemic, saying it had saved thousands of lives.

“The scope and scale between the rest of the world and Australia are immeasurably different and we shouldn’t lose sight of what has been achieved on an extraordinary level,” Hunt told reporters.

LOCKDOWN WOES

A five-day snap lockdown in Victoria state was due to end Tuesday night, but authorities extended restrictions by a week until July 27 as officials sought more time to quell the outbreak.

“There are chains of transmission that are not yet contained that we don’t know about and if we would open up we would see how quickly this runs,” Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said in Melbourne.

“The speed with which this has moved through the Victorian community confirms that we did the right thing to lock down, and it also sadly confirms that we need more time.”

Victoria reported nine locally acquired cases, from 13 a day earlier, in line with a downward trend and taking total cases to more than 80. Of the new cases, all but one were linked to the current outbreak, officials said.

Virus-exposed locations in Victoria have risen to more than 300 since the first cases were detected a week ago linked to a team of infectious furniture movers from Sydney.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-australia/australias-covid-19-lockdowns-cover-more-than-half-the-25-million-population-idUSKBN2EP2BW

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159509

File: 8aa2733e335b8ba⋯.mp4 (6.06 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Home_Affairs_Minister_expr….mp4)

Australia prepares for China retaliation after blaming Beijing for Microsoft hack

Mark Saunokonoko - Jul 20, 2021

1/2

Potentially thousands of Australian businesses and computer networks have been hacked by China on a massive scale, the Australian government has claimed, while bracing for economic and political blowback for publicly blaming Beijing.

Australia has joined the US in pointing the finger at China for a hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software that compromised tens of thousands of computers around the world earlier this year.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said the Chinese government-sponsored attacks "opened the door for cyber-criminals to exploit (Australia's) private sector for illicit gain".

Ms Andrews said the attacks had affected a "wide range" of businesses and sectors worldwide, which would also be reflected in the kind of Australian companies targeted.

The attacks led to a "significant" data breaches and primarily took place in January, she said.

"In the past, Australia has publicly attributed malicious cyber-activity to Iran, China, Korea, North Korea, and Russia.

"Australia publicly attributes cyber-incident when is it's in our interests to do so, especially those with the potential to undermine global economic growth, national security, and international stability."

She said the government knows there will be "serious implications for any attribution" to hacking by foreign powers, "but we also will not compromise our position on sovereignty and national security".

"In this instance, along with our partner nations (including the United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States, Japan), we needed to call out this malicious cyber attack."

She said the Australian government had a "very high level of confidence" China's Ministry of State Security was behind the cyber-attacks.

Hacking attacks from China were becoming more common, she said.

"We can't allow this criminal activity to become a significant hand brake on our economic growth and our digital security."

Ms Andrews said she did not know if any Australian companies had paid ransoms to hackers, because of the attacks.

The US administration and allied nations, including Australia, also disclosed a broad range of other cyberthreats from Beijing, including ransomware attacks from government-affiliated hackers that have targeted companies with demands for millions of dollars.

China's Ministry of State Security has been using criminal contract hackers, who have engaged in cyber extortion schemes and theft for their own profit, according to a senior administration official.

That official briefed reporters about the investigation on the condition of anonymity.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton on Monday night expressed "serious concerns about malicious cyber activities by China's Ministry of State Security".

He said the MSS exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange software to affect thousands of computers and networks worldwide, including in Australia.

"These actions have undermined international stability and security by opening the door to a range of other actors, including cybercriminals, who continue to exploit this vulnerability for illicit gain," he said, in a statement.

"The Australian Government is also seriously concerned about reports from our international partners that China's Ministry of State Security is engaging contract hackers who have carried out cyber-enabled intellectual property theft for personal gain and to provide commercial advantage to the Chinese Government."

Mr Dutton called on China to "act responsibly in cyberspace", abide by its commitments to the G20 and refrain from cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, trade secrets and confidential business information.

A senior administration official said Australia was among "an unprecedented group of allies… joining the United States in exposing and criticising the PRC's Ministry of State Security's malicious cyber activities."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159512

File: fa5b40bc7977e6f⋯.jpg (46.39 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, Defence_Minister_Peter_Dut….jpg)

File: e5f9a07f0833604⋯.jpg (113.29 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, Microsoft_suffered_a_massi….jpg)

>>14159509

2/2

The Microsoft Exchange Server holds millions of corporate emails, calendars and rostering products and if hacked entire email inboxes could be wiped as well as stolen.

In the wake of the attack, the Australian Signals Directorate's Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) confirmed Australian organisations — thought to be more than 7000 servers locally — had been affected by the hack.

The announcements highlighted the ongoing cyberthreat posed by Chinese government hackers even as the US administration has been consumed with trying to curb ransomware attacks from Russia-based syndicates that have targeted critical infrastructure, including a massive fuel pipeline.

Even though the finger-pointing was not accompanied by any sanctioning of Beijing, a senior US administration official who disclosed the actions to reporters said the US had confronted senior Chinese officials and that the White House regarded the multi-nation public shaming as sending an important message.

That hackers affiliated with the Ministry of State Security carried out a ransomware attack was surprising and concerning to the US government, the senior administration official said.

But the attack, in which an unidentified American company received a high-dollar ransom demand, also gave US officials new insight into what the official said was "the kind of aggressive behaviour that we're seeing coming out of China."

The European Union also blamed China for what it said were malicious cyber activities with "significant effects" that targeted government institutions and political organisations in the EU and its 27 member states, as well as key European industries.

In a statement, the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the hacking was "conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage."

The majority of the most damaging and high-profile recent ransomware attacks have involved Russian criminal gangs.

Though the US has sometimes seen connections between Russian intelligence agencies and individual hackers, the use of criminal contract hackers by the Chinese government "to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally is distinct," the official said.

The Microsoft Exchange hack was first identified in January and was rapidly attributed to Chinese cyber spies by private sector groups.

An administration official said the government's attribution to hackers affiliated with China's Ministry of State Security took until now in part because of the discovery of the ransomware and for-profit hacking operations and because the administration wanted to pair the announcement with guidance for businesses about tactics that the Chinese have been using.

An advisory Monday from the FBI, the National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency laid out specific techniques and ways that government agencies and businesses can protect themselves.

The White House also wanted to line up an international coalition of allies to call out China, according to the official, who said it was the first time NATO had condemned Beijing's hacking operations.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, asked about the Microsoft Exchange hack, has previously said that China "firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms" and cautioned that attribution of cyberattacks should be based on evidence and not "groundless accusations."

https://www.9news.com.au/world/us-blames-china-for-microsoft-exchange-email-server-hack/86210eb5-a4c2-48df-a59e-616a61b0f418

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159551

File: fb8937be0a0aae2⋯.webm (10.11 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Australia_prepares_for_Ch….webm)

File: 7bdcb2f1d45f783⋯.jpg (71.22 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, China_has_rejected_accusat….jpg)

File: b009c5767ec6fac⋯.jpg (122.23 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, Microsoft_s_email_servers_….jpg)

File: 448258c26d39e9a⋯.jpg (143.7 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, China_s_relationship_with_….jpg)

>>14159509

China accuses Australia of hypocrisy over Microsoft server hack accusation

Nick Pearson - Jul 20, 2021

China has accused Australia of hypocrisy over the Federal Government's accusation that Beijing is responsible for a massive hack of Microsoft email server software.

Overnight the Australian government blamed China's Ministry of State Security for the cyber attack.

The Chinese embassy in Canberra has now issued a statement declaring the accusation "groundless", and accused the Australian government of "parroting the rhetoric of the US".

"It is well known that the US has engaged in unscrupulous, massive and indiscriminate eavesdropping on many countries including its allies," the statement read.

"It is the world champion of malicious cyber attacks.

"Australia also has a poor record, including monitoring the mobile phone of the president of its biggest neighbour country, not to mention acting as an accomplice for the US' eavesdropping activities under the framework of Five Eyes alliance.

"What the Australian government has done is extremely hypocritical, like a thief crying 'stop the thief'."

The statement referenced Australian intelligence agencies' attempts to tap the phone calls of Indonesia's President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2009.

Chinese newspaper the Global Times, a mouthpiece of the Communist Party, has also been highly critical of Australia.

In an opinion piece published yesterday, the newspaper rejected suggestions that Australia was playing a valuable role in China's economic growth.

"To a certain extent, Canberra's arrogance in overestimating its role to the Chinese economy may explain their political leader's reluctance to acknowledge the sheer fact that Australia should take the full responsibility for the escalating deterioration of bilateral economic ties," the editorial read.

"Since China is the economy that is fully capable of withstanding the losses caused by trade tensions between the two countries, there is no reason or need for China to tolerate Australia provocative actions."

The statement issued overnight from Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews, Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton said China's alleged hack affected "thousands of computers and networks worldwide".

"These actions have undermined international stability and security by opening the door to a range of other actors, including cybercriminals, who continue to exploit this vulnerability for illicit gain," the statement read.

"The Australian Government is also seriously concerned about reports from our international partners that China's Ministry of State Security is engaging contract hackers who have carried out cyber-enabled intellectual property theft for personal gain and to provide commercial advantage to the Chinese Government."

It is not known if any Australian companies had paid ransoms to the hackers because of the attacks.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/china-microsoft-teams-software-hacking-australia-response-embassy-beijing-chinese-ministry-state-security/2771f8fe-ddc0-43b6-b2bf-d1a4ba0dd3d0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159554

File: 7bc0fc76272aa3f⋯.jpg (1.47 MB, 1203x2677, 1203:2677, Australia_joins_internatio….jpg)

>>14159509

Foreign Minister Marise Payne Statement

Australia joins international partners in attribution of malicious cyber activity to China

Joint media release with:

• The Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Home Affairs

• The Hon Peter Dutton MP, Minister for Defence

19 July 2021

Today, the Australian Government joins international partners in expressing serious concerns about malicious cyber activities by China's Ministry of State Security.

In consultation with our partners, the Australian Government has determined that China's Ministry of State Security exploited vulnerabilities in the Microsoft Exchange software to affect thousands of computers and networks worldwide, including in Australia. These actions have undermined international stability and security by opening the door to a range of other actors, including cybercriminals, who continue to exploit this vulnerability for illicit gain.

The Australian Government is also seriously concerned about reports from our international partners that China's Ministry of State Security is engaging contract hackers who have carried out cyber-enabled intellectual property theft for personal gain and to provide commercial advantage to the Chinese Government.

Australia calls on all countries – including China – to act responsibly in cyberspace. China must adhere to the commitments it has made in the G20, and bilaterally, to refrain from cyber-enabled theft of intellectual property, trade secrets and confidential business information with the intent of obtaining competitive advantage.

Since 2017, Australia has publicly attributed malicious cyber activity to North Korea, Russia, China and Iran. Most recently, Australia joined more than 30 international partners to hold Russia to account for its harmful cyber campaign against SolarWinds. Australia calls out these malicious activities to highlight the significant risk they can pose to Australia's national security or to international stability, which in turn can undermine business confidence and inclusive economic growth.

Australia's cyber security posture is strong, but there is no room for complacency given the online threat environment is constantly evolving. Protecting Australia from malicious cyber activity – be it by state actors or cybercriminals – requires a continuous improvement approach to cyber security practices across all levels of society including government, business and households.

The Australian Government will continue to work with international partners and the private sector to strengthen cyber security, including through the implementation of Australia's Cyber Security Strategy 2020 and Australia's International Cyber and Critical Technology Engagement Strategy. All Australians are encouraged to visit cyber.gov.au for advice on how to protect themselves online.

https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/australia-joins-international-partners-attribution-malicious-cyber-activity-china

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159568

File: 010dade0bd7f659⋯.jpg (951.3 KB, 1238x1192, 619:596, Chinese_Embassy_Spokespers….jpg)

>>14159509

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Responding to the Australian Side's Remarks on Cyber Issues - 2021/07/20

China firmly rejects the groundless accusations made by the Australian government on cyber issues, following the steps and parroting the rhetoric of the US.

It is well known that the US has engaged in unscrupulous, massive and indiscriminate eavesdropping on many countries including its allies. It is the world champion of malicious cyber attacks. Australia also has a poor record, including monitoring the mobile phone of the president of its biggest neighbor country, not to mention acting as an accomplice for the US’ eavesdropping activities under the framework of Five Eyes alliance. What the Australian government has done is extremely hypocritical, like a thief crying "stop the thief".

As a victim of cyber attacks, China always firmly opposes cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms, and calls on countries to advance dialogue and cooperation to safeguard cyber security.China put forward the Global Initiative on Data Security last September, and hopes that all countries will respond positively to jointly foster a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyberspace, if they genuinely care about cyber security.

http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1893534.htm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

f0d252  No.14159576

https://6Q.cool

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159586

File: 6b4f7a11fbebcf7⋯.jpg (127.74 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, GT_Voice_Australia_s_role_….jpg)

>>14159551

GT Voice: Australia’s role to the Chinese economy should not be overestimated

Global Times - Jul 19, 2021

Even during his tour which aims to strengthen Canberra's trading relationships with several Asia-Pacific countries, Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan didn't forget to express in the media his patience toward mitigating trade disputes with China.

Australia wants to solve its disputes with China through dialogue, the trade minister told Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview published on Sunday. "We have to remember out trading relationship with China is helping millions out of poverty in China. At the same time, it has helped us maintain our standard of living in Australia. So it's in both countries' interests that the economic partnership continue," Tehan said.

Amid constantly strained China-Australia political ties, it is not the first time that Australian officials have expressed similar hopes of maintaining or restoring strong trade ties with China. Yet, if they do have the sincerity in easing tensions between the two countries, they should at least show it by treating Chinese companies and investment fairly on the economic and trade front, instead of paying lip service to the media.

Maybe it is because some of the Australian politicians still lack a clear understanding when it comes to the dynamic of China-Australia trade. China contributes to more than 80 percent of Australia's trade surplus. By comparison, Australian exports to China accounted for merely 2.79 percent of China's total trade in the first half of this year, showed data from Chinese customs. In this sense, the Chinese market may be important for supporting the Australian economy, but there is no way that trade with Australia could be said to be lifting millions out of poverty in China.

To a certain extent, Canberra's arrogance in overestimating its role to the Chinese economy may explain their political leader's reluctance to acknowledge the sheer fact that Australia should take the full responsibility for the escalating deterioration of bilateral economic ties.

Australia was the first country to ban Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei from the 5G rollout on the grounds of national security, according to media reports. Since 2018, it has turned down a dozen Chinese investment projects. Early in January, Canberra killed an offer made by China State Construction Engineering Corporation to acquire Australian-based construction giant Probuild again on the grounds of national security. In April, the Australian federal government used an anti-China law to tear up agreements signed between the state of Victoria and China on the Belt and Road Initiative. Unless Canberra changes its course of action, or it would be highly questionable what dialogue can do to aid the current situation.

If anything, Canberra has fully displayed its hostility toward China by politicizing trade and investment issues and imposing discriminatory measures on Chinese companies, violating market principles and destroying the trust which formed the bedrock of China-Australia trade. Since China is the economy that is fully capable of withstanding the losses caused by trade tensions between the two countries, there is no reason or need for China to tolerate Australia provocative actions.

In this sense, the best way for Australia to work on the differences is to stop being hostile to China, and begin with treating Chinese companies fairly as a starting point.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229053.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159595

File: a9c53eb02ca9ad0⋯.jpg (80.76 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_leaves_t….jpg)

>>14035776

‘Anguished’ Ben Roberts-Smith calls for trial to resume

KIERAN GAIR - JULY 19, 2021

Ben Roberts-Smith’s defamation case against Nine newspapers will briefly resume next week to hear evidence from four Afghan witnesses who are sheltering in a safe house in Kabul, as concerns mount over the impact of the trial’s pandemic-induced delay on the Victoria Cross recipient’s mental health.

Barrister Nicholas Owens, SC, acting for Nine, urged the Federal Court on Monday to resume the trial on July 26, warning there was an “ongoing risk” of a Taliban attack in Kabul.

“There is credible reports of imminent terrorist attacks in Kabul, it’s a dangerous environment,” Mr Owens said. “The relevant point there is that we are not going to get an orderly two-week notice period that the Taliban is going to attack Kabul. If things change, they are going to change very quickly,” he said.

On Monday, Justice Anthony Besanko agreed to briefly resume the trial on July 26, but only so the court could hear evidence from the four Afghan witnesses. It comes after the trial was adjourned last month in the wake of the unfolding Covid-19 outbreak in Sydney.

Barrister Bruce McClintock, SC, acting for Mr Roberts-Smith, said it was “imperative” the trial resume, renewing a call last week to relocate the case to Adelaide or Canberra.

“The stress on my client and the anguish it’s causing him is very, very great,” Mr McClintock said. “He’s now separated from his children and can’t see them. He’s stood down from his job to deal with this case.”

“He has come from Queensland, his parents have come from Perth and they are in Sydney for this case. His life is in effect on hold until this case is over.”

Mr Roberts-Smith, 42, is suing The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times, now under separate ownership, over reports published in 2018 that alleged he committed murder during deployments to Afghanistan. He denies the allegations and says the reports portray him as a war criminal.

He is also suing over reports alleging he assaulted a woman — a key witness in the defamation proceedings — at a Canberra hotel in March 2018.

As part of its truth defence, the newspapers allege that Mr Roberts-Smith committed or was complicit in six unlawful killings in Afghanistan, including their “centrepiece” allegation — the murder of Afghan Ali Jan.

Last month, Mr McClintock told the court that “if someone called Ali Jan did die” in Afghanistan, it was because he was a Taliban spotter who was killed by Australian soldiers within the rules of engagement.

The villagers, however, allege they saw Mr Roberts-Smith kick Ali Jan, allegedly an unarmed farmer, off a cliff while handcuffed in Darwan in 2012. He was then allegedly shot dead by Australian soldiers. A fourth Afghan witness is also expected to provide evidence about Jan being held in custody by Australian soldiers.

Given the risk of a Taliban-led terrorist attack in Kabul, Mr Owens on Monday said the Afghan witnesses may decide that “this isn’t their fight” and that it would not be “worth their while to participate in a foreign western countries court processes for reasons that don’t produce any direct benefit to them.”

“None of the witnesses reside permanently in Kabul, so if the matter were to be put off, there is a question about getting people back to Kabul in the future.”

Mr Owens said travel back to Kabul would involve entering “regional areas in Afghanistan which tend to be more heavily dominated by the Taliban”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/anguished-ben-robertssmith-calls-for-trial-to-resume/news-story/aee1f679e1245ad897ea02dfd4500336

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159631

File: 4b4e5414af104c3⋯.jpg (221.48 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Investigations_into_Jadd_W….jpg)

File: 891e07d75e17687⋯.jpg (135.74 KB, 768x1026, 128:171, Michael_Drennan_was_the_fi….jpg)

File: 986d664a97e9c95⋯.jpg (81.68 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Former_SA_Labor_Party_advi….jpg)

>>14020172

Leon Ronald Scarffe faces court accused of child abuse and blackmail arising from investigation into Jadd William Brooker

Yet another alleged member of this HIV+ sex predator’s online pedophile ring has faced court – and he has been accused of also blackmailing his young victims.

Sean Fewster - July 20, 2021

An alleged member of the same pedophile ring that included an HIV-positive predator and a top political advisor used blackmail to keep his young victims silent, a court has heard.

The Advertiser can reveal Leon Ronald Scarffe is the latest alleged sex offender to face court on charges arising from the investigation into Jadd William Brooker.

He is one of more than 10 people arrested, by SA’s Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team, in a still-ongoing investigation into a large group of Adelaide-based alleged pedophiles.

Scarffe, 51, of Mitchell Park, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday by video link.

He has yet to plead to one count of persistent sexual exploitation of a child and 10 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 17.

Scarffe is further charged with one count of producing child exploitation material and seven counts of disseminating that material online.

He is also charged with five counts of communicating to make a child amenable to sexual activity, and one count of blackmail.

Court documents, filed by JACET, allege the offences took place at Mitchell Park between March 1, 2017 and December 4 last year.

The document allege that, over the three-year period, Scarrfe groomed children online and then recorded himself repeatedly abusing them.

They also allege Scarffe told the children that, if they reported his actions to police, he would send his recordings to their families or publish the material on the internet.

They further allege that, despite his threat, Scarffe had already shared his recordings online with other men.

One of those men, JACET has alleged, was Brooker – who has pleaded guilty to 38 child abuse offences since his arrest in September last year.

Brooker was caught due to conversations, in which he vowed to infect children and adults with HIV, he had online with Michael Drennan – who has been jailed for child abuse crimes.

JACET’s analysis of Brooker’s computers and digital devices sparked the arrests of Scarffe and several other men including veteran Labor political advisor Benjamin John Waters.

Waters has since pleaded guilty to child abuse offences and will next face court in September, on the same day as Brooker.

On Tuesday, counsel for Scarffe said their client would plead not guilty to all 25 charges and asked he be committed to the District Court for trial.

However, as Magistrate Brett Dixon read out the first charge, Scarffe refused to respond with his plea.

“I want to seek further legal advice … I want to speak to my lawyer again,” he said.

Mr Dixon remanded Scarffe in custody to face court again next month.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/south-australia/leon-ronald-scarffe-faces-court-accused-of-child-abuse-and-blackmail-arising-from-investigation-into-jadd-william-brooker/news-story/4ccc99755a935774dcd54afba5f439ac

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159654

File: 394f141f8c13cd7⋯.jpg (102.96 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Joe_left_alleges_he_was_wa….jpg)

File: 20a19cac1311677⋯.jpg (165.5 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Joe_says_he_was_nicknamed_….jpg)

File: ba47e6f6d143266⋯.jpg (94.56 KB, 862x575, 862:575, After_learning_of_her_fath….jpg)

Joe and Alan were childhood mates — they never realised they shared a secret

Emily Baker - 19 Jul 2021

1/2

A photo taken of Joe* in 1971 shows him long legged and tanned, his childish face shaded by a large hat as he holds a sturdy stick, ready for adventure.

The group of adults who took the 12-year-old on bushwalks throughout Tasmania gave him a nickname.

Now 63, he has been haunted by those walks in his youth, where he alleges he was plied with alcohol and sexually abused by one of the men.

"They called me Chuck because I used to drink and vomit," Joe said.

"If you saw a 27, 28-year-old man running around with 12-year-old boys in his car, sometimes giving them alcohol, you'd have to wonder."

Drug and alcohol addiction followed Joe into his adult life, eventually leading to what he jokingly referred to as his tour of Tasmania — admission to four different psychiatric wards.

The first incident happened in the alleged perpetrator's spare room before a Saturday morning journey.

"It definitely happened more than once at that house and it happened on some of the bushwalks as well," Joe said.

"I wanted to go bushwalking. I didn't go to find somebody to have sex with me."

Joe gave evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and tried to have his case prosecuted by police in 2014.

He was told it would not be pursued because of the time that had passed, that his mother's supporting evidence was not strong enough, that a covert call with the alleged perpetrator made from Victoria was not admissible in Tasmania, and that the allegations had been "emphatically denied" during an interview with police.

His drug and alcohol abuse was also listed as a reason his reliability may be questioned.

Joe all but gave up on seeking justice and tried to get on with the life he had built in Melbourne — sober and single.

"I haven't had a lot of success building relationships and having a family of my own," Joe said.

"I have a dog and I've found a good job but it's not a high-level job."

Seven years passed. Then, about one month ago, he received a Facebook message. Maybe he could help this woman in Tasmania?

'Everything just clicked into place'

Julie* was debriefing with her sisters the day after her birthday when one of her siblings said something that made her pause.

Learning of the alleged sexual abuse her father Alan* suffered when he was about 11 led to sadness and rage so white hot it was like nothing she had ever felt before.

"I was like, 'Wow, that's why my dad worked away, why he had the emotions he's had.' Everything just clicked into place," she said.

"I had never thought this would happen within my family. I don't think anyone would think that."

Given the alleged perpetrator's name, Julie became obsessed, trawling Facebook, the phone book and archives at the library.

"What I found in those records was very disturbing," Julie said.

"I found the walks my father had been on."

One by one, she tried to contact those that may have also been on the walks. Some people were interested in helping where they could, some expressed sympathy, some firmly refused to talk.

But within minutes of messaging Joe on social media, he was on the phone.

"He introduced himself, as did I, then we just had an awkward silence, then both started crying," Julie said.

"We knew."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159657

File: f88488dbb4488e9⋯.jpg (149.51 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Joe_s_family_was_befriende….jpg)

File: 2a93c8d0efcd45d⋯.jpg (127.56 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Both_Alan_and_Joe_have_str….jpg)

File: 31827af5a3082da⋯.jpg (310.83 KB, 1108x683, 1108:683, If_you_or_anyone_you_know_….jpg)

>>14159654

2/2

'I've suppressed it all my life'

Alan and Joe's stories are remarkably similar — in fact, the men grew up in Devonport, on Tasmania's north-west coast.

Alan said he was an active child, involved in a lot of sports. His family too was befriended by the alleged perpetrator, and he was invited on bushwalks with the man.

He remembers three separate alleged incidents, also around the early 1970s, and also involving alcohol.

Alan finds it incredibly difficult to talk about.

"I've suppressed it all my life," Alan said.

"And I've led a pretty tricky life, a pretty hard life. A lot of alcohol involved. I've struggled a fair bit."

Reconnecting with Joe and realising the horrors they each went through had led to mixed emotions, Alan said.

"We were mates … haven't seen each other since 71, didn't realise what was going on," Alan said.

"It was a very sad moment or moments. It was just comforting to support each other."

The pair compared stories via text for about three weeks and helped create certainty where time and trauma had made Alan question his own memories.

"Example: I had something in my head where there was alcohol involved, something was nagging," Alan said.

"And [Joe] supported that. I've supported him in other areas as well. I'll be interested to meet him again."

Joe described speaking with Alan as a "remarkable experience".

"It's sad but it's also validating that this guy has come up," he said.

"It's been quite remarkable to connect with another victim."

'Justice would be to have this guy charged'

At his daughter's urging, Alan went to Tasmania Police in January, and was formally interviewed late last month.

"Justice would, to me, [be] to have this guy charged and convicted and his penalty to be paid on some level," Alan said.

"Justice would be to me as well that that happened, not for myself and [Joe], but how many other people have been abused and their lives have been trashed because of what happened to them as children."

A Tasmania Police spokeswoman said she was unable to comment on whether someone was under investigation.

Maurice Blackburn lawyer Zoe Papageorgiou is investigating a civil claim for compensation on behalf of Joe, Alan and other potential survivors of alleged sexual assault within the community.

"At the early stages of a claim it's very much puzzle pieces, and bringing together the puzzle is really dependent on people coming forward," Ms Papageorgiou said.

"The impacts on both men have been quite grave, not only on themselves but their families.

"If we as a community — as well as their legal representatives — can help them by sharing information, that's critical."

Alan said speaking up was difficult but he wanted to ensure other survivors of alleged child sex abuse did not feel alone.

"The message I'd like to get out there to anyone who's been a victim is that it's OK to speak up, and at the end of the day if you don't speak up no-one will be brought to justice."

*Names have been changed

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-19/daughters-investigation-into-alleged-sexual-abuse-of-father/100278158

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159692

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14153524

>>14153531

Talisman Sabre 21 live fire mission

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 20, 2021

Participants in Talisman Sabre 21 conducted a live fire activity at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, incorporating different weapons systems from land, air, sea and cyber systems. This “Multi-domain Strike” capability is one of the ADF’s newest joint warfighting concepts.

Synchronising traditional warfare and digital assets, Talisman Sabre 21 participants conducted an attack on a simulated adversary on Townshend Island.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjGT7P2zyKg

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159708

File: 5c4498c485a1436⋯.jpg (473.43 KB, 825x1013, 825:1013, TS_15.jpg)

File: ffe49c5a781aebd⋯.jpg (438.39 KB, 4096x2344, 512:293, E6uChXjXMBAYIav.jpg)

File: 94b788ed7c07f2c⋯.jpg (398.31 KB, 2403x4096, 2403:4096, E6uCiDuXMA0eoac.jpg)

File: 5ab5ff5bc2ecdbd⋯.jpg (1.07 MB, 4096x2404, 1024:601, E6uCjGUXMAYxpGn.jpg)

File: cb487c3af80c613⋯.jpg (954.12 KB, 3226x1815, 3226:1815, E6uCjrPXMBEVDSg.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

An Australian and US first

#TS21 jump training combined @USAirForce, @USArmy & #YourADF parachutists to conduct military free-fall operations from a U.S. aircraft using Australian parachutes for the first time.

#AlliesAndPartners #TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1417370068418244609

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159731

File: b735b342281f427⋯.jpg (510.32 KB, 825x1083, 275:361, TS_16.jpg)

File: 4197e08ca1c23cb⋯.jpeg (1.24 MB, 3600x2301, 1200:767, E6s9e3bUUAA8FiV.jpeg)

File: 7956ef8f7dff67f⋯.jpg (807.65 KB, 3600x2376, 50:33, E6s9e3bUcAISaZU.jpg)

File: 9b8cec59d74dfdf⋯.jpg (1.69 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6s9e3ZUcAExI0B.jpg)

File: 4deda18f1a7a863⋯.jpg (1.07 MB, 3276x2184, 3:2, E6s9e3aUYAAbyMf.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Building sea combat power

#HMASBallarat, #HMASBrisbane & #HMASParramatta are building navy-to-navy skills by conducting maritime manoeuvres with Republic of Korea Ship Wang Geon, USS Rafael Peralta & @jmsdf_pao_eng Japanese Ship Makinami during #TS21.

#TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1417294763452108814

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159754

File: cb7c08b41e83018⋯.jpg (443.98 KB, 825x934, 825:934, USM_3.jpg)

File: 2ab2452cf203cbf⋯.jpg (1.52 MB, 2505x3757, 2505:3757, E6sShpWXMAcTFgK.jpg)

File: 9bf6f31347503e9⋯.jpg (1.28 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E6sSi77XMAAM61u.jpg)

>>14119998

U.S. Marines Tweet

HIMARS w/ @3d_Marine_Div fire missiles during exercise @TalismanSabre at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia. #TS21 allows US, AUS and other partners to enhance interoperability by training in complex scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns.

https://twitter.com/USMC/status/1417246905998974976

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14159794

File: 211e627a6eda553⋯.jpg (458.01 KB, 825x896, 825:896, GJCM_1.jpg)

File: 751e136ba2e0fd2⋯.jpg (1.5 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6q8eEZXMAEaSlq.jpg)

File: a2e88d51ecb4f66⋯.jpg (1.14 MB, 3461x2009, 3461:2009, E6q8e4HXoAAdZGz.jpg)

File: f8c39bd85d7a50f⋯.jpg (1.1 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E6q8f99WEAMzArw.jpg)

>>14119998

GEN James C. McConville Tweet

Soldiers assigned to @38thADA, @94thArmyAMDC fire a patriot missile during bilateral Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 at Camp Growl located in Queensland, Australia. (U.S. Army photo by Maj. Trevor Wild, 38th ADA BDE Public Affairs.)

https://twitter.com/ArmyChiefStaff/status/1417152301496737802

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166016

File: db00a89bda3087c⋯.jpg (100.05 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Sir_Iain_Duncan_Smith_lear….jpg)

>>14159509

‘Active threat’: China’s cyber-intrusion on British MPs exposed

Latika Bourke - July 21, 2021

London: British MPs pushing to take a tougher stance on Beijing have been told that a cyber attack had been launched against them, a day after Five Eyes nations and allies accused China’s Ministry of State Security of carrying out a fresh cyber intrusion.

The MPs were told that a successful intrusion had taken place and that another was imminent and that co-chairs of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) were the specific targets.

Former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith who helped found the IPAC told the Commons that he had only learnt of the threat via his IPAC colleagues and not from his own government.

“I understand now that there is intelligence from the Five Eyes sources which shows that there is now a very active and direct threat from the Chinese government aimed directly at the co-chairs of the IPAC,” Duncan Smith said.

The foreign MPs were given the heads-up so they could try to protect themselves by being alert and on the lookout for any unusual cyber activity.

The advice stated that there was an “active threat” against co-chairs of the IPAC, which was formed last year, partly in response to China’s trade sanctions on Australia.

The nature of the threat was not specified but is believed to be cyber rather than physical; crucially, the intelligence was believed to have been gathered by the British.

The IPAC comprises around 200 MPs from 20 legislatures around the world including Australia, the UK, US and Germany and has been dubbed the “nuisance alliance” by Chinese propaganda.

Duncan Smith demanded to know if the British government had received the same intelligence.

“And if so, why have they not informed the co-chairs and others here like other allies have done?” he said.

The IPAC is represented in Australia by the chair of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee James Paterson and Labor Senator Kimberley Kitching.

Five Eyes nations and Japan formally blamed China for a massive hack of Microsoft Exchange email server software and asserted that criminal hackers associated with the Chinese government have carried out ransomware and other illicit cyber operations. The charge has been disputed by Beijing.

Earlier this year, IPAC reported to Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre, a major cyber attack it had suffered in March, which took down its website for several hours.

Junior minister James Cleverly said he would not discuss intelligence in public. Cleverly was responding to urgent questions from backbenchers about the Microsoft hack.

The hack of the Microsoft Exchange, which began in January, gave the Chinese access to tens of thousands of computers around the world. Five Eyes countries, Japan, the EU and NATO all named China as the culprit in the first joint attribution that the democracies have made.

A grand jury in the US indicted three Chinese security officials over hacks of companies, universities and foreign government entities.

MPs from all parties slammed the government for not announcing any sanctions or charges like the US has done.

Speaking separately to a Chatham House audience, Kevin Rudd said cyber attacks waged by authoritarian regimes were a “regular reality” when he was prime minister.

“Certainly in our periods in office, it was an active and real concern,” he told former Labour frontbencher David Miliband.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/china-cyberattack-on-british-mps-exposed-20210720-p58bgy.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166025

File: 3c3c85725edf13b⋯.jpg (71.24 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Through_state_media_Beijin….jpg)

File: b5046b51b7e8885⋯.jpg (92.24 KB, 862x575, 862:575, President_Joe_Biden_says_C….jpg)

>>14159509

The US and its allies may not stop China's 'web of hackers', but it can 'deeply embarrass' Beijing

Bill Birtles - 20 July 2021

1/2

Monday night's announcement that China was behind large-scale cyber hacking activities worldwide was unprecedented for the size of the coalition that jointly made it.

Three Australian ministers —Karen Andrews, Marise Payne and Peter Dutton — jointly issued a statement coordinated with the White House, NATO, the European Union, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

In it, they accused China of engaging in "malicious cyber activities", in what was described as a "pattern of irresponsible, disruptive, and destabilising behaviour in cyberspace".

But today, Beijing hit back hard and fast, claiming through state media that it was the victim of cyber warfare and alleging three specific attacks on China originating from the US.

The unusually detailed account of the alleged hacking campaigns came as China's government accused Australia of hypocrisy and "parroting the rhetoric of the US".

Beijing also accused Washington of "massive and indiscriminate eavesdropping on many countries", labelling its accusations as "groundless".

The tit-for-tat war of words might appear routine in an era President Joe Biden has described as one of "extreme competition" between the superpowers.

But cybersecurity experts warn the online battlefield is intensifying and will only worsen the already fraught relationship between China and the West.

China operates 'a distributed web of hackers'

The US announced charges against three Ministry of State security employees and a fourth person based on China's southern holiday island of Hainan for their alleged role in hacking foreign governments, companies and universities.

But the details of the attacks and commercial theft came as little surprise to those in the cybersecurity sector.

And it did not appear to surprise the Chinese government itself, which used its state media arms to deploy a counter-narrative within hours.

The Global Times, an unofficial Communist Party tabloid with a track record of stories about Western espionage against China, put out an article claiming three US-based hacking groups launched attacks last year.

"Multiple US hacking groups have exploited vulnerabilities and forcefully targeted important, sensitive websites and servers of Chinese government and Communist Party organisations, plus enterprises and education institutions," the Global Times said.

The article claimed two separate US groups in October last year targeted almost 3,500 computers in China, including a car manufacturing company, a steel company, and multiple universities.

A third group launched a smaller attack mainly targeting Chinese educational institutions mid-last year, according to the report, which didn't attribute the information.

"China tries to make it like for like, but in reality we have very different norms," said Robert Potter, the Canberra-based head of cybersecurity firm Internet 2.0.

"When China hacks for the purpose of espionage, we might not be happy about it, but we don't say they broke the rules.

"Whereas when they steal corporate secrets and confidential information, we call them out."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166027

File: 86364cd87cf3417⋯.jpg (96.53 KB, 862x575, 862:575, An_international_coalition….jpg)

>>14166025

2/2

Mr Potter said the Australian government was less affected in the attack exploiting a vulnerability in Microsoft Exchange servers than some other countries, but there were corporate victims.

And he said the US allegation that China's Ministry of State Security was sponsoring private groups of hackers who engaged in commercial theft was widely known.

"The Chinese operate a distributed web of hackers, so the level of government control over their activities isn't as high," he said.

"I think the government would prefer their hackers have more discipline, but China trades away centralised control for greater effectiveness."

Indictment aims to 'deeply embarrass' leadership

Another cybersecurity expert, Greg Austin, agrees the tactics revealed in the US indictment aren't new, but the urgency to combat them is.

"It shows an intensity within the Biden administration that they've appointed top people to different positions and they've got on top of it in a way the Trump administration didn't achieve," he said.

The US has previously announced indictments for Chinese military personnel over commercial espionage, and it's extremely unlikely the four Chinese nationals charged by American prosecutors would ever face the US justice system.

But more troubling for China's leader Xi Jinping would be the growing unity among Western allies to push back.

"I found it surprising that the EU and NATO have come out at this critical juncture," said Professor Austin, who leads a cybersecurity program at Singapore's International Institute for Strategic Studies.

"I think it bodes ill for the prospect of strong, positive relations between both organisations and China, and sadly seems to validate the Australian government's hardening stance."

He believes the purpose of the US-led indictment is to "deeply embarrass" the Chinese leadership.

"It shows either the Chinese government is approving this [commercial theft] activity or the officials in the provincial Hainan MSS bureau are undertaking activities that violate China's own laws," he said.

China's government has long maintained that it is a victim of cyber attacks and a statement issued by China's embassy in Australia said it "always firmly opposes cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms".

It also accused Australia of being "extremely hypocritical".

"Australia has a poor record, including monitoring the mobile phone of the president of its biggest neighbour country," it said, referring to the 2009 eavesdropping attempt on then-Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, which was revealed by American whistleblower Edward Snowden.

Australia, the Chinese embassy said, is "like a thief crying 'stop the thief'".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-20/china-rejects-claims-it-was-behind-microsoft-attack/100307006

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166032

File: ca1bcc0a146914e⋯.jpg (29.38 KB, 500x357, 500:357, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14159509

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2021

Reuters: The US and a coalition of its allies on Monday accused China's Ministry of State Security of a global cyber hacking campaign. Do you have any comment on this?

Zhao Lijian: The US ganged up with its allies to make groundless accusations out of thin air against China on the cyber security issue. This act confuses right with wrong and smears and suppresses China out of political purpose. China will never accept this.

China firmly opposes and combats all forms of cyber attacks. It will never encourage, support or condone cyber attacks. This position has been consistent and clear. Given the virtual nature of cyberspace and the fact that there are all kinds of online actors who are difficult to trace, it's important to have enough evidence when investigating and identifying cyber-related incidents. It requires extra prudence when linking cyber attacks with the government of any country. The so-called technical details released by the US side do not constitute a complete chain of evidence.

In fact, the US is the world's largest source of cyber attacks. According to a report of 360, a Chinese cyber security firm, APT groups from North America have sophisticated techniques and abundant resources, and have long been targeting specific industries and institutions. According to statistics from the National Computer Network Emergency Response Technical Team (CNCERT), about 52,000 malicious program command and control servers located outside China took control of about 5.31 million computer hosts in China in 2020. The US and two of its NATO allies are the top three in terms of the number of computers under their control in China. In addition, 360's report also showed that APT-C-39, a cyber attack organization of the US Central Intelligence Agency, has carried out cyber infiltration and attacks on China for 11 years in key areas such as aerospace, science and research institutions, oil industry, large Internet companies and government agencies. The above attacks have seriously undermined China's national security, and the security of China's economy, critical infrastructure and citizens' personal information.

The US is wiretapping not only competitors, but also its allies. Its European allies downplay US moves to use Denmark's intelligence agency to spy on their leaders, while making a fuss about "China's cyber attacks" based on hearsay evidence. This act contradicts strategic autonomy claimed by Europe.

The cyber attack is a common threat faced by all. We always hold that countries should safeguard cyber security through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutual benefit. I would like to stress that a handful of countries do not represent the international community, and denigrating others doesn't help to whitewash one's own wrongdoings. China once again strongly demands that the US and its allies stop cyber theft and attacks targeting China, stop slinging mud at China on this issue, and revoke the so-called indictment. China will take necessary measures to firmly uphold its cyber security and interests.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1893769.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166041

File: 8873caf9e384849⋯.jpg (112.34 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, US_enlisting_allies_to_sme….jpg)

>>14159509

US enlisting allies to smear China only exposes diffidence: Global Times editorial

Global Times - Jul 20, 2021

On Monday, the US and a coalition of allies accused China of a global cyber hacking campaign that employed contract hackers, Reuters reported. It also said the attacks aimed at dozens of companies, universities and government agencies in the US and abroad, even extorted businesses for financial gain.

On the same day, US federal agencies, including the National Security Council, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Security Agency, outlined more than 50 techniques and procedures that "China state-sponsored actors" use in targeting US networks. NBC News said, "The move marks a significant escalation in a decade-long effort by the US to grapple with Chinese government hacking." It highlights a new direction of the US' conflict with China.

A US official even threatened on Sunday that "We [the US and its allies] are not ruling out further action to hold the PRC [China] accountable."

Washington has repeatedly said that the US is under constant cyber attacks. This time, it has roped in its allies in the joint accusation, in a bid to amplify its momentum. It directly named China's Ministry of State Security. It is well known that the security departments of any country are sensitive and confidential. It is impossible to prove its innocence by showing its internal working mechanisms. The US intends to put China in a disadvantageous situation, and China is unable to argue. This will make US's accusations look more like "true."

However, the so-called the Chinese government hiring hackers "to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally" is a huge lie. Such a practice cannot be carried out in China's system, and it is completely inexplicable from the perspective of motivation.

China has a strict system of accountability. The US has accused China of cyber attacks for many years. It has become a highly sensitive issue between China and the US. We have to ask: What is the motive and benefit for China to launch large-scale cyber-attacks against the US and severely hit China-US relations as the US has accused? Which piece of information or economic benefit from the US is more important than China's national reputation?

The US even claimed that China has allowed contractor hackers to pursue their personal profit; in other words, China is willing to use its national interests to pay for the interests of those hackers and specific organizations they represent. We don't know whether the US and Western societies controlled by capital have such logic, but it is totally unthinkable in socialist China.

The Western world is unfamiliar with China's system and cyber attacks are difficult to trace. Washington is exploiting them to frame China. Cyber attacks have happened in almost all countries and China has suffered more damage than the US. The US, the global top technology center, has blatantly set up cyber troops, but loudly accuses other countries of launching cyber attacks. How ridiculous!

The US is stirring up new geopolitical disputes by turning cyber frictions into major conflicts among countries. It tries to constantly frame up new accusations on China together with its allies, making China a symbol of the world's "darkness." Since the US has already put labels such as "genocide" and "committed crimes against humanity" on China, any new accusation won't surprise us.

China has been working hard to build a community with a shared future for mankind. We have not been involved in war in foreign countries for a long time. Instead, China is committed to domestic economic development, rapidly improving people's livelihood, and practicing the people-centered governance philosophy. How can such a country be as dark as the US has claimed? It is a shame for the West that such a slander can widely spread in Western ideology. It shows the Western ideological system is decaying.

The slander against China has been excessive. Eventually, the US is defaming itself as a result of the slander. The US cannot exploit these smears to substantively attack China. If the US takes aggressive measures, carries out national-level cyber attacks on China, or imposes so-called sanctions on China, we will retaliate.

There is another scenario. The vicious accusations made by Washington have almost destroyed any trust between China and the US in the field of cyberspace. Their mutual suspicion is bound to significantly increase. There will be a higher probability that both sides could misjudge that the other side is launching cyber attacks. Washington must bear responsibility for this scenario. US allies which follow the US won't benefit either.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229070.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166079

File: d5adbf13b8247ae⋯.jpg (180.8 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, The_governments_of_Scott_M….jpg)

US and Australia move to block China buying Digicel

John Kehoe and Andrew Tillett - Jul 21, 2021

1/2

The Biden administration has been in private talks with the Morrison government about working together to stop China buying Digicel’s mobile phone networks in the Pacific and Caribbean.

The move is an early test for President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better World initiative” to counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative to finance infrastructure projects in developing countries, after a resolution of world leaders at the Group of Seven meeting in June.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his national security committee have considered the sensitive issue and the government has been in ongoing dialogue with US officials, Australian and US sources said.

The US State Department and US International Development Finance Corporation (formerly known as the Overseas Private Investment Corporation) have assessed the Digicel situation in their regional neighbourhood in the Caribbean and Central America, while taking an interest in the Pacific, sources said.

There are concerns among national security officials in Canberra that Digicel could be used to spy on neighbouring countries and visiting Australian government ministers, control media communications to disseminate political propaganda for China-friendly Pacific political leaders, and as a patronage vehicle to corrupt the region’s political elite.

Australian and US officials have been in talks about the Digicel situation since last year, when it emerged the telco was under financial pressure from bondholders and might sell assets to a Chinese state-owned enterprise such as China Mobile.

However, the governments are uncertain how much legitimate interest China has in acquiring Digicel and if its Irish billionaire owner Denis O’Brien could be exaggerating China’s interest to create bidding tension and maximise a sale price.

Telstra confirmed on Monday it had been enlisted by the government to potentially acquire a minority equity stake in Digicel’s Pacific mobile phone network assets, in a taxpayer-backed proposal estimated to be worth about $2 billion for ageing 3G and 4G assets in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Nauru and Samoa.

Telstra may update the market with more information at its financial results on August 12.

Telstra and Optus executives in late 2019 attended meetings in Washington with the US government, think tanks and the technology community to discuss how Western countries can develop 5G and future networks and avoid using Chinese telco Huawei.

Digicel is incorporated in the tax haven of Bermuda and operates across 33 markets, including Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Panama and El Salvador.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews dodged questions on the government’s willingness to bankroll Telstra’s purchase, but effectively confirmed the potential deal had national security implications.

“While I understand your question, I’m not prepared to make a comment on any of those matters, particularly because they relate to our national security,” she said on Tuesday.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166081

File: ada8a33e093a49e⋯.jpg (46.5 KB, 800x546, 400:273, A_man_looks_at_his_phone_a….jpg)

>>14166079

2/2

Concerns about Digicel’s assets in countries neighbouring the US potentially being sold to a Chinese state-owned enterprise originated in 2020 under the Trump administration, sources said.

Donald Trump’s then ambassador to Jamaica, Donald Tapia, said in January that Chinese spies had used Digicel’s network to eavesdrop on his calls. Digicel at the time rejected the claims as “without foundation”, according to the Irish Times.

The US government’s interest in Digicel has carried through to the Biden administration, a source said.

At the G7 meeting in the UK in June, the world’s largest advanced economies announced a plan to challenge China’s financing of infrastructure projects in developing countries under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

President Biden touted the so-called Build Back Better World initiative to provide a transparent infrastructure partnership to help narrow the $US40 trillion ($54.6 trillion) required by developing nations by 2035.

”This is not just about confronting or taking on China,” a senior official in the Biden administration reportedly said at the G7.

“But until now we haven’t offered a positive alternative that reflects our values, our standards and our way of doing business.”

Mr O’Brien flew on his private jet to the US last year.

Diplomatic sources said Australia’s former ambassador in Washington and former treasurer, Joe Hockey, helped arrange Mr O’Brien’s entry into the US during COVID-19 border restrictions.

Mr Hockey is working as a consultant for Digicel and has been privately warning interested parties that he has a patriotic interest to prevent China buying Digicel’s assets in the Pacific.

The former treasurer recently returned temporarily to Sydney from his home base of Washington for business and family reasons, a source said.

He declined to comment when contacted.

Australian National University research fellow at the Department of Pacific Affairs, Amanda Watson, said Digicel’s global business had “very substantial” debt challenges and had been forced into a debt restructuring to hold off bondholders.

“Selling off the Digicel Pacific arm could be quite strategic because it is reasonably profitable and could help address the debt,” she said.

“It is certainly profitable in PNG.”

Digicel Pacific generated earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $US235 million in calendar 2020.

Any government financial support for a Digicel acquisition would likely be made through Export Finance Australia, government sources said.

Trade and Investment Minister Dan Tehan in June announced the EFA’s powers would be expanded to equity investments in offshore infrastructure in “certain circumstances” to act in Australia’s “national interest”.

The Coalition government is spending almost $100 million to fund two-thirds of a 4700-kilometre undersea cable from Sydney to PNG and the Solomon Islands, to stop Huawei expanding in the Pacific and potentially spying on the region.

The Australia, US and Japan trilateral partnership for infrastructure investment in the Indo-Pacific last October announced $US30 million in funding to finance an undersea fibre optic cable to the Republic of Palau, an archipelago of more than 500 islands, part of the Micronesia region in the western Pacific Ocean.

The spur cable will connect Palau to a new cable which will span the Indo-Pacific region from Singapore to the west coast of the United States.

“Secure and reliable internet connectivity in the region will open up opportunities to boost tourism, business and investment, and to provide better government services, including health and education,” the government said in October.

Australia is also supporting a scoping study of Timor-Leste’s first undersea fibre optic cable, at the request of its government.

https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/us-and-australia-move-to-block-china-buying-digicel-20210720-p58b7u

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166089

File: 42aa6950f18d012⋯.jpg (97.86 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, GT_Voice_Will_Australia_me….jpg)

>>14166079

GT Voice: Will Australia meet Pacific nations’ need for telecom upgrade?

Global Times - Jul 20, 2021

Australia's largest communications provider Telstra Corp said on Monday it is considering buying mobile networks in six Pacific nations, which are currently owned by Jamaica-based telecom company Digicel Group, according to media reports.

The deal, which is still being negotiated, has attracted some attention as some see it as Australia's latest effort to limit Chinese influence in the region.

While such kind of Australian-style saber-rattling against China is not new, it is still a bit funny to see this kind of self-staged performance from time to time. China's economic strength far exceeds that of Australia's when it comes to investing in foreign infrastructure. If Chinese enterprises intend to make infrastructure investment in Pacific nations, what power on earth does Australia have to block China from investing in a third country? Can it compete with Chinese firms in terms of resources or a track record of delivery?

An unusual part of the Pacific network deal is that the Australian government will reportedly finance the bulk of the deal, while Telstra itself is not that interested in the telecom assets across the six nations. According to a Monday report by the Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous insider, Telstra "wouldn't have considered the Pacific acquisition without the government's request."

But the irony is that the Australian government's enthusiasm in the acquisition appears to have been fueled by the speculation that a Chinese company may purchase Digicel's Pacific unit. In fact, Digicel last year already denied the rumored report stating that "We can categorically state there is no basis to this whatsoever and that no approach has been made to us," according to Reuters.

Aside from Australia's reported motivation to invest in mobile networks in Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Nauru, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga, perhaps the more critical question for the six Pacific nations is whether the Australia operator has the capability and willingness to make necessary upgrades to the networks once the acquisition deal is done.

With more and more countries accessing 5G networks, Pacific nations also have a desire to upgrade their technology, and that means there will be more for the Australian company to invest in the telecom infrastructure. Last but not least, Pacific nations have their own right to attract and use foreign investment based on their own needs, which should by no means be subject to interference from politically motivated outside parties. Even though there is a long history of cooperation between Australia and Pacific nations, Australia should not take the region for granted.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229158.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166101

File: 24a93872976d2a0⋯.jpg (51.94 KB, 800x533, 800:533, Japan_s_ambassador_to_Aust….jpg)

Japanese envoy says Tokyo ‘struggles every day’ with China

ROD McGUIRK - 21 July 2021

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Japan’s relationship with China was no better than notoriously strained Sino-Australian relations, the Japanese ambassador to Australia said on Wednesday.

Japan’s ties with China are often held up as an example to Australia of how productive relations can be maintained with Beijing despite national differences. But Ambassador Shingo Yamagami said he had encountered a common misperception in Australia about the state of Japan’s relations with China since he took up his post in December last year.

“The nutshell of that argument is Japan is doing far better than Australia when it comes to dealing with Japan’s neighbor, China,” Yamagami told the National Press Club of Australia.

“My simple answer is: no way. I’m afraid I don’t subscribe to such an argument. Why? Because each and every day Japan is struggling,” Yamagami added.

Japan, Australia and other countries needed to join forces to address challenges caused by China’s rise, he said.

“Don’t worry. You are doing an excellent job. We are in the same boat and we should work together,” Yamagami said.

China has become increasingly hostile toward Australia since early last year, when the Australian government called for an independent investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Relations between the China and Australia have soured in recent years, with Australia blocking Chinese technology and investment in key infrastructure, and China using tariffs and other measures to reduce its imports from Australia.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, president of the Asia Society, a New York-based think tank, a scholar of Chinese history and a former Australian diplomat to Beijing, is among the Australian foreign policy critics who applaud the Japanese example for dealing with China.

Rudd has urged both Beijing and Canberra to “put the megaphone away” in their bilateral dealings. Japan, which like Australia is a close U.S. ally, had managed its relationship with China without retaliatory trade sanctions in recent years through deeds instead of words, Rudd said.

President Joe Biden’s administration and Japan have recently said they will stand by Australia against what they describe as China’s campaign of economic coercion through informal trade sanctions.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga argues that trade should never to used as a tool to apply political pressure, Yamagami said.

“I applaud the way Australia has faced up to tremendous pressures in a consistent, principled and resilient manner,” he said.

https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-health-china-japan-tokyo-ce5d5bde2554031a5ae81ff85d6a42e1

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166108

File: 0194c861d83e45c⋯.jpg (264.46 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australian_Army_Gunner_Tys….jpg)

File: 4e38ab4672a12dd⋯.jpg (77.9 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, US_High_Mobility_Artillery….jpg)

>>14119998

US forces give the nod to closer ties

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 21, 2021

1/2

Australia and the US are in talks to deepen their military co-­operation, with plans for new ­exercises on Australian soil ­including joint training with American army soldiers.

The aim is to strengthen the ­interoperability of the nations’ ­forces amid growing strategic threats, by expanding the frequency and variety of US training missions in Australia.

The proposed exercises with the US army would be modelled on the annual rotation of Marines through Darwin, and use a variety of military training areas including those in Queensland.

The planned training expansion is being discussed ahead of an August meeting of Australian and US four-star generals and intelligence community leaders in Washington.

The annual US-Australia Military Representatives (MILREPS) meeting is a precursor to minister-level AUSMIN talks, which are ­increasingly likely to be held in Washington this year, despite it being Australia’s turn to host.

“The challenges we face in this region are real,” said a source familiar with the discussions.

“Expanding training opportunities in Australia with American forces makes us that much more interoperable, especially if we can bring in other countries to train with us. That makes both our countries, and our region, more secure and prepared for the future.”

It is understood Defence Minister Peter Dutton and Foreign Minister Marise Payne are planning to head to Washington for the annual “2+2” talks soon after the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Alliance on September 1. Scott Morrison is also considering visiting the US in September to celebrate the anniversary with US President Joe Biden, as well as address the UN general assembly and attend a potential face-to-face meeting of Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders.

This would see him meet Mr Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

The push to ramp up joint training with US forces in Australia is consistent with America’s shift in force posture, which aims to build more nimble and geographically distributed capabilities across the Indo-Pacific in preparation for a potential conflict with China. It comes as nearly 17,000 Australian and US personnel participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre – the allies’ biggest bilateral training mission – at Defence ­facilities across Queensland.

This year’s exercise, which also involves contingents from Japan, Canada, Britain and New Zealand, is being closely watched by two Chinese spy ships, reflecting Beijing’s growing interest in how the nations’ militaries work together.

The Morrison and Biden ­administrations are also in the midst of delicate negotiations to build guided missiles in Australia using top-secret US technology, and store US weapons and equipment at Top End bases.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166110

File: 6ca064c6a54395c⋯.jpg (261.7 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Soldiers_from_the_4_Regime….jpg)

>>14166108

2/2

Australian Strategic Policy Institute executive director Peter Jennings said practical military co-operation with the US was Australia’s best immediate option to deter would-be adversaries.

“I think what you are seeing is the fulfilment of a strategy that was really set down by Jim Mattis when he was secretary of defence, to give the US military more ­options to disperse its forces in the event of an attack from China,” Mr Jennings said.

“Australia plays, potentially, a really important part of that because we are sufficiently far enough away, we have infrastructure that can be used, and we are an alliance partner. The benefit for Australia is a larger more regular American military presence here is the best deterrence that we can buy in the short term.”

He said joint training exercises kept the US engaged in Australia’s immediate region, and ­required it to have a working military strategy in which Australia could assist.

Mr Jennings said the deepening of military co-operation with the US should include more visits by American ships operating out of Darwin, HMAS Stirling, south of Perth, and the nation’s east-coast naval bases. He said it highlighted the strategic importance of the Port of Darwin, which was inconsistent with China’s ownership of the facility.

The Australian revealed last month that Japan was interested in making greater use of Australia’s remote training facilities and weapon ranges, as well as undertaking more joint exercises with the Australian navy.

At the commencement of ­Talisman Sabre last week, Mr Dutton said Australia and the US needed to work together to deter “egregious forms of coercion and aggression”. “Through military preparedness, we hone our collective readiness to respond to the direst of contingencies, should they be realised,” he said.

US charge d’affaires Gavin Sundwall said no two militaries worked more closely together than those of Australia and the US. “In the face of adversity, whether it be security concerns, combat operations or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts, Talisman Sabre has proven to us time and time again that we are flexible and ready for anything,” Mr Sundwall said. “As our militaries come ­together throughout this month to train, they help us advance an open, interconnected, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific, strengthening our relationships and interoperability among key allies.”

The annual Marine rotation through the dry season in the Northern Territory peaked at 2500 US personnel in 2019, with 2200 troops arriving this year due to Covid restrictions.

US strategic bombers, including B-52s, B-1B Lancers and B-2 Spirits, also rotate through Australia’s north, with fuel and weapons storages and a longer runway built at RAAF Tindal near Katherine to accommodate them.

In a first for Australia this week, a US Patriot Missile was fired at Talisman Sabre, prompting speculation the government could purchase the technology to protect exposed Top-End bases.

US troops also demonstrated the country’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems – another weapon that could be on Australia’s shopping list.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/us-forces-give-the-nod-to-closer-ties/news-story/cf2b13784e1f889f5950ef911d6c581c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166231

File: d7c8a5a05f54e9a⋯.jpg (124.34 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_has_deni….jpg)

File: 76f7169d8884378⋯.jpg (115.22 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_Victoria_Cross_recipie….jpg)

>>14035776

No medical record of Roberts-Smith ‘mistress’ abortion, court told

Ben Roberts-Smith says his ‘mistress’ agreed to go to a Brisbane hospital for an abortion, but a court has heard there are no documents showing she ever did.

Perry Duffin - July 21, 2021

There are no medical records showing Ben Roberts-Smith‘s “mistress” visited a Brisbane hospital, where she allegedly claimed to have an abortion, a court has heard.

The Federal Court on Wednesday held a short administrative hearing, in Mr Roberts-Smith’s defamation proceedings, to effectively check the progress of documents being swapped between Mr Roberts-Smith and Nine newspapers.

Mr Roberts-Smith‘s lawyer, Paul Svilans, told the court Brisbane’s Greenslopes Private Hospital had confirmed there were no medical records to provide to the court.

That is important because Mr Roberts-Smith‘s lawyers had asked for medical records related to a woman he dated who is known only as Person 17.

Nine claims Person 17 became Mr Roberts-Smith’s mistress at the end of 2017 – the soldier told the court he was secretly separated from his wife Emma at the time and it was not an affair.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court, in his evidence, the relationship with Person 17 fell apart after she told him she was pregnant with his child. The court heard she agreed to travel to Greenslopes Hospital for an abortion.

The SAS veteran said he sent a private investigator to film Person 17 at the hospital because he feared he was being manipulated by the woman and the video showed her leaving Greenslopes looking well-dressed and physically fine.

When she arrived at the hotel where Mr Roberts-Smith was staying, the soldier told the court, Person 17 appeared frail and had a bandaged arm.

The pair argued and, Mr Roberts-Smith said, he showed Person 17 the video of her looking well moments earlier and she changed her story.

“She started to cry and said ‘I didn‘t have the procedure, I had the procedure up in Townsville’,” Mr Roberts-Smith told the court in June.

“I said Townville doesn’t have a clinic. She said ‘I had a miscarriage’ so now I had three stories as to what was going on.”

“(It) gave me great concern that I was being manipulated so I’d stay in the relationship.”

Greenslopes Hospital‘s lack of medical records will likely be important for Mr Roberts-Smith’s legal team after they characterised her as a “fabulist”.

Nine alleges Mr Roberts-Smith committed six murders of unarmed Afghans while deployed as an SAS soldier and also that he physically abused Person 17 at a hotel in Canberra in 2018.

Mr Roberts-Smith launched his defamation lawsuit against Nine saying none of those allegations are true.

Nine has claimed Mr Roberts-Smith struck Person 17 in Canberra after she got drunk at a black-tie dinner with the Prime Minister and military top brass. Mr Roberts-Smith denies these allegations.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court Person 17 was drunk at the event and fell down stairs when they were leaving.

His lawyers say they have CCTV of the incident and Mr Roberts-Smith says he stayed up all night caring for the injured woman in their hotel room.

The trial will resume next week to hear from Afghan witnesses, some of which are expected to tell the court they witnessed one of the alleged murders in 2012.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/no-medical-record-of-robertssmith-mistress-abortion-court-told/news-story/6be73e8a0eb647d3d48f1e4229e468e5

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166262

File: ec051ffe268475f⋯.jpg (462.67 KB, 825x1015, 165:203, VRG_104.jpg)

>>13922496 (pb)

Virginia Roberts Giuffre Tweet

Jean Luc Brunel- Epstein’s right hand man for sex trafficking is appealing to be released from jail in Paris. Let’s make some noise & help the Parisians keep this dangerous man off the streets. #SpeakUp #Epstein #Fight4Justice #France #StandUp

https://twitter.com/VRSVirginia/status/1417676859156819972

Jeffrey Epstein accuser testifies against modeling agent in Paris

Giuffre told NBC News in 2019 that Jeffrey Epstein told her he slept with "over a thousand women that Brunel brought in." Brunel denies wrongdoing.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/jeffrey-epstein-accuser-virginia-roberts-giuffre-testifies-against-modeling-agent-n1270959

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166280

File: 45b4dcbe33bdcfb⋯.jpg (50.19 KB, 862x485, 862:485, The_court_condemned_Khanda….jpg)

File: 5e532bc4f056786⋯.jpg (169.46 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Kumuthini_Kannan_was_sente….jpg)

Melbourne couple who kept a grandmother as slave for eight years jailed for 'crime against humanity'

Danny Tran - 21 July 2021

1/2

A Melbourne couple found guilty of secretly enslaving a woman in their suburban home for close to a decade have been jailed for their "crime against humanity".

Kandasamy and Kumuthini Kannan today appeared in Victoria's Supreme Court where they were convicted for subjugating the woman, which ultimately left her in hospital weighing just 40 kilograms.

Kumuthini Kannan, 53, was ordered to spend eight years behind bars.

Her husband, Kandasamy Kannan, 57, was ordered to serve six years.

It is the first time a case solely about slavery by domestic servitude has been aired in an Australian court and, prosecutors say, the longest period of enslavement the nation has ever seen.

But the court heard the couple still did not accept that they forced the Indian grandmother into servitude, and continued to "strenuously" profess their innocence.

The couple's legal team has already indicated that they may be preparing an appeal.

During a sentencing which was watched by almost 200 people, and which stretched to almost three hours, Justice John Champion took aim at the couple.

"Slavery is regarded as a crime against humanity," he said.

"Your offending occurred in the daily presence and with the obvious knowledge and comprehension of your children.

"You set them a deplorable example of how parents should act towards another human being.

"Her life was controlled largely in the privacy of your own home and care was taken by you to keep her true status from others in your community … so that your dirty secret was maintained.

"This court publicly condemns you both for your disgraceful conduct."

Justice Champion today branded the couple as "almost compulsive liars".

"The number and brazen quality of the lies has been nothing short of astonishing," he said.

"I'm quite convinced that you both believe you have done nothing wrong.

"Neither of you have shown remorse or contrition."

Kumuthini Kannan appeared in court from prison where she rocked back and forth during the hearing.

She put her hands to her face as her husband, Kandasamy Kannan, was sentenced.

He sat with his arms crossed and did not react.

The couple's victim, who cannot be named, originally came to Australia to work for them, and was able to return to India both times.

But on her third visit in 2007, she was enslaved by the Kannans and forced to cook, clean and care for the couple's children for eight years. She was effectively paid about $3.39 per day.

Prosecutors now want the court to order the couple to repay the woman for years of servitude.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166283

File: 6a58af21071cf2c⋯.jpg (74.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Kandasamy_Kannan_received_….jpg)

>>14166280

2/2

Victim was 'fading away', weighing 40 kilograms

Justice Champion said the woman allowed the couple to maintain their jobs and their lifestyle, including holidays overseas.

In 2015, the victim's family became increasingly concerned about her welfare and, when they were unable to contact her, Victoria Police conducted a welfare check.

But the officer who went to the Kannan's house was told by the couple that they had not seen her since 2007.

In reality, the woman had been admitted to hospital under a fake name after she collapsed and was found in a pool of her own urine.

"Mrs Kannan called triple-0 for assistance, but not before deciding to take your children to a school concert, leaving [the woman] on the bathroom floor," Justice Champion said.

"You told a litany of lies designed to mislead and distance yourself and your husband from the true circumstances of the person who had been admitted to hospital."

The woman had to be admitted to intensive care and later told authorities she was beaten with a frozen chicken and burned with boiling water.

"She was emaciated and weighed about 40 kilograms," Justice Champion said.

"She was described by a hospital doctor as fading away."

Couple considered slave a family member

The Supreme Court heard that the woman, who is now in her 60s, continues to suffer long-term health effects and will need a catheter for the rest of her life.

The court today heard that she had declined to make a victim impact statement.

But lawyers for the Kannans argued that the woman's claims about being physically abused could not be conclusively proven.

During a pre-sentence hearing, their legal team told the court that they considered the woman a family member, and that she was never shackled.

Justice Champion said the concept of slavery needed to be redefined.

"We must rid ourselves of ingrained images of rows of men chained together at the oars of a galley or men, women and children working in fields in bondage," he said.

"Slavery can be much more subtle than that, and may not involve physical restraint.

"It must be reaffirmed as that possessing or using a person in a condition of slavery is repugnant, degrading of the human condition, and a gross breach of human rights."

He said Kumuthini Kannan was more morally culpable for keeping the woman as a slave, compared to her husband who was more "at arm's length".

Kumuthini Kannan will be eligible for parole in four years.

Kandasamy Kannan can apply for parole in three years.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-21/melbourne-couple-who-kept-slave-sentenced/100310094

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14166302

File: fa95c0dc4556a6e⋯.mp4 (6.03 MB, 1024x576, 16:9, Brisbane_will_host_the_203….mp4)

File: 7488ed36b63ce01⋯.jpg (193.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Crowds_erupt_in_cheers_at_….jpg)

File: 5fd8445658feaa7⋯.jpg (169.43 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Students_from_Loretta_Coll….jpg)

File: 5ac6e50d8998c2a⋯.jpg (231.35 KB, 862x575, 862:575, People_celebrate_in_Brisba….jpg)

File: b056d16de691cc6⋯.jpg (210.83 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Brisbane_celebrates_with_f….jpg)

Brisbane announced as 2032 Olympic Games host city at IOC meeting in Tokyo

abc.net.au - 21 July 2021

Brisbane has won the right to host the Olympic Games in 2032.

The decision was confirmed after a meeting of International Olympic Committee delegates in Tokyo this evening.

Queensland's delegation — including Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck — had to restrain themselves to standing and clapping with COVID-19 restrictions ruling out any close-contact celebrations.

Brisbane's CBD riverside erupted in fireworks as the announcement was made.

Following the announcement, Ms Palaszczuk, Cr Schrinner and Australian Olympic Committee president John Coates took part in the formal signing of the Olympics contract.

Ms Palaszczuk said she was "so excited".

"I have so much pride in my state for our people. Never in my lifetime did I think this was going to happen. It’s amazing," the Premier said.

IOC president Thomas Bach cited Brisbane's alignment with reforms and the Olympic agenda as among reasons for the city's successful bid.

"It's a very sustainable project and it's a project with a great legacy and it's project from a sports-loving nation and this is what it is all about, to see sports-loving Aussies facilitating the Olympic Games. I hope I can still make it till then to be there,'' he said.

The 80 IOC delegates in Tokyo voted 72 to 5 in favour of Brisbane, with three abstentions.

The bid's support from all levels of government and the private sector, Brisbane’s experience in handling major events, a high percentage of existing venues and favourable weather were among the attributes that helped convince the IOC to award the city the Games.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison described the win as a "historic day not just for Brisbane and Queensland, but for the entire country".

"Only global cities can secure the Olympic Games, so this is a fitting recognition for Brisbane's standing across our region and the world,'' Mr Morrison said.

An expanded Gabba stadium will be the centrepiece of the Games, which will run from July 23 to August 8, to be immediately followed by the Paralympics.

Events will be staged at more than 30 venues across south-east Queensland in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Logan, Ipswich and Redlands.

Two athlete villages are expected to be constructed — one in Brisbane, the other on the Gold Coast.

Up to 14,000 athletes will be accommodated in the Brisbane village in the inner north-eastern suburb of Albion.

The village project has been described as Queensland's largest waterfront urban renewal program.

The announcement came shortly after the Australian delegation made their final pitch for the Games, the third to be held in Australia.

During final deliberations, Brisbane faced little opposition with offers from India, Indonesia, Qatar, Spain and Germany failing to make it past the IOC board stage.

Arguments for Brisbane included Queensland being the fastest growing state in Australia and the fact that hosting the Games would align with a strategy to improve local transport infrastructure and promote economic growth.

It will also position Queensland as a tourism hub in the Asia Pacific region and attract major sports and events to the state, according to Brisbane's bid document released in February.

Australia previously hosted the summer Olympics in Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-21/brisbane-queensland-announced-as-2032-olympic-games-host-city/100311320

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172466

File: 520f3384e500ae2⋯.jpg (232.15 KB, 938x370, 469:185, MRF_D_18.jpg)

File: 70c8d5074600b9d⋯.jpg (495.82 KB, 1858x1239, 1858:1239, 217640042_176975887798236_….jpg)

File: 5e343f442a2d1f8⋯.jpg (320.07 KB, 1944x1296, 3:2, 217764842_176975767798248_….jpg)

File: 563286b8fed8b0c⋯.jpg (521.62 KB, 2048x1365, 2048:1365, 218307638_176975837798241_….jpg)

File: 8498293db59bada⋯.jpg (449.29 KB, 1721x1147, 1721:1147, 217123114_176975684464923_….jpg)

>>14036029

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post

20 July 2021

So long, farewell, to you my friends

U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers commemorated the completion of Exercise Southern Jackaroo with a closing ceremony at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 24, 2021.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lydia Gordon)

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/176976244464867

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172485

File: 7e4c1fd049fb8e0⋯.jpg (513.47 KB, 825x1012, 75:92, TS_17.jpg)

File: 4e14a50493e57a0⋯.jpg (1.98 MB, 4096x1887, 4096:1887, E6xmMMSXoAIrwOt.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

That #TS21 partnership

Troops from #AusArmy's 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery & the @USArmy's @38thADA, at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021.

(Photo by:) Staff Sgt. Malcolm Cohens-Ashley

#POTD #AlliesAndPartners

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1417620353208160258

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172502

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Gunfire exercise on board HMAS Ballarat - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 20, 2021

HMAS Ballarat conducts a five-inch gun firing off the coast of Queensland, Australia, during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

Held every two years, Exercise Talisman Sabre is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States.

TS21 aims to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/international/ballarat-adds-naval-gunfire-talisman-sabre

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYG_f5B-6M8

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172510

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 20, 2021

The RBS 70 is a short-range anti-aircraft missile weapons system used by the Australian Army. Soldiers and officers of 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery conducted an RBS70 live-fire in conjunction with the Patriot surface to air missile firing by the United States Army during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States aimed at testing the ADF's interoperability with the US and other participating forces. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/regiment-showcases-firing-skills

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldj7Bh5RRjw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172626

File: 1a089e215ab91b7⋯.mp4 (4.24 MB, 1024x576, 16:9, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….mp4)

>>14020199

Prime Minister says 'sorry' for problems with COVID-19 vaccine rollout program

Jake Evans - 22 July 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he is "sorry" for the challenges his government had with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine earlier in the year.

"I'm certainly sorry that we haven't been able to achieve the marks that we had hoped for at the beginning of this year. Of course I am," Mr Morrison said.

Yesterday, Mr Morrison acknowledged the challenges with the rollout program, saying it was two months behind schedule, but resisted apologising when asked to on FM radio.

The Prime Minister faced growing pressure to acknowledge failures in the program after more than half the country entered lockdown following several outbreaks of the Delta strain of COVID-19.

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said the Prime Minister's response was the right thing to do.

"I think by manning up to it and actually accepting responsibility, the Prime Minister has demonstrated some leadership qualities that I think all Australians are happy to see," AMA president Omar Korshid said.

Morrison defends 'appeals' to vaccine advisors

Mr Morrison says the vaccination program has hit its stride, with 1 million vaccinations in the last seven days and a record 184,000 doses given yesterday.

"I think I've been very clear that as Prime Minister I'm responsible for the vaccination program," he said.

"That responsibility includes fixing and dealing with the problems that we've had and that is what we have been doing and the vaccination program has turned the corner."

The Prime Minister said that changed advice from the government's immunisation advisory group recommending AstraZeneca doses be reserved for people over 60 had caused vaccine hesitancy and delayed the rollout.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) made the recommendation following a number of deaths attributed to a rare blood clotting disorder caused by the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Mr Morrison said yesterday he had been "constantly appealing" ATAGI to reconsider its advice following the Sydney outbreak.

After another two deaths were linked to the vaccine today, Mr Morrison maintained people under 40 should still consider consulting with their doctor about receiving an AstraZeneca vaccine.

"We're all responsible for our own health, and when it comes to informed consent and giving consent to whatever treatment or procedure you may have, or I may have, then I am ultimately responsible for what people do in their health treatment to me," Mr Morrison said.

"The AstraZeneca vaccine is approved by the TGA for people above the age of 18, but there is an informed consent process."

Today he reaffirmed that he respected the body and its advice, but that it was his job to be critical.

"Of course I challenge the advice that I receive, I ask questions, I drill into it," Mr Morrison said.

"You would expect me to do that."

Just under 40,000 people younger than 40 have received an AstraZeneca vaccine since the Prime Minister said last month that the dose is available to anyone who wishes to discuss getting it with their doctor.

More pharmacies coming online to vaccinate

Early plans for the rollout expected pharmacies to be involved in the first half of the year, but a lack of supplies had delayed that until September.

With more supplies arriving this week, Mr Morrison said the inclusion of pharmacies was being brought forward to increase accessibility to the vaccine.

"Right now there are 118 community pharmacies currently vaccinating around the country … by the end of this month there will be 470," he said.

Mr Morrison said in the Sydney local government areas hit hardest by COVID-19, 48 pharmacies were being brought online to deliver AstraZeneca vaccines from next week.

Pharmacies will also be used to administer Moderna vaccines once they arrive in September.

Mr Morrison said the indemnity afforded to doctors to vaccinate people would be extended to pharmacists.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-22/covid-vaccine-sorry-prime-minister/100314570

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172637

File: 753c59b54da4aaf⋯.jpg (152.28 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Some_Afghans_who_worked_wi….jpg)

File: d6ef3df51cac41d⋯.jpg (74.08 KB, 862x575, 862:575, A_spokesman_for_Marise_Pay….jpg)

>>14064462

Repatriation flights considered for Afghan translators who worked with Australian troops

Jane Norman - 21 July 2021

Australia is considering sending repatriation flights to Afghanistan to evacuate Afghan nationals who worked closely with Australian forces during the decades-long conflict.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has also confirmed the government is looking to re-establish a diplomatic presence in Kabul, as revealed by the ABC, less than a month after abandoning its embassy.

Since the decision was made to withdraw from Afghanistan, local translators reported they had become the target of fresh Taliban death threats for helping Australia, re-igniting calls for the government to fast-track protection visas for hundreds of staff.

Around 300 Afghan nationals and family members have so far been granted safe haven, and 252 of them have been flown to Australia.

Mr Morrison said the government was assessing applications with "great urgency" and "making steady progress" but acknowledged it was a complex multi-agency process.

"I look forward to having more to say on that in the weeks ahead but we are making steady progress," he said.

"If we have to have facilitated commercial flights to bring them to Australia, I know that Australians would support that."

Repatriation flights would help speed up the process, given commercial options are now limited by National Cabinet's decision to halve the cap on international arrivals.

Presence in Kabul being considered

Australia has shuttered its embassy in Kabul and on June 18 quietly withdrew all remaining diplomats, military and intelligence officers.

Less than a month later, Mr Morrison has confirmed Australia is considering re-establishing a presence in Afghanistan, revealing he'd discussed the issue with other world leaders at the recent G7 summit.

"Were we in a position to safely have Australians in Afghanistan, and providing support to our efforts there, we would," he said.

"It is a matter I have discussed with other leaders, particularly when I was at the G7."

A spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne said Australia's diplomatic arrangements in Afghanistan "were always expected to be temporary, with the intention of resuming a permanent presence once circumstances permit".

"That remains our position. We continue to engage closely with partners, including the Afghanistan government and coalition member countries.

"We will not comment on intelligence matters."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-21/repatriation-flights-afghan-translators-australian-troops/100311992

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172675

File: 9b9be64a1816f9c⋯.jpg (60.83 KB, 634x713, 634:713, Justin_Kenneth_Radford.jpg)

File: 22837f65da74c63⋯.jpg (107.82 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Wyong_man_Justin_Radford_3….jpg)

File: 0eb23f08ccd16fb⋯.jpg (165.12 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, Radford.jpg)

File: c0f874cca2d342d⋯.jpg (89.71 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Radford_will_be_spending_m….jpg)

File: 0bbc61db1a6b8de⋯.jpg (108.02 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Devices_seized_in_the_arre….jpg)

Paedophile Justin Kenneth Radford: Former Ch9 tape librarian jailed for 18 years

A Central Coast man who filmed himself sexually abusing a young boy before he was caught with thousands of “horrific and depraved” child abuse images and videos has been sentenced.

Richard Noone - July 20, 2021

1/2

Former Nine Network tape library assistant Justin Kenneth Radford faced Gosford District Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to 17 offences.

The 30-year-old was arrested in February last year after Australian Federal Police (AFP) were tipped off by US authorities about a Snapchat account being used to disseminate child sexual abuse material.

Radford was charged with more than 100 offences but later pleaded guilty to 17 including seven counts of sexually touching a young boy, four counts of using the child to produce child abuse material and disseminating it and thousands of images and videos of child abuse and bestiality material to 19 separate individuals.

The court heard AFP raided Radford’s Wyong home where they seized three mobile phones and a laptop containing an estimated 4416 videos and 11,151 photos of child sex abuse and bestiality material with 56 per cent of the files rated “category 4” being the second worst type conceivable.

The court heard the images and videos depicted penetrative acts with victims ranging from newborns to teenagers and were described as “horrific and depraved”.

Judge Tanya Bright said Radford also filmed himself sexually abusing a young boy 10 times with the intention of sharing the material with other “like-minded” people and showed a “reprehensible and grave” concern for his victim’s welfare.

She said the boy’s parents only became aware of the abuse when informed by AFP officers following Radford’s arrest.

In a victim impact statement the boy’s parents said there was “now way to explain” the hurt his “despicable” offending caused.

Judge Bright sentenced Radford to 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 12 years.

With time served since his arrest he will be eligible for parole on February 6, 2032.

Judge Bright said she could not be satisfied he would not reoffend.

At his sentencing hearing in June the court heard “it was not clear” what led him from mainstream pornography to child abuse and bestiality material other than he experienced a reduction in his sex drive and started taking drugs.

His barrister said Radford “fell into that group” and started to get aroused again.

An agreed set of facts states AFP Child Protection Operations officers were tipped off from US authorities in January last year about a Snapchat account in Australia being used to share child abuse material.

Internet service provider data showed the subscriber associated with the IP address was Radford, of Wyong.

Radford participated in a field record of conversation during which he admitted he was the user of a Snapchat account created in January 2019 for the sole purpose of sending and receiving “child abuse material”.

“He would find like-minded people using an open source forum on the web then add them to his Snapchat account,” the facts state.

Radford told officers he would use Snapchat to send links to Dropbox or Mega accounts and would rename contacts according to the relationship he shared with them.

“For example contacts who required CAM (child abuse material) to be shared before they would provide the accused with CAM would be renamed with the acronym ‘S2R’ or ‘send to receive’,” the facts state.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14172682

File: 21e6241c07af183⋯.jpg (116.71 KB, 852x316, 213:79, Q_925.jpg)

File: bc446cfecfddf23⋯.jpg (325.54 KB, 844x513, 844:513, Q_1735.jpg)

>>14172675

2/2

A review of Radford’s devices found 10 videos he had filmed of himself abusing a pre-pubescent boy on four separate days from as early as January 2019.

The videos, ranging from nine to 51 seconds, show Radford sexually abusing the young boy who tries to stop him.

The facts state in one video Radford stops the boy from leaving a room before abusing him.

In one email exchange with a fellow paedophile Radford boasts “I have tons! Id (sic) rather not share online though (laughing emoji)”.

“Also please hide or remove these since my names on them haha,” he emailed the man.

Due to the sheer quantity of material in more than 80 Mega and Dropbox links, along with the fact the links were still available for other like-minded persons, AFP officers downloaded nine of the links and had the rest shut down.

On January 16, 2020 Radford forwarded six videos to a user via a Mega link and asked him “Didn’t you say you had baby stuff”.

Radford sent the man a video of the boy he abused and said “I hope to get more of him soon”.

He sent links to another paedophile, who told Radford he “loves playing” with his son and Radford said “I wish I had a son to play with” and “im (sic) so jealous of you”.

Following Radford’s arrest AFP officers established strike force Operation Arkstone, which has led to the arrest of 17 men across NSW, Western Australia and Queensland with more than 800 child sex offence charges being laid.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/paedophile-justin-kenneth-radford-former-ch9-tape-librarian-jailed-for-18-years/news-story/c32882ae63541460b5019f6a05e36e3c

Q Post #925

Mar 10 2018 14:49:25 (EST)

This is not about religions or party affiliation.

EVIL is everywhere.

There are no drawn lines.

No boundaries.

Good vs Evil.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#925

Q Post #1735

Jul 27 2018 13:13:18 (EST)

There is nothing more precious than our children.

Evil has no boundaries.

https://genius.com/Slayer-evil-has-no-boundaries-lyrics

The choice to know will ultimately be yours.

These people are SICK!

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2018/07/27/cbs-honcho-les-moonves-will-be-accused-sexual-misconduct-in-latest-ronan-farrow-bombshell-report-says.html

To those who are courageous enough to speak out - we stand with you!

You are not alone in this fight.

God bless.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1735

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

a0f179  No.14174776

General Research #17932 >>14174617

Australian MP Says Unvaccinated People "Need To Be Controlled And Restricted"

Australian MP Frank Pangallo says that what unvaccinated people are allowed to do in the community “will need to be controlled and restricted” by authorities.

The SA-Best Party legislator called on the Australian government, which has indicated it won’t make vaccine passport compulsory, to make them mandatory for access to “hospitality venues, public places, workplaces, and for travel,” reports Reclaim the Net.

Pangallo asserts that “vaxports” (vaccine passports) will be crucial to avoid the country suffering a “health and economic catastrophe.”

“While people might still have a choice whether or not to get vaccinated, what they can do in the community will need to be controlled and restricted,” said the MP.

In other words, those who refuse to take the vaccine should become second class citizens, be discriminated against and remain under de facto lockdown indefinitely.

Citing the threat of new variants, Pangallo stated, “I understand people will think this is a rather drastic and draconian step, but this pandemic continues to evolve in ways and waves nobody can predict.”

Despite only 13% of the Australian population having been vaccinated so far, Pangallo said ‘vaxports’ were a necessity in order “to prevent the entire country going into lockdown.”

Australia is pursuing a drastically stupid ‘zero COVID’ policy which has led to entire towns and cities being locked down after the discovery of just a single infection.

As we highlighted yesterday, public health officials are now telling citizens that they shouldn’t even engage in conversation with each other (even if wearing masks) in the name of stopping the spread of the virus.

Authorities have also overseen the most brutal enforcement of lockdown out of any developed country.

A pregnant woman was arrested in her own home for planning an anti-lockdown protest on Facebook, while the state also gave itself the power to seize children from their parents and enter homes without a warrant under COVID-19 rules.

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/australian-mp-says-unvaccinated-people-need-be-controlled-and-restricted

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180599

File: 0907b140cca2927⋯.png (963.04 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_healthcare_professional_….png)

>>14020199

Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak throws harsh spotlight on Australia vaccine rollout

Renju Jose and Jonathan Barrett - July 23, 2021

SYDNEY, July 23 (Reuters) - Australia's New South Wales state on Friday reported its biggest daily rise in new COVID-19 cases this year, prompting a tighter lockdown in Sydney and a request for additional vaccine doses which was rebuffed by other state leaders.

State premier Gladys Berejiklian characterised the escalating virus outbreak as a "national emergency" and raised the likelihood that stay-home orders for the country's biggest city would be extended beyond the current end-date of July 30.

"There is no doubt that the numbers are not going in the direction we were hoping they would at this stage," Berejiklian said as she announced 136 new cases in the New South Wales.

The state had urged the federal government to divert additional vaccine doses to Sydney, a request Prime Minister Morrison turned down following a national cabinet meeting with all state heads.

Australia boasted another record day for COVID-19 vaccination with almost 200,000 doses delivered in one day. Morrison, who on Thursday apologised for the slow pace of inoculation, said the latest data signalled the country's vaccination rollout had turned a corner.

"We are not going to disrupt the vaccination programme around the rest of the country," Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

Total infections in Australia's worst outbreak this year have jumped to just over 1,900 since the first case was detected in a Sydney limousine driver transporting international flight crews in mid-June.

Crucially, at least 53 of the new cases in Sydney were infectious in the community before being diagnosed. Authorities have said that figure needs to be near zero for the to be lifted.

The outbreak of the fast-moving Delta variant was carried to Victoria and South Australia states, forcing authorities to put more than half the country's population in lockdown. That has shut down large sectors of the economy, even as other parts of the world, including Britain and the United States, open up.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday suspended for at least eight weeks the so-called "travel bubble" with Australia that allows movement between the two countries without quarantine.

The Trans-Tasman bubble was a rare quarantine-free arrangement in Asia, where countries have kept their borders mostly closed during the pandemic.

Berejiklian said her health officials have advised that the situation in Sydney was a "national emergency," which would typically unlock federal funding and other assistance and would have to be formally declared by the federal government.

There are 137 COVID-19 cases in hospital in New South Wales, with 32 people in intensive care, 14 of whom require ventilation.

Providing some relief, Victoria state officials reported a fall in new daily cases on Friday to 14, adding that 10 of those were in quarantine during their entire infectious period.

Stay-home orders in both Victoria and South Australia are expected to be lifted on July 27.

VACCINE ROLLOUT

With just over 32,500 COVID-19 cases and 916 deaths, Australia has fared much better than many other developed economies, but stop-and-start lockdowns and a sluggish vaccine rollout have frustrated residents.

About 15% of adult Australians have been fully vaccinated, a rate that is well behind many other developed nations, partly after health advice changed over the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to rare cases of blood clots among some recipients.

The government is targeting full vaccination of the adult population by the end of the year.

The vaccine programme could be further complicated after New South Wales health authorities said they may need to push out the interval between doses of Pfizer from three to six weeks, in order to free up more first doses, a stance Morrison backed on Friday afternoon.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Friday said the country's drug regulator has approved the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 12 to 15.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-drug-regulator-approves-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-12-15-year-olds-2021-07-22/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180610

File: 5cf01caa8ee46ec⋯.jpg (134.07 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_Pfizer_vaccine_can_saf….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia's TGA finds Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children aged 12 to 15

Jake Evans - 23 July 2021

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for children aged 12 to 15 by Australia's medical regulator.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the decision was made after careful evaluation, including clinical studies.

"The decision has been made on the basis of short term efficacy and safety data," the TGA said in a statement.

"Continued approval depends on the evidence of longer term efficacy and safety from ongoing clinical trials."

People 16 years and older have already been provisionally approved by the regulator, but the TGA had been asked to look at whether the vaccine was safe for younger people.

Although the vaccine has been approved for this younger age group, they won't be instantly included.

Determining how to include children in the vaccine rollout, including whether to prioritise those with underlying health conditions who are at more risk of serious illness, will be left to the government's immunisation advisory panel.

It is expected to make that decision late next week.

Plan to immediately roll out to vulnerable kids

Health Minister Greg Hunt said those conversations were already "well advanced" within the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

"Our plans are in place to roll out what is more likely, on the early advice I have, is that they will fast-track vaccines for 12- to 15-year-olds for the immunocompromised children or those with underlying health conditions," Mr Hunt told Channel 7.

"If ATAGI gives a second green light for the immunocompromised and kids with underlying medical conditions they would be immediately added to what's called phase 1B, they would immediately be able to access the Pfizer [vaccine]."

Other children would have to continue waiting until the rest of the adult population has had the chance to be vaccinated.

Mr Hunt said data from the US, where the vaccine has been available to all children since May, would be considered by ATAGI for making a decision on expanding the vaccine program to all children over 12 when it is received in August.

"If that's a yes, then we will make that available through schools and general programs through the course of 2021," Mr Hunt told ABC Radio Melbourne.

Mr Hunt said the government was considering whether the program would be expanded to all people between 12 and 40 at once, or whether it would be a staged expansion.

That expansion is planned to happen in September or early October.

Earlier this week, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said children should be considered for inclusion in the vaccination program as the Delta variant of the virus was infecting them more seriously.

In the United Kingdom, National Health Service data showed some children were experiencing 'long COVID' symptoms three months after being infected.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-23/tga-approves-covid-vaccine-children-teenagers/100316758

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180628

File: 14a8f366bf342a6⋯.jpg (124.54 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Liberal_senator_Jim_Molan.jpg)

Jim Molan friendly fire over China military threat

BEN PACKHAM - JULY 23, 2021

Jim Molan has warned the Australian Defence Force would be defeated within days in the event of a Chinese attack, even with the benefit of $270bn in new military hardware to be delivered over the next decade.

The Liberal senator and retired army major-general, who headed the multinational force in Iraq, has urged the Morrison government to go back to the drawing board to rethink the nation’s defence posture.

As Australian and US troops sharpened their interoperability at Exercise Talisman Sabre in Queensland, Senator Molan said the belief the US would always come to Australia’s aid had left the nation vulnerable.

He said the government – which only updated its strategic and force posture plans last year – was creating an ADF to fulfil the tasks of the past 75 years, not those that lay ahead.

“In relation to what is likely to come down the track, it lacks three things. It isn’t nasty enough, it isn’t big enough and it can’t fight for long enough,” Senator Molan said. “The ADF, even after the $270bn is put into, is unlikely to last even a few days in a high-end conflict with China.”

He said military spending at just over 2 per cent of GDP “in all probability is not enough”. His comments come as the government grapples with the prospect of a major regional conflict within the next decade, without $135bn of planned submarines and frigates that will only begin to enter service in the mid-2030s.

Senator Molan said the Coalition since 2013 had been the best government Australia had seen in relation to national security and defence, but changing strategic circumstances demanded a fresh approach. He said the ANZUS Alliance was Australia’s first line of defence, but US forces were spread globally while China only had to worry about the South and East China Seas.

“An alliance is not an excuse for not taking responsibility for national defence,” he said, noting Australia’s faith in its British allies left it vulnerable in WWII.

Senator Molan reiterated his call for a wide-ranging national security strategy to prepare for the threats Australians would face in the decades to come.

The proposal, which the government has not embraced, would focus on preparing both Defence and civilian sectors, including ports, shipping, supply chains, pharmaceuticals, fuel and essential infrastructure, for a range of realistic contingencies.

He warned “grey zone” activity including cyber attacks and trade sanctions were key threats, along with biological attacks.

Amid growing Chinese militarisation and belligerence towards the West, Defence Minister Peter Dutton recently warned the prospect of a war with China over Taiwan could not be discounted.

The comment followed the 2020 Defence Strategic Update, which said the nation could no longer assume a 10-year warning time before a major conventional attack against Australia.

The accompanying 2020 Force Structure Plan set out a $270bn investment plan to 2030, to purchase new weapons and equipment across all services, including billions of dollars worth of advanced guided missiles.

Mr Dutton said the plan would make “those who seek to threaten our national interests … think twice before doing so”.

“An important element of this is achieved through creating capabilities to hold a potential adversary’s forces and infrastructure at risk from a greater distance,” he told the Australian Strategic Policy Institute war conference.

Senator Molan said the plan would not make any marked difference to the overall size of the ADF, with the addition of just 800 uniformed personnel by 2024.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/jim-molan-friendly-fire-over-china-military-threat/news-story/845b3b378997e2ff893f90ad256cc23c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180641

File: 1d8d01aa2815520⋯.png (578.89 KB, 860x573, 860:573, Tai_above_said_the_US_is_c….png)

US trade representative backs Australia in trade disputes with China

Reuters - JUL 22, 2021

WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - The United States is "closely monitoring" trade tensions between Australia and China and will support Canberra in addressing China's state-led, non-market practices, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai told her Australian counterpart on Wednesday (July 21).

USTR said in a statement following Tai's meeting with Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan that the two ministers agreed to continue working to develop a digital trade policy that addresses the needs of workers and recognises "the importance of collaboration among those with open, free, democratic systems."

The Chinese embassy in Washington, DC, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Trade tensions between Australia and China, already rocky after Australia banned Chinese telecoms giant Huawei from its 5G wireless network in 2018, worsened since Canberra called for an international inquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus, which was first reported in central China last year.

China, Australia's largest trading partner, responded by imposing tariffs on Australian wine and barley and limited imports of Australian beef, coal and grapes - moves described by the United States as "economic coercion."

Australia in June challenged the wine duties at the World Trade Organisation.

In May, China's foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said China "has always held that healthy and stable China-Australia relations are in the fundamental interests of both countries."

But Zhao added that the responsibility for the decline in relations between the two countries was not "not at all China's"and that Australia should treat China with "objectivity" and "rationality".

USTR said Tai "conveyed that the United States stands with Australia to tackle this shared challenge and supports rules-based international trade to promote fair, market-oriented trade practices."

She also told Tehan that the United States was committed to engaging with allies, including Australia, to address China's policies that harm US and Australian workers, businesses, and citizens.

The two ministers pledged to continue senior-level discussions on "economic coercion," USTR said.

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/us-trade-representative-backs-australia-in-trade-disputes-with-china

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180648

File: febf83e810d5aab⋯.jpg (33.26 KB, 500x333, 500:333, Foreign_Ministry_Spokesper….jpg)

>>14180641

Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 22, 2021

Xinhua News Agency: According to reports, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan on July 21. Tai noted that the US is closely monitoring the trade situation between Australia and China. She conveyed that the US stands with Australia to tackle this shared challenge and supports rules-based international trade to promote fair, market-oriented trade practices. Ambassador Tai reiterated the US' commitment to engaging its allies, including Australia, to address China's practices that harm their workers, businesses, and citizens. The two sides welcomed continuing senior-level discussions to address non-market practices, including economic coercion. Do you have any comment?

Zhao Lijian: The US remarks completely distort facts and confuse right with wrong.

The difficult situation in China-Australia relationship is the result of Australia's moves to grossly interfere in China's domestic affairs and undermine China's interests, and its discriminatory trade practice toward China. The responsibility does not rest with China.

China doesn't wantonly resort to bullying and sanctions, impose "long-arm jurisdiction", or suppress foreign companies. China always firmly supports multilateralism and the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, develops international economic and trade cooperation in accordance with the principle of equality and mutual benefit. The US is selective in applying the mechanisms and rules under the multilateral trading system. It wantonly started a trade war on China by wielding the stick of sanctions and abused the concept of national security to suppress China's hi-tech companies. It seeks decoupling and suspends supplies, cuts off industrial and supply chains that are formed in the market over years, and seriously violates market economy rules and WTO rules. Yet, it poses itself as a "victim". The labels of "unfairness" and "coercion" can never be pinned on China. The US had better save them for itself.

The US should reflect on itself, redress the mistakes, rather than making irresponsible remarks in disregard of facts.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1894390.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180656

File: 87e860fdd8cbe0f⋯.jpg (160.36 KB, 825x390, 55:26, HC_1.jpg)

Hua Chunying 华春莹 Tweet

China government official

It’s high time the Australian government stepped up efforts to protect & promote the human rights of #AustralianMuslims.

https://twitter.com/SpokespersonCHN/status/1418242469158809602

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180668

File: ea482f9c5d9cfd4⋯.jpg (573.25 KB, 825x1120, 165:224, AYS_7.jpg)

File: d19f6e4a4b87e7b⋯.jpg (1.58 MB, 2919x2190, 973:730, E64bMQrVkAEP5Sp.jpg)

Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Delighted to welcome to my Residence Mr Matt Anderson PSM, Director of @AWMemorial.

Very much enjoyed our conversation on a wide range of topics as we both have diplomatic backgrounds. (Japan) and (Australia) fought alongside one another in WWI and the Cold War, followed by cooperation in Iraq.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1418100976548859909

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180674

File: 5561ca9511a161b⋯.jpg (69.52 KB, 1023x576, 341:192, Stephen_Lane_hides_from_ca….jpg)

File: a33aa9682f57cd4⋯.jpg (87.1 KB, 1024x576, 16:9, Detective_Senior_Sergeant_….jpg)

Townsville CPIU arrest three people over child sex ring in Operation Tango Rosetta

An alleged child sex ring running out of a quiet Townsville suburb has been shut down in a massive police operation, with two main victims just four and six years old.

AN ALLEGED child sex ring running out of a quiet Townsville suburb has been shut down in a massive police operation.

Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit charged three people on Thursday at the closure of Operation Tango Rosetta.

Following a three-month investigation, police allege Stephen Lane, 62, operated the ring out of his Kelso home, organising the exchange of girls out to other people for their own gratification.

Police will allege Lane and his offsiders then extorted people for money, amounting to $50,000 worth of transactions.

Police will allege two girls, aged four and six, were the two main alleged victims subjected to horrific abuse and used as sex servants over the last two years.

Their mothers, aged 41 and 38 years old, were allegedly a part of the ring and willingly exchanged their own children to people in the Townsville area.

These women cannot be identified to protect the victims.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said investigators would likely uncover more alleged victims once they combed through stacks of child exploitation material found in raids on Thursday morning.

The material included children aged between one-month-old and 14 years old, police will allege.

“The challenge is to go back over the last two to three years and capture the information, which could include other victims and other offenders,” Sergeant Miles said.

“We believe there is a large networking cohort based on family associations and education facilities. Maybe 10 to 15 more people but we won’t know until we fully examine what we have.”

Sergeant Miles said police will allege the girls were groomed rather than subjected to drugs during the alleged sex slavery.

“It will be a subject of the investigation to figure out how the children were manipulated and coerced into being subjected to these offences.

The alleged victims have spoken to police and are in contact with the Department of Child Safety.

Lane has been charged with three counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16 and two counts of distribute child exploitation material.

A 41-year-old North Ward woman has been charged with three counts of distributing child exploitation material and two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 16.

A 38-year-old Condon woman has been charged with five counts of extortion and two counts of breaching a police protection notice.

They will face court on Friday.

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/townsville-cpiu-arrest-three-people-over-child-sex-slavery-ring-in-operation-tango-rosetta/news-story/20609bbb8e96cca0e9755b5c5ea9705a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180678

File: c672d66402b362a⋯.jpg (105.74 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Stephen_Lane_taken_to_the_….jpg)

>>14180674

Lawyer claims woman manipulated into committing child sex crimes by Stephen Lane

A woman who allegedly sexually abused her young nieces, filmed them for money and trafficked them in a child sex ring has been granted bail, as more details come to light about how the horrific acts happened.

Shayla Bulloch - July 23, 2021

A WOMAN who allegedly sexually abused her young nieces, filmed them for money and trafficked them in a child sex ring has been granted bail.

The horrific details of how an alleged sex trafficking ring was orchestrated was aired in Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday as two of the three arrested applied for bail.

A man and two women were charged with 32 child exploitation, servitude and extortion offences on Thursday after police brought a three-month operation to a close.

Kelso man Stephen Lane, 64, is alleged to have been the main offender running the ring where he would exchange young girls for other’s gratification across Townsville.

He has been charged with 11 offences, including indecent treatment of a child, conduct business involving servitude, making and distributing child exploitation material and procure prostitution.

A 41-year-old woman who allegedly offended against her six year old daughter, and a 38-year old woman who allegedly abused her nieces, were his offsiders.

Police will allege Lane sought out single women who had young children, or access to young girls.

He did not apply for bail, but both women tried and the 38-year-old woman who allegedly offended against her young nieces was successful.

Duty lawyer Lisa McNamara stated the woman, who has a mild intellectual disability, was allegedly manipulated by Lane into being involved in the ring.

She was living with her son, sister, brother-in-law and three nieces over the two to three years when the alleged abuse occurred, “sneaking” around her family.

The woman allegedly exploited her nieces, aged between 3 and 15, in return for cash and benefits from Lane.

The girls’ mother sat quietly in court as her sister’s alleged offending was read aloud.

“He was coercing, or in fact induced my client to commit these offences for his own purposes,” Ms McNamara said.

Police will allege they went to great lengths to cover their tracks, deleting messages off each other’s phones and taking steps to remove photos.

Police prosecutor Jordan Theed said the alleged offending was “abhorrent” and strongly opposed the woman’s bail.

“It does appear she was in some ways taken advantage of, by the co-accused in relation to this matter, but … she’s taken advantage of people more vulnerable than her,” Mr Theed said.

Magistrate Steven Mosch, who described the offences as “deplorable”, took into account the woman’s clean criminal history when coming to his decision.

The woman has been banned from communicating with her nieces, her sister and her brother-in-law upon release under strict conditions.

She is not allowed to be alone with any person under 18 years old, except her 14-year-old son. Police do not allege the woman offended against him.

ATSILS lawyer Jake Burke appeared for the 41-year-old woman and applied for bail, but it was refused by Mr Mosch.

The woman’s six-year-old daughter had been taken off her and was now in the care of Child Safety.

The trio will face court again later this year.

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts/lawyer-claims-woman-manipulated-into-committing-child-sex-crimes-by-stephen-lane/news-story/c286eca05cf2e9d656d0457ee7cbf00e

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180690

File: 46a390a11568bbe⋯.jpg (356.67 KB, 825x899, 825:899, AR_1.jpg)

File: b4f999f01740204⋯.mp4 (6.75 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, pUbdR8OExEPDp4Ax.mp4)

Aaron Rupar Tweet

Biden highlights the absurdity of QAnon: "The idea that the Democrats or Biden, [are] hiding people and sucking the blood of children … we've got to get beyond this … this is not who we are."

https://twitter.com/atrupar/status/1418006739614670850

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14180741

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Artillery joint-coalition live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 23, 2021

In an artillery activity using nine M777 Howitzer cannons, members of the ADF and US Marines have trained alongside each other and then exchanged personnel, as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, aimed to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

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

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

f82b59  No.14180848

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PrK14PquHR0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

f82b59  No.14180849

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14180848

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QcWF96wSjGM

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14185017

File: 4a9da67be3183a1⋯.jpg (126.22 KB, 1300x650, 2:1, MyPillow_CEO_Mike_Lindell.jpg)

File: a646fee1482a278⋯.jpg (393.25 KB, 825x900, 11:12, PT_1.jpg)

File: 28b4f8d7622e327⋯.mp4 (460.23 KB, 570x268, 285:134, NjKuO8zV6i8Ysj59.mp4)

Mike Lindell set August 13 as the date in his bonkers theory that Trump will be reinstated as president

Mia Jankowicz - Jul. 6, 2021

• MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell claimed that Trump will be back in the White House by August 13.

• It’s the first time he’s put a specific date to the groundless theory.

• The 2020 election, which Biden won, will be “pulled down” and the “communists” routed, Lindell said.

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has named the date on which he believes former President Donald Trump will take the impossible step of being reinstated as president: August 13.

Speaking to Brannon Howse on the conservative WVW Broadcast Network on Sunday, Lindell said that by that date, Trump’s reinstatement “will be the talk of the world.”

“Donald Trump won,” he claimed. “I mean it’s pretty simple, OK?”

There is no legal path for Trump to be reinstated, as Insider’s Jake Lahut and Grace Panetta reported.

Lindell’s appearance was shared by the Twitter account Patriot Takes, which monitors right-wing media.

“By the morning of August 13 it’ll be the talk of the world, going ‘hurry up! Let’s get this election pulled down, let’s right the right, let’s get these communists out that have taken over,'” Lindell said.

He also said that the election result would change for “down-ticket senators” on August 13.

Lindell has been a leading voice in the conspiracy theory that the 2021 presidential election was subject to widespread voter fraud, and has produced documentaries, rallies and even a social media platform devoted to a pro-Trump perspective.

Through these mediums he has argued that he has assembled a legal case so compelling that Supreme Court justices would have to overturn the 2020 election.

Lindell first floated the idea that Trump would be back by August in a March appearance on Steve Bannon’s “War Room: Pandemic” podcast, though he did not name a specific date.

The idea of Trump’s reinstatement has been influential among conspiracy-minded Trump followers such as the lawyer Sidney Powell, and Trump himself. By June, Trump was telling contacts that he would be reinstated by August, according to The New York Times’ Maggie Haberman.

Multiple cases launched by Trump and his supporters claiming there was widespread election fraud have failed in court.

Lindell himself is the subject of a multi-million dollar defamation suit launched in February by the voting-technology company Dominion, which is central to Lindell’s conspiracy theories.

Lindell responded by counter-suing, citing the First Amendment.

https://www.businessinsider.com.au/mike-lindell-claims-august-13-trump-reinstatement-2021-7

PatriotTakes Tweet

Mike Lindell says by August 13, the talk of the world will be to overturn the election and get the communists out. He also said there will be many down ticket senators that will have different election results.

https://twitter.com/patriottakes/status/1412044845246390272

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14185225

File: 30c9ad3a47ade1d⋯.jpg (563.72 KB, 825x973, 825:973, USN_2.jpg)

File: 89034d621bf8efd⋯.jpeg (565.84 KB, 2267x1511, 2267:1511, E68VShEWUAE7ex2.jpeg)

File: 56f146cfac384b8⋯.jpeg (716.89 KB, 2657x1772, 2657:1772, E68VS0cX0AEsMcB.jpeg)

File: ab8c006c64baaf0⋯.jpeg (652.64 KB, 2640x1485, 16:9, E68VTJ2WQAI67Ry.jpeg)

File: 2f29b50b47b8296⋯.jpeg (561.62 KB, 2562x1442, 183:103, E68VTcBXIAAR6On.jpeg)

>>14119998

U.S. Navy Tweet

Taking a (photo) with friends!

Partner nations sail in formation as part of @TalismanSabre. The exercise consists of a series of training events that reinforce the strong U.S./Australian alliance and demonstrate the U.S. Military’s unwavering commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

https://twitter.com/USNavy/status/1418375834726019074

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14185244

File: a47f75d577b4006⋯.jpg (646.18 KB, 825x1202, 825:1202, TS_18.jpg)

File: 536339a90bb1591⋯.jpg (831.56 KB, 2558x1706, 1279:853, E69V1KPVIAIyRhZ.jpg)

>>14119998

>>14185225

Talisman Sabre Tweet

11 ships, 5 nations

#USNSRappahannock, #ROKSWang Geon, #HMASParramatta, #USSAmerica, #USSRafaelPeralta, #JSMakinami, #USNSAlanShepard, #HMCSCalgary, #USSNewOrleans, #HMASBrisbane, and #USSGermantown sail in formation during #TalismanSabre2021.

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1418447141060497411

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187021

File: 557bdecfcd4883d⋯.jpg (59.67 KB, 780x438, 130:73, Biden_poised_to_nominate_C….jpg)

Biden poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to Australia

Nicole Gaouette and Jeff Zeleny - July 23, 2021

Washington (CNN)President Joe Biden is poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy to serve as ambassador to Australia, three people familiar with the search process told CNN, in one of the highest-profile envoy selections yet by the White House.

Kennedy, the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, served as ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration. She is a longtime friend, ally and donor to Biden who endorsed the President's candidacy early in the campaign and spoke last summer at the Democratic convention.

A White House spokesperson declined to comment, saying more ambassadors would be announced when the vetting process and the notification to host countries have been completed.

Kennedy's appointment to Australia reflects the high priority the Biden administration is placing on the Asia-Pacific as it deals with an increasingly assertive China in the region and on the world stage. The US and Australia share close trade ties and a robust military relationship, fighting side by side in every major conflict since World War I. The two countries are also members of the "Five Eyes alliance," an intelligence sharing arrangement between the English speaking democracies of the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

If confirmed, Kennedy would come to the job with prior experience specific to the region. A graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University Law School, Kennedy served as ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 as an Obama administration appointee.

In Tokyo, Kennedy worked on military and trade, among other issues, and became the second US ambassador to attend an annual memorial service marking the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Kennedy's prior experience includes work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, at New York City's department of education, as well as work with her family's foundations. She has edited best-selling books about American history, politics, and poetry, and co-authored two books about civil liberties.

In a reflection of Biden's close relationship to the Kennedy political dynasty, Caroline Kennedy is the second family member he has nominated to fill a diplomatic post. The President has tapped the late Sen. Ted Kennedy's widow, Victoria, to be his envoy in Austria.''

Biden has spoken of the pivotal role the family has played in his own political career, touching on the inspiration he felt as a young man watching a fellow Irish Catholic American, John F. Kennedy, win the White House. Biden shares the experience of deep family tragedy with the Kennedys as well.

Born in 1957, Caroline was only 5 years old when her father was assassinated in 1963. Her uncle Robert Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 and her brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in a plane accident in 1999.

In 2009, eulogizing Ted Kennedy, Biden spoke about the debt he owed the late senator – both in helping him get elected and in helping him make it to Congress, where he served for more than 30 years.

Shortly after his election to the Senate in 1972, a car accident claimed the lives of Biden's wife and daughter and severely injured his two young sons. At a memorial for Ted Kennedy in 2015, Biden told the family that without Ted Kennedy's support, he would have abandoned his political career.

"It's close to certain I would have never been sworn in as a United States senator if not for your father, your father's encouragement," Biden said, recalling that he had not shown up for his swearing in and hadn't wanted to.

"I didn't show up the day I was to be sworn in. It was your father, your father, who along with Mike Mansfield, sent the secretary of the Senate to a hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, to swear me in with my boys," Biden recalled, adding that once he arrived in Congress, Kennedy "treated me like a little brother."

https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/23/politics/biden-caroline-kennedy-australia/index.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187041

File: fa1653c5766bdcc⋯.jpg (79.55 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Kik_app.jpg)

Pedophiles find prey in anonymous app Kik

TESSA AKERMAN - JULY 23, 2021

Scores of pedophiles across Australia have been busted using chat app Kik over the past five years with authorities warning the service’s anonymous nature makes children easy prey.

The American-owned app allows people identified only by a username to share photos and videos, video chat and find or form chat groups such as “kidzonly” which was a forum used by former army major Philip Blowers to share child-exploitation material.

When he was arrested after a tip-off from US law enforcement, Blowers was found to have shared 38 images and four videos containing child-exploitation material multiple times across 36 unique chats with individuals and chat groups.

The father-of-two was sentenced in the NSW District Court last November to five years’ imprisonment and a non-parole period of two years’ and eight months.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the commission and its law enforcement partners have had “serious concerns about Kik for some time”.

“Kik is a messaging app that enables users to remain totally anonymous,” she said. “This makes it easy for predators to pretend to be another child, for instance, and very difficult for young people, parents, or even law enforcement to know who is on the other end of the message.”

Ms Inman Grant said platforms like Kik, that are popular with young people, would always be attractive to predators looking to exploit and groom children.

“While some of the bigger players in the social media field have improved their safety features – for example Tiktok now has the default privacy setting for all registered accounts ages 13-15 set to private – it’s often the smaller, newer apps like Kik which can leave a lot to be desired when it comes to user safety,” she said.

The anonymity is a popular feature with pedophiles including Ramiz Adam who was 19 and 20 years old when he logged on to Kik as ‘Gabriel 16483’ and ‘Trump Supporter’ and connected with more than 4000 users sharing child-exploitation material.

He sent some users photographs of bundles of Australian currency and expensive wristwatches, with comments such as: ‘I want to spoil u babe’ and ‘I can be ur sugar daddy’.

It took Kik more than a week to deactivate another pedophile’s account that he named ‘pedodadlookingforpedomumwithkidsorbaby’ which had a child-exploitation image as the user pic.

The pedophile then successfully set up a new account with the first name ‘Looking4pedos/pedofamily/inmelbouren/’ and another graphic user image.

A BBC investigation in 2018 calculated 1100 cases of child sexual abuse were linked to Kik use across the UK over five years.

According to Kik’s website section for law enforcement, the company will only accept US judicial requests and will only provide transaction chat logs – not the content of the chats.

The company deletes all video and images after 30 days and while iTunes rates the app as suitable for 17+, the Kik website says it’s for people 13 and over.

Kik did not respond to The Weekend Australian’s request for comment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/pedophiles-find-prey-in-anonymous-app-kik/news-story/7211988d465bcb5a88f07fe56cab3d5d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187052

File: fa4debcaf0ce3a6⋯.jpg (107.39 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Australia_has_avoided_the_….jpg)

File: 943f529d6cbb4de⋯.jpg (156.44 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Adani_s_Abbot_Point_coal_s….jpg)

File: eeac34f1b655792⋯.jpg (65.98 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Environment_Minister_Sussa….jpg)

>>14020145

Australia avoids Great Barrier Reef global embarrassment, but the dangers of climate change remain for the reef

Michael Slezak - 24 Jul 2021

When the scientific advisors to UNESCO recommended the Great Barrier Reef be added to UNESCO's in-danger list, Environment Minister Sussan Ley claimed the process stunk.

She argued it was a result of dirty politics, not science.

So it's a matter of some irony that her victory this week — avoiding an in-danger list for at least another couple of years — comes after some skilled politicking.

If there are claims that politics have swayed outcomes, then let's strip away the politics and look at the facts — the things that actually matter to the reef.

In 2015, the Great Barrier Reef narrowly escaped being listed as "in danger".

And regardless of that decision, and whether it fits UNESCO's criteria this time around, the facts show the reef clearly in danger.

'Dead corals don't make babies'

Mass bleaching events on the reef were a new — but still relatively rare — phenomenon back in 2015. The first one was in 1998 and then there was another in 2002.

The combined impact of those two bleaching events, outbreaks of crown of thorns starfish and severe cyclones mean the reef has lost half of its hard coral cover since 1985.

That rate of loss is unprecedented in the previous 400 years, according to the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Layered on top of that, the reef was being assaulted by fossil fuel giants developing major infrastructure along its coast.

Three massive LNG plants had just been built in the World Heritage Area on Curtis Island off Gladstone, the construction of which involved dredging.

And Adani was proposing to expand the Abbot point coal terminal, and dump dredge spoil in the World Heritage Area.

Regardless, Australia was spared the embarrassment of an in-danger listing at the time, with stern words from UNESCO about acting on climate change, and the need for the reef's declines to halt and "reverse".

But fast forward six years and Adani's dumping proceeded, mass bleaching events hit three times in five years, and Australia's policies on climate change have not grown in ambition.

The 2016 and 2017 bleaching events wiped out half the shallow-water corals and the next year, coral reproduction dropped by nearly 90 per cent.

"Dead corals don't make babies," Professor Terry Hughes from James Cook University said at the time.

The reef's return

Despite the 2020 bleaching event, the reef has been in a period of recovery since 2019, and the most fast-growing (but also most fragile) corals have boomed, and coral cover in many parts of the reef has today returned to levels not seen since the 1980s.

But the repeated insults have changed the reef, and left it more vulnerable. Those fast-growing corals make up a much greater percentage of the overall cover, and are much more vulnerable to storms, bleaching and predation.

"Because of these vulnerabilities and likelihood of more climate-related severe weather events, future disturbances may result in rapid decline on these reefs," said Dr Mike Emslie from the Australian Institute of Marine Science when their long-term monitoring results were released this month.

Through all this, the official outlook for the reef remains "very poor".

And according to the federal government's Great Barrier Reef Authority: "The window of opportunity to improve the Reef's long-term future is now."

Despite all that, Australia again avoided the embarrassment of a listing this year.

But without Australia taking international leadership on climate change, it's hard to see how it will be avoided in the years to come.

UNESCO has said that Australia's plan for the reef needed to include actions to address climate change, which are in line with the Paris Agreement, which involves trying to stop climate change at 1.5C of warming.

That makes sense, because even at 1.5C of warming, up to 90 per cent of the world's corals could be lost.

And for Australia's targets to be consistent with the agreement, Australia will need to nearly triple its ambition for 2030.

All that certainly sounds like "danger" for the reef.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-24/australia-avoids-great-barrier-reef-global-embarrassment/100319950

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187077

File: 41e750de752de8d⋯.jpg (141.34 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Chairman_of_the_Joint_Chie….jpg)

File: 8abf6b400cbeefa⋯.jpg (150.53 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_United_States_Army_M901_….jpg)

File: 215e18fd6998e8e⋯.jpg (173.19 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, US_12th_Marine_Regiment_Fi….jpg)

File: 1f6c9e033790cb0⋯.jpg (104.4 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, United_States_Marine_Corps….jpg)

>>14119998

Uber principle for military strike force

America has invited Australia to join a top secret program for missile strikes on targets compared to Uber as a Pacific shield deterrent.

Charles Miranda - July 24, 2021

Exclusive: The United States military has invited Australia to join its developing of a sensitive program they have likened to the ride sharing Uber service, with an app matching the best missiles to the closest targets.

The US Joint Chiefs Of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley said on Friday it was about “integrated deterrence” – aligning allies in the Indo-Pacific against aggression, with nation’s such as Australia playing a critical role.

He singled out China as the “pacing threat” in the region for which war-avoiding strong deterrence was required.

“We are gearing our capabilities, our programs, our training, our skills, our activities … militarily with China in mind, there’s no question about it,” Gen Milley said on the eve of a US military delegation visit to the Pacific region led by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin.

“We will work very closely with Japan, with other countries South Korea, Philippines, Australia and other allies and partners in the region to make sure that we have proper capability to deal with it, whatever comes to us in the future,” he said.

One of those deterrence programs includes the sensitive Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) framework currently being developed that effectively links sensors that identify targets and threats to the closest war asset to neutralise it whether from the air, land, sea or space.

And in its designing the next-generation, multi-domain command-and-control vision, the US Defense has cited Uber as the unlikely example.

The ride share pulls together reams of disparate data and uses artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms and two different apps to quickly and efficiently match the right drivers on one app with the right passengers on the other.

Basically, a target could be seen from an air force drone sensor but it would be a naval or land interdiction tasked to attack a target or respond to a threat, with all land, sea, air and space assets operating and speaking with each other on the single same integrated platform.

It is understood principles of the program are being studied at the Talisman Sabre 2021 military exercise in Queensland and NSW, the biennial war games for the US and Australian militaries and other partners including Japan seen as critical for allied force systems interoperability training.

The US military high command confirmed it was important allies were brought into the JADC2 strategy and in “the build” phase now and not as a later “bolt on” since the US would not do anything without its Five Eyes partners the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

“We’re never going to fight alone, we’re going to fight with partners so JADC2 has got to mean the same thing to them as it does to us,” US Joint Staff director of command, control, communications and computers Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Dennis Crall said.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/uber-principle-for-military-strike-force/news-story/836cc14a475488c0387256c4f8cc72f0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187200

File: e45309152c78d3d⋯.jpg (171.09 KB, 1160x773, 1160:773, Tony_Podesta_a_colorful_K_….jpg)

>>14086073

Huawei hiring former Democratic super lobbyist Tony Podesta

The longtime K St. fixture is back in business after a Mueller-induced hiatus.

BETSY WOODRUFF SWAN and DANIEL LIPPMAN - 07/23/2021

Huawei is hiring Democratic lobbyist Tony Podesta as a consultant, according to two people familiar with the matter. Podesta will aim to help the controversial Chinese telecom giant warm relations with the Biden administration.

Podesta will work to advance a variety of the company’s goals in Washington, according to one of the people. He declined to comment. A spokesperson for Huawei also declined to comment.

Huawei faces a host of challenges in Washington. In February 2020, the Justice Department charged the company with violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO — a key DOJ tool for going after organized crime. DOJ alleged that Huawei helped Iran’s authoritarian government build out its domestic surveillance capabilities and tried to secretly do business in North Korea. The Justice Department has also brought charges against the company’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou. She was arrested in Canada, where she is fighting extradition to the U.S. Huawei and Meng maintain their innocence. Huawei has said the accusations are an effort to “irrevocably damage” its reputation and business, as CNBC has reported.

Huawei is not Podesta’s first major China client. Disclosure forms show that his former company also represented the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), which funds a host of activities in the U.S. The University of Texas at Austin in 2018 rejected a funding offer from the foundation because of concerns about its links to the Chinese Communist Party, as Inside Higher Ed has reported.

Podesta — a colorful K St. personality known for his loud ties and elaborate art and wine collection — previously helmed the Podesta Group, his eponymous lobbying shop. But in 2017, special counsel Robert Mueller scrutinized the firm for its work with Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign chief Paul Manafort. Manafort’s team enlisted Podesta Group in its efforts to sanitize the reputation of Ukraine’s Russia-friendly president Viktor Yanukovych.

Podesta was not charged with wrongdoing, but shut down his firm and stepped back from lobbying after Manafort’s indictment. He spent several years in the political wilderness, focused on selling art. In early July, he caught the attention of Washington with a splashy New York Times story revealing he wanted to re-enter the fray.

“I don’t want to recreate what I had, but I sort of miss working, and art alone doesn’t sustain me, because I love politics,” he told the Times.

Manafort has also tiptoed back into Washington. Earlier this week, a Daily Caller reporter tweeted a picture of Trump’s ex-campaign head — his signature pompadour faded to gray — dining at a downtown D.C. seafood restaurant. Manafort spent time in prison before Trump pardoned him.

Podesta is expected to soon pick up more clients. He has known President Joe Biden for decades and is friendly with a number of his advisers. Podesta also lives down the street from former President Barack Obama in the glitzy D.C. neighborhood of Kalorama. His brother John was a counselor for Obama as well as chief of staff to President Bill Clinton.

In addition to Podesta, Huawei recently hired several other representatives: the consulting firm of Lee Terry, a former Republican congressman from Nebraska; lawyer Stephen Binhak; Glenn LeMunyon, who was an aide to former House GOP Whip Tom DeLay; and the consulting firm J.S. Held. The company also retains white-shoe law firm Steptoe and Johnson, paying them $60,000 in the second quarter, according to a disclosure. And the firm has connections to power brokers throughout the nation’s capital. Christopher Fonzone, the general counsel for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, advised the company when he was a lawyer at the firm Sidley Austin. Fonzone told senators he did fewer than 10 hours of work for Huawei. The connection created challenges for his Senate confirmation, but he was still confirmed.

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/23/huawei-hires-tony-podesta-500649

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187418

File: 62d89685ff3b75e⋯.jpg (441.36 KB, 825x896, 825:896, TMHS_1.jpg)

File: 3adab76c6afae9b⋯.mp4 (4.08 MB, 640x360, 16:9, HXah1u_tTHHukgtL.mp4)

The Mehdi Hasan Show Tweet

Do Fox and the Murdochs have blood on their hands for all the disinformation they’ve propagated?

@TurnbullMalcolm: “They certainly have contributed to blood being shed.”

https://twitter.com/MehdiHasanShow/status/1418367879901290496

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187427

File: 7dad224448b11b9⋯.webm (15.12 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Former_Australian_PM_Malc….webm)

>>14187418

Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Slams Rupert Murdoch Over Fox’s Involvement in 1/6 Insurrection and Vaccine Hesitancy Push

TODD NEIKIRK - JUL 23RD, 2021

While politics are certainly different in Australia than they are in the United States, Malcolm Turnbull would still be considered to be a Conservative. He is also acquainted with fellow Aussie Rupert Murdoch, having known him since 1974.

The former Prime Minister recently appeared on Mehdi Hasan’s show to discuss Murdoch and how his news network is currently poisoning America.

The host asked, “You mentioned dangerous, you mentioned devastating. So let me just ask you straight up. Do you believe Fox and the Murdochs, by creating what you’ve called in the past a “market for crazy,” by pushing not just election lies and white supremacist propaganda — but also anti-mask, anti-vaccine conspiracies — do they have blood on their hands?”

Turnbull answered, “Well, they certainly have contributed to blood being shed. January 6 could not have occurred without the Big Lie about the election having been promoted and pumped out, as it was by Fox News.”

The former Australian PM continued:

“He knows the vaccines work. But he’s making billions of dollars out of a, you know, a news channel, a news platform, Fox News, which is promoting and enabling all of this vaccine hesitancy. I mean, surely — surely, you would think you would have enough affection for your viewers, not to encourage them to follow a course of action that is likely to result in their illness and death.”

Murdoch has had a strange last year or so. He wasn’t a big fan of Donald Trump and clearly devastated the former president by calling Arizona early on election night. At the same time, he seems to have no interest in reigning in his on air talent.

https://www.politicususa.com/2021/07/23/watch-former-australian-pm-malcolm-turnbull-slams-rupert-murdoch-over-foxs-involvement-in-1-6-insurrection-and-vaccine-hesitancy-push.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187430

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14187418

Rupert Murdoch’s Disinformation Media Empire | The Mehdi Hasan Show

The Choice

Jul 23, 2021

An undervaccinated population in the United States where the government literally can’t give Covid-19 inoculations away; the Donald Trump presidency; and the January 6th insurrection on the United States Capitol. There’s a case to be made that none of these things would have happened without Rupert Murdoch and Fox News. Fellow Australian Malcolm Turnbull, the former prime minister, joins Mehdi to discuss Murdoch, Trump, the spread of disinformation and the rise of authoritarianism.

The Mehdi Hasan Show: Insightful reporting and probing interviews that examine the day's events and provide a deeper level of context for the politics of our interconnected society.

Watch The Mehdi Hasan Show on The Choice channel on Peacock TV, weeknights, 7 p.m. ET. Subscribe to the channel for more interviews.

http://peacocktv.com

#RupertMurdoch #FoxNews #Disinformation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KciyUNMpz74

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14187446

File: 43f1685680135e9⋯.jpg (506.34 KB, 825x975, 11:13, TS_19.jpg)

File: 302f098a87025ca⋯.jpg (1.83 MB, 4096x3072, 4:3, E7CjF44XMAUbm1H.jpg)

File: aed9563c89379e0⋯.jpg (2 MB, 4096x2667, 4096:2667, E7CjG_cXMAIyiAy.jpg)

File: a329c72aef92654⋯.jpg (143.24 KB, 1200x802, 600:401, E7CjHkuXsAAlkAl.jpg)

File: d44f625771c1413⋯.jpg (136.54 KB, 1200x675, 16:9, E7CjHv4WYAEisUm.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Getting to the mission

#Marines with @MrfDarwin departed Townsville in several MV-22B Osprey aircraft last night to conduct night operations during #TS21.

@USMC #AlliesAndPartners #TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1418813239127953408

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

9a224b  No.14188927

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

HOW TO PROCESS YOUR VISA BY

YOURSELF!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14194970

File: 72ba96dd33fefca⋯.jpg (127.11 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_woman_exercises_on_the_e….jpg)

>>14020199

Australians may face longer lockdown after "reckless" mass protests

Sonali Paul - July 25, 2021

MELBOURNE, July 25 (Reuters) - Australia's New South Wales logged its second-highest daily increase of the year in locally acquired COVID-19 cases on Sunday amid fears of a wave of new infections after thousands of people joined an anti-lockdown protest.

"In relation to yesterday's protests, can I say how absolutely disgusted I was. It broke my heart," Gladys Berejiklian, the premier of the country's most populous state, told reporters.

"I hope it won't be a setback, but it could be," she said.

There were 141 COVID-19 cases reported, down from 163 a day earlier. The outbreak, which began in June, is being driven by the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, and has now infected 2,081 people in New South Wales. There are 43 people in intensive care, up from 37 a day earlier.

Under fire for a slow vaccine rollout, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said more vaccine supply was not going to ensure New South Wales gets out of lockdown, but what was needed was an effective, properly enforced lockdown.

"Let me be clear - there's not an alternative to the lockdown in New South Wales to get this under control. There is no other magic bullet that's going to do that," Morrison told reporters at a televised media conference.

He called the anti-lockdown protests in Sydney reckless and self-defeating.

While Berejiklian and other state leaders have blamed Canberra for the slow vaccine rollout, critics have said NSW did not enforce its stay-at-home orders, which has led to Delta variant leaks to other states.

At least 38 of the new cases in NSW had spent time in the community while infectious, state health authorities said. Numbers of such cases have stayed stubbornly high even after four weeks of lockdown in Sydney, now expected to be extended beyond July 30.

The state reported two deaths overnight, including a woman in her 30s with no pre-existing conditions.

Despite its struggle with spikes of infections, Australia has managed to keep its epidemic largely under control with a total of about 32,600 cases and 918 deaths.

To help speed up vaccinations in Sydney, the government's official adviser, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), on Saturday changed its advice on the AstraZeneca vaccine, urging anyone in the city under the age of 60 to strongly consider getting vaccinated with it.

ATAGI had previously advised against the AstraZeneca vaccine for people under 60 due to concerns about blood clots.

"In the context of the current risk of COVID-19 in NSW and with the ongoing constraints on Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine supplies, all adults in greater Sydney should strongly consider the benefits of earlier protection with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca rather than waiting for alternative vaccines," ATAGI said in a statement.

Morrison said on Sunday the government has secured an additional 85 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, but they will only be delivered in 2022 and 2023.

"To have those booster shots pre-ordered means we can go into 2022 with confidence," he said.

Australia's Victoria state reported 11 locally acquired COVID-19 cases on Sunday, down from 12 a day earlier, raising hopes the state will end a hard lockdown imposed 10 days ago.

State Premier Daniel Andrews said it was too early to say whether restrictions will be eased on Tuesday, but: "At this stage, though, things are going well."

All of the cases were linked to the current outbreak clusters and all of them were in isolation throughout their infectious period, the state's health department said.

South Australia reported three new cases on Sunday.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australians-may-face-longer-lockdown-after-mass-protests-2021-07-24/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fc7bf2  No.14194991

File: e2c40af6887dd9c⋯.jpg (682.73 KB, 1440x1440, 1:1, Collage_20210724_182754.jpg)

File: 53caa3fc572e622⋯.png (41.91 KB, 254x123, 254:123, IMG_20210724_171333.png)

Soith african satamists

Pedo symbilism

Foster kids

Needs a digg

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

91f840  No.14200137

Aussie anons,

any thoughts on this ….we are wrestling over in General about it….

Set up to purge the police?

Any further news about something like this…?

Post back in general. Reference:

>>14199832

>>14199832

and a baker post.

https://www.brighteon.com/7afed3f7-084d-4770-a2ff-6c92889f5f6c

LEAKED AUDIO FROM A POLICE BRIEFING IN AUSTRALIA - PREPARATIONS TO TAKE DOWN THE GOVERNMENT LEADERS

Start listening at 6:58

"We want to do this peaceful. We give no chance to the government to say that we're a terrorist organization and that this is a coup. This is not a coup.

END 7:16

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

91f840  No.14200144

File: 7336e4a164985dc⋯.png (1.23 MB, 1577x1563, 1577:1563, ClipboardImage.png)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

8ca4b0  No.14200348

This is not a game!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

cbb39e  No.14200431

AUS BROS

What are your thoughts on this? Very excited anon here, please be real.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

80f97e  No.14200457

>>14200431

I need to get first hand verification.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

75b4a2  No.14200679

>>14200137

Need to keep an eye on flightradar.

https://www.flightradar24.com/

and shipping

https://www.radar-live.com/p/ship-radar.html

See if the bad guys bug out.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200877

File: a3d6517deee9223⋯.jpg (76.48 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, Former_boxer_Anthony_Mundi….jpg)

File: c430ae486cfb5ba⋯.jpg (110.45 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, Anthony_Khallouf.jpg)

Lockdown protesters plotted on social media

RHIANNON DOWN - JULY 26, 2021

1/2

The violent protests that swept through Sydney’s CBD might have taken the city — and even police — by surprise, but they had been plotted weeks before the lockdown was even declared by a hard-core group of social-media-savvy conspirators.

Many of the same agitators were involved in a wave of similar “freedom” protests that rocked Melbourne during its second wave almost a year ago, with organisers tapping into a network of Covid-19 conspiracy activists and latching on to the “World Wide Rally for Freedom” movement overseas.

Saturday’s protests saw the fringe movement of anti-lockdown and anti-vax sceptics go ­national for the first time, with thousands of protesters flouting restrictions in Sydney and Melbourne, with rallies also taking place in Adelaide and Brisbane.

Organiser and self-described “vigilante” Anthony Khallouf, who runs website Australians vs The Agenda to fight the “socialist, communist, fascist state” pushing the Covid-19 “scam” — admitted he was surprised by the turnout.

“This was not only a slam dunk, it was a home run, a premiership team going from being 18 on the ladder to destroying Richmond by 100 points,” he said.

Mr Khallouf, who is facing charges of incitement for his alleged role in Melbourne’s protests last year, told The Australian last Thursday that Sydney would be “the main event”, predicting his cause would tap into the frustrations of locked-down Sydneysiders, especially in the southwest.

“It was such a crazy day; co-ordinating an event where there are more than 100,000 people all over the country protesting about the exact same thing, at the exact same time and pulling it off without any problems, is a very proud moment,” he said.

Mr Khallouf said he felt no remorse about any Covid-19 infections that resulted from the protests, despite those who attended being slammed by NSW authorities as “halfwits” and “boofheads”.

“Don’t target people in certain demographics, and then you won’t see the consequences of targeting people, that’s basically it,” he said.

“There are a whole bunch of left-leaning extremists targeting us and people in our community saying you’re an idiot for attending or they’re calling it a ‘free-dumb’ rally or an anti-lockdown protest which it wasn’t — it was called World Wide Rally for Freedom.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200880

File: 78777b862cde8f6⋯.jpg (260.78 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Protesters_during_the_prot….jpg)

File: 8c07449cde6cbd3⋯.jpg (284.06 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Police_officers_on_horseba….jpg)

>>14200877

2/2

The details of Saturday’s protest had been circulated for weeks on social media, with early chatter about the protest on encrypted messaging app Telegram beginning in late May before Sydney’s lockdown had even begun, according to online discussions seen by The Australian.

In the week leading up to July 24, the protest hit the mainstream with “Sydney CBD takeover” plans being shared on Facebook and Instagram by Sydneysiders frustrated at the extended lockdown as fast as the social media platforms could remove the posts.

Meanwhile, multiple “freedom rally” Telegram groups in each state and city swelled to include thousands of activists, with many swapping protest strategy, plotting how to travel to the city from far away suburbs as well as scripts of “legalese” to tell police if arrested.

Supporters also shared links to content from UK conspiracy theo­rist David Icke, independent MP Craig Kelly and the US-based Qanon movement, which claims a cabal of Satan-worshipping child abusers secretly control the world.

Group chats on the app seen by The Australian included more than 2300 frustrated Sydney residents, 3800 in Melbourne and one nationwide group with more than 11,000 supporters by Thursday, as well as many spin-off groups.

The turnout at the Sydney protest suggests the cause had found a life outside a niche group of conspiracy theorists.

Many observers put the number of protesters at well over 5000 — more than the police estimate of 3500, though less than the 50,000 claimed by organisers.

The crowds that swarmed Victoria Park before converging at Town Hall comprised many different interest groups including groups of youths brandishing signs with anti-vaccination “pro-consent” slogans, others wearing Don­ald Trump and Guy Fawkes masks, and some waving flags ­associated with white supremacy.

One man carried a sign that said “ABC News is Zionist prop­aganda”, which elicited anti-­Semitic cries from nearby supporters, while others railed against the “New World Order” or spruiked religious messages such as “Authority comes from God”.

Former boxer Anthony Mundine, who was recently fined for breaching health orders, was reportedly seen at the protest, as well as TikTok comedian Jon-Bernard Kairouz.

The online tools that brought the movement to a new audience could also be its undoing, with NSW police beginning the painstaking work of combing through social media posts and CCTV to identify those who attended.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/lockdown-protesters-plotted-on-social-media/news-story/4999c6a6e455dc5640124ac39d86d61d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200915

File: 8f1100749e399b8⋯.jpg (163.02 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_police_line_forms_at_a_l….jpg)

File: 7badc544f612bb1⋯.jpg (171.67 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Hundreds_appeared_on_Melbo….jpg)

File: d45712f2164c2f8⋯.jpg (151.55 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_man_hits_a_police_horse_….jpg)

>>14200877

Anti-lockdown protests a coalition of the alienated and the far-right

Miki Perkins - July 25, 2021

Counter-extremism experts say the people behind Australia’s anti-lockdown protests on the weekend came from a loose coalition of far-right, conspiracy and libertarian groups, their numbers swelled by people who feel, rightly or wrongly, disenfranchised by government.

Dr Kaz Ross, who researches Australian far-right extremists and conspiracy groups, described the protests as a “leaderless movement”. They included some high-profile individuals as well as nationalists, so-called “sovereign citizens”, anti-vaccination groups, QAnon and Trump followers, and small business owners.

On Saturday there were also followers of the anti-vaccination group Reignite Australia and members of evangelical Christian churches at the rallies, with some holding signs that read: “Jesus is my vaccine.”

Despite assurances from Facebook that it would remove extremist groups last year, the protests were live-streamed on some Facebook pages.

“It surprised everybody that there was such a big group – a collection of disparate groups who have been working consistently over the whole pandemic to build their support base,” Dr Ross said.

While far-right extremism is not a new phenomenon in Australia, it has been on the rise in the past year in response to federal and state government handling of the coronavirus, she says.

The protests in each city were subtly different, Dr Ross said.

In Brisbane, anti-vaccination sentiments were at the forefront, while in Melbourne the protest signs were dominated by anti-lockdown slogans. The protesters in Sydney on the weekend seemed similar to those at the anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne last year. There was a diversity of people not usually seen at rallies, including those new to public protest, people from a range of ethnic backgrounds, and lots of women.

Meanwhile, the organising in Melbourne had “matured”, with a core group of seasoned protesters streamlining their operations against lockdowns over the past year, Dr Ross said. These include serial protester Matt Lawson, an administrator of an anti-5G Facebook group, who was arrested on Saturday.

Victoria Police has called on members of the public to call Crime Stoppers if they can identify protesters at the rallies over the weekend, warning offenders will be issued with fines, including seven identified organisers who could face charges of incitement.

“I’d urge every citizen who is outraged by what we saw yesterday that if you know who these people are, then tell us and we will take action,” said Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius.

Seven organisers had been warned by police not to promote or participate in the protests but nonetheless turned up on Saturday, he said.

Dr Josh Roose, a senior research fellow at Deakin University, said the protesters were brought together by a feeling of marginalisation and a sense they were the victims of governments.

While it was easy to have a visceral reaction to the illegal protests, it was important to recognise this issue wasn’t going away, he said.

“We really have to engage. Not with their ideas – because they have been debunked on many occasions by science – but with the idea they feel alienated with society.

“This is a global issue that, at its heart, comes back to deepening inequality and a deepening disconnect between citizens and the state.”

Extremism researcher Dr Ross said while it was good that people valued democracy and were concerned about protecting individual liberties and freedoms, the anti-lockdown movement misunderstood what democracy means.

“They talk about their rights as citizens, but we also have a collective responsibility as citizens,” Dr Ross said.

And debating the ideas themselves is often counterproductive: “You can’t really debate that idea that the world is run by a satanic cabal of paedophile lizards.”

Better media and political literacy is needed for consumers to ascertain the accuracy of what they consume on social media, she says.

https://archive.ph/r6dbU

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200931

File: d49675bcda1d83b⋯.jpg (205.17 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Police_arrest_a_woman_on_B….jpg)

>>14200877

Revealed: the fringe groups where Sydney’s lockdown protest began

Fergus Hunter and Laura Chung - July 25, 2021

1/2

The organisation of an anti-lockdown protest that turned violent in Sydney on Saturday began in fringe online communities teeming with COVID-19 conspiracy theories, anti-Semitism and debunked views on vaccines.

The widely-condemned protest was linked to a “worldwide rally for freedom” and NSW Police said they were not taken by surprise by the event, having monitored plans as they developed in groups on encrypted platform Telegram and spread further on Facebook and Instagram.

Police on Sunday said they had received more than 5500 tip-offs about attendees and identified more than 200 people involved. More than 350 officers policed the event and a dedicated strike force of 22 officers has since been launched to investigate public health order breaches and any other offences.

“What took us by surprise and what disappoints me so greatly is the level of violence that people were prepared to use. That was unprecedented. That’s not Sydney,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said on Sunday.

Police arrested 63 people during the protest and 35 have been charged with various offences, including assault of a police officer. At least 90 fines were issued for breaches of the public health orders and two men, aged 33 and 36, were arrested and charged overnight for striking a police horse.

Online activists were promoting protests in Sydney, Melbourne and other Australian locations in the weeks before the July 24 events. Popular anti-vaxxer organisations and figures were among the pages then spreading the message to a larger audience.

Joel Jammal, a Sydney activist who promoted the event on Facebook, spoke on the steps of Town Hall on Saturday, rejecting vaccines and lockdowns.

“The organisers said this must be a peaceful protest,” he told the crowd. “This is not a violent revolution.”

Various national and city-based channels on Telegram, where the plans for the rallies gained momentum, appear to share some of the same organisers. Administrators of the channels have also promoted far-right groups and figures such as the Proud Boys and Avi Yemini.

One of the key organisers in the channels appears to be 24-year-old programmer Harrison Mclean, linked to previous protests in Melbourne. Mr Mclean did not respond to a request for a comment.

In a video posted on his Telegram channel on July 18, Mr Mclean said the protests were about resisting “authoritarian restrictions” and declaring that “we will not comply”.

“This Saturday, the 24th of July, in over 100 cities around the world, we’ll be taking a stand for five important freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, freedom of choice and freedom of health,” he said.

Inside the groups, users have shared a vast amount of conspiracy theories about global warming, the mainstream media, vaccines, QAnon, Freemasons as well as anti-Semitic material.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200934

File: e6890ebc9d91673⋯.jpg (186.74 KB, 960x640, 3:2, The_protests_began_in_frin….jpg)

>>14200931

2/2

The gathering in Sydney attracted a diverse crowd numbered in the thousands. It included anti-vaxxers, political activists and people angry at the strict public health orders put in place in response to the outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19.

Jon-Bernard Kairouz, a 24-year-old TikTok personality who recently attracted attention for revealing NSW COVID-19 case numbers before official announcements, attended the rally and was issued with a fine on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Mr Kairouz told the crowd: “For everyone that’s here – small businesses, people that are doing it tough – all we want is freedom.”

A man standing next to him as he spoke wore a vest promoting notorious English conspiracy theorist David Icke – who believes an ancient race of reptilian beings secretly rules the world – and the next speaker said COVID-19 did not exist.

Former Liberal Party figure John Ruddick, now running as the Liberal Democrats candidate in the federal Sydney seat of Warringah, posted on Twitter about his attendance at the rally and said he was among those to be fined.

“Just had two courteous police officers at my door to advise I will be getting a $1000 fine for attending the Sydney Freedom Rally,” he said on Sunday. “No problem – I’ll frame it and put it on the wall.”

NSW Police Minister David Elliott said there were a number of “political wannabes” trying to use the protest to make a name for themselves.

“That’s very disappointing. I think those individuals need to reflect if they are suitable for public office,” he said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was “absolutely disgusted” by the protest and warned that participants were endangering those closest to them by attending the illegal gathering.

“Can I say how absolutely disgusted I was. It broke my heart,” she said.

“Millions and millions of people across our state are doing the right thing and it just broke my heart that people had such a disregard for their fellow citizens.”

A number of proposed dates for protests in the coming weeks and months are already circulating among activists on Telegram.

“September too far away,” said one user on Sunday. “This needs to happen sooner whilst we have traction, otherwise the evil side will continue to accelerate.”

“So whenever the next one happens, we need to agree on it and then hype it up,” said another.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/revealed-the-fringe-groups-where-sydney-s-lockdown-protest-began-20210725-p58cqm.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200941

File: 10666277956e571⋯.jpg (190.39 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_protester_waves_a_flare_….jpg)

File: 2f3e9c9198630be⋯.jpg (242.51 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Protesters_climb_the_awnin….jpg)

File: 44696fcf09074ed⋯.jpg (179.67 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, A_protester_dressed_as_Don….jpg)

File: 7c6d9eafd81f78c⋯.jpg (199.55 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Protesters_gather_in_front….jpg)

>>14200877

Inside Telegram fringe groups behind protests where conspiracy theories spread

On encrypted messenging apps used to stir up resentment towards lockdowns are threats to state premiers and wild, debunked conspiracies.

Rohan Smith - JULY 26, 2021

On encrypted messenging apps used to stir up tens of thousands of protesters at rallies in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend are threats to state premiers and wild, debunked conspiracy theories about everything from forced vaccinations to “the great reset” of society.

Shared widely on Telegram and Facebook are messages about storming the press conferences of NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian with an army of “100,000”.

The proponents of “freedom rallies” in Australia’s two largest cities, attended by as many as 30,000 people, are devout followers of QAnon, members of the far-right and prominent anti-vaxxers who refer to the majority in lockdown as “masked zombie slaves” with “nothing inside them at all”.

“The “pandemic” is a cover for a currency reset (aka the Great Reset) and everything that comes along with it is a smokescreen,” one Telegram user wrote in the Sydney Freedom Rally group — an offshoot of the main organising group, the Worldwide Rally for Freedom.

Others call for more extreme measures.

“This won’t end until society collapses or there is a revolution,” another Telegram user wrote.

Protesters who were denounced by state leaders and the Prime Minister on Sunday were buoyed by a small group of politicians who celebrated their efforts to pushback against stay-at-home orders despite the Delta variant of Covid-19 spreading in Melbourne and Sydney.

They include the usual suspects: Independent MP Craig Kelly, One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts and Nationals MP George Christensen — all of whom are wildly popular on social media.

Mr Kelly wrote on Telegram that a photograph of a man allegedly punching a horse at the Sydney rally was “propaganda that would make (Nazi propagandist Joseph) Goebells proud” and was “a coup for the (vaccine) sellers”.

He wrote that the vaccine was “experimental”.

“Those protesting for freedom and against compulsory injections of experimental agents could be painted as violent thugs that abuse animals,” he wrote.

Mr Christensen even spoke at a rally in the Queensland city of Mackay after promoting the event to “freedom lovers” in the days before Saturday’s march.

In the same groups, plans are being made for another protest on Saturday, September 18. But many who attended the weekend’s protests are already voicing concern about the prospect of being identified in the masses of people and hit with a fine.

Those who attended were whipped into a frenzy by speakers, including TikTok comedian Jon-Bernard Kairouz, who was fined for attending.

“I must say I’ve crunched the numbers, I don’t think the cases are going to go up tomorrow,” he told the crowd.

“But from what I’ve calculated there’s over 50,000 people here today.”

Videos from the speech showed the man standing next to him was wearing a vest featuring one of the extreme conspiracy theorists the world has ever known — David Icke.

Icke believes the world is ruled by an ancient race of reptiles.

Police said they were shocked by the level of violence used by protesters.

“What took us by surprise and what disappoints me so greatly is the level of violence that people were prepared to use. That was unprecedented. That’s not Sydney,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was “absolutely disgusted and disappointed” in those who attended the protest, warning it could lead to a “super-spreading” event.

“We don’t want a setback, and yesterday could have been a setback. Time will tell,” she said on Sunday.

“But I’m just so utterly disgusted, disappointed and heartbroken that people don’t consider the safety and wellbeing of their fellow citizens.”

Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys described the events that occurred on Saturday as “violent, filthy, risky behaviour”.

He said a strike force had been set up to investigate the protest and urged anyone with video footage, photos or any information to submit it to Crime Stoppers.

“The investigation into people’s behaviour yesterday will continue for some time, so I expect over the next few days and perhaps weeks that number of penalty infringement notices will continue to be high,” Mr Worboys said.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said those who attended should reconsider their priorities.

“We can’t vaccinate against selfishness. These people should be ashamed.”

https://www.news.com.au/technology/online/inside-telegram-fringe-groups-behind-protests-where-conspiracy-theories-spread/news-story/6d92de607490f2515c9ee0fa04c713e8

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200948

File: b9244f62d5f6756⋯.jpg (235.12 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Tourist_Chris_Coleman_divi….jpg)

>>14020145

Bigger agenda in play to reduce Paris Agreement warming target

GRAHAM LLOYD - JULY 26, 2021

1/2

When UNESCO first announced it would seek to put the Great Barrier Reef on the World Heritage in-danger list this year Australian diplomats suspected foul play from China which holds key positions in the process.

But when the votes were counted at the World Heritage Committee meeting on Friday it was European bureaucracy, ­international green groups and Norway that had led the charge.

Statements and documents reveal UNESCO has been trying to use the reef to push a bigger ­agenda for the world to adopt a more ambitious climate target than the formal Paris agreement.

A successful in-danger listing would have fed into frantic G20 talks under way in Naples where adopting a target of limiting warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels rather than the Paris Agreement‘s 2C was on the agenda. Those talks also failed to gain traction, with China and India ­refusing to sign a pledge to phase out coal and other nations ­favouring the existing 2C Paris target.

Climate change was left out of the official G20 environment and energy ministers communique.

When the dust finally settled at the World Heritage Committee late on Friday the audacious push to list the reef had ended in consensus defeat and wide praise for Australia’s reef management and bold actions to tackle climate change. A possible in-danger listing has been hotly debated for a ­decade but bringing it to a head now had blindsided the Australian government and left ­Environment Minister Sussan Ley and diplomatic staff ­scrambling.

Diplomatic pressure

The in-danger motion was effectively lost when a whirlwind diplomatic onslaught from Australia persuaded 12 of the 21 member countries of the committee to sponsor an amendment.

The amendment said before an in-danger listing could be considered, a UNESCO delegation would visit the site to assess the latest efforts to protect the natural wonder.

The number of countries sponsoring the amendment was not enough to secure the two-thirds majority needed to force the issue.

But in the consensus-driven world of UNESCO diplomacy, the pressure was on other countries to agree. China told the meeting it would support the forming consensus view. Norway was the holdout. Its delegate told the meeting “this is not an exercise in what is fair or not”.

It was about seizing the opportunity to make an example of the Great Barrier Reef to tell the world to get serious about climate change.

“If a site is facing danger it should be put on the list of World Heritage in danger, they said.

“It is not a punishment. It is how we mobilise action and preserve our heritage for future generations.”

Australian negotiators said they had been left with no doubt the reef was being dealt into a bigger campaign.

“We were told essentially that it was being put on the list because we needed to highlight the dangers of climate change,” one official involved in the talks told The Australian.

“It was very much you are doing an outstanding job but really this is about climate change and it will help you if we make it all about climate change because the whole world will help you.

“What became clear to us is there was a lot of lobbying that had been going on to push the in danger listing.

“The speed with which the ­environment groups came out with joint letters to support it ­suggests there were campaigns ready to go.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200951

File: 4aa3c41ab4c17fa⋯.png (847.13 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Environment_Minister_Sussa….png)

>>14200948

2/2

Bigger picture

Environment groups campaigned internationally to support the in-danger listing as part of a push for tougher climate change action.

“It‘s the first time UNESCO has really taken a stand, particularly in regards to climate change for one site,” Imogen Zethoven, environmental consultant to the Australian Marine Conservation Society said.

“I think it will set the direction for UNESCO and how it relates to climate change in the future.”

A statement signed by notable reef scientists and famous Australians, including rock stars Bernard Fanning and Peter Garret, coral scientist Terry Hughes and businessman Mike Cannon-Brookes, supported the in-danger listing and said a national plan compatible with 1.5C of warming was a critical threshold for the Great Barrier Reef.

At a July 21 press conference, UNESCO marine program co-ordinator, Fanny Douvere, said the reef could not be protected without reducing emissions to limit warming to 1.5 C.

In an interview with the ABCs 7.30 report on July 23, Douvere said the draft decision was “a wake up call we need to go to a 1.5C target aligned with the Paris agreement”.

As UNESCO and environmental groups pushed support for the in-danger listing, Ms Ley marshalled the nation’s diplomatic forces to argue it would be unfair.

A letter was signed by sympathetic nations including Canada, Spain, France, UK, Thailand and the Philippines. Ambassadors from 50 nations were invited to visit the reef to see for themselves.

And Ms Ley flew to Europe to lobby World Heritage committee members directly.

Flawed process

Over a one-week period, Ms Ley met with 18 countries to argue the World Heritage Committee decision-making process on the issue had been flawed.

“We did go over feeling we had been blindsided,” Ms Ley said.

“An immediate in-danger listing is something usually reserved for countries who have been in a long consultation with UNESCO and who have simply not co-operated with what they are being asked to do to manage their site.

“This is simply not the case with Australia, indeed, UNESCO in the same breath was praising our efforts and saying that it was outside of our capacity to address global climate change.

“Our officials believed the decision was a backflip on previous advice from UNESCO that no property would face such a recommendation if it wasn’t foreshadowed in 2018-19, and that we would be consulted well in advance if an in danger listing was to be raised.”

International support

When it came to the vote in China, Uganda argued an in-danger listing would “demotivate” Australia which should be given more time.

It said the Australian government had “a comprehensive set of policies to reduce emissions and uptake of green energy”.

Ethiopia said it appreciated Australia‘s actions on green energy and climate change as well as its financial commitment to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef and did not support the in danger listing.

Hungry said Australia was ­already playing a constructive roll to address climate change at an international level and an in-­danger listing would be ­premature.

Russia said no single country could be held responsible for ­climate change which was a global problem. South Africa commended Australia for the resources it had made available for the reef.

Egypt said an in-danger listing now “would be premature and wrong”.

Brazil said it would give Australia a “vote of confidence” and support a reactive mission before “action with far-reaching consequences can be considered”.

China said it had “listened very carefully to views of members and noted that many agreed to afford more time to the state party (Australia) to further carry out protection work”.

“We support the emerging consensus of this committee”, the China delegate said.

From here, Australia will host a UNESCO delegation to update them on progress of the Reef 2050 plan. A report must be made by February with the issue to be raised again at the 2022 World Heritage Committee meeting.

It is unlikely an in-danger listing will be on the agenda, however. Norway’s amendment for this to happen was also defeated by consensus.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/bigger-agenda-in-play-to-reduce-paris-agreement-warming-target/news-story/39af29cec4f1b773c5132f6205f36c5a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200962

File: 4d150d6b322180f⋯.jpg (31.56 KB, 959x639, 959:639, BTZ_will_receive_1_375_mil….jpg)

File: b4b841623983c96⋯.jpg (100.42 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Chrissie_Foster_has_welcom….jpg)

Legal payout brings hope for other victims of paedophile priest

Adam Cooper - July 26, 2021

1/2

As the first of Kevin O’Donnell’s victims to report the paedophile priest to police, he paved a courageous path for other abuse survivors to follow.

Now, he hopes the $1.375 million he will receive from the Catholic Church will stand as a landmark settlement that assists O’Donnell’s other victims who are seeking compensation.

“I never let go of the bone. I just kept fighting it. I thought, ‘this is not right’,” said BTZ, as he is known in legal files.

“The Melbourne archdiocese has known I was a victim for 25 years and it’s only in the past couple of months they were forced into mediation to start the conversation about how much money they had to pay me.”

It is 50 years since BTZ was groomed and abused as an 11-year-old boy in Hastings by his parish priest. O’Donnell’s attacks continued until 1976 and included sexual assaults at the priest’s holiday house and on trips away.

By the mid-1990s, when BTZ was experiencing regular flashbacks, nightmares and what was later diagnosed as post-traumatic stress, he contacted support network Broken Rites and police.

Detectives quickly found 11 other victims of O’Donnell. He pleaded guilty and was jailed. He died in 1997, months after his release.

But although O’Donnell is one of Australia’s most notorious paedophiles and the church acknowledged his crimes, the archdiocese made BTZ fight for compensation, which “gutted” him and he spiralled into depression. He went through two rounds with the Melbourne Response scheme and had his case before the Supreme Court over the past 15 months until last week, when the church and its lawyers settled just before a trial was to start.

BTZ’s lawyer, Judy Courtin, said the archdiocese’s acceptance of its liability was significant for her client and 11 others abused by O’Donnell now suing the church, including a woman assaulted in the 1940s.

“We hope all the work, an extraordinary amount of work that has been done, will be favourable for others,” Dr Courtin said.

The Melbourne archdiocese and its lawyers took until the 11th hour to settle BTZ’s case despite facing evidence two senior church figures knew in 1958 that another boy had made an allegation against O’Donnell. Those leaders failed to remove the priest from his parish and regular contact with children.

Years before BTZ went to the police, he also made a report about O’Donnell that wasn’t acted on. In 1986, he told a nun who lodged a report that ultimately reached the then archbishop of Melbourne, Frank Little.

But the archbishop also failed to stand O’Donnell down and the priest continued preying on children, including Chrissie and Anthony Foster’s daughters, Emma and Katie, in Oakleigh. Emma suicided in 2008.

“They acted on it all right. All they did was tell O’Donnell to write a letter of apology [to me],” BTZ said. “Bastards, absolute bastards.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200965

File: 70ce0123115ffb8⋯.jpg (90.17 KB, 620x930, 2:3, Judy_Courtin_says_the_arch….jpg)

>>14200962

2/2

Chrissie Foster, who harnessed her family’s heartbreak into fighting for sex abuse victims, said any guilt rested with the church for harbouring serial abusers, and not her friend.

“It’s not his [BTZ’s] guilt but that’s the way they [the church] make you feel. It’s total blame at the feet of the Catholic priesthood,” she said.

“[Money] is the only thing in society that we can take from them … they need to pay for every single child that they let this happen to.”

O’Donnell’s crimes destroyed countless lives and have cost the church millions compensating his victims.

In 2014, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse heard that Melbourne Response had compensated 50 of O’Donnell’s victims and that his crimes accounted for 19 per cent of the complaints made to the scheme.

BTZ wanted his settlement — which is in addition to $72,000 he previously received under Melbourne Response — reported for the sake of other victims and church parishioners. The latter, he said, should be “outraged” by the church’s conduct.

But the compensation was far less, he said, compared to what the church had spent on legal bills fighting his claims through the years, particularly the “brutally insulting” dealings with Melbourne Response.

The archdiocese’s resistance has also appalled advocates who say survivors are re-traumatised at having legal cases dragged out.

“It’s dirty, hardball, adversarial, legalistic battles,” Dr Courtin said.

“Why, why, why with all that evidence [supporting BTZ’s case] would they wait until the day before trial to accept liability? What does that cost?”

Ms Foster felt bullied and threatened by then archbishop George Pell when she and her late husband met him to discuss their daughter, Emma. The Fosters refused the Melbourne Response offer of $50,000 and took legal action which, almost a decade later, brought a $750,000 settlement.

The church’s court tactics “tormented victims even further by denying the truth”, Ms Foster said.

These comments come days after similar criticisms were made against Victoria’s Department of Education and Training over the way it responds to compensation claims made by people abused in schools as children.

The Melbourne archdiocese said it didn’t comment on individual cases.

But a spokeswoman for Archbishop Peter Comensoli said the archdiocese was appalled by historical sexual abuse crimes and had apologised to survivors.

Archbishop Comensoli regularly met with survivors to offer apologies and the church was committed to “a culture that protects the vulnerable, and which listens and seeks to bring healing and justice to those who have been hurt”.

The spokeswoman said the Archbishop understood court proceedings were difficult and could cause traumatisation.

“So we seek to reduce, wherever possible, that occurring. At the same time, we respect the rights of individuals to take whatever action they feel is best for them,” she said.

The arcdiocese’s lawyers, Corrs Chambers Westgarth, declined to comment.

https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/victoria/legal-payout-brings-hope-for-other-victims-of-paedophile-priest-20210722-p58c6z.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200974

File: f8f7a1aa8917d47⋯.jpg (144.17 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_accused_man_standing_r….jpg)

One man’s endless crusade to keep paedophile from other kids

VIRGINIA TAPSCOTT - JULY 26, 2021

1/2

When Jesse Elmer returned to his home state of Tasmania in 2008 he was confronted with a memory he had tried to bury for more than three decades.

A man’s hand on his penis at a friend’s birthday party sleepover when he was 12. His own hand being placed on a man’s genitalia. His body paralysed by fear.

The memories plagued him until he knew something had to be done. Mr Elmer messaged a friend who still lived in the Launceston suburb of Mayfield, where he grew up, to ask what had become of the man he says was his childhood abuser.

The man, now aged in his late 50s, of Launceston, had been working with young children for decades.

“I was shocked to find out he had been working as a teacher’s aide for 25 years and also worked at a community sports centre,” Mr Elmer said. “I learned he had access to disabled children as well and I think I felt a responsibility because I didn’t speak up when it happened.”

Mr Elmer said he reported his abuse to Tasmania Police in 2012 and to the Department of Education soon after.

In 2015 during a private meeting Mr Elmer said he was notified the man had been found by Tasmania’s Justice Department to have, on the balance of probability, committed sexual offences against children.

Mr Elmer said he was informed the man had failed an application for his Working With Vulnerable People Certificate despite appealing the decision in the Launceston Magistrates Court.

The man has never been charged with a criminal offence and is now able to reapply for his WWVP certificate as Tasmanian Law permits failed applicants to undergo a new risk assessment after a period of five years has elapsed.

Mr Elmer, who has begged Tasmanian authorities to take action for almost a decade, said he is terrified the man will be able to gain access to children again.

Mr Elmer, aged 12 years old at the time of offending, reported that on two occasions, while sleeping over at a friend’s house, the man instigated unwanted sexual touching and forced Mr Elmer to touch his penis.

“I was asleep and was woken by (the man) with his hand down my pants, fondling me,” his statement reads. “I just froze, I don’t think he knew I woke up. I didn’t say anything to anyone. The first person I told was my girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife, when I was 18.”

The man was Mr Elmer’s friend’s neighbour and frequently babysat at the residence at which the abuse occurred.

“After the first time he abused me I stopped going to my friend’s house until it was his birthday and he invited a group of boys from our Grade 6 class to stay over,” Mr Elmer said.

“I was woken by (the man) again fondling me. He got one of my hands and put it on his penis and testicles. I just froze again. After that I never went back to my friend’s house.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200976

File: a1094e7de742a50⋯.jpg (110.08 KB, 1023x767, 1023:767, Jesse_Elmer_right_aged_11_….jpg)

>>14200974

2/2

Police were unable to act on Mr Elmer’s statement so he decided to track down other victims himself and identified some who were willing to speak to the police.

With their permission he passed on contact details to the police.

Mr Elmer decided to confront his childhood abuser, but after locating his mobile number on the internet he saw an opportunity to prove the man was still grooming children.

After posing as a 15 year old boy in texting conversations with the man, Mr Elmer started receiving grooming messages that solicited a meeting as well as the production and sharing of homemade pornographic material.

The messages would later be described as ‘crucial evidence’ for a hearing at the Launceston Magistrates Court.

The man’s application to gain his Working with Vulnerable People Registration was denied based on the testimonies of multiple men.

Department of Justice investigators who conducted the WWVP risk assessment of the man found that “on the balance of probability” he had sexually offended against children and that he had lied to investigators in initial interviews.

Investigators from the Department of Justice also took into account the text messages which demonstrated the man had attempted to groom an underage child as recently as 2013.

Mr Elmer said the inaction of authorities has magnified the initial trauma of his abuse and increased anxiety he had experienced at the thought of children continuing to be exposed to his childhood abuser.

“The lack of action messed me up for a while,” Mr Elmer said.

“It took over three years to get him away from the school and the sports centre.”

Tasmania Police maintain there is insufficient evidence to lay charges.

The Tasmanian Department of Education declined to provide comment in relation to this case.

The man accused of abusing Mr Elmer also declined to comment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/one-mans-endless-crusade-to-keep-paedophile-from-other-kids/news-story/63f47419a78f928854f5c82c86940fbe

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14200983

File: 14d9f4cc7d90049⋯.jpg (61.77 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Ben_Roberts_Smith_s_denies….jpg)

File: b8ddff47eae1a54⋯.jpg (50.2 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Nine_barrister_Nicholas_Ow….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial told radio device was planted on body of dead Afghan farmer

Jamie McKinnell - 26 July 2021

An Afghan villager has told a Sydney court a radio device was planted on the body of a dead farmer the day he was allegedly killed by Australian soldiers in Afghanistan.

War veteran Be Roberts-Smith is suing The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Canberra Times newspapers, along with three journalists, for defamation over a series of articles published in 2018.

One of the central allegations in the reports was that during a September 2012 mission in the village of Darwan, the Victoria Cross recipient kicked a handcuffed, unarmed farmer named Ali Jan over a cliff.

Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of two of the papers, alleges Mr Roberts-Smith entered into an agreement with Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) colleagues that Ali Jan be executed, before the soldiers attempted to cover it up.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies all wrongdoing and has previously in court recalled encountering a suspected Taliban spotter in Darwan who was legitimately engaged and killed near a cornfield.

Mohammad Hanifa, who says he is Ali Jan's step nephew, today told the Federal Court in Sydney via video link that he and Ali Jan were interrogated and bashed by soldiers during a raid on the village.

Speaking through an interpreter, he said one soldier told him to "shut up" and pointed a pistol at his forehead after he denied being a member of the Taliban.

He said there was also an interpreter with the group and described one of them as a "big soldier" with "blue eyes".

Mr Hanifa said the big soldier punched him "many times" and recalled warning Ali Jan not to smile or laugh.

He saw Ali Jan's hands tied behind his back before the farmer was "kicked really hard" by the big soldier, after Ali Jan again smiled.

"He was rolling down, rolling down, until he reached the river," the witness said.

"The soldier was looking at him, he was standing there and looking at him."

Mr Hanifa said he then heard a shot and saw two soldiers "dragging" Ali Jan.

The witness was shown a photograph of a dead man he identified as Ali Jan, and became animated when he also saw a device in the photograph.

"These other things, the bag and the other device, they were not there," he said.

"They have put these things on his body."

Barrister Nicholas Owens SC, for Nine, asked Mr Hanifa whether he had ever seen Ali Jan carrying a radio that day.

"By God, by God, he had nothing with him," he replied.

"By God, they have put that equipment with him."

Mr Hanifa earlier said that the farmer was not connected to the terrorist group.

"He was providing for his children and he was protecting his family and his property."

Mr Roberts-Smith claims he was also defamed by other allegations in the newspaper articles, including that he bullied his colleagues and committed an act of domestic violence against a woman in a Canberra hotel room.

He also denies those allegations.

The trial has been on hold for a month due to Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak.

It resumed this week after concerns were raised that the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan may make it difficult to hear from the Afghan witnesses.

The trial, before Justice Anthony Besanko, continues.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-26/ben-roberts-smith-trial-farmer-not-linked-to-taliban-court/100323464

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14201006

File: d8dab6053e9d300⋯.jpg (138.2 KB, 1024x640, 8:5, Jeffrey_Epstein_center_app….jpg)

File: 71b53850ee05838⋯.jpg (30.25 KB, 640x400, 8:5, Julie_K_Brown_author_of_Pe….jpg)

>>14147712

>>14147749

For writer who broke Epstein case, a rumored Mossad link is worth digging into

Reporter Julie K. Brown isn’t convinced the accused sex trafficker took his own life, and says associate Robert Maxwell may not have been the only one tied to Israeli intelligence

JP O’ MALLEY - 26 July 2021

Did the now-deceased, disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have links to the Israeli intelligence community? An investigative reporter for The Miami Herald claims that credible details making the link “are not far-fetched and need to be explored in further detail and examined.”

“It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that Epstein had connections to the [Israeli intelligence community],” says Julie K. Brown, whose book “Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story” was released on July 20.

“Robert Maxwell certainly had those kinds of connections, and Epstein had a close relationship with Robert Maxwell,” the 59-year-old American journalist told The Times of Israel via Zoom call from her home in Hollywood, Florida.

Brown keenly stresses the striking similarities between Jeffrey Epstein’s death in August 2019 and Robert Maxwell’s death in November 1991. The 68-year-old British media mogul was said to have drowned after falling from his luxurious yacht, the Lady Ghislaine, near the Canary Islands. Spanish police insisted no foul play was suspected in Maxwell’s death, but rumors about how exactly Maxwell died have never gone away. One theory points to a possible suicide. Another claims Maxwell was assassinated by the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, for which he was secretly working.

Maxwell is buried on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives. Many members of the Israeli intelligence community attended his funeral. So too did Yitzhak Shamir, Israel’s then-prime minister. Shamir eulogized the British tycoon for the political connections he brought to Israel during the 1980s, and for the money he invested in it.

Two years ago, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, 66-year-old American financier Epstein was found hanging in his cell in a Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan. Since then, numerous theories have swirled about Epstein’s true cause of death, making the leap from conspiracy fodder into the cultural mainstream.

According to Brown, “neither the FBI nor the United States Justice Department have convinced me that Jefferey Epstein committed suicide.”

“Why would Epstein give up before he even got to court?” Brown asks. She also points to a number of other murky details: Epstein breaking three bones in his neck before he died, and the fact that the two prison guards who were supposed to be keeping a watchful eye on Epstein in his Manhattan jail cell mysteriously fell asleep at the same time.

“It just defies common sense,” Brown says. “And why are [US] authorities not making the information they do know about Epstein’s death public?”

The Israel connection

One chapter in Brown’s latest book argues that the complex relationship Jeffery Epstein had with the Maxwell family may provide further answers. That history stretches back to the mid-1980s, when Epstein allegedly began helping Robert Maxwell hide money in numerous offshore bank accounts.

Maxwell, a self-made billionaire, was born Ján Ludvík Hyman Binyamin Hoch, into a poor, Yiddish-speaking Orthodox Jewish family in Czechoslovakia in 1923. Maxwell lost both his parents in the Holocaust, and later made his fortune in the book publishing and newspaper industries.

He went on to become a parliamentary representative for Britain’s Labour Party, but the final years of Maxwell’s life were plagued by financial trouble and earned him the nickname “the crook of the century.” Maxwell defaulted on $2 billion worth of loans and subsequently raided millions of pounds from his company’s retirement fund, even stealing from his own staff’s pensions and shares in Britain’s Mirror Group as he refused to face his inevitable bankruptcy.

Following Robert Maxwell’s death three decades ago, Epstein became an important figure to certain members of the Maxwell family, who were then left bankrupt and riddled with debt. Brown notes, for instance, that Epstein attended an event at New York’s Plaza Hotel on November 24, 1991, at which the YIVO Institute for Jewish Research paid tribute to Robert Maxwell.

The author also speculates that Epstein may have even offered financial assistance to Robert Maxwell’s wife Elizabeth when she became a widow. Epstein then became romantically involved with Elizabeth and Robert Maxwell’s ninth child, Ghislaine.

Known to be her father’s favorite child and his most trusted confidante, Ghislaine Maxwell may have been aware of many secrets her father took to the grave relating to his controversial political, financial, and espionage life, believes Brown.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14201009

File: 446dba5a991216f⋯.jpg (48.52 KB, 640x400, 8:5, An_undated_photo_of_Britis….jpg)

File: 0d007ecc5f195a0⋯.jpg (63.83 KB, 640x400, 8:5, The_body_of_the_late_Rober….jpg)

>>14201006

2/2

A budding relationship

After her father’s death, Ghislaine Maxwell moved from London to New York — partially to escape all of the negative publicity surrounding it, but also to reinvent herself in the city’s buzzing celebrity social circle. This was a crucial component of Epstein and Maxwell’s complex relationship: She connected him to powerful figures who were then beyond his reach such as the Clintons, Donald Trump and Prince Andrew. In return, Epstein bankrolled her.

Brown believes Maxwell was in love with Epstein, but Epstein manipulated her to gratify a sexual obsession he had with underage women, which the journalist describes as “a sickness.”

“Epstein was a [sociopath] who felt he had enough power and money to be above the law,” says Brown. “And he believed he was brilliant enough to manipulate anyone to get what he wanted.”

“How much money Ghislaine Maxwell had when her father died has always been a mystery,” says Brown. “But Maxwell enjoyed the high life, and never had any real career or job, so Epstein supported her financially.

Ghislaine Maxwell is currently charged in the United States with lying under oath and recruiting, grooming and trafficking girls to be sexually abused by Epstein from the 1990s through 2004. The 59-year-old outspoken British socialite has pleaded not guilty, and is presently being held in a New York prison awaiting trial, which is set to begin this coming November. If convicted, Maxwell could face up to 80 years in prison.

“So far, Maxwell is playing the same game with her defense [lawyers] as Epstein did: They are throwing every motion they can against these prosecutors to try to wear them down,” says Brown. “But it probably won’t work because the prosecutors that are handling [the case] this time around are much more dedicated and are not going to give up as easily.”

The best of the worst

Brown has a detailed understanding of how prosecutors can be corrupted in a high-profile case relating to sex trafficking accusations: Her newly-released book began as a three-part series of investigative articles she wrote for The Miami Herald in 2018. They exposed a secret plea deal arranged by Epstein’s lawyers, who undermined and manipulated the US criminal justice system so their client, Epstein, could get a softer prison sentence and ultimately escape federal prosecution.

Brown showed how back in 2007 Epstein was accused of assembling a cult-like network of underage girls — with the help of young female recruiters — to coerce into having sex acts behind the walls of his opulent waterfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, as often as three times a day.

Brown’s articles also noted how FBI and court records showed Epstein was suspected of trafficking minor girls, often from overseas, for sex parties at his other homes in Manhattan, New Mexico and the Caribbean.

“This dark and deep obsession that Epstein had [with underage women] was an addiction,” says Brown. “And the victims [I interviewed] told me that if they couldn’t bring him [another] girl, he would get angry at them. I imagine Epstein was doing the same thing with Ghislaine Maxwell, saying, ‘You’ve got to bring me more girls.'”

“One of the ironies of this case is that Maxwell seemed to have moved herself away from Epstein just when my series [of articles] came out,” says Brown. “But then the whole [story] resurrected itself in her life again.”

Based on a 53-page federal indictment, Epstein back in 2008 could have potentially ended up in federal prison for the rest of his life. Instead, the non-prosecution agreement Epstein’s lawyers secretly cut with federal prosecutors at the time shut down an ongoing FBI probe into whether there were more victims and other powerful people who took part in Epstein’s sex crimes.

The deal required that Epstein plead guilty to two prostitution charges in a state court and agree to serve just 13 months in a county jail in Palm Beach, Florida. This essentially made the case that Epstein was only paying for sex, when he actually stood accused of sexually abusing minors.

“To see prosecutors, who are supposed to be advocating for victims, work so closely with Epstein’s lawyers to make this case go away was pretty surprising,” says Brown.

The journalist also exposed how Epstein’s enormous wealth and prestige afforded him extra privileges as he served his prison sentence in a Florida county jail. Brown’s book reveals how Epstein was allowed to visit his office in West Palm Beach for several hours every day. Additionally, during the hours he was inside the prison, Epstein was given access to a computer. On at least one occasion, one jail deputy saw Epstein masturbating while he watched one of his female assistants strip naked for him on Skype.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14201012

File: 7b859f220a2b720⋯.jpg (46.41 KB, 640x400, 8:5, In_this_September_2_2000_f….jpg)

File: 9338fe2cbfe91d5⋯.jpg (34.94 KB, 300x480, 5:8, This_March_28_2017_photo_p….jpg)

File: 68c1d4c9f58f802⋯.jpg (38.16 KB, 640x400, 8:5, Screen_capture_from_video_….jpg)

>>14201009

3/3

Toppling dominoes

It was not public knowledge that Epstein and four of his accomplices named in the secret plea agreement received immunity from all federal criminal charges until Brown’s explosive expose was published three years ago.

When the story broke, it led federal prosecutors in New York to open a fresh criminal investigation, which resulted in Epstein being subsequently arrested and charged in the summer of 2019. It also led to R. Alexander Acosta resigning as labor secretary in the Trump administration in July 2019. Crucially, Brown’s story explained how Acosta had helped cut the dodgy deal with Epstein’s legal team back in 2008, when he was a federal prosecutor in Miami.

“When [president] Donald Trump nominated Alex Acosta to be his labor secretary in early 2017, I immediately recognized Acosta’s name as being the prosecutor who was responsible for the [non-prosecution] deal,” Brown says. “And I just wondered, how do [Epstein’s] victims feel about this — because Acosta was responsible for the Labor Department, which supervises human trafficking and child labor laws.”

Brown notes that Epstein’s vast fortune (then estimated to be approximately $500 million) enabled him to hire a so-called legal dream team, which included lawyers such as Kenneth Starr and Alan Dershowitz, with the necessary skills, political connections and aggressive tactics to make sure he could get immunity.

“Dershowitz has his own political connections and knows a lot of different people in the US criminal justice system,” says Brown. “But he is going to be watching Maxwell’s [forthcoming] court case closely to see who she names, and what information she really has.”

Brown’s book also points to accusations by Virginia Giuffre that subsequently surfaced in connection to the Epstein case, which allegedly link Dershowitz’s name to Epstein’s sexual pyramid scheme.

Now in her mid-30s, Giuffre is an advocate for sex trafficking victims and claims Maxwell groomed her when she was still a teenager to be a sex slave for Maxwell, Epstein, Prince Andrew, and other prominent men — including Dershowitz.

This story also recently surfaced in a Netflix documentary called “Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich.” It has led Dershowitz to sue Netflix over what he claims are false allegations made against him in relation to these alleged crimes.

Other high-profile political figures named in Brown’s book accused of participating in Epstein’s international sex trafficking operation include allegations against Israel’s 10th prime minister, Ehud Barak.

Brown says all the accused have the right to be innocent until proven guilty, though she stresses that given the complex history of the Epstein case and the cover-ups it involved, these allegations need to be urgently investigated.

“The FBI, the [US] federal authorities, and law enforcement authorities in Europe should all be looking at the financial and social connections Epstein had with all of these people,” says Brown. “Epstein had a whole group of people helping him to [carry out these crimes].”

“[Epstein] did not do this alone,” she says. “There were plenty of people that either knew about what Epstein was doing, or even participated in what he was doing. This was an international sex trafficking organization that was similar to an organized crime family — so it shouldn’t just end just with the prosecution of [Ghislaine Maxwell].”

https://www.timesofisrael.com/for-writer-who-broke-epstein-case-a-rumored-mossad-link-is-worth-digging-into/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14201082

File: df7e4f6c6d813ab⋯.jpg (617.28 KB, 825x1121, 825:1121, TS_20.jpg)

File: 215b815b0ebb51f⋯.jpg (1.86 MB, 4096x2580, 1024:645, E7LTqZaVoAc_kg8.jpg)

File: ed2ce2b3ff8c071⋯.jpg (2.09 MB, 3054x2039, 3054:2039, E7LQlSBVIAEHhID.jpg)

File: 036df964ab1ff3b⋯.jpg (1.4 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7LQlSBUUAAZXga.jpg)

File: 60aa60c4d0dd884⋯.jpg (1.66 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7LTqaeVUAEHhlx.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Our nations training together

Troops from #TS21 have descended on the town of Bowen in Queensland, as part of military drills to enhance their war fighting skills in an urban environment.

bit. ly/3i3ylgT

#AlliesAndPartners #TalismanSabre @USMC

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1419429819985530882

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/war-games-begin-bowen

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14201083

File: 5240e20daee3e46⋯.jpg (180.36 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Australian_Army_soldier_Pr….jpg)

>>14201082

War games begin in Bowen

Private Jacob Joseph - 24 July 2021

A soldier posts a selfie with a barista in Bowen. He’s a member of the opposing force on Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21), and he’s playing an important role in a fictitious exercise scenario.

Later that day, friendly forces receive word that the opposing force (OPFOR) soldier is winning the hearts and minds of the local population.

The scenario is designed to sound like the real deal. The use of real-time cyber effects and non-Defence training areas (NDTAs) during TS21 is helping close the gap between training and reality according to Commander Combat Training Centre, Colonel Ben McLennan.

“I can’t overstate the value of training in a complicated environment like Bowen,” Colonel McLennan said.

“It’s worth dozens of exercises in Shoalwater Bay or the Townsville Field Training Area.”

Soldiers will navigate local fishermen and neighbourhood dogs to clear an opposing force from the fictional Bowen Island, a region created to allow for as much exercise realism as possible.

The activity will see soldiers conduct a simulated amphibious landing followed by a combined assault from a coalition force of Australian, American, Japanese, UK and South Korean personnel.

To add complexity to the scenario, and in a nod to the real world, soldiers must contend with the public perception of their actions, according to Colonel McLennan.

“We want blue and red to see their effects in the community,” he said.

“If there’s a mistake made by the friendlies, the enemy can exploit that through social media to shape the local population’s confidence in the allied coalition, and even dent their morale.”

For opposing force soldier, Private Luke Armstrong, it was the first time he has seen this level of detail in a training activity.

“On Talisman Sabre 2019, we got the standard brief about the OPFOR picture,” Private Armstrong said.

“This year, they’re making social media posts on behalf of the opposing force that we’re meant to be portraying, which is more like the real world.”

Colonel McLennan and his team had complete freedom to design a bespoke, realistic training scenario that incorporates extensive use of non-Defence training areas. To add extra realism to Talisman Sabre this year exercise areas will include an abandoned coal processing facility, airfields and beaches.

Soldiers will also drill their ability to conduct non-combatant evacuation operations and establish a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade presence.

More TS21 content is available. Follow us:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/war-games-begin-bowen

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

0ddb62  No.14201402

File: 27132e2506bd422⋯.png (885.74 KB, 1098x842, 549:421, hitchhikers_guide_gullibil….png)

Hi I'm visiting from the QR Murrica Thread

Don't fall for the

"just give us your name & email mate and maybe your age & you'll be on your way to kicking out the elites with common law. we'll only use violence if necessary"

BS, obviously

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d3f958  No.14205980

File: c757105ff9b3f4c⋯.png (318.4 KB, 542x339, 542:339, ClipboardImage.png)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d3f958  No.14205994

File: 461943bba932f40⋯.png (3.52 MB, 1200x1200, 1:1, ClipboardImage.png)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206587

File: fbf3a6690775d76⋯.jpg (146.52 KB, 862x485, 862:485, The_Federal_Member_for_Daw….jpg)

File: 327f469277d89bf⋯.jpg (63.04 KB, 453x616, 453:616, QAnon_conspiracy_theorists….jpg)

George Christensen appears at anti-lockdown rally alongside QAnon supporters

Tobi Loftus - 26 July 2021

1/2

Maverick federal government backbencher George Christensen appeared at an anti-lockdown rally in Mackay and posed just metres from QAnon supporters.

The Member for Dawson was seen standing near signs that read "remove the pedophiles [sic] from power", while other images from the rally — shared to local far-right Facebook accounts and seen by the ABC — showed people wearing shirts with the letter Q on them, as well as signs saying such things as "hey monster, leave those kids alone".

QAnon, a loosely aligned group of online followers, promulgates conspiracy theories, chief among them that there is a global satanic paedophile cult that has infiltrated the highest levels of governments around the world, the media and Hollywood.

In the US, the FBI has labelled the group as a domestic terrorism threat.

When approached by the ABC about the rally, Mr Christensen distanced himself from the group.

"The rally had nothing to do with QAnon and neither do I," Mr Christensen said.

"There were people at the rally who were hardcore Greens who hate coal-mining and me being there doesn't mean I agree with them on mining."

'On our side'

The QAnon signs were framed out of photos of the rally shared to Mr Christensen's Facebook page.

Dr Kaz Ross is an independent researcher into far-right extremism in Australia and said Mr Christensen's attendance at the rally with QAnon supporters would validate conspirators.

"It shows that they believe there are people within the government [who] are supporting them and backing them," Dr Ross said.

"It reinforces a view that they're correct."

Dr Ross said Mr Christensen was popular with particular fringe groups and had built a large supporter base among them.

"I haven't seen any direct support for QAnon from [Mr Christensen], however these people kind of dog-whistle to the QAnon supporters, supporting things like hydroxychloroquine as a treatment of COVID, they'll be against masks and lockdowns, those sort of things.

"And, for the QAnon supporters, it's all sort of a nod and a wink that, 'Yes, he's on our side'."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206592

File: 3db59e97dbe95bd⋯.jpg (122.95 KB, 862x575, 862:575, A_man_was_seen_wearing_a_Q….jpg)

File: dbdc01423f63bdb⋯.jpg (138.48 KB, 862x575, 862:575, George_Christensen_spoke_a….jpg)

>>14206587

2/2

Attendance slammed

The Mackay rally on Saturday was one of many anti-lockdown protests across Australia over the weekend, including a large one in Sydney where up to 15,000 people attended and another in Brisbane that police said attracted about 7,500 people.

"Our freedoms to speak up, to go out and about, to associate with other people, choose what we wear, choose what we put into our bodies, are under attack from government," Mr Christensen told the Mackay rally.

"Governments of all descriptions, Labor and LNP — which I've got to say to my shame as a Liberal National Party member."

Mr Christensen's attendance at the Mackay rally drew quick condemnation from Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese.

"George Christensen is a member of the government, who is putting out misinformation that is damaging and that's undermining the efforts of those Australians who are making sacrifices to keep each other safe," Mr Albanese said.

"As members of parliament, including George Christensen, we have a responsibility to actually put forward information [that] is factual, not based on quack theories, and not information which is dangerous, that encourages people to risk their own health and the health of others."

Federal government ministers have defended Mr Christensen's attendance at the rally, while distancing themselves from his message.

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce told RN Breakfast the government had a "responsibility to people's lives" as people would die if "you do down the path of a free for all".

But, he said, everyone had the "liberty to say what they want".

Health Minister Greg Hunt said he disagreed with Mr Christensen's comments, but defended his rights to the "expression of views".

Mr Christensen's attendance at the rally is not the first time he has come under fire during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March he labelled mask mandates as "insanity" and, in October, he wrote to Queensland's Chief Health Officer calling for the ban on hydroxychloroquine as a COVID-19 treatment to be overturned, despite agencies such as the Therapeutic Goods Administration "strongly discouraging" its use.

In April, he announced he would retire from federal politics at the next election.

Understanding QAnon supporters

Dr Ross said it was important to remember that people who support QAnon — or are "an anti-vaxxer, or [an] anti-lockdown type of person" — were coming from a position of care and concern.

"They're concerned about Australians, they're concerned about democracy, they're concerned about children, they just have a lot of misinformation.

"It's important to remember that they're not necessarily evil people [who] are trying to trash the place — quite the opposite.

"One of the things that we have to do is make sure that any misinformation is adjusted and challenged, and these people are supported to see that their views are not exactly accurate."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-26/george-christensen-qanon-supporters-mackay-rally/100324330

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206651

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Who’s behind Australia’s anti-lockdown protests? The German conspiracy group driving marches

German-based Worldwide Demonstration helped coordinate rallies across Australia, with their message amplified by local anti-vaxx and ‘freedom’ influencers

Christopher Knaus and Michael McGowan - 27 Jul 2021

1/2

A German-based conspiracy group helped to drive a series of anti-lockdown protests across Australia which saw dozens of people arrested and hundreds fined after violent clashes with police.

Police arrested more than 60 people and fined 107 more after a crowd of about 3,000 gathered in Sydney on Saturday to protest against the city’s lockdown.

Coordinated by a loose network of conspiracy-laced groups, including some with links to the far right, rallies took place in cities across Australia and the globe, with violent clashes between demonstrators and police in Sydney.

Protests against Covid restrictions have become common throughout the pandemic. While billed as peaceful protests, police said they were surprised by “the level of violence that people were prepared to use”.

Prior to Saturday, word of the protests was spread through a collection of Telegram, Instagram and Facebook posts, often amplified by large anti-vaccination and conspiracy pages that have amassed followings in the tens of thousands during the pandemic.

The latest rallies have highlighted the role of a German-based group, named Worldwide Demonstration, which has helped to coordinate protests across the globe, including in various Australian cities.

The group has 45,000 Facebook followers and 70,000 Telegram subscribers on its main accounts alone, and even more on dedicated accounts set up for individual countries.

The group appears to be run out of Germany by individuals calling themselves “Freie Bürger Kassel”, or the Free Citizens of Kassel. Its main Facebook page is administered by two Germans and a third individual in the United Kingdom.

Posts about Saturday’s rallies in Australian cities began on its main Telegram account last month, on 26 June, when it announced the time and location for the Melbourne march. That post was seen by more than 20,000 people.

There were similar posts for marches in Townsville, Cairns, Gympie, Perth, Brisbane and Darwin on 10 July, and then Hobart, Sydney and Adelaide on 21 July, three days before the rally.

The group’s various Facebook and Telegram pages are awash with anti-vaccine and Covid-19 conspiracy theories, as well as other conspiratorial content such as QAnon and Islamophobia.

An investigation by Logically earlier this year revealed that Worldwide Demonstration was behind a wave of 129 coordinated events and protests in March. It also planned similar rallies in May.

The graphics it created for the July marches were shared and adapted into more localised Telegram channels under the banner of “Australia Freedom Rally”.

Messaging about the rallies was amplified by existing local groups and influencers.

In Australia, a Melbourne-based group has helped promote protests throughout the pandemic. The Guardian has previously revealed Harrison McLean, a 24-year-old IT programmer from Wantirna South, had become a key organiser of the protests in that city.

Like many of the organisers, those groups have a significant rightwing bent. In March the Guardian revealed McLean had outlined his plans to introduce his “freedom” group to more radical political views, while expressing deeply antisemitic opinions.

McLean has previously denied being involved in the far-right.

“I am not Far-Right. I am a Libertarian Populist, and I support Freedom of Speech,” McLean posted under an online username, Dominic, in one forum.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206654

File: 04079814b81e267⋯.jpg (279.53 KB, 930x620, 3:2, Protesters_wave_an_Austral….jpg)

>>14206651

2/2

On Telegram, Saturday’s anti-lockdown rallies were also being promoted by Australians vs The Agenda channel, which has more than 12,000 members and was involved in the organisation of protests in Melbourne last year.

For more than a week, the Australians vs The Agenda Telegram channel was sharing graphics promoting the “Australia Freedom Rally” and asking for help distributing thousands of paper flyers for the “Worldwide Rally for Freedom”. Those flyers gave a hyperlink to the “Australian Freedom Rally” Telegram channel associated with the Free Citizens of Kassel.

Both groups promoted the protests through its Telegram and Instagram account, which together have more than 30,000 followers. RDA said it was being censored by Facebook in the week leading up to Saturday.

On Friday, Reignite posted locations and dates for the rallies to its 14,000 Telegram subscribers. The post received 19,400 views.

Details of the rally were also being shared by anti-vaccination groups, which do not necessarily have links to the far right.

The Australian Vaccination-risks Network Inc (AVN) was promoting the rally to its 39,533 followers on Facebook, while the Informed Medical Options party shared details of the event with its more than 30,000 followers.

Ariel Bogle, an analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s International Cyber Policy Centre, is investigating social media activity in the lead-up to Saturday’s protests. Her preliminary work suggests accounts affiliated with Worldwide Demonstration continue to spread information about the rallies internationally across a range of platforms.

Bogle said questions remained about the links Worldwide Demonstration has in Australia and the manner in which its content and message was adapted and shared by local groups to suit the Australian context.

“I’d say broadly we need to look more into it, but it has spread through the Australian context via a lot of the groups that were involved in previous demonstrations,” she said. “But it has moved into a broader community via a range of mechanisms, but in particular through niche influencers who speak to a specific community.”

While some of the organisers behind the protests have links to far-right elements, the protests were by no means a gathering of the far-right actors. Josh Roose, a senior research fellow specialising in extremism at Deakin University, said while there were elements of far-right rhetoric among the protestors, what they actually shared was a level of marginalisation and distrust in authority.

“There are some similarities and commonalities to the far right in terms of content but these protests are not driven by far right per se,” he said.

“What immediately distinguishes these sorts of protest groups from the far right is that they’re highly multicultural and they’re made up not just of angry men at a patriot rally but also women.

“In both Melbourne and Sydney the people and areas being represented are the areas that have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. There’s also issues here with the cultures and communities often have a deep-seated distrust of government, often for good reason.”

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/27/who-behind-australia-anti-covid-lockdown-protest-march-rallies-sydney-melbourne-far-right-and-german-conspiracy-groups-driving-protests

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70pvkYIPJ90

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206683

File: 03184fc09594e03⋯.jpg (98.19 KB, 960x638, 480:319, Cardinal_Giovanni_Angelo_B….jpg)

File: 44710a1596fa652⋯.jpg (110.49 KB, 960x700, 48:35, A_woman_walks_past_the_ent….jpg)

File: 906fa2066af05ad⋯.jpg (171.95 KB, 960x615, 64:41, A_general_view_of_the_60_S….jpg)

Landmark Vatican fraud trial of 10 including a cardinal set to start

Philip Pullella - July 26, 2021

VATICAN CITY, July 26 (Reuters) - A landmark fraud trial of 10 people including a cardinal begins in the Vatican on Tuesday in what officials hope will be a turning point in its financial credibility and show that no-one is above the law.

The headliner at the trial is Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 73, formerly a senior official in the Vatican administration, who becomes the most senior Vatican official to be tried for financial crimes.

Pope Francis, who lifted Becciu's immunity so he could be indicted, fired him from his last Vatican post in 2020 for alleged nepotism. Becciu has always maintained his innocence.

Another formerly prominent defendant at the trial, which mostly revolves around the purchase of a building in one of London's smartest districts, is Swiss lawyer Rene Bruelhart, once head of Vatican's Financial Intelligence Unit. He denies all wrongdoing.

The key outsiders are two Italian investment brokers, Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, both of whom have denied wrongdoing.

Hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to deal with preliminary matters and then the trial is expected to be adjourned until October, when two hearings a week will be held.

It is taking place in a makeshift courtroom in the Vatican Museums because Covid restrictions and the number of defendants, lawyers and journalists make the Vatican's normal courtroom too small.

"I think this trial marks a turning point that can bring about greater credibility of the Holy See in financial areas," said Father Juan Antonio Father Juan Antonio Guerrero, head of the Vatican's Secretariat for the Economy (SPE).

"The fact that this trial is taking place at all means that internal controls worked. The accusations came from inside the Vatican," he told the official Vatican News website.

"DECEPTION, EXTORTION"

In 2014, the Secretariat of State invested more than 200 million euros, much of it from contributions from the faithful, in a fund run by Mincione, securing about 45% of a commercial and residential building at 60 Sloane Avenue in London's South Kensington district.

The indictment handed down on July 3 said Mincione had tried to deceive the Vatican, which in 2018 tried to end the relationship. read more

It turned to Torzi for help in buying up the rest of the building, but later accused him of extortion.

At the time, Becciu was in the last year of his post as deputy secretary of state for general affairs, a powerful administrative position that handles hundreds of millions of euros.

All told, the Secretariat of State sank more than 350 million euros into the investment, according to Vatican media, and suffered what Cardinal George Pell, the former Vatican treasurer, told Reuters last year were "enormous losses".

Becciu is charged with five counts of embezzlement, two of abuse of office, and one count of inducing a witness to perjury. He is also charged with allegedly funnelling of money and contracts to companies or charitable organisations controlled by his brothers on their native island of Sardinia.

Another Sardinian, Cecilia Marogna, 40, a woman who worked for Becciu, was charged with embezzlement. She has denied wrongdoing.

One possible early hiccup is the fact that Torzi, who lives in London, is the subject of an extradition request by Italian magistrates who want to try him for other alleged financial crimes, including fraudulent billing and tax fraud, not related to the London property. read more

His lawyer, Ambra Giovene, told Reuters he cannot leave London before the Italian extradition hearing and so for the time being he has what she intends to tell the Vatican court a legitimate impediment from the trial.

Last year, the pope stripped the Secretariat of State of control over its funds and transferred them to another Vatican department, with additional oversight by the SPE.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/landmark-vatican-fraud-trial-10-including-cardinal-set-start-2021-07-26/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206696

File: 543e6067cee2463⋯.jpg (71.18 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Ben_Roberts_Smith_Australi….jpg)

File: cf9ba6dcf449032⋯.jpg (60.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Barrister_Bruce_McClintock….jpg)

File: dc44cbadd503521⋯.jpg (179.33 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_incident_was_alleged_t….jpg)

File: 2e0b98160063717⋯.jpg (160.74 KB, 862x575, 862:575, An_overview_of_Darwan_whic….jpg)

>>14035776

Afghan farmer tells Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial Australian soldiers who raided villages are 'infidels'

Jamie McKinnell - 27 July 2021

An Afghan villager has told the defamation trial of war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith he regarded Australian soldiers as "infidels" and those who were killed by them as "martyrs".

Mohammed Hanifa is giving evidence to the Federal Court hearing in Sydney over a video link from Afghanistan.

The 38-year-old was called on behalf of Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of two of the three newspapers being sued by Mr Roberts-Smith over a series of 2018 articles.

Mr Roberts-Smith claims he was defamed by a number of imputations in the stories, including war crimes, after the papers reported serious allegations about the death of farmer Ali Jan in the village of Darwan in September 2012.

Nine alleges Ali Jan was kicked over a cliff by the Victoria Cross recipient during a raid, then Mr Roberts-Smith entered into an agreement that he be executed before the soldiers covered it up.

Mr Hanifa has this week recalled seeing a "big soldier" with "blue eyes" kick his relative down into a dry creek bed following an interrogation, then hearing a gunshot.

Under cross examination by Mr Roberts-Smith's barrister Bruce McClintock SC, the farmer today agreed that he referred to the soldiers who conducted raids on the village as infidels.

"Yes brother, it is like that," he said through an interpreter.

"That's how people say."

Mr McClintock asked whether Mr Hanifa "hated" the soldiers.

"If they are coming to our houses, go inside to our women, of course that's what you call them — infidels," the witness replied.

"You hate them, don't you?" Mr McClintock repeated.

"No, I don't like them," Mr Hanifa replied.

"You call people who are killed by infidel soldiers 'martyrs', don't you?" Mr McClintock asked.

"Yes, that's it," the witness said.

Mr Hanif was later quizzed about how he was supporting himself during his involvement in the trial.

He told the court a person who had been looking after him on behalf of the parties in the case had paid for his rent, food and travel expenses since he left Darwan for Kandahar and then Kabul.

He said the money was also supporting his wife and four daughters, but denied being given an allowance or any other money for taking photographs relevant to the proceedings.

The Federal Court has also released photographic exhibits showing the village of Darwan where the raid took place.

Mr Roberts-Smith has previously told the court he and his colleagues encountered a suspected Taliban "spotter", or lookout, in the village who was legitimately engaged and shot dead.

On several occasions, Mr McClintock accused Mr Hanifa of lying to the court, including in his observations about the uniform of the "big soldier", which he claimed was wet and had sand on it.

The court has previously heard Mr Roberts-Smith had swum a river to catch a suspected Taliban member before the Darwan raid.

"The evidence you've given about seeing the big soldier wet is completely untrue, isn't it?" Mr McClintock asked.

"Whether you call it a lie that's up to you, but I have seen this person with my own eyes," Mr Hanifa replied.

Mr Hanifa also denied one of his own brothers was a member of the Taliban, killed during fighting.

He said the brother was killed by a cousin.

"You agree, don't you, with the aim of the Taliban to rid Afghanistan of the infidel?" Mr McClintock asked.

"We are not concerned with the Taliban, we are not concerned or connected to the government, we are the public," Mr Hanifa told the court.

Mr Roberts-Smith has denied all allegations published by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times, while the newspapers are relying on a defence of truth.

The trial, before Justice Anthony Besanko, continues.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-27/afghan-villager-stands-by-roberts-smith-testimony/100326760

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206700

File: 01386104952cc11⋯.jpg (154.96 KB, 960x640, 3:2, The_original_photo_left_of….jpg)

File: 0eae5b359ee2af6⋯.jpg (170.19 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Ben_Roberts_Smith_is_suing….jpg)

File: 7a2d887d3077e6f⋯.jpg (37.46 KB, 620x620, 1:1, The_cross_is_associated_wi….jpg)

>>14035776

‘Wrong morally’: Official photo of Ben Roberts-Smith was altered to hide Crusader’s cross

Anthony Galloway - July 27, 2021

Former special forces soldier Ben Roberts-Smith displayed a contentious Crusader’s cross on his uniform while on duty in Afghanistan, with the symbol later digitally removed by the Department of Defence in a widely distributed photo of the decorated war veteran.

The photo released by Defence at some time near January 2011 shows Mr Roberts-Smith wearing a blank patch on the front of his uniform after exiting a helicopter.

But The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has obtained the original photo, which was taken on April 6, 2010, revealing Mr Roberts-Smith was in fact bearing the Crusader’s Cross.

Australia Defence Association executive director Neil James said displaying the symbol was “wrong morally” and “counterproductive”.

The symbol dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when the Crusaders captured parts of the Middle East from Muslim control. Many Muslims find the cross to be offensive, particularly when displayed by western soldiers in their country.

A spokesperson for Defence said it “does not condone or permit the use, display or adoption of symbols, emblems and iconography that are at odds with Defence values”.

Mr James said wearing a Crusader’s cross was “simply unprofessional” and part of the poor cultural standards that were unearthed by the long-running Brereton inquiry.

“We know from the Brereton report that a lot of the things that were allegedly done were due to unprofessional actions,” he said.

“You’re fighting people motivated by Islamist extremism, and you’re in effect kicking an own goal by providing them with propaganda. That’s exceptionally dumb to do in a counter-insurgency war.”

Displaying symbols such as the Crusader’s cross or Spartan-style insignia was widespread within the ADF at the time the photo was taken. In 2018, then-Chief of Army General Angus Campbell issued a directive to commanders that they should stamp out all instances of “death symbology and iconography”.

Under Defence policy, the department can make minor alterations to images for reasons related to operational security or privacy concerns. According to Defence, it has been unable to identify at what stage in the approval process the image was modified and whether this occurred in Afghanistan or Australia.

Australian Federation of Islamic Councils executive member Mohammed Berjauoi said Western forces should not invoke the Crusades when conducting military activity in the Middle East.

“Whoever uses that symbol provokes Muslims and increases anger against the West. It is the wrong thing to do,” he said.

“It undermines the Australian policy, which calls for peace in the world. We know it’s not the policy of the Australian government – but one mistake like this upsets a lot of people and makes them really think about the role of the Australian government in the Middle East.”

The altered image of the former SAS corporal was among several that were publicly released to coincide with the presentation of the Victoria Cross to Mr Roberts-Smith in 2011 and was published on the Defence image gallery. It has been published by multiple media outlets over the past decade, including News Corp papers and The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, as well as the Australian War Memorial.

A spokesperson for the AWM said the image with the blank patch was “supplied by the Department of Defence to the Australian War Memorial and is the only version held by the Australian War Memorial”.

“The photo was available to view on the Memorial webpage soon after the accession date in February 2011 and remained online until it was removed on 01/04/2021 when its status was changed as part of an internal collection management process,” the AWM spokesperson said.

The Australian Federal Police is currently investigating Mr Roberts-Smith over allegations he committed war crimes and intimidated war crimes witnesses. Mr Roberts-Smith has denied all wrongdoing and launched a defamation action against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald over reports that he allegedly committed murder on deployments to Afghanistan.

The Brereton inquiry, which last year found credible evidence of 39 unlawful killings of Afghan civilians or prisoners by Australian soldiers who were not named, raised the alarm about a “warrior culture” within Australia’s special forces and “the clique of non-commissioned officers who propagated it”.

“Special Forces operators should pride themselves on being model professional soldiers, not on being ‘warrior heroes’,” Justice Paul Brereton said.

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/wrong-morally-official-photo-of-ben-roberts-smith-was-altered-to-hide-crusader-s-cross-20210726-p58cvu.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206760

File: b59e4453b24fd8d⋯.jpg (98.97 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Australian_Border_Force_in….jpg)

File: f8697e682338cff⋯.jpg (156.66 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Child_like_sex_doll.jpg)

File: 84f6ecdc680df52⋯.jpg (132.48 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Chinese_national_arrested_….jpg)

File: 9c0090d177ab29f⋯.jpg (99.98 KB, 1024x769, 1024:769, Sydney_man_arrested_over_c….jpg)

Hotel quarantine raid for child abuse material; Border Force seize childlike sex dolls

A string of people have been arrested after childlike sex dolls, videos and photos of child abuse have been uncovered by Border Force investigators.

Natalie O'Brien - July 27, 2021

A Sydney man in mandatory hotel quarantine has been raided by a team of investigators and police and charged with possessing child abuse material that he allegedly smuggled in from the US.

He is one of more than a dozen alleged perverts busted attempting to bring horrific child abuse photos and videos into Australia during the pandemic.

Fifteen travellers attempting to get into Australia have been deported and had their temporary visas cancelled by Australian Border Force officers who have detected more than 240 of incidents of abuse material.

Statistics show the ABF has referred 13 cases of child abuse material, including cases of importations of childlike sex dolls, to the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecution.

An ABF spokesman said “a reduction of travellers during Covid-19 does not equal a reduction of enforcement at our borders”.

It can be revealed that the Sydney man in hotel quarantine was returning from the United States when he was stopped at Sydney International airport and searched.

The man’s laptop was confiscated before he was escorted to a hotel in Sydney to begin his mandatory Covid-19 quarantine period. While he was in quarantine, a forensic examination of the laptop found more material.

ABF Investigators with NSW Police Force officers then executed a search warrant at the Sydney hotel where the man was staying, arrested the man and seized another electronic device. He has been charged and is in custody.

A select group of ABF officers were last year sworn in and given extra police powers — allowing them to execute search warrants as part of a new pilot program to enhance interoperability and to support joint activities with other agencies.

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said she was focused on bringing perpetrators to justice.

“Child abusers take advantage of silence. Talking about the important work this Government is doing to end child abuse helps to pull abusers out of the shadows and into jail cells,” she said.

Ms Andrews said the ABF were making it as hard as possible for people to create child abuse material, possess it, or travel across an international border with it.

“As the results show, this work has not stopped during the pandemic,” she said.

A Japanese tourist caught by ABF officers in possession of more than 1000 videos containing child abuse material was sentenced to 16 months jail by a Perth Judge.

There were also a string of men around the country charged with importing childlike sex dolls.

A Victorian man was arrested in April and charged for importing a childlike sex doll. The 22-year-old Chinese national was arrested after the ABF executed a search warrant on a home in Toorak, Melbourne.

During the raid, officers seized a silicone lower torso of a childlike sex doll, items of infant clothing, and a flesh-like apparatus consistent with childlike appearance. Six mobile phones and several computers were also seized.

And a Brisbane man has become the first person in Queensland to be convicted and sentenced for possessing child sex dolls, after new federal laws were introduced to combat offences.

Terry Dunnett, 45, was jailed in April for to two counts of possessing a child sex doll, one count of attempting to possess a child sex doll, and possessing child exploitation material.

Dunnett was sentenced to two years in jail, but was released on probation. He also placed him on a good behaviour bond for two years and ordered that he pay a $2,000 recognisance surety if he reoffends.

Another 58 year-old Sydney man has been charged for allegedly importing a childlike sex doll and possessing child exploitation material.

ABF officers examined an air cargo consignment in December, which arrived from China. The package was declared as containing a fashion model, but officers who opened the parcel found a childlike sex doll.

The man was charged and was refused bail.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/hotel-quarantine-raid-for-child-abuse-material-border-force-seize-childlike-sex-dolls/news-story/0c91cde95b60cfb79a7175bc1f40b42a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206825

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Firepower capability demonstration - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 27, 2021

3rd Brigade's Battle Group Eagle conducted a demonstration of the capabilities it can provide to the joint force during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, aimed to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

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

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206828

File: f78c3d7c6c82283⋯.jpg (593.79 KB, 825x1235, 165:247, MRF_D_19.jpg)

File: e1d81da8b47e1b5⋯.jpg (230.99 KB, 1080x1080, 1:1, E7Mc5wqVgAA6lOJ.jpg)

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet

Today marks 68 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Korean War. On this day, we pause to remember those Marines who served in legendary battles from the breakout at Chosin Reservoir to the amphibious landings at Inchon.

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1419787112115671041

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206840

File: efc313ab7f3174f⋯.jpg (504.16 KB, 825x896, 825:896, PM_5.jpg)

File: cedb3791a5d92de⋯.jpg (4.6 MB, 4096x2842, 2048:1421, E7P_34hVEA8rOWZ.jpg)

File: b3b77716359d7b6⋯.jpg (1.47 MB, 4096x2734, 2048:1367, E7P_5LWVEAQEYWU.jpg)

File: c5d1ea361d607f7⋯.jpg (1.9 MB, 4096x2734, 2048:1367, E7P_6HJVECISN9A.jpg)

File: 126c91984e9ca5b⋯.jpg (1.46 MB, 4096x2734, 2048:1367, E7P_66TVEA8tJeA.jpg)

>>14119998

Pacific Marines Tweet

@USMC with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, @MrfDarwin, execute airfield assault training as part of Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 (TS21) in Bowen, Queensland, Australia. #PacificMarines #TalismanSabre #ReadyToFight

https://twitter.com/PacificMarines/status/1419797188545187859

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14206859

File: 56638d016fd36d0⋯.jpg (390.21 KB, 825x1013, 825:1013, TS_21.jpg)

File: 671d04016df6bfb⋯.mp4 (12.81 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, hWGPtM4qsQBTyJ6e.mp4)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Check it out - @usairforce defenders are flying in!

The Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element team complete training after exiting from an MC-130J during #TS21 at #AusAirForce Base Tindal.

@USARPAC @INDOPACOM @AusAirForce @USSOCOM #AlliesAndPartners #SpecialForces

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1419834381284388884

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

38d258  No.14206872

Nonviolent crowd control tactics for civilians at protests. Good video by Clif High (22min)

https://www.bitchute.com/video/PQhjFTDt7UrL/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

33504d  No.14206912

File: 65c2f21d15e5cde⋯.jpg (12.41 MB, 7136x4392, 892:549, SouthAfricaSatanists5.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

58393b  No.14210205

Aus bread, same old, same old. It'll be another two years before Talisman Sabre pics can be posted again for something different.

No mention of state leaders and the PM going full Auschwitz against the Australian people.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213207

File: ac18d0fde56cec3⋯.jpg (87.1 KB, 862x575, 862:575, WikiLeaks_founder_Julian_A….jpg)

File: ca059236e33bc4a⋯.jpg (157.65 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Assange_spent_seven_years_….jpg)

Julian Assange's Ecuadorian citizenship revoked

ABC/AP - 28 July 2021

Ecuador has revoked the citizenship of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, who remains in a British prison.

Assange received Ecuadorian citizenship in January 2018 as part of a failed attempt by the government of then-President Lenín Moreno to turn him into a diplomat and get him out of its embassy in London.

On Monday, the Pichincha Court for Contentious Administrative Matters revoked this decision.

Ecuador's Foreign Ministry said the court had "acted independently and followed due process in a case that took place during the previous government and that was raised by the same previous government."

Carlos Poveda, Mr Assange's lawyer, said the court made the decision without due process, and Mr Assange was not allowed to appear in the case.

"On the date [Mr Assange] was cited he was deprived of his liberty and with a health crisis inside the deprivation of liberty centre where he was being held," he said.

Mr Poveda said he would file appeals asking for amplification and clarification of the decision.

"More than the importance of nationality, it is a matter of respecting rights and following due process in withdrawing nationality."

Ecuador's justice system formally notified Australia of the decision in a letter responding to a claim filed by the South American country's Foreign Ministry.

Naturalisation is considered damaging when granted based on the concealment of relevant facts, false documents or fraud.

Ecuadorian authorities say Assange's naturalization letter had multiple inconsistencies, different signatures, the possible alteration of documents and unpaid fees, among other issues.

Where Assange is now

Mr Assange has been in London's high-security Belmarsh Prison since April 2019.

He was arrested for skipping bail seven years earlier during a separate legal battle.

Mr Assange spent seven years inside Ecuador's London embassy, where he fled to in 2012 to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Sweden dropped the sex crimes investigations in November 2019 because so much time had elapsed.

US prosecutors have indicted Mr Assange on 17 espionage charges and one charge of computer misuse over WikiLeaks' publication of thousands of leaked military and diplomatic documents.

The charges carry a maximum sentence of 175 years in prison.

US prosecutors claim Mr Assange unlawfully helped US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning steal classified diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks later published.

Lawyers for Mr Assange argue that he acted as a journalist and is entitled to First Amendment freedom of speech protections for publishing documents exposing US military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

In January, a lower court judge refused an American request to send Mr Assange to the US.

But earlier this month, Britain's High Court granted the US government permission to appeal a decision that Mr Assange could not be sent there to face espionage charges.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-28/julian-assange-s-ecuadorian-citizenship-revoked/100328868

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213333

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14020199

PM: Lockdowns a 'thing of the past' by Christmas as vaccine rollout ramps up

Sky News Australia

Jul 28, 2021

Lockdowns could be a thing of the past by Christmas should the country reach its “highest vaccination rates possible”.

Although only 13.9 per cent of Australians are fully vaccinated, the nation is administering over one million doses every week as the vaccine rollout ramps up.

With more Pfizer doses expected in the coming weeks, Prime Minister Scott Morrison expects life will be “different” come summer break.

“With what we are seeing, bar any unforeseen events, then I believe by the end of the year we will be in that position, where everyone who has had the opportunity for a vaccine will have had it, and to ensure that Australians have joined that task in achieving the highest vaccination rates possible,” he said.

“I would expect by Christmas we will be seeing a very different Australia to what we are seeing now.

“What we are seeing overseas is when countries do reach those much higher vaccination rates, then that does give their governments a lot more options in the suppression limitations they have to use to deal with the virus; lockdowns become a thing of the past when you are at that level.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9EUXu1KklI

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213379

File: a85f74b14c67e0b⋯.jpg (99.66 KB, 1024x576, 16:9, Online_organisers_of_anti_….jpg)

>>14206651

AFP offers help on virus protest websites

Paul Osborne - 28 July 2021

Australian Federal Police investigators could help their state counterparts deal with any online organisers of last weekend's violent anti-lockdown protests.

AFP chief Reece Kershaw told the National Press Club on Wednesday the investigation into the rallies was the responsibility of state police agencies.

But he said the AFP would provide support if requested.

"As far as the federal aspect goes, there are some other probably fake sites going on and other things and we actually do that in a joined way with the state jurisdiction, wherever that is hosted," he said.

"So rest assured we are called when there is a Commonwealth nexus or federal aspect to a state crime. So, that is our jurisdiction, otherwise we don't have jurisdiction."

Media outlets have reported the German-based Worldwide Demonstration group helped coordinate the rallies, which have so far resulted in more than 60 local arrests.

The group has been behind a number of similar protest events around the world.

Asked whether conspiracy sites were being monitored, Mr Kershaw said: "Some of that would be between myself and the intelligence agencies and we rely on them to alert us when there is an attack plan being coordinated online and they refer that to us."

"We have good mechanisms to monitor those groups."

He noted NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who has established a strike force to investigate the Sydney rally, said there was no single leader behind the protest.

"It wasn't really organised by a central group, so that makes it difficult."

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation stonewalled questions about whether it was looking into protest organisers.

"Consistent with long standing practice, ASIO does not comment on groups or individuals," a spokesperson told AAP.

https://thewest.com.au/politics/afp-offers-help-on-virus-protest-websites-c-3529332

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213414

File: e84ecf96172dcb1⋯.jpg (235.21 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Anti_vaxxers_were_highly_v….jpg)

File: e6ce26d6999234b⋯.jpg (96.11 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Anthony_Khallouf_urged_fol….jpg)

File: 29adb5a013cf722⋯.jpg (134.34 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, A_person_on_Facebook_claim….jpg)

>>14206651

Coronavirus Australia: Protests show we may be in for a rude shock

JACK THE INSIDER (Peter Hoysted) - JULY 28, 2021

1/2

If you listened carefully in the wake of the anti-lockdown protests across Australia over the weekend, you could hear hundreds of social media accounts being wiped clean or deleted altogether.

One of the organisers of the Melbourne rally, Anthony Khallouf last night sent out an APB on his Instagram account, Australians v the Agendax, urging his followers to delete correspondence with Youssra, another anti-lockdown activist who had been arrested and had her mobile phone confiscated by police.

The urgent message read, “Unsend all your private messages to (Youssra) via Telegram, Instagram and What’s App and remove her from any freedom related groups.”

Khallouf is believed to be in Queensland in breach of his own bail conditions. He was charged with incitement among other offences, including contravene bail conditions some time ago.

I watched the Sydney protests as they unfolded through a series of Facebook Live videos. One of the things that distinguished the protest on the weekend with others is that these protesters happily filmed themselves and others committing offences. Watching them on live feeds was, as the sports broadcasters like to tell us, almost better than being there.

The most alarming message of all turned up on Instagram from an anonymous poster. “I’m in the crowd but nobody knows I’ve tested positive.” It is probably empty mischief but who knows? I guess we all will in a week or two.

Let’s start with a few basic principles. Australians have a constitutional right to political expression.

We don’t have to agree with protesters, but we should agree to their right to assemble peacefully even during a pandemic. The problem is this was not a peaceful assembly. More than fifty arrests were made, more than 500 personal infringement notices were handed out or are in the mail with more to come. Projectiles were hurled at police (in New South Wales this constitutes a form of assault police and comes with a maximum five year jail term. In Melbourne there is a mandatory minimum jail sentence of six months without parole for assaults on police and emergency services workers).

For those in the whataboutery business, the BLM protest in Sydney in June 2020 was deemed a lawful assembly by the NSW Court of Appeal and thus no PINs were issued. Only three arrests were made with a final confrontation between police and protesters coming together at Central Station where approximately 40 protesters were washed down with pepper spray.

For what it’s worth, I thought both protests were incredibly irresponsible but overall, I take the Voltairean view with some caveats.

The anti-lockdown protests on Saturday were planned and signposted by the usual suspects; extreme fringe groups — anti-lockdowners, anti-vaxxers, sovereign citizens.

I’d watched them promote the rallies throughout last week. I thought they might struggle to get more than a couple of thousand along. This had been the case for anti-lockdown rallies in Sydney last year. Obviously, this crowd was a lot bigger, around 15,000 by my estimate. Organisers claimed 50,000. One excitable voice on Telegram suggested one million marchers.

There were few placards at Saturday’s rally and that says the decision to march was made impulsively for the majority of protesters. Not enough time to get to the craft shop for all the bits and bobs to make an amusing placard.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213420

File: 21fbbfc671f9e59⋯.jpg (204.89 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Protesters_confront_police….jpg)

>>14213414

2/2

So, who were the protesters? Beyond the usual suspects, it was an eclectic group – construction workers, Pentecostal Christians, and a strong Muslim element. There was a smattering of QAnon hobby cultists. There were members from the broad spectrum of the ‘wellness’ community, not simply diet faddists but mixed martial arts enthusiasts, powerlifters, gym junkies. All the colours of the wellness rainbow. There were at least two school teachers, and both are in a spot of bother with their employers. There were protesters from the libertarian right, some of whom proudly boasted receiving PIN notices, a bit like parking the Porsche in a handicap zone. A fine? Who cares?

The sovereign citizen movement unhelpfully suggested to those who received PINs to respond by sending the envelopes back to police with the following bush lawyer nonsense scrawled on the envelope: “No contract. Return to sender. I do not recognise you. I do not understand your intent. I do not have an international treaty with you. No assured value. No liability.”

No one goes to jail for non-payment of fines in New South Wales. Fines are merely sent on to the State Debt Recovery Office and where fines go unpaid, suspension of driver’s licences follow until the fines and costs are paid. I can only imagine there will be a lot more unlicensed drivers on the road in Sydney in six months than there are now.

The surprisingly large number of protesters offers a lesson for NSW Police. VicPol has had a longer experience with what we might broadly call anti-lockdown activists. It has become apparent to me that VicPol has had a significant number of officers working social media, developing intel. It’s not hard. Activists use Instagram and Telegram where they boast and brag of their plans. NSW Police will be better prepared for the next rally when that happens.

There were plenty of troublemakers, but the number swelled due to the fear and anxiety that has arisen from the lockdown and the failure to provide people with any or any appropriate level of income support to see them through. In that respect it was a genuine protest, with many concerned for their futures, and the fundamental business of keeping roofs over heads and food on tables.

The real issue is that these protesters in many instances became subject to the influence of extreme fringe groups for the first time. Many will have fallen into their orbit now.

I keep trying to tell people how serious these fringe groups are and what threats they pose. We all know the best way forward in Sydney and more broadly across the nation is high levels of vaccination.

How much influence anti-vaxxers have in Australia necessarily affects the level of vaccination we get in the medium term. Will we become like the UK with high levels of vaccination, enough to open up our international borders and feel secure that most of the population is as well protected as possible against Covid-19 and its variants or will we go down the US route where impressive early vaccination figures have hit a brick wall and now stand at a desultory 70 per cent, an expression of the political divisions in the US if ever there was one?

We’re about to find out whether we are a smart country or not. We’ll know by the end of the year, but the events of the weekend suggest we might be in for a rude shock.

Peter Hoysted is Jack the Insider: a highly placed, dedicated servant of the nation with close ties to leading figures in politics, business and the union movement.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/coronavirus-australia-protests-show-we-may-be-in-for-a-rude-shock/news-story/f8c22c122f95c3bd6dcbb0867e16a680

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213610

File: 415424bf9190b8f⋯.png (602.58 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Former_Australian_PM_Tony_….png)

File: 7132394c8e4534f⋯.png (727.92 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Hard_hit_with_tariffs_bott….png)

I wouldn’t sign a China trade deal now: Tony Abbott

Latika Bourke - July 28, 2021

London: Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has told a British audience that there is no way he would sign a trade deal with China today.

Speaking alongside his new boss, the UK Secretary for Trade Liz Truss, the former prime minister said Australia had indulged in “wishful thinking” to believe that the Chinese would become “more like us” as a result of more global economic integration.

As prime minister, Abbott struck the China-Australia free trade deal in 2014 and lauded it as one of his government’s biggest achievements in office.

The agreement was announced with much fanfare when Xi Jinping visited Canberra in 2014 to address a joint sitting of Parliament and was hailed as far more ambitious than insiders had expected.

Abbott said Xi’s promise to Parliament of democracy in China by mid-century had been proven hollow.

“I certainly think it’s been a hell of a wake-up call,” Abbott told the Westminster think tank Policy Exchange. “I don’t think we’ve changed, I think the Chinese government and its actions have changed.”

“I can’t imagine that China and Australia would contemplate concluding a trade deal today, notwithstanding the deal that my government did in 2014, which did produce a big increase in their exports to us but an even bigger increase in our exports to them.

“Because it is hard to trust a country that uses spurious pretexts to block our exports to punish policy positions it doesn’t like.”

He said that when the agreement was struck, the government held a “very benign view of China.”

“In retrospect, it looks like wishful thinking but at the time we were confident that there would be slowly, not just economic, but political liberalisation in China … and that China, in a sense, would become more like us.”

“Perhaps we’ve become more like them in fact, in some ways,” he remarked, before laughing.

Abbott’s comments are likely to be closely watched in Britain where he sits on the Board of Trade, having been appointed to the role last year by Truss - a prominent Brexiteer.

Britain has been keen to strike new deals now it has left the European Union but has only struck one with Australia.

However, an agreement with the United States is unlikely in the short term and there is mounting resistance within the government against any moves to deepen trade links with China following the pandemic.

Truss, a known hawk on China policy, struck a careful tone when asked if greater Chinese economic investment was akin to a Trojan Horse.

“What I think is important is that we work with our like-minded allies to challenge the unfair practices,” Truss said.

“I believe there are currently practices going on, particularly in global trade that need to be challenged, I think it’s right that we deal with it on a practical level,” she added, when pressed.

Wine hit laid bare in new report

China’s tariffs against Australia, imposed during the fallout over the WHO inquiry into the pandemic, amount to billions of dollars in lost trade.

Australia is taking China to the World Trade Organisation, denying Beijing’s accusations of dumping - where goods are deliberately sold at lower value to flood foreign markets.

Under the agreement Abbott struck with Xi, tariffs on Australian wine fell to zero in 2019, spurring an increase in Australia’s share of Chinese wine imports from 28 per cent to 37 per cent in a single year.

Between 2015 and 2020, Australian wine exports to China doubled. But that all came to a halt when in March, China announced tariffs of between 116 to 219 per cent on Australian wine for five years.

A new report from ABARES, Australian wine in China: Impact of China’s anti-dumping duties said Australian exports of bottled wine to China are expected to cease as a result of the average 167 per cent anti-dumping duty.

It said that the impacts would be felt most in the short-term because of the time it takes to develop new markets for the wine that was intended for China.

But even by 2025, the report predicted that only 60 per cent of wine exports destined for China would be sold in new markets.

It said the gross value of wine production would be $480 million in 2025 with grape growers suffering a $67 million hit for growers in the Riverina, Victoria’s north-west and South Australia’s southeast.

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/i-wouldn-t-sign-a-china-trade-deal-now-tony-abbott-20210728-p58dif.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213613

File: 30e03fe8e498eb7⋯.jpg (100.56 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, NZ_trade_growth_with_China….jpg)

>>14213610

NZ trade growth with China should give Australia pause for thought

Yu Lei - Jul 27, 2021

New Zealand exports recorded a new high in June as China continues to account for the largest share of New Zealand exports, according to Stats NZ, New Zealand's official data agency.

In June 2021, China received 32 percent of New Zealand's total exports, including 44 percent of New Zealand's dairy, 90 percent of logs, and 41 percent of meat, pushing the value of all New Zealand goods exports in the month rose 17 percent year-on-year, Stats NZ said.

While New Zealand economy is a clear case study for benefits of trade with China, its close neighbor's trade tensions with China continue to escalate.

Australian trade with China for almost all industries has plummeted 40 percent amid tensions, Australia's ABC news reported in March. Thermal coal exports to China were down 70 percent in the six months to January 2021, while metallurgical coal had dropped 60 percent. Coal exports dropped 83 percent when comparing the figures from the December quarter of 2019 to the December quarter of 2020, according to ABC news.

Both members of the "Five Eyes," Australia's trade ties with China show a different trend with New Zealand's; here are the major reasons:

Firstly, Australia and New Zealand have different understanding in their position in international community. Being a smaller country than Australia, New Zealand isn't seeking to become a hegemonic state in the South-Pacific region or the second hegemonic state under the US hegemony system in the Asian-Pacific region.

Second, Australia and New Zealand have different strategic priorities and national interests. New Zealand attaches greater importance to economic interests rather than regional hegemony. After all, economic interests are related to the national economy, people's livelihood, and political stability.

Third, Australia and New Zealand hold different attitudes toward their competition with the US in international trade. Exports from New Zealand, the US, Australia, and Canada maintain high degree of homogeneity, especially when it comes to agricultural and livestock products. The US has relatively large agricultural subsidies, but both Australia and Canada appears to remain silent. New Zealand attaches greater importance to the existing markets, and is unwilling to sacrifice its own interests due to the hegemony of the US, and it cannot afford to sacrifice either.

It's no secret that Australia's allies have gladly absorbed market share in China that Australia lost due to mismanagement of the bilateral relationship with its most important trade partner. Australia and New Zealand have fierce competition within the Chinese market in many areas. New Zealand's exports of agricultural products, livestock products, and seafood to China have all increased significantly.

Australia, on the other hand, still relies on rising international iron ore prices, and has continued to allow China-Australia relations to deteriorate. Australia even tries to persuade New Zealand to work with Australia to contain China and jointly safeguard the hegemony of the US in the Asia-Pacific region. Perhaps it is time for Australia to reflect on its China policy: should it continue to sacrifice its own interests to safeguard the US hegemonic strategy?

The author is a chief research fellow at the Research Center for Pacific Island Countries, Liaocheng University, and a research fellow at the Australian Studies Center at Beijing Foreign Studies University. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229776.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213619

File: 105106a874b55ee⋯.jpg (87.85 KB, 960x639, 320:213, Cardinal_Giovanni_Angelo_B….jpg)

File: b5f3c045a4b1852⋯.jpg (164.72 KB, 960x640, 3:2, People_walk_in_St_Peter_s_….jpg)

>>14050764

>>14206683

Accused cardinal in court as Vatican fraud trial opens and is adjourned

Philip Pullella - July 28, 2021

VATICAN CITY, July 27 (Reuters) - Cardinal Angelo Becciu said on Tuesday he wanted to comply with the wishes of Pope Francis as he attended the opening of a trial in which he stands accused along with nine others of financial crimes.

The once powerful cardinal, who previously had free rein over all Vatican buildings, passed through a metal detector like all the others on entering the makeshift Vatican courtroom, his eyes sometimes downcast.

He then sat quietly through a hearing that lasted nearly eight hours before the trial was adjourned until Oct. 5.

"The pope wanted me to go on trial. I am obedient. I am here," Becciu, wearing a black "clergyman" suit with a priest collar, told reporters before leaving the room.

Becciu, 73, and his former secretary, Monsignor Mauro Carlino, were the only two defendants to attend Tuesday's hearing. Both men have denied all wrongdoing. The others on trial exercised their right to be defended in absentia.

The trial mostly revolves around the purchase by the Vatican's Secretariat of State of a building in one of London's smartest districts.

The prosecution has accused Becciu and other former Vatican officials or employees involved in the deal of embezzlement and abuse of office, among other charges.

He is also charged with funnelling money and contracts to companies or charitable organisations controlled by his brothers on their native island of Sardinia. He denies that charge too.

The trial is taking place in a modern room in the Vatican Museums because the city state's standard tribunal is too small due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A crucifix hung on the wall behind the dais where the three-judge panel sat. Nearby hung a large photograph of Pope Francis, the sovereign monarch of Vatican City.

Among the eight who did not attend were Italian investment brokers Gianluigi Torzi and Raffaele Mincione, both charged with embezzlement, fraud and money laundering. Torzi is also charged with extortion. Both deny any wrongdoing.

During a day dedicated mostly to procedural matters, defence lawyers asked for a long adjournment because they still had not seen all the evidence from indictments issued on July 3.

Torzi's lawyer, Ambra Giovene, said her client, who lives in London, is contesting an Italian extradition request for non-related alleged financial crimes and had a legitimate impediment.

PROMISE NOT TO ARREST

Mincione's lawyers said they wanted guarantees that if he attends the trial he will not be put behind bars in the Vatican, as Torzi was for 10 days in 2020.

The saga began in 2014, when the Secretariat of State invested more than 200 million euros, much of it from contributions from the faithful, in a fund run by Mincione, securing about 45% of a commercial and residential building at 60 Sloane Avenue in London's South Kensington district.

Mincione is accused of deceiving the Vatican, which in 2018 tried to end the relationship with him.

It turned to Torzi for help in buying up the rest of the building, but later accused him of extortion.

At the time, Becciu was in the last year of his post as deputy secretary of state, a position that handles hundreds of millions of euros.

All told, the Secretariat of State sank more than 350 million euros into the investment, according to Vatican media, and suffered what Cardinal George Pell, the former Vatican treasurer, told Reuters last year were "enormous losses".

Francis, who stripped Becciu of his immunity, fired him from his last Vatican post in 2020 for alleged nepotism.

Becciu's lawyers said testimony against him by another Vatican official, Monsignor Alberto Perlasca, should not be admitted because Perlasca was interrogated without legal representation. The prosecution said Perlasca came to them spontaneously.

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/accused-cardinal-court-vatican-fraud-trial-opens-is-adjourned-2021-07-27/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213655

File: 6d65e1f3c070cbb⋯.jpg (106.91 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Nathan_Gunn_a_19_year_old_….jpg)

File: 40d262320f08899⋯.jpg (134.35 KB, 1899x813, 633:271, Prof_Valsamma_Eapen_from_t….jpg)

Suicidal, stressed Aussie kids flood emergency wards

Lockdowns and online learning are fuelling anxiety among Aussie kids – with some too scared to breathe outdoors due to virus fears.

Natasha Bita - July 28, 2021

1/2

Suicidal and super-stressed children are flooding hospital emergency wards, as the pandemic pushes patient numbers 25 per cent higher.

Lockdowns, domestic violence and online learning are fuelling Covid-19 anxiety and depression among Australian children – with some too scared to breathe outdoors for fear of getting sick, and others worried about the danger of “red zones’’.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has revealed that emergency hospital visits from children and teenagers with mental health problems has risen between 25 and 40 per cent nationally since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

And an alarming new survey of 25,000 teenagers, by Mission Australia, reveals a rise in anxiety and depression, especially among teenage girls.

“Trying to find reasons not to pull the plug during Covid-19 TBH (to be honest),’’ a 17-year-old girl from NSW told the survey.

“I was contemplating suicide and I thought no one wanted me around,’’ a 15-year-old Queensland girl said.

Nathan Gunn, 19, who had Year 12 disrupted during Melbourne’s long lockdown last year, has now deferred his university diploma in business.

“I felt very isolated – it was a lonely and depressing time,’’ he said.

“I lost a friend to suicide a few months ago.

“So many people have mental health issues and don’t know what to do about it.

“A lot of people who wanted to go to uni, now aren’t, because it’s so hard to study online.

“Making a living has become so much harder.’’

Mr Gunn, who works casually for youth music charity The Push, wants politicians to pay more attention to young Australians’ problems during the pandemic.

“We are the future of Australia but we don’t feel like we have a voice,’’ he said.

Professor Valsamma Eapen, who chairs the RANZCP’s child and adolescent division, has warned that suicidal ideation, self-harm, eating disorders and panic attacks are growing worse.

“One reason is that children need to be out and about and active and engaged with other kids,’’ she said. “But they are cooped up in a house or apartment and getting on each other’s nerves.

“Families are finding it hard because parents are working from home … the fatigue on the parents’ side is much worse this time (compared to lockdowns last year).

“We’ve had a 25 to 40 per cent increase in ED presentations by children with mental health problems.’’

The Mission Australia Youth Survey found that girls made up two thirds of the teenagers reporting mental health issues, and that the pandemic had affected Victorian teens the most.

Mission Australia chief executive James Toomey called for more support to teach young people how to help themselves when feeling overwhelmed and stressed – including more counsellors in schools.

“We are very concerned that the impact of this virus will continue to have flow-on effects on young people’s lives now, and in the future,’’ he said.

Adolescent psychiatrist Michael Carr-Gregg, who has advised the federal government on mental health, said he had seen “terrible cases where kids have tried to take their own lives and overdosed’’.

“All the markers of acute problems for young people are increasing,’’ he said.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213664

File: 6963feedda80a7f⋯.jpg (93.71 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Cyber_bullying_is_on_the_r….jpg)

File: 67e9ea7e49d98b5⋯.jpg (310.82 KB, 1108x683, 1108:683, If_you_or_anyone_you_know_….jpg)

>>14213655

2/2

ONLINE SEX OFFENCES, ABUSE RATES SKYROCKET

Trolling, cyber bullying and online sex offences have jumped 30 per cent in the past six months as the pandemic locks more Aussies into work and play online, shocking new statistics reveal.

Nearly 12,000 URLs with offensive online content – most commonly child sexual abuse – were reported to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner this year – 30 per cent more than in the first half of 2020.

Almost 1000 adult cyber abuse claims were lodged – a 48 per cent increase – while cyber bullying complaints jumped 30 per cent to 486.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher warned Australians to “be prepared for a likely increase in online harms’’ during Covid-19 lockdowns.

He urged parents to monitor their children’s online activity, and for adults to stay civil online.

“From March 2020, during the first wave of Covid and resulting lockdowns, the eSafety Commissioner experienced an unprecedented increase in reports of all online harm types, including abuse, cyber-bullying, image-based abuse and unwanted exposure to illegal and harmful content,’’ he said.

Tough new laws against online abuse passed through federal parliament last month, but will not take force until early next year.

They will give the eSafety Commissioner new powers to deal with cyber-bullying and unmask anonymous trolls.

Adults who post “seriously harmful content’’ online – such as death threats, menacing messages or revenge porn – will risk fines of up to $110,000.

The Australian Federal Police is now using sniffer dogs to detect hidden tech devices containing child abuse images.

Chilling messages intercepted on the Dark Web by AFP officers reveals paedophiles are exploiting Covid-19 lockdowns to groom and entrap

Child abuse material shared online has nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, with 21,000 notifications flagged to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation in 2020.

Need help?

Lifeline - 13 11 14

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

https://kidshelpline.com.au

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/suicidal-stressed-aussie-kids-flood-emergency-wards/news-story/ef575e12d4e1e2da95d218ce57232472

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213684

File: e68c35e6625aa17⋯.mp4 (7.52 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Help_catch_paedophiles_by_….mp4)

File: c22ed2fc68bb97f⋯.jpg (77.85 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Shane_Patrick_Lee_21_will_….jpg)

Man, 21, charged by AFP for allegedly using Twitter to watch child exploitation material

Elise Williams - July 28, 2021

A young man from the Moreton Bay region could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of his alleged crimes, after the Australian Federal Police accused him of using Twitter to watch and share child exploitation material.

Shane Patrick Lee, 21, will faced court on Wednesday following the months-long investigation, led by the AFP’s Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCE).

The investigation began earlier this year, after a tip off from the USA’s National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children alerted Australian authorities of the alleged offending.

In April 2021, the AFP executed a search warrant at the man’s Morayfield home and seized one smartphone and a laptop.

The man was issued a Notice to Appear to face Caboolture Magistrates’ Court today, charged under several sections of the 1995 Criminal Code Act.

He’s been charged with one count of possessing child abuse material accessed or obtained using a carriage service, one count of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, and one count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material.

The maximum penalty for these offences is 15 years’ imprisonment.

Detective Superintendent Paula Hudson said the charges reflect the AFP’s pledge to protecting children and identifying and prosecuting those seeking to harm and exploit them.

“Individuals who possess, access and transmit child abuse material are part of the problem. They create the market for child abuse material online which causes further harm to children,” Detective Superintendent Hudson said.

Det Supt Hudson said the AFP will continue to work tirelessly to hunt down offenders to ensure those seeking to access children for sexual offences online are prosecuted.

Lee fronted Caboolture Magistrates’ Court, where his matter was adjourned to August 25.

Members of the public who have any information about people involved in child abuse and exploitation are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.

http://www.accce.gov.au/report

If you or someone you know are impacted by child sexual abuse and online exploitation there are support services available.

http://www.accce.gov.au/help-and-support/who-can-help

Advice and support for parents and carers about how they can help protection children online can be found at the AFP led ThinkUKnow – a program designed to prevent online child sexual exploitation.

http://www.thinkuknow.org.au

https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/man-21-charged-by-afp-for-allegedly-using-twitter-to-watch-cem/news-story/fe43ec278f783c8e1f6603e9778ef573

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213689

File: 69428aaa666de98⋯.jpg (63.58 KB, 800x600, 4:3, Xinzhe_Lin_has_avoided_goi….jpg)

No jail for childlike sex doll importation

Ethan James - JULY 28 2021

An eBay vendor in Tasmania who imported "vile" childlike sex doll parts from China for financial gain has dodged jail time.

Xinzhe Lin, 29, had pleaded guilty to importing child abuse material into Australia.

The 26 silicone parts arrived in Melbourne in October last year along with legal adult sex toys, including vibrators and lubricant, and surfing equipment.

The shipment was intercepted by Australian Border Force officials who tracked the remainder of the consignment to Lin in Hobart.

During sentencing in the Supreme Court in Hobart, Justice Gregory Geason said the parts were "small or extra small" and would likely be used to simulate sexual intercourse.

"You are to be condemned for importing these vile products," he said on Wednesday.

Justice Geason said there was a real risk the use of such parts would normalise child sexual abuse.

Lin, who was operating an eBay store at the time, imported the parts to sell them online for "financial advantage" and there was no suggestion he intended to use them.

He had previously been issued with a seizure notice in December 2019 by border force officials for importing silicone childlike sex doll parts.

"This was not the first time you had imported childlike sex dolls," Justice Geason said.

A search of Lin's garage by officers found other childlike sex doll parts that did not form part of the police charges.

Lin, who is living in Australia on a bridging visa and may face deportation, was given an 11-month jail sentence that was suspended on the condition he be of good behaviour for two years.

He was not placed on the sex offenders' register.

Justice Geason said Lin was not suitable for a home detention order due to his living arrangements.

https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/7360797/no-jail-for-childlike-sex-doll-importation/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213699

File: a6793678ce34d98⋯.png (592.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Ben_Roberts_Smith_is_suing….png)

File: 7530685a4a69b18⋯.jpg (69.33 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Bruce_McClintock_accused_M….jpg)

File: f5ad1a80662808b⋯.jpg (69.07 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Arthur_Moses_told_the_cour….jpg)

>>14035776

Afghan villager tells Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial he'll tell truth even if it gets him killed

Jamie McKinnell - 28 July 2021

An Afghan villager giving evidence against war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith in a defamation trial has declared he will tell the truth, even if it results in his death.

Farmer Mohammed Hanifa was called by Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of two of the newspapers being sued in the Federal Court, to appear as a witness via video link from Kabul.

The 38-year-old has told the court he saw "with his own eyes" key events around the alleged murder of a man he says was his relative, Ali Jan, during a raid on the village of Darwan in September 2012.

A central allegation in the stories published by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times is that Mr Roberts-Smith kicked Ali Jan over a cliff and entered into an agreement that he be killed before soldiers covered it up.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies the allegations and says a man killed that day was a suspected Taliban lookout.

The newspapers are relying on a truth defence.

Under cross-examination by the veteran's barrister, Bruce McClintock SC, Mr Hanifa was today accused of being financially motivated due to offers of compensation from the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.

Mr McClintock suggested Mr Hanifa had had discussions about payment for the events of that day, but was told compensation would not be provided for the death of a Taliban member.

"No, brother, I haven't," Mr Hanifa replied through an interpreter.

"By God, I haven't seen any official from the Human Rights Commission … I don't know why you are saying this."

Mr Hanifa was excused when the cross-examination concluded, but launched into a passionate, animated speech on the video link.

"I'm not afraid of anybody, even if I die I will tell the truth," he told the hearing in Sydney.

Mr Hanifa said this was in line with his country's customs and laws.

"If you witness something like a crime, you have to testify about it, even if somebody wants me to go to Australia or the US or any other country in the world," he said.

"I will go there and testify that Ali Jan was a labourer. He was a labourer, he was a labourer, he was a labourer."

Earlier, another of Mr Roberts-Smith's barristers, Arthur Moses SC, told the court his client has been used "like a human pinata", with allegations about him thrown around "like confetti" by the newspapers.

While the trial temporarily resumed this week to hear from Afghan witnesses after delays due to Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak, Mr Moses pushed for certainty around when in November it would resume to hear from Australian witnesses.

Nicholas Owens SC, for Nine, said Australian witnesses should be allowed to file an application to be excused from complying with their subpoenas on the grounds of hardship, but that those applications should be dealt with when the hardship arose.

But Mr Moses said he wanted the Australian witnesses to apply to be excused at least a week before they were due to be called.

He said a 14-day period of isolation may be "the price they pay" for attending.

"My client suffers prejudice every day, without getting into a speech, because the respondents continue publishing articles, as late as yesterday, making all sorts of assertions against him," Mr Moses said.

"He cannot continue a situation where he's being used as a human pinata by the respondents.

"There has to be a day of reckoning in terms of these allegations. They have to be established or proven to be untrue."

Mr Roberts-Smith denies all of the allegations reported in the publications, including that he also bullied former Special Air Service Regiment colleagues and committed an act of domestic violence against a woman with whom he was having an affair.

The trial before Justice Anthony Besanko continues.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-28/ben-roberts-smith-a-human-pinata-defamation-trial-told/100329132

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213706

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14036029

ADF, Japanese and US trilateral Exercise Southern Jackaroo 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 28, 2021

Trilateral activity Exercise Southern Jackaroo involved soldiers from the ADF's 1st Brigade - Darwin, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin.

Designed to enhance regional relationships through urban assault training, engineering clearances, artillery fire missions and live fire activities at a platoon to combat team level, the two-week exercise took place in the Top End at the Mount Bundey Training Area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ8OW38UM1I

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213739

File: ebabd82838cf907⋯.jpg (538.68 KB, 825x1011, 275:337, AYS_8.jpg)

File: 0bb20e880d40a95⋯.jpg (162.89 KB, 750x500, 3:2, E7XxlDXVUAAWILH.jpg)

File: 5356267d9f07932⋯.jpg (109.91 KB, 750x500, 3:2, E7Xxl4rVoAMZyEB.jpg)

File: b502699889fd1eb⋯.jpg (117.55 KB, 750x500, 3:2, E7XxmrzUYAIggFo.jpg)

>>14119998

Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Magnificent to see (Japan, Australia) and partners with shared strategic interests gathering in our region.

#FOIP #interoperability

@Japan_GSDF troops participating in Exercise @TalismanSabre had the honour of meeting with the Commander of 1st Division, MAJGEN Jake Ellwood @AustralianArmy.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1420308245948768264

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213787

File: c1671592ef4a88f⋯.jpg (475 KB, 825x820, 165:164, GCC_1.jpg)

File: 78a3f3df6586731⋯.jpg (459.49 KB, 825x858, 25:26, GCC_2.jpg)

File: 3f7555189324de8⋯.jpg (187.07 KB, 721x520, 721:520, E7RhC7nVkAUV0js.jpg)

File: 4bdd36679a4c0a6⋯.jpg (1.87 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7RhM5NUYAMco2Q.jpg)

File: 775f70357f88450⋯.jpg (1.79 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7RhQOZUYAIEDjb.jpg)

>>14213739

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force - Ground Component Command Tweet

【 #タリスマン・セイバー21 】〈#3ツイート〉写真:#陸上総隊 #水陸機動団 と豪軍による戦闘訓練(市街地戦闘)ボーウェン市の警戒

Google Translation

[ #Talisman Saber 21 ] < # 3 Twitter > Photo: #Ground Component Command #Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and Australian Army Combat Training (Urban Warfare ) Bowen City Alert

https://twitter.com/jgsdf_gcc_pao/status/1419866779405275144

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

bda932  No.14213833

Bread 17

Noice

I heard THAT zoom audio, the Feds recruiting civvies

I’m prayin’ it’s in the works ….

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213840

File: 99e3b8a9d3129dd⋯.mp4 (7.9 MB, 640x360, 16:9, The_tragedy_of_Ann_Marie_S….mp4)

Rosa Maria Maione pleads guilty to the manslaughter of Annie Smith in neglect case that horrified the state

Rosa Maione, the so-called carer of Annie Smith, has pleaded guilty to her manslaughter in the disability neglect case that shocked the state.

Sean Fewster and Rebecca DiGirolamo - July 28, 2021

1/2

The former carer for Annie Smith, a woman with disabilities who was cruelly neglected in her final days of life, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

On Wednesday, after several delays and claims her matter was “at play behind the scenes”, Rosa Maria Maione admitted having unlawfully killed Ms Smith in April 2020.

Previously, police alleged Maione left Ms Smith confined to a chair, without nourishing food, for nearly a year while employed as her primary carer.

Although Maione was allowed to remain on bail, prosecutors warned they would seek to have her taken into custody when she faces the Supreme Court in September.

Maione has yet to offer any explanation for her crime – on Wednesday her lawyer, Stephen Ey, said his client would not be making public comment.

“We will say it all in the Supreme Court, thank you, no comment,” he said outside court.

Ms Smith’s only sibling, a younger brother, and her paternal uncle told The Advertiser they had been devastated at every point of the case.

“While nothing will ever make what happened to Annie go away, those who inflicted harm and ultimately caused the death of Annie need to be brought to justice,” Ms Smith’s brother said.

“The faster this happens, the better.”

He said his family were not made aware of the court proceedings on Wednesday until contacted by the media.

“This has been the case since the start of this awful process,” he said.

“We feel ignored in the process and would have preferred to be supplied with this information so we could support each other and be present if able.”

Manslaughter is considered the second-most serious crime under South Australian law and, like murder, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Unlike murder, however, manslaughter has neither a mandatory minimum nor a “tariff” – a benchmark sentence set, by legal precedent, on which an offender’s punishment is based.

The offence has been used for crimes ranging from practical jokes gone wrong, with fatal consequences, to killings just shy of the legal definition of murder.

Maione, 69, was arrested following a painstaking investigation by a 17-strong Major Crime task force, dubbed “Giles”.

Ms Smith, 54, died in Royal Adelaide Hospital the day after Maione called an ambulance to her Kensington Park home.

She died from profound septic shock, multiple organ failure from severe pressure sores and malnutrition, having been admitted with severe ulcerated and infected tissue.

Police alleged Maione left Ms Smith living in a putrid, almost sedentary state – and without nourishing food – for most of a year.

Investigating police described her death as “tragic and most likely preventable”, saying she had been left in “disgusting and degrading” circumstances.

Previously, the court heard police were searching for $35,000 worth of custom jewellery and a large cash inheritance left to Ms Smith.

They were also investigating who took out $70,000 worth of loans in her name.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14213842

File: 143c8ac95cc3b6f⋯.jpg (138.65 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Rosa_Maria_Maione_leaves_c….jpg)

File: 694ad95ecb008b9⋯.jpg (124.19 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Rosa_Maria_Maione_outside_….jpg)

File: 8d7211d39227057⋯.jpg (105.46 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Annie_Smith.jpg)

>>14213840

2/2

Ms Smith’s death was also examined by the disability royal commission and sparked a major state inquiry.

In May, Maione’s former employer – Integrity Care SA – blocked the ongoing investigation by claiming legal professional privilege over all material seized from its offices.

Last week its director, Amy June Collins, was banned for life from working in the disability services industry.

Counsel for Maione last week asked her case be delayed saying “matters are at play behind the scenes” – drawing the ire of Magistrate David McLeod.

He warned that, if a plea was not entered, he would review the evidence and determine the future of the case himself.

On Wednesday, Mr Ey offered to enter a plea for Maione on her behalf, but Mr McLeod declined.

Asked if she had unlawfully killed Ms Smith, Maione – standing in the court dock – lowered her head and said “guilty”.

Mr McLeod asked if Maione’s bail should be revoked, but prosecutors said they were content for her to remain under strict home detention conditions for now.

“There’s no application to revoke her bail at this stage,” they said.

“There have been conversations with defence counsel, who are aware that application is likely to be made on the next occasion.”

Mr McLeod ordered Maione face the Supreme Court in September, when a date will be set for sentencing submissions.

Outside court, Adelaide disability advocate Katherine Annear said Maoine’s plea represented “long-awaited progression” in the case.

“Justice for Ann Marie should be the central focus and this includes addressing serious criminal and industrial issues at play in this case and in the NDIS provider space in general,” she said.

Opposition human services spokeswoman Nat Cook said the plea would hopefully signal movement of justice for Ms Smith progressed without further delay or impediment.

“This case is important so as to set a firm agenda in place. A line must be drawn, we must ensure all citizens are safe and well, without threat or fear,” she said.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-sa/rosa-maria-maione-pleads-guilty-to-the-manslaughter-of-annie-smith-in-neglect-case-that-horrified-the-state/news-story/09de0332fd49f4af1098e02fbebbbb92

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220726

File: a191ad753fccd38⋯.jpg (144.85 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_lone_bird_walks_past_the….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia's Sydney posts record daily rise in COVID-19 cases, seeks military help

Colin Packham and Renju Jose - July 29, 2021

SYDNEY, July 29 (Reuters) - Australia's biggest city Sydney posted a record one-day rise in local COVID-19 cases on Thursday and warned the outbreak would get worse, as authorities sought military help to enforce a lockdown of 6 million people poised to enter its sixth week.

Australia has struggled to contain an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant in and around Sydney in recent weeks, which threatens to push the country's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy into its second recession in as many years.

Despite an extended lockdown of Sydney, the state capital, New South Wales recorded 239 locally acquired cases in the past 24 hours, the biggest daily rise since the pandemic begun.

"We can only assume that things are likely to get worse before they get better given the quantity of people infectious in the community," New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Berejiklian said one more person had died from COVID-19, taking the death toll from the current outbreak to 13 and the overall national total to 921.

With little sign that recent restrictions are reducing case numbers, Berejiklian said new curbs would be imposed on the southwestern and western areas of Sydney where the majority of COVID-19 cases are being found.

More than two million residents in eight Sydney hotspots will now be forced to wear masks outdoors and must stay within 5 km (3 miles) of their homes.

With even tighter restrictions set to begin on Friday, New South Wales Police said it had asked for 300 military personnel to help enforce lockdown orders.

“With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the prime minister for (Australian Defence Force) personnel to assist with that operation," New South Wales Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said in an emailed statement.

It was not clear what the military personnel would be doing if deployed, but neighbouring Victoria state used a similar number of troops to assist with running testing centres and checking to see whether people under strict stay at home orders were abiding by the requests.

Representatives for Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Defence Peter Dutton did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Berejiklian on Wednesday extended the Sydney lockdown by another month, but allowed the majority of construction projects to resume as long as workers do not come into contact with residents.

The restrictions are likely to take a heavy economic toll, with New South Wales accounting for more than a third of Australia's economy.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said he expected the national economy to shrink in the September quarter but the ability to avoid a technical recession would depend on whether New South Wales can avoid a longer lockdown.

"With respect to the December quarter, that does depend to a large extent how successful New South Wales, our largest state economy, is in getting on top of this virus," Frydenberg told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Berejiklian has said restrictions need to remain as too few people in Sydney are vaccinated amid tight supplies of Pfizer vaccines, which Canberra had hoped to inoculate everyone under 60 years old.

All adults in Sydney have now been urged to seek an AstraZeneca vaccine. But citing rare blood clots, many are reluctant and would prefer to wait several months when Australia is expected to receive additional Pfizer supplies.

Only about 17% of people above 16 years fully vaccinated in New South Wales.

More than 2,800 cases have been detected so far, with 182 people hospitalised. Fifty-four are in intensive care, 22 of whom require ventilation. Two new deaths were recorded, taking the total number of deaths in the latest outbreak to 13.

The outbreak in Sydney leaves many with little to do but watch the Olympics, and Australian athletes said they hoped they could provide a little bit of joy with their performances.

"Just extremely grateful and happy that we maybe sparked some joy in some people's living rooms or something for people to celebrate in the time of lockdown," Spencer Turrin, Australian Rower and Gold Medallist in the Men's Four at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics told reporters in Tokyo.

($1 = 1.3561 Australian dollars)

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-pm-says-vaccinations-alone-will-not-end-sydneys-covid-19-lockdown-2021-07-28/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220773

File: 7e9e9babb904436⋯.jpg (75.09 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_trend_to_work_from_hom….jpg)

File: 63e740904e7332d⋯.jpg (56.23 KB, 862x575, 862:575, A_hack_of_Microsoft_s_emai….jpg)

>>14159509

Worldwide hacking warning issued on how businesses are being compromised during COVID-19

Stephanie Borys - 29 July 2021

Efforts to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus have inadvertently left Australian businesses exposed to online attacks, according to an alliance of international cyber experts.

In an unprecedented move, the Australian Cyber Security Centre, the United Kingdom's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the United States's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have joined forces to issue a warning to organisations about how their systems could be hacked.

It lists the top 30 ways online criminals are getting into systems, with weaknesses in remote networks, virtual private networks (VPN) and cloud-based technologies, which are widely used by people working remotely, the most common.

An increase in people working from home to prevent the spread of COVID-19 has resulted in businesses using flawed software to help workers connect, leaving them prime for attack from cyber criminals and other nations seeking to wreak havoc.

The agencies issued their statement in a bid to help organisations better protect themselves from crippling attacks like the Microsoft Exchange email server hack, which exposed tens of thousands of businesses to criminal exploitation.

"The advisory published today puts the power in every organisation's hand to fix the most common vulnerabilities, such as unpatched VPN gateway devices," Paul Chichester from the UK NCSC said in a statement.

“Working with our international partners, we will continue to raise awareness of the threats posed by those that seek to cause harm."

What should businesses watch out for?

The joint cybersecurity advisory lists weak spots in popular software programs such as Microsoft, Atlassian and MobileIron programs as some of the top 30 vulnerabilities being exploited.

While the threat is real, in some cases the solution is easy.

Organisations can avoid being hacked if they patch and update their systems, the advisory states, and its highly technical document provides details on exactly how to fix such problems.

The head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre Abigail Bradshaw said the decision to issue the warning is yet another attempt by security agencies to try and reduce online risks.

"Unless vulnerabilities are urgently addressed, malicious cyber actors will continue to use older known vulnerabilities affecting software used by many organisations including Microsoft Office, as long as they remain effective and systems remain unpatched," she said in a statement.

Businesses were also reminded that they should require employees to use multi-factor authentication to access work networks from home.

Recently the Australian government joined an international coalition in accusing China of being behind the Microsoft Exchange email server hack.

The decision by the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom to essentially name and shame Beijing showed the size and impact of the attack.

The federal government is attempting to pass legislation it says will help reduce the risk of cyber attacks, while there are growing calls for organisations to be compelled to report when they are hacked in an attempt to ensure similar cases don't happen again.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-29/cyber-criminals-covid-new-opportunities-hacking-business-warning/100331294

https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-209a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220789

File: 49a28b77e9d7a57⋯.jpg (2.1 MB, 1218x3088, 609:1544, U_S_U_K_and_Australia_Issu….jpg)

>>14220773

U.S., U.K., and Australia Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory

Australian Cyber Security Centre - 28 Jul 2021

WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), United Kingdom’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a joint cybersecurity advisory today, highlighting the top Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) routinely exploited by cyber actors in 2020 and those vulnerabilities being widely exploited thus far in 2021. Cyber actors continue to exploit publicly known—and often dated—software vulnerabilities against broad target sets, including public and private sector organizations worldwide. It’s recommended that organizations apply the available patches for the 30 vulnerabilities listed in the joint cybersecurity advisory and implement a centralized patch management system.

One of the key findings is that four of the most targeted vulnerabilities in 2020 involved remote work, VPNs, or cloud-based technologies. Many VPN gateway devices remained unpatched during 2020, with the growth of remote work options due to the COVID-19 pandemic challenging the ability of organizations to conduct rigorous patch management. In 2021, malicious cyber actors continued to target vulnerabilities in perimeter-type devices. This advisory lists the vendors, products, and CVEs associated with these vulnerabilities, which organizations should urgently patch.

“In cybersecurity, getting the basics right is often most important. Organizations that apply the best practices of cybersecurity, such as patching, can reduce their risk to cyber actors exploiting known vulnerabilities in their networks,” said Eric Goldstein, Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity, CISA. “Collaboration is a crucial part of CISA’s work and today we partnered with ACSC, NCSC and FBI to highlight cyber vulnerabilities that public and private organizations should prioritize for patching to minimize risk of being exploited by malicious actors.”

“This guidance will be valuable for enabling network defenders and organisations to lift collective defences against cyber threats,” said Ms Abigail Bradshaw CSC, Head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre. “This advisory complements our advice available through cyber.gov.au and underscores the determination of the ACSC and our partner agencies to collaboratively combat malicious cyber activity.”

“We are committed to working with allies to raise awareness of global cyber weaknesses – and present easily actionable solutions to mitigate them," said NCSC Director of Operations, Paul Chichester. “The advisory published today puts the power in every organisation’s hand to fix the most common vulnerabilities, such as unpatched VPN gateway devices. Working with our international partners, we will continue to raise awareness of the threats posed by those that seek to cause harm."

“The FBI remains committed to sharing information with public and private organizations in an effort to prevent malicious cyber actors from exploiting vulnerabilities,” said FBI’s Cyber Assistant Director Bryan Vorndran. “We firmly believe that coordination and collaboration with our federal and private sector partners will ensure a safer cyber environment to decrease the opportunity for these actors to succeed.”

The advisory also directs public and private sector partners to the support and resources available to mitigate and remediate these vulnerabilities from each agency, as well as from other government and industry partners.

One of the most effective best practices to mitigate many vulnerabilities is to update software once patches are available and as soon as is practicable. Focusing cyber defense resources on patching those vulnerabilities that malicious cyber actors most often use should be engrained in the culture of every organization. This approach offers the potential of not only bolstering network security, but also impeding the disruptive, destructive operations of our adversaries.

CISA, ACSC, NCSC, and FBI encourage organizations that have not yet remediated these vulnerabilities to investigate for the presence of indicators of compromise listed in this advisory. If compromised, organizations should initiate incident response and recovery plans.

For additional general best practices for mitigating cyber threats, see the joint advisory from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States on Technical Approaches to Uncovering and Remediating Malicious Activity and ACSC’s Essential Eight mitigation strategies.

The joint advisory can be found here.

https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/alerts/aa21-209a

https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/media-releases/us-uk-and-australia-issue-joint-cybersecurity-advisory

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220805

File: cdd4b14f8bcd734⋯.jpg (233.61 KB, 959x639, 959:639, Ben_Roberts_Smith_outside_….jpg)

File: 4be72b3657b3711⋯.jpg (268.66 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_picture_of_the_village_o….jpg)

>>14035776

Foreign soldiers killed ‘innocent’ Afghans, Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial told

Michaela Whitbourn - July 29, 2021

An Afghan villager has told the defamation trial of war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith that he hated foreign soldiers and regarded them as responsible for killing innocent people, but he did not support the aims of the Taliban.

Darwan farmer Man Gul has told the Federal Court he was detained for questioning by foreign soldiers with two other men, Ali Jan and Mr Jan’s step-nephew, Mohammed Hanifa. The court has heard that a man matching Mr Jan’s description was killed by Australian troops, but the circumstances in which he died are contested.

Under questioning by Mr Roberts-Smith’s barrister, Bruce McClintock, SC, on Thursday, Mr Gul agreed through a translator that he believed foreign soldiers had been cruel to him repeatedly during raids on his village.

“Yes, it is like that,” Mr Gul replied. “Yes, they killed innocent people and martyred them all.”

“You hate them, don’t you, foreign soldiers?” Mr McClintock said.

“Yes, it is like that,” Mr Gul said.

But Mr Gul said he did not agree with the aims of the Taliban, and both the Taliban and foreign forces had perpetrated injustices against the Afghan people.

Mr Gul agreed he regarded foreign soldiers as infidels but rejected a suggestion by Mr McClintock that in his religion it was “permissible to lie” in some circumstances to infidels.

Both Mr Gul and his fellow villager Mr Hanifa have said a “big soldier” was among the troops who detained them for questioning. Mr Hanifa has also given evidence that the man had “blue eyes, like, kind of brownish” and this uniform was wet and sandy to about his chest.

The court has heard evidence that the two-metre-tall Mr Roberts-Smith waded into the Helmand River on the same day in pursuit of a Taliban insurgent called Hekmatullah. Both Afghan witnesses have said they cannot read or write but the events in question occurred about eight years ago.

Speaking via video link from Kabul with the assistance of a translator in Canada, Mr Gul was asked on Thursday if Mr Jan had been carrying a radio with him on the day of his death, which is pictured near his body in photographs tendered in court.

“No, no, he doesn’t even know how to work out a watch,” Mr Gul said.

Nicholas Owens, SC, the barrister acting for the newspapers, asked Mr Roberts-Smith last month if he had heard “rumours of patrols in the SAS using throwdowns”, the alleged practice of planting weapons or objects such as radios on a body to justify a killing. “No,” Mr Roberts-Smith replied.

He said he had become aware of the term “throwdowns” in the context of them allegedly “being used by other nations”.

Mr Gul said Mr Hanifa and Mr Jan were taken away from him during the questioning and he did not see the “big soldier” again, but Mr Hanifa had subsequently told him that “they kicked [Mr Jan] … and he went down into the river and they dragged him towards the trees”.

Mr Hanifa gave evidence it was the “big soldier” who kicked Mr Jan off a cliff into a dry river bed before he heard shots being fired.

“We didn’t see the person who killed him,” Mr Gul said.

Mr Hanifa has insisted Mr Jan had cattle and sold wood, and was not a Taliban fighter.

Mr Roberts-Smith has denied kicking anyone off a cliff, and has given evidence that he believed a man matching Mr Jan’s description was a “spotter” for the Taliban insurgency hiding in a cornfield.

He said another soldier, known as Person 11, fired the first shots before he fired from behind his comrade.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald for defamation over a series of reports in 2018 alleging he was involved in unlawful killings during missions in Afghanistan.

The former Special Air Service soldier has denied all wrongdoing and insists he only killed suspected Taliban insurgents during the heat of battle. The news publications are seeking to rely on a defence of truth and are calling four Afghan witnesses to give evidence.

The hearing continues.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/foreign-soldiers-killed-innocent-afghans-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-trial-told-20210729-p58dz5.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220833

File: 2f268ebc546c65e⋯.jpg (109.15 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Commissioner_Reece_Kershaw….jpg)

File: 46bd924668f20a2⋯.jpg (145.74 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Operation_Ironside_has_res….jpg)

File: 2474f368e897d2a⋯.jpg (165.24 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, The_majority_of_Operation_….jpg)

Commissioner says AFP has ‘ingenious’ new plan to trap criminals after Operation Ironside

The AFP has ‘another ingenious plan’ to further dismantle organised crime networks after pulling off the Operation Ironside sting.

Helena Burke - July 29, 2021

1/2

Australia’s most powerful cop says the Australian Federal Police has “another ingenious plan” to further dismantle organised crime networks after pulling off the high-profile Operation Ironside sting.

AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw issued the grave threat to those involved in criminal networks at the National Press Club on Wednesday.

“I will provide another warning to organised criminals, outlaw motorcycle gangs, drug traffickers, money launderers and those that believe they will get away with their crimes,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“The AFP has another ingenious plan. In fact, it was well under way before we revealed Operation Ironside.

“We won‘t tell you what it is. The only thing I will tell you’ll is that we are coming – again.”

Operation Ironside was largest organised crime operation ever untaken in the southern hemisphere, resulting in the arrest of 289 alleged offenders both in Australia and overseas.

Commissioner Kershaw said the majority of charges were related to drug crimes, with almost five tonnes of drugs, $49 million in cash and 138 firearms, explosives and other weapons seized.

At his National Press Club address last year, the commissioner made similar threats to those involved in organised crime.

“I said the AFP will be relentless, we will outsmart you and we will always be a step ahead. I declared the full force of the AFP is coming for you,” he said.

“When I made those remarks, the AFP, together with the FBI, was covertly undertaking what has been referred to in Australia as the sting of the century.”

Back then, Commission Kershaw said he knew Operation Ironside would be significant, but noted the true breadth and scale of drug trafficking and other criminality uncovered by the operation had been “staggering”.

To achieve the 289 arrests under Operation Ironside, the AFP used an encrypted messaging service – AN0M – to monitor the communication of organised crime rings.

Although AN0M was developed by the FBI, Commissioner Kershaw said it was the AFP that made the breakthrough.

“For years, a small team within the AFP and FB, had planned law enforcement’s holy grail: seeing what criminals were planning over encrypted communications in real-time,” Commissioner Kershaw said.

“Those AFP members were the ones who provided the ingenuity to read encrypted messages in real-time. That breakthrough with the platform secretly run by the FBI has been devastatingly effective.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220838

File: 86ef5b963ce8cda⋯.jpg (168.84 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Commissioner_Reece_Kershaw….jpg)

File: 75a2dadec2811c2⋯.jpg (444.02 KB, 1300x2200, 13:22, A_Global_Map_qAiPbW261.jpg)

>>14220833

2/2

Commissioner Kershaw warned Australians against having any sympathy for those involved in drug trafficking.

“They are ambivalent to the misery caused by illicit drugs or if civilians are killed in the crossfire in their wars,” he said.

“A crime ring member’s ideology is unadulterated greed through the relentless trafficking of illicit drugs. It drives them. They recruit for it and they kill for it.”

The commissioner lamented that organised crime had killed more Australians than terrorism, highlighting the destruction that drug addiction wreaked on families.

“We have to ensure parents are not buying meth over milk,” he said, declaring nothing was more “gut-wrenching” than hearing a newborn wail as it struggled with methamphetamine withdrawal.

The top cop said the street value of illicit drugs had increased by up to 50 per cent in many Australian states since Operation Ironside began.

Australians pay some of the highest prices in the world for illicit substances, with 1kg of methamphetamine bought for about $1800 in Myanmar selling for $63,000 to $150,000 in Australia. The same amount of cocaine costs about $2300 in Colombia compared to $220,000 to $450,000 in Australia, according to Commissioner Kershaw.

He also noted almost one-third of those arrested under Operation Ironside were allegedly outlaw motorcycle gang members or people working for them.

However, not everyone agrees with the AFP’s hard-line stance.

Commissioner Kershaw’s predecessor Mick Palmer was known for his emphasis on the minimisation of harm when dealing with issues of drug crime.

In the wake of Operation Ironside, Palmer stressed “regardless of how effective police were” at drug busts and arrests, the reality was that this “made no difference” to rates of drug use.

But Commissioner Kershaw made it clear the AFP had no intention of softening its approach.

“We are going to break (crime rings) business model,” he declared.

“We are going to be relentless and do maximum damage to the criminal environment using all of our intelligence partners and in Home Affairs and beyond.”

https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/behindthescenes/commissioner-says-afp-has-ingenious-new-plan-to-trap-criminals/news-story/23ac6dc4f6ef57ab3e5c412be94d2a11

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220859

File: 362d007891bf355⋯.jpg (71.57 KB, 800x600, 4:3, The_Australian_Bar_Associa….jpg)

>>14050787

New call to review Collaery prosecution

Australian Associated Press - JULY 29 2021

The Australian Bar Association has joined calls for Attorney-General Michaelia Cash to reconsider the controversial prosecution of Canberra lawyer Bernard Collaery.

Collaery, 75, is fighting allegations he unlawfully shared classified information about a 2004 Australian spy operation that bugged the office of East Timor's prime minister during negotiations over oil and gas resources in the Timor Sea.

He was charged in 2018 with breaching the Intelligence Services Act and a directions hearing for his case on Thursday in the ACT Supreme Court was vacated.

An ABA council meeting this week unanimously expressed concerns about the delays in the prosecution and secret nature of proceedings.

"This matter raises two, fundamental rule of law questions as to the fair and open administration of justice - the length of time it has taken to prosecute the matter, and the suppression of evidence," ABA president Matthew Howard SC said in a statement.

"For the public to have confidence in the administration of justice, it is vital that prosecutions proceed in a timely manner, and that the workings of the courts be open to public scrutiny to the maximum extent possible."

The ABA's call for the attorney-general to review the prosecution follows one made by the ACT Bar Association in April when it said the government had spent $3 million pursuing Collaery.

The prosecution stems from his representation of Witness K, an Australian intelligence agent who blew the whistle on the bugging operation.

He was handed a three-month suspended prison sentence in June after pleading guilty to conspiring to reveal classified information.

Others who have criticised Collaery's prosecution include former East Timor president Jose Ramos-Horta, former Victorian premier Steve Bracks and independent federal MP Andrew Wilkie.

Collaery, a former ACT deputy chief minister, was awarded the Australian Lawyers Alliance's 2018 Civil Justice Award for his advocacy for Timor-Leste.

https://www.westernmagazine.com.au/story/7363066/new-call-to-review-collaery-prosecution/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220869

File: 039e2645759b121⋯.jpg (153.85 KB, 1600x900, 16:9, China_Discovers_the_Limits….jpg)

China Discovers the Limits of Its Power

Beijing’s confrontation with Australia should have been an unequal contest. That’s not how it worked out in practice.

Michael Schuman - JULY 28, 2021

1/3

“Chewing gum stuck on the sole of China’s shoes.” That’s how Hu Xijin, the editor of the Chinese Communist Party–run Global Times, described Australia last year. The disparaging description is typical of the disdain that China’s diplomats and propagandists have often shown toward governments that challenge Beijing—like Australia’s.

China is now the great power of Asia—or so Beijing believes—but those pesky Australians, mouthing off about human rights and coronavirus investigations, refuse to bend the knee. Beijing has turned to economic pressure to compel Australia to fall in line. “Sometimes you have to find a stone to rub it off,” Hu wrote, of the gum and of Australia. But the Australians have proved impossible to shake, and have instead caused some embarrassment for their image-obsessed tormentor.

The ongoing dispute between Australia and China may seem merely a bilateral affair, fought out in a remote corner of the planet. But it matters around the world.

Australia is a crucial American ally in Asia, so China’s actions toward the country inevitably affect both Washington’s policy and its standing in the region. Australia is representative of many countries: a midsize nation whose economic relationship with Beijing is vital for growth and jobs but, simultaneously, whose politicians and citizens are becoming more concerned about China’s repressive tactics at home and aggression abroad.

The deteriorating relationship between the two countries thus reveals a lot about how China’s leaders can and can’t employ their growing diplomatic and economic power, as well as the options, consequences, and costs for countries, such as Australia, that seek to stand up to Beijing.

Australia “really is a bit of a canary in the coal mine,” Jeffrey Wilson, the research director at the Perth USAsia Centre, a foreign-policy think tank, told me. “You should care about what is happening here, because it’s got lessons for everyone.”

The most important lesson is also the most unexpected. On paper, the outcome of a China-Australia showdown looks like a foregone conclusion. China, a rising power with 1.4 billion people and a $14.7 trillion economy, should trample a country of 26 million with an economy less than one-tenth the size. But in a world wrapped in interdependent supply chains and complex political connections, smaller countries can wield a surprising armory of weapons. The U.S.-led global order, still held together by common interests, long-standing relationships, cold strategic calculation, and deeply felt ideals, isn’t ready to crumble before the march of Chinese authoritarianism either. The story instead offers a more intriguing twist: a China that badly wants to change the world but can’t even change an uppity neighbor.

Chinese leaders “are trying to make an example of us,” Malcolm Turnbull, the former Australian prime minister, told me. “It is completely counterproductive … It is not creating greater compliance or affection.” Quite the opposite, he said: “It is confirming all the criticisms that people make about China.”

That should lift spirits in Washington. Australia is a key pillar of the network of alliances that upholds American dominance in Asia and the Pacific. If anything, Washington’s ties to Canberra are becoming even more important. Australia and the U.S. are members of the “Quad,” a loose grouping with Japan and India that largely seeks to contain China. What happens to Australia, therefore, has tremendous consequences for U.S. power in the Pacific.

“China can’t bash up on the U.S., but it can bash up on its allies,” Richard McGregor, a former Beijing bureau chief at the Financial Times who’s now a senior fellow at the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, told me. “If China can break Australia, then that’s a step to breaking U.S. power in Asia, and U.S. credibility globally.”

Australia’s importance hasn’t gone unnoticed in the White House. President Joe Biden’s top diplomats have been loud and clear in their support for Australia. His Asia-policy czar, Kurt Campbell, said in March that the administration told Chinese authorities, “The U.S. is not prepared to improve relations in a bilateral and separate context at the same time that a close and dear ally is being subjected to a form of economic coercion.” The U.S., he added, is “not going to leave Australia alone on the field.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220870

File: 122951ebcb2dca2⋯.jpg (331.5 KB, 1600x900, 16:9, Chinese_Democracy_Isn_t_In….jpg)

>>14220869

2/3

The dispute between Australia and China has been brewing for years. Like the U.S. and other democracies, Australia embraced engagement with China, and the two economies became entwined in a highly profitable symbiotic relationship: Australia’s treasure trove of natural wealth became indispensable to China’s rapidly expanding industrial machine. The countries even entered into a free-trade agreement in 2015.

The ink had barely dried, however, when Canberra began to grow nervous about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s bellicose foreign policy. Turnbull, who as prime minister from 2015 to 2018 was instrumental in forging Australia’s response, wrote in his book A Bigger Picture that China “became more assertive, more confident and more prepared to not just reach out to the world … or to command respect as a responsible international actor … but to demand compliance.”

Australia more openly criticized China’s encroachments on the South China Sea—vital for Australian shipping—where Beijing built military installations on man-made islands to solidify its contested claim to nearly the entire waterway. Turnbull also grew alarmed by the sums of Chinese money sloshing around Australian politics, spent to sway government policy in China’s favor. That led to new legislation designed to curtail foreign influence. Then in 2018, Turnbull’s government banned Chinese telecom giant Huawei from supplying equipment for Australia’s 5G networks, considering it too much of a security risk to essential infrastructure. Relations really fell off a cliff in April 2020, when current Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus outbreak—a prickly issue in Beijing, where such demands are perceived as politically motivated efforts to tarnish China.

Beijing duly went ballistic. (Hu’s chewing-gum comment was part of the angry response.) To force Canberra to back down, the Chinese government unsheathed what has become its weapon of choice against recalcitrant nations: economic coercion. Among other measures, Chinese authorities suspended the export licenses of major Australian beef producers; imposed punitive tariffs on barley and wine; and instructed some power plants and steel mills to stop buying Australian coal. In all, Wilson, of the Perth USAsia Centre, figures that Australia lost $7.3 billion in exports over a 12-month period. Some industries have been hit especially hard: The rock-lobster industry, almost totally dependent on Chinese diners, was decimated after Beijing effectively banned the delicacy.

Canberra wouldn’t budge, though. “We have to simply stand our ground. If you give into bullies, you’ll only be invited to give in more,” Turnbull told me. “There is a lot to be said for nuance and artful diplomacy, but you can’t compromise on your core values and your core interests.”

So far at least, the Australians haven’t had to. Beijing hasn’t been able to inflict sufficient pain to compel Canberra to concede. Wilson notes that the sacrificed exports amount to a mere 0.5 percent of Australia’s national output—not pocket change, but hardly a crisis, either. A few industries have adapted by diversifying their customer bases. Some coal blocked by China was redirected to buyers in India. And there was a limit to how hard Beijing could squeeze: Australian iron ore is the lifeblood of China’s construction industry, and Australian lithium underpins the Chinese electric-vehicle industry.

Beijing’s pressure campaign has succeeded in one important respect, though: souring Australians on China. In a recent Lowy Institute survey, 63 percent of respondents said that they see China more as a security threat than an economic partner to Australia—a 22-percentage-point surge in a year—while a mere 4 percent find their own government more to blame than Beijing for the breakdown in relations.

Girded by such public support, Australia’s usually contentious politicians have forged common cause regarding China, unity perhaps even strengthened by Beijing’s coercive tactics, though critics do take issue with some specifics. “There was probably relative bipartisan unity before, about building up the relationship with China,” McGregor said. Now that the tables have turned, he continued, “it’s sort of a bipartisan view in the other direction.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220873

File: 7ceb2ae09474ebc⋯.jpg (162.26 KB, 976x548, 244:137, China_Isn_t_That_Strategic.jpg)

>>14220870

3/3

None of this has persuaded Beijing to rethink its strategy. From the perspective of China’s leaders, the Australians have trod on too many sensitive toes. In the same way the Australians see changes in Chinese policy behind the collapse in relations, Beijing blames Canberra. Zhao Lijian, a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry, said late last year that the “root cause” of the dispute is “a series of wrong moves” by Australian authorities. Shortly after, the Chinese embassy in Canberra handed out a list of 14 grievances to the local press, which included such actions as unfairly blocking Chinese investments and spearheading a “crusade” against Beijing’s crackdowns in Hong Kong and the far-west province of Xinjiang. (Similarly, but more formally, a top Chinese diplomat gave U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman two lists of complaints Washington had to fix to improve ties during talks in the port city of Tianjin earlier this week.)

How the impasse resolves itself is not at all clear, as both sides continue to slug each other. In April, Australia’s foreign minister canceled two agreements signed by the state government of Victoria as part of Xi’s pet infrastructure-building project, the Belt and Road Initiative, claiming the deals were “adverse to our foreign relations.” Then in May, Chinese officials suspended a bilateral economic dialogue.

Much clearer, however, is what the stalemate tells us about China’s position in the world. Ultimately, Beijing’s attempt to use Australia to warn other countries of the costs of taking on Chinese power has ended up instead highlighting Chinese weakness.

China remains too reliant on the outside world to fully exploit its market leverage, and it still lacks the tools to project its power beyond its own borders in the way that the U.S., for instance, capitalizes on the primacy of the dollar to extend its reach. Rather than scaring other governments into sullen silence, the unsuccessful campaign against Australia could embolden them to stand up to China on issues they consider of core importance.

Australia, however, was able to confront Beijing because of its political unity. That’s a key takeaway from the Australia story. Policy experts spill a lot of ink about the crucial role alliances between countries will play in the coming contest with China. But those international bonds cannot hold firm without corresponding alliances between national political parties and interests within the allied democracies. We can see such a consensus forming in the U.S., another country where a strong position on China is backed by widespread political support.

At the same time, China’s tussle with Australia could have long-term consequences for its economic ties to other countries. Many policy makers are already concerned that economic dependence on China could compromise their national security. The case of Australia could heighten those fears and, as Wilson speculates, lead to “repricing political risk in terms of economic relationships with China.” The Australia situation “will be a story of how governments and businesses around the world have had to reappraise what having an economic relationship with China is like.”

Yet an even darker message emerges from Australia’s example: China may have failed to change Australia, but Australia hasn’t changed China, either. This holds out the terrifying prospect of a new world order marked by almost constant conflict—if not military, then at least economic, diplomatic, and ideological. That is, unless both sides can find another way.

“China has and will continue to behave badly,” Geoff Raby, Australia’s ambassador to Beijing from 2007 to 2011, told me. “China won’t be changing, and we have to find a way of living with a China that is not like us but is big, powerful, and ugly.”

https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2021/07/china-australia-america/619544/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220897

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

>>14213787

ADF, U.S. and Japanese joint amphibious assault - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 29, 2021

Exercise Sea Raider is an Australian Amphibious Force assault exercise in Queensland, as part of the greater Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

After the earlier successful Sea Raider assault on Bowen, Australian, U.S. and Japanese soldiers boarded HMAS Canberra and HMAS Choules via landing craft to prepare for the next planned in-scenario amphibious invasion - Ingham, Queensland.

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, aimed to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4taZmLLnoMA

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220927

File: e82ed79bff396c4⋯.jpg (1.31 MB, 825x2667, 275:889, PD_8.jpg)

File: 26b381d2827cfa3⋯.jpg (1.95 MB, 3600x2700, 4:3, E7X3a49VIAI8taJ.jpg)

File: 1fc874730da8422⋯.jpg (1.59 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7X3cSJVkAAglKP.jpg)

File: 1a7e31af6ddc4d7⋯.jpg (1.94 MB, 4096x2510, 2048:1255, E7X3e1KVIAQiLwO.jpg)

File: ead2cc84e6a4464⋯.jpg (1.74 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7X3hd9VoAIQr1k.jpg)

>>14119998

Defence Minister Peter Dutton Tweets

Earlier this week I visited some of our Australian and multinational troops participating in Talisman Sabre.

https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP/status/1420313527085015044

I first visited HMAS Canberra to witness Australian and US personnel practice joint amphibious warfare skills; followed by observing soldiers of 3rd Brigade conducting urban battle procedures.

https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP/status/1420313538480902147

The day concluded with a BBQ at RAAF Base Amberley where it was great to speak with RAAF and Army members and to hear from them about their experiences.

https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP/status/1420313550409539588

Our troops are doing great work; we all should be so incredibly proud.

https://twitter.com/PeterDutton_MP/status/1420313560379392004

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14220962

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

TikTok: Data mining, discrimination and dangerous content on the wildly popular app | Four Corners

ABC News In-depth

Jul 28, 2021

TikTok is a phenomenally successful social media platform with more than a billion users scrolling through its endless feeds.

But there is a dark side to the world’s most popular app and a major investigation has uncovered disturbing evidence about how the app operates.

A joint investigation by Four Corners and triple j youth current affairs radio show Hack shows how dangerous content is being served up to unwitting users with sometimes devastating consequences.

Some users accuse TikTok of operating an inherently racist feed that has seen people of colour and disability, effectively muted and marginalised for failing to meet the app’s view of perfection.

Central to the app’s success is data mining, which enables TikTok to harvest vast amounts of information, including facial recognition, to know anything and everything about its users.

Owned by Chinese firm ByteDance, security analysts warn that countries need to take the national security implications of data mining far more seriously and recognise what is going on behind the fun videos.

Read more:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-26/tiktok-algorithm-dangerous-eating-disorder-content-censorship/100277134

TikTok's full statement to Four Corners can be found here:

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21016477-tiktok-statement-to-4-corners

#TikTok #FourCorners #documentary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwu5C8JWO_k

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

d6e0f4  No.14221070

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wsNXQb0TGlI

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228351

File: 1d90532d41492a2⋯.jpg (573.53 KB, 825x1129, 825:1129, DOD_8.jpg)

File: c9471eca3802398⋯.jpg (2.54 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7at14xXMAc5SDE.jpg)

File: 732ca11cfae0e89⋯.jpg (3.23 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7at3fCXoAYezkn.jpg)

File: eaa3e28ce276cae⋯.jpg (2.32 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7at4h7WYAI5QO.jpg)

File: d747f9ae042a627⋯.jpg (2.46 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7at5etXEAMQOiQ.jpg)

>>14119998

Department of Defence Tweet

4…3…2…1…green-light, go!

Yesterday, @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers jumped out of an #AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise #TalismanSabre.

https://bit. ly/3f8Wj8B

@USArmy

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1420513942363852807

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228354

File: 2f172c7c2646dd2⋯.jpg (255.51 KB, 1200x828, 100:69, Alaskan_based_United_State….jpg)

>>14228351

Paratroopers in the skies over Queensland

Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - 28 July 2021

The massive cargo hold of the Aussie C-17A Globemaster III is surprisingly silent.

Alaskan-based US Army soldiers rest their helmet-clad heads on their folded arms and parachutes, falling immediately asleep.

A few simply stare forward, patiently waiting to fall hundreds of feet in only a short two hours’ time.

The mood is sombre, quiet, peaceful and completely at odds with what is about to take place over Charters Towers, Queensland.

When asked what goes through his mind before he conducts a jump, Specialist Diaz, one of the US Army paratroopers sitting quietly while his team sleeps, says it is his family.

"I think about my wife,” Specialist Diaz says over the drone of the aircraft engines.

“To calm my nerves and prepare for the operation mentally.”

This is all part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21), the biggest bilateral exercise that the US and Australia have conducted every two years since 2005.

In previous iterations of the exercise, the United States paratroopers flew 18 hours from Alaska before dropping out of the aircraft and running straight into the exercise.

However, this year, more than 100 US Army personnel have flown from RAAF Base Darwin on two C-17A aircraft, after having completed their 14-day COVID quarantine, to drop into Queensland and run straight into the exercise.

Back in the aircraft, two short hours after take-off, the energy has changed completely.

The C-17A is flying low, heading fast towards the drop-zone. Turbulence shakes the cargo hold where all paratroopers are now standing, attached to a line running the length of the aircraft, going through their checks.

“Six minutes out,” bellows the jumpmaster. “Hook up, check static lines!”

As the minutes tick down, the paratroopers pat each other down, chanting their drills.

As the seconds dwindle, the Australian loadmaster raises his fingers in the air, his voice muffled over the loud roar of the open side door. Over the radio, the pilots begin to countdown.

“Four…three…two…one…green-light, go!”

Rushing out the side door, they step outside into the open Queensland sky, their heavy field packs attached to their fronts, parachutes billowing out the back one after the other.

From the ground, a line of parachutes descends across the horizon, slowly trailing the C-17A.

Over the headset, the pilot once again counts down the seconds until the drop zone disappears from view.

“Five more seconds,” his voice crackles across the static. “…Four, three, two, one…red light!

The loadmaster slams the side doors closed, as more than 100 United States paratroopers disappear into the exercise below. Another Exercise Talisman Sabre training serial complete.

The TS21 action continues:

witter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/paratroopers-skies-over-queensland

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228362

File: bfd54ac982576c4⋯.jpg (476.86 KB, 825x1228, 825:1228, USAP_1.jpg)

File: 6aed5f57e12f87d⋯.mp4 (807.23 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, zy8QFuscGM_2vCLO.mp4)

>>14119998

>>14228351

U.S. Army Pacific Tweet

#HappeningNow We did it!

Another great jump & this time we’re in @TalismanSabre #Australia!

@USArmyAlaska #paratroopers jumped onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone during #TalismanSabre2021

#AlliesandPartners #TS21 #airborne #LGOP @USArmy @INDOPACOM @DeptDefence #YourADF #AATW

'Spartan Brigade’ paratroopers jump over Queensland, Australia

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) paratroopers with the jump onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 in Australia.

https://twitter.com/USARPAC/status/1420257631516647426

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228622

File: 04199c571952dd7⋯.jpg (520.86 KB, 825x1092, 275:364, TS_22.jpg)

File: df1dab63fe95fac⋯.jpg (2.57 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7XClRvXEAEedXk.jpg)

File: d608125a7f45e3a⋯.jpg (1.41 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7XCl36X0AM_XFQ.jpg)

File: 51cd19e7d3dfc4c⋯.jpg (1.31 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7XCmclXsAErnv4.jpg)

File: 0387465f158e979⋯.jpg (1.45 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7XCm4gWYAEbmDz.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Strengthening our alliances

Check it out - #YourADF's integration with international partners is on show at #TS21 in the form of a multi-domain strike.

http://bit. ly/2V7TuO4

#AlliesAndPartners @USMC @USArmy @USNavy @royalmarines @AusAirForce @AustralianArmy

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1420255235927330816

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/striking-new-way

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228626

File: 400a9749d34323a⋯.jpg (104.16 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Gunner_Nathan_Wood_of_the_….jpg)

>>14228622

Striking in a new way

Petty Officer Jake Badior - 22 July 2021

It’s the ADF’s newest joint warfighting concept and it’s on show at this year’s Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21) in a big way.

Multi-domain strike is the synchronisation of effects in the traditional operating domains of maritime, land and air, with the newer domains of space and information/cyberspace.

It’s a potent way of operating for the ADF and an important aspect of training with partner forces, according to Colonel Effects Deployable Joint Force Headquarters Colonel Corey Shillabeer.

“When faced with a potential adversary, multi-domain strike means we can create multiple dilemmas in all domains, either simultaneously or sequentially, as required,” Colonel Shillabeer said.

“If there is a need to destroy a high-value target, first we might aim to dislocate so adversary forces cannot respond to our actions.

“We may do this by disrupting their communication systems while utilising kinetic means to destroy other aspects of the adversary force.

“Australia has always performed well as a joint warfighting force – however, rarely will we operate alone. Interoperability with our partners is important.”

Commanding Officer Task Force Fires United States Marine Corps (USMC) Lieutenant Colonel Roe Lemons said TS21 was a fantastic way to integrate US and Australian forces and further strengthen the alliance.

“With our strong partnership and alliance, we are able to seamlessly integrate our common tactics, techniques and procedures, our equipment and cross-train on the same systems,” Lieutenant Colonel Lemons said.

“A lot of our forces, myself included, have fought alongside Australian troops in Iraq and Afghanistan – it’s one of the strongest allies we have and we’re just making it stronger.”

The live-fire exercise involved naval gunfire from HMA Ships Ballarat and Parramatta, USS Rafael Peralta and Japanese Ship Makinami.

There was no shortage of air support from RAAF F/A-18A Hornets, USMC F-35B Lightning II, Army’s Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopters, USMC AH-1Z Viper and UH-1 Hueys, as well as aerial surveillance provided by the Shadow unmanned aerial system.

The land-based strike elements included the Australian Army’s RBS 70 man-portable air defence system, combined Australian Army and USMC M777 self-propelled Howitzer batteries, US Patriot surface-to-air missiles and the US Army’s and USMC’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System.

Behind the scenes, the information, cyber and space effects complemented the kinetic actions.

“First, we need the ability to find, fix, track and then target the adversary using intelligence and sensors before engaging any threat to friendly forces,” Colonel Shillabeer said.

“If we can continue to rehearse and practice our interoperability between forces and across domains, we are likely to maintain an advantage against any potential adversary.”

The interoperability, intelligence sharing, and technological cooperation between Australia, the United States and other international partners is critical to Australia’s national security.

Get the latest Exercise Talisman Sabre action here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/striking-new-way

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228786

File: 4d439f49fa30ff7⋯.webm (9.55 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Scott_Morrison_on_how_Aus….webm)

>>14020199

>>14035752

Lockdowns to end once 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated against COVID-19

abc.net.au - 30 July 2021

All but the most highly targeted lockdowns will end and the country will begin to reopen its international borders once 80 per cent of eligible Australians are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

The country remains in the first stage of the government's four-stage plan to return to normal, which seeks to suppress the virus using lockdowns as the primary tool.

Mr Morrison says phase B, the 'transition phase', will begin when the adult population has reached 70 per cent of people fully vaccinated, and a state wanting to move to the next stage would also have reached that target.

At that stage, case numbers would be less important for determining whether that state or territory imposed restrictions, he said.

Instead, it would be based on hospitalisations.

"Lockdowns in phase B are less likely, but they are possible … in targeted cases and more targeted cases, they may be necessary in those circumstances, but they are not something that you would normally expect because of the much higher level of vaccination and protection that exists within the country," Mr Morrison said.

Restrictions on vaccinated people would be eased in phase B, but international border caps and low numbers of international arrivals would remain.

International travel begins again at 80 per cent vaccination rate

Once 80 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, COVID-19 will begin to be treated more like a seasonal flu, Mr Morrison said.

At that point there would be no more lockdowns, except for "highly targeted" lockdowns of vulnerable communities, caps on returning vaccinated travellers would be abolished, and vaccinated people would be allowed to leave the country, he said.

A travel bubble would be extended to other vaccinated countries.

"There will be a gradual reopening of inward and outbound international travel with safe countries, those that have the same sort of vaccination levels that Australia," Mr Morrison said.

States and territories will be able to move into a next stage when the national average for vaccinations, as well as that state or territory’s own average, meets the relevant vaccination threshold.

"We have to take each step together, and that starts with walking in the door of that vaccine clinic and seeing that GP, that pharmacist, the state hub, and getting that vaccine," Mr Morrison said.

"Each step you take towards that is a step that Australia takes to where we all want to get to."

The final phase, where life returns to "almost" normal, has not got a vaccination target, as it is still "too hard to say what the situation will be down the track".

The targets had been agreed on in principle by National Cabinet, he said.

Children are not being counted as part of the total vaccination target that the country needs to reach, but Mr Morrison said children were still included in the government's vaccine rollout.

He also said there would be no set dates at which the country would move into a next phase, and so no 'Freedom Day' of reopening in the country as in the UK.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-30/national-cabinet-update-covid19-support-vaccine-targets/100338334

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228831

File: 4dfc1c7acd28b8b⋯.jpg (60.06 KB, 890x534, 5:3, NSW_police_commissioner_Mi….jpg)

>>14206651

Covid case linked to Sydney’s anti-lockdown protest investigated for breaching self-isolation rules

NSW police say a 35-year-old man fined ahead of last Saturday’s rally was not at his residence and found at another household in western Sydney

Michael McGowan - 30 Jul 2021

A man who was fined by New South Wales police in the lead-up to last Saturday’s protest later tested positive for Covid-19 and was found to be not isolating at his western Sydney home.

As the NSW police commissioner Mick Fuller warned people not to attend another anti-lockdown protest planned for Sydney on Saturday, police also revealed a case linked to last Saturday’s demonstration was being investigated for a possible breach of self-isolation rules.

Fuller initially told media on Friday that the 35-year-old from Granville had attended a work site after testing positive for Covid-19, but police later clarified to say the man, while not at his home, had instead been found at another household in Constitution Hill in western Sydney.

Police revealed the man had been stopped at Central station last Saturday as part of a “proactive operation targeting those attending last week’s protest”. The protest saw some 3,500 people gather in Sydney to protest against lockdown rules.

While a police spokeswoman said it was understood the man had been stopped before attending the protest, he was fined $1,000 for being “in breach of the current stay at home orders”.

The man tested positive for Covid-19 the next day, and then, on Friday, was found to not be at his home during a police compliance check.

“This morning, police attended the man’s residence at Granville to conduct a compliance check, where they were initially told the man was at a work site in Parramatta,” police said.

“Subsequent inquiries revealed the man was not at work but was located at a home at Constitution Hill.”

“Investigations are continuing.”

It comes as Fuller told ABC radio on Friday that overseas groups had “absolutely” played a role in organising last Saturday’s protest which led to dozens of people being arrested and hundreds fined after violent clashes with police.

Guardian Australia revealed a German-based conspiracy group helped to drive the anti-lockdown protests.

“Our intelligence agencies through the counter terror unit are reaching out to our Five Eyes partners, we know that extreme left and extreme right groups [were] represented on Saturday,” he said.

Fuller said protesters were using “encrypted messaging platforms”, although the protests were largely planned on the messaging site Telegram.

“On Saturday there were some decent people who turned out thinking this [is] a normal protests [but] they were hijacked by these violent thugs, I guess you’d call them,” he said.

Fuller also defended the use of the Australian defence force in western Sydney as part of the attempt to control the city’s Covid outbreak, despite NSW initially rejecting support from the military.

He said ADF personnel would be working on “compliance” with NSW police.

“I understand people are frustrated by any health order but the reality is we’re not winning the fight against this virus,” he said.

He said Saturday’s protesters would be met by more than 1,000 police officers and if the protest was moved to another part of Sydney the police were ready.

The NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that people attending could be giving their families a death sentence.

“Can I please warn against anybody taking up illegal activity and protesting tomorrow,” she said. “You could be taking the disease home and passing it on to your parents, your siblings, your brothers and sisters or anybody you might have limited contact with.

“Do not give those you love the most a death sentence.”

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/jul/30/covid-case-linked-to-sydneys-anti-lockdown-protest-investigated-for-breaching-self-isolation-rules

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228845

File: fabe4666df6674a⋯.jpg (74.58 KB, 1024x576, 16:9, Authorities_are_looking_at….jpg)

>>14206651

Eyes on foreign actors in lockdown rallies

Georgie Moore - 30 July 2021

Intelligence officials are looking at the role of foreign actors in stirring up Australian anti-lockdown rallies.

Dozens of people were arrested and more than 250 fined following violent weekend rallies, including in COVID-hit Sydney.

They were promoted by the German-based Worldwide Demonstration group on Facebook and had reported links to QAnon.

A senior national security official told a Senate committee on Friday the rallies might be considered an example of foreign interference.

"Anti-lockdown protests, if they were amplified clandestinely by an online foreign actor, then that would deem to be foreign interference by my reading," Lachlan Colquhoun said.

The Department of Home Affairs said it was unaware of any substantiated and coordinated disinformation campaign targeting Australia that would constitute foreign interference.

It had referred more than 1735 instances of misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic to social media platforms in the six months to June.

"We've certainly seen instances where, in the extremist context, COVID-related narratives including misinformation is playing out," the department's Richard Johnson said.

Facebook told the committee it was working to "aggressively combat misinformation about COVID and about vaccines generally".

"Some of the protests from last weekend are front of mind for us. There's lots we're monitoring this space," Facebook's head of public policy in Australia Josh Machin said.

The platform last year took down 110,000 pieces of COVID-19 misinformation originating from Australia.

Globally, it has removed about 18 million posts propagating misinformation since the start of the pandemic and slapped a "false" label to 167 million posts.

Facebook cautioned misinformation campaigns sponsored by foreign actors weren't the only risk, with domestic players also looking to manipulate public debate at home.

"We're seeing actors that otherwise wouldn't have the resources or the skills to run an influence operation hiring a firm to do that for them," said the platform's global head of security policy, Nathaniel Gleicher.

"As you're thinking about your upcoming elections, being aware of this tool that could be used domestically is important."

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller confirmed intelligence agencies were looking into how overseas actors stirred up Australia's weekend protests.

"On Saturday, there were some decent people who turned up thinking this was just a normal protest," he told ABC radio.

"They were hijacked by these violent thugs.

"There is certainly, in terms of those left and right movements, influence from around the world."

https://thewest.com.au/business/media/eyes-on-foreign-actors-in-lockdown-rallies-c-3550763

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228864

File: 0db0ae3afc3e9c8⋯.jpg (89.37 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Alan_Tudge_says_he_is_cons….jpg)

Students face cash loss for Australian Defence Force ban: Alan Tudge

RICHARD FERGUSON - JULY 30, 2021

Education Minister Alan Tudge is considering cutting off funding to student organisations that ­attempt to stop the airing of views they oppose on campus.

Mr Tudge’s proposal to extend a free-speech code for academics to campus associations comes as students at the Australian National University moved to block the Australian Defence Force from a university market.

The ANU Student Association said this week it would not allow the ADF and anti-abortion organisations to open a stall at an induction day for new students at Canberra’s leading university, despite letting them do so at a similar event months before.

The ANUSA’s snub of the military has angered Morrison government ministers, who say it is another case of progressive student unions limiting free and open debate on campus.

Mr Tudge told The Australian he was considering ways to block student unions that impede free speech from taking compulsory student fees which fund their services on campus, and tying them to a model code of free speech that now applies only to university administrators and staff.

“It is one thing for some fringe students to have a pacifist view of the world, but quite another for the university’s student association, using compulsory student fees, to place a political lens over who they serve,” he said.

“It is particularly appalling that they would reject the Australian Defence Force, purely on a political basis. They are one of the most revered institutions in Australia … What’s more, they have had a very strong association with ANU for decades.

“I am going to look more carefully at how we prevent compulsory acquired student fees being used in an overtly political manner. This might include insisting that student associations be subject to a similar free-speech code that we are asking universities to adopt.”

Mr Tudge has made freedom of speech a priority since he took over as Education Minister late last year, and has already said he would legislate the model code on academic free speech if it is not adopted by all universities by the end of the year.

Universities across Australia have been embroiled in censorship scandals over the past two years on issues ranging from China to climate change.

Student unions have been at the forefront of an international push to pursue progressive causes, including the taking down of colonial statues on campuses and the cancellation of lecturers who do not adhere to mainstream campus opinion.

The ANUSA told the university’s student magazine, Woroni, earlier this week the ADF would not be permitted to this week’s Market Day due to complaints that involving the armed forces contravened student union policy not to back militarism. The union also told the student publication pro-life organisations would not be part of the event, after complaints an anti-abortion stall was placed next to a feminist group at a similar market in January.

A union spokeswoman said the ADF and pro-life groups had not applied to appear at the campus and that invitations were limited.

“Invitations to external stallholders are always limited, particularly so in the midst of Covid-19 restrictions,” she said.

“ANUSA did not receive an application for a stall from the ADF or any known pro-life group for this Bush Week. As such, we have not rejected any applications from these groups.”

When asked if she had said this week the ADF would not be allowed to be part of the day, the ANUSA refused to deny it.

A spokesman for the ANU distanced the university from the student union and its ADF blockage on Thursday, arguing it had no power to intervene.

“ANUSA is an independent organisation that sits separate and apart from ANU. Decisions about their clubs and events are for them,” he said.

Pacific Minister Zed Seselja, a senator for the ACT, said the university should not put up with attacks against the ADF.

“These are the people who secure our freedoms so we can enjoy opportunities like going to university and having free speech,” he said on Thursday.

“It’s time our university leadership acted to protect freedom of speech on campus.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/students-face-cash-loss-for-australian-defence-force-ban-alan-tudge/news-story/e513100d84b4c8f1d7a1bf922cfd3610

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228943

File: d7be5af3343abd0⋯.jpg (67.93 KB, 850x584, 425:292, Cardinal_George_Pell_holds….jpg)

File: 5c16340e3999ad3⋯.jpg (40.26 KB, 850x568, 425:284, Cardinal_George_Pell_the_t….jpg)

File: daa7acdb34a7f47⋯.jpg (142.07 KB, 1000x1500, 2:3, Prison_Journal_Volume_2_Th….jpg)

Cardinal George Pell - Prison Journal, Volume 2 Book Review: Televangelists, Christ’s Passion and solitary confinement

Michael E Daniel - July 30, 2021

1/2

A standard work on many secondary school English syllabi is To Kill a Mockingbird.

The average student reading this work in a liberal democracy such as Australia, which values the rule of law and a rigorous judicial process, is typically stunned and disgusted at how the accused Tom Robinson could possibly be found guilty of the crime with which he is charged, when the evidence clearly indicates that such a verdict is unreasonable.

Sadly, George Cardinal Pell, formerly Archbishop of Melbourne and of Sydney, and more recently Prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy (2014 – 2019) at the Vatican, was imprisoned for crimes for which he should never have been found guilty.

This is the most recently published volume in a three volume set, and covers the period from the start of Week 21 (Sunday 14 July 2019) to the end of Week 40 (Saturday 30 November 2019) of his imprisonment.

As the subtitle of this volume indicates, this covers the period leading up to the appeal before the Court of Appeal in Victoria, its decision to uphold the initial verdict, and the period following it.

One simply cannot imagine what Pell, a man who should never have been found guilty in the first place, endured during his 404 days of incarceration.

Given the nature of the crimes of which he was found guilty – namely the sexual abuse of minors – Pell typically spent 23 out of every 24 hours in his cell for his own protection, with short exercise periods outside his cell away from other prisoners.

This meant that his contact with fellow human beings, something most of us take for granted, was denied to him.

The portrait of Pell that emerges from his reflections is of a man of deep faith, whose faith sustained him. Central to his faith life is the person of Jesus Christ.

As Pell came to terms with the trauma of his appeal being rejected by the Court of Appeal in Victoria, he reflected on the sufferings of Christ, uniting his suffering to Christ’s sufferings.

For example, he makes frequent references to the scripture passages and works from the Church Fathers and other Christian writers in the Office of Readings. In many instances, these became for him a catalyst for reflection on his experience of imprisonment as well as on the wider church and society.

This spiritual reading was complemented by reflections/sermons written by Sr Mary McGlone, an American religious, which Sr Mary O’Shannassy, the prison chaplain brought to Pell in her weekly visit, during which she conducted a para-liturgy at which he received Holy Communion.

Pell openly states that being unable to celebrate Mass whilst in prison was a spiritual burden he had to endure. Furthermore, in the 20 week period this volume covers, he was able to attend Mass only once by special arrangement.

Pell was able to draw spiritual comfort from viewing Mass for You at Home, aired at 6am on a Sunday morning; however, it was not until he was given an alarm clock by one of the prison wardens that he was able to wake up consistently in time for the early morning screening. He usually watched the preaching of two evangelical preachers, Pastor Brian Houston (Hillsong Church) and Joseph Prince, noting that he preferred Prince’s overall approach as it was more explicitly Christocentric.

He critiqued their messages, identifying points in their sermons with which he agreed, and disagreed. However, Pell does so charitably and acknowledges that both men are formidable preachers.

One thing he notes is that both preachers draw extensively from the Old Testament. This reviewer found the descriptions of the eclectic clothing ensembles worn by Joseph Prince amusing and had the sense that Pell did as well – hence his recording of such details.

References are also made to various documentaries watched by Pell, particularly those of an historical nature, on channels such as SBS.

A keen football fan, Pell also records the various football matches he watched on his TV.

Extensive reference is made to the correspondence he received throughout the course of his incarceration, from correspondents across the globe. Virtually all the letters and cards he received were encouraging, and served to boost his morale. Pell also notes the visits from lawyers, family members and friends.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228952

File: 5c28be7aed15129⋯.jpg (352.42 KB, 852x496, 213:124, Q_2590.jpg)

File: c6ad8342828bf77⋯.jpg (186.64 KB, 852x455, 852:455, Q_2594.jpg)

File: 1d68db16bbd941e⋯.jpg (545.06 KB, 847x876, 847:876, Q_2894.jpg)

>>14228943

2/2

The image of Cardinal Pell presented in the pages of the journal is different from that portrayed by various sections of the media – namely an intolerant and cold curmudgeon.

Instead, the Pell of the prison journal is a man of deep compassion and concern for his fellow human beings, including fellow prisoners, many of whom are sadly affected by hard drugs; a man of deep humility, reflected for example in his acknowledgement of his human frailties and weaknesses, such as various physical infirmities.

He is also a man of deep gratitude, reflected not only in the way he describes his interactions with the prison staff, but also the way he expresses in the pages of his journal his appreciation for small things such as extra snacks given to him, and the opportunities to sweep out his cell and the exercise yard.

Pell’s empathy for suffering people is also manifested by the way in which he reached out to fellow prisoners who wrote to him, including those who asked for spiritual advice, writing extensive replies to them.

Questions have been raised by some commentators as to the extent that Pell presents his innermost thoughts in the pages of the journal.

Whilst there is some evidence that the author may subsequently have edited portions of the text – for example on more than one occasion, Pell states that he will develop an idea briefly mentioned in a future reflection – there is the sense when reading this volume and the preceding one that there has been minimal editing, and that the readers are provided with the journal as written by the author in prison.

For example, the author identifies the occasions on which he had to endure the indignity of being randomly strip searched; similarly, the mundane details of his daily life recorded on almost every page such as how many squares of chocolate from a chocolate bar he consumed, are reflective of authentic life experiences.

Because such details suggest that only superficial editing has been done at a latter date, the readers can be confident that they are reading Pell’s thoughts and responses.

Prison Journal, Volume 2 is an engaging and moving read.

It ranks with other literature written by people of faith who suffered imprisonment, including Walter Ciszek, Francis Xavier Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan and Thomas More, and may prove – with the test of time – to be a spiritual classic.

However, one cannot do justice to this work by reading large chunks of it over two or three sittings in the same way that one may read a novel or a work of history.

Instead, it demands of readers to read it slowly, section by section, and reflect upon the ideas that the author raises and discusses. It would thus be a suitable basis for spiritual reading. This work is highly recommended.

https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/prison-journal-volume-2-book-review-televangelists-christs-passion-and-solitary-confinement/

https://qanon.pub/?q=Pell

https://qanon.pub/?q=pecking

https://qanon.pub/?q=cardinal-george-pell

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14228975

File: 49cfe0148272e2a⋯.jpg (54.45 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Ben_Roberts_Smith_has_told….jpg)

File: 911bafc7513c8ef⋯.jpg (278.85 KB, 1082x816, 541:408, The_incident_was_alleged_t….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith trial hears from Afghan witness who says 'big soldier' kicked man into creek

Jamie McKinnell - 30 July 2021

A second Afghan villager has told the defamation trial of Ben Roberts-Smith that he saw a "big soldier" kick a handcuffed man into a creek bed during a 2012 raid.

The war veteran is suing three newspapers in the Federal Court, claiming he was defamed by stories published in 2018 which included allegations that he comitted war crimes in Afghanistan.

The court has this week been hearing from residents of the village of Darwan, where Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) operators conducted a mission in September 2012.

A central allegation in stories published by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times was that Mr Roberts-Smith kicked an unarmed, handcuffed farmer named Ali Jan over a cliff.

Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of two of the papers, alleges he then entered into an agreement that Ali Jan be executed before soldiers covered it up.

Mr Roberts-Smith denies the allegations.

Darwan resident Shahzada Aka, who was giving evidence via video link from Kabul, today told the court he heard planes arrive on the day of the raid and saw soldiers making their way through the village.

He said he saw his oldest son, Mohammed Hanifa, and Ali Jan both with their hands tied behind their backs, recalling there was a "big soldier" within the group.

"I saw Ali Jan, Ali Jan's hands were tied up and they made him stand up," he said through an interpreter.

"Ali Jan was facing the soldier and then the soldier kicked him and he went down."

Nicholas Owens SC, for Nine, asked where Ali Jan had fallen.

"Maybe you call it a river, he fell down there, and then the trees we didn't see him because the tree blocked him from our sight."

Mr Aka said before the soldiers got in an aircraft, they warned him not to move until they had left.

He then found Ali Jan's body near a cornfield and said he had been shot in the jaw, chest and arm.

Mr Roberts-Smith has told the court a man killed near a cornfield during the Darwan mission was legitimately engaged as a suspected Taliban lookout.

Earlier this week, Mr Hanifa also described a "big soldier" who was present as he was interrogated and who kicked his relative, Ali Jan, hard in the chest.

"He was rolling down, rolling down, until he reached the river," the witness said.

Mr Hanifa said he then heard a shot and saw two soldiers "dragging" Ali Jan.

Both Mr Hanifa and his neighbour, Man Gul, were shown a photograph of Ali Jan's body.

They both said a radio and other equipment shown in the photograph must have been placed on the body by the soldiers, and denied Ali Jan had any links to the Taliban.

Mr Gul said Ali Jan could not have known how to operate a device like the one in the photo because he didn't even know how to use a watch.

The trial before Justice Anthony Besanko continues.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-30/nsw-ben-roberts-smith-defamation-trial-afghan-witness/100337518

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229001

File: 85549cef7102a3b⋯.jpg (123.27 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, There_are_occasional_momen….jpg)

Epstein’s Shadow: How Ghislaine Maxwell went from socialite to inmate

GRAEME BLUNDELL - JULY 30, 2021

1/2

Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell is proving popular viewing and is part of the so-called true crime boom across the TV streaming services. This boom has arisen to satisfy an increasing interest not only in grisly events involving serial killers and seemingly unpremeditated murders but also the problems caused by police brutality, corporate greed, government corruption and human rights violations.

Most of all we love stories of character; those investigative narratives where real lives are interfered with, real ongoing criminal cases, which sift through evidence, the filmmakers standing in for us creating something whole from fragments of story.

There seems to be a genuine desire to better understand why people act – and react – as they do in extreme circumstances, and why they contribute to, or even create, the terrible situations in which they find themselves.

Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell is directed by Barbara Shearer, a 20-year veteran reality producer who got her break with an HBO documentary called Women Who Love Killers, about those who fall in love with and, in many cases, marry convicted murderers. Shearer’s latest film is the three-part inside story of Ghislaine Maxwell, a woman who suffered an extraordinary fall from grace.

She is, of course, the British socialite on remand in a notoriously tough detention centre in Brooklyn, New York, with guards at the facility checking in on her every 15 minutes at night by shining a torch against the roof of her cell to make sure she is breathing.

She faces six counts including sex-trafficking of a minor and sex-trafficking conspiracy, as she allegedly procured underage girls for financier Jeffrey Epstein and his high-powered friends to sexually abuse. There are a further two charges relating to allegations of perjury in 2016. And newer charges allege Maxwell recruited a 14-year-old girl to provide Epstein with sexualised massages between 2001 and 2004. The girl allegedly was paid hundreds of dollars in cash in return and was encouraged to recruit other young women.

Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to the sex trafficking and other charges.

This is one of those true-crime documentary series that exerts a kind of cloying fascination, exploring mysterious real-life cases of sex, greed, mendacity, betrayal, financial perfidy and murder lurking inside some of the world’s richest homes.

Just how do these people get away with such things? How was it possible for a sexual predator such as Epstein to act with such impunity for so long? Was he in fact aided by his powerful friends, some of whom were possibly involved in what has been called his “pyramid of sexual abuse”? And just who was the woman at his side, the elusive presence who remained so mysterious after he was arrested, seemingly allowed to hide from public view.

Shearer takes a fast and furious look at the life and times of Maxwell, following the investigation and the resolution so far, drawing us to the crossover between celebrity and justice. She calls her approach “colouring in the lights”, fascinated by the way “so many people didn’t even know the name until she was arrested, yet she had been with him for more than 20 years’’. The first episode details Maxwell’s evolution, the second her trajectory and the third her downfall.

Maxwell, the daughter of media mogul Robert Maxwell, a ruthless Czech-born Holocaust survivor and war hero, was in a relationship with the financier in the 1990s. Shearer points to similarities between the two men, both having come from impoverished backgrounds, insatiably drawn to money, many of their business dealings unethical, both manipulative egomaniacs.

Epstein’s primary co-conspirator, Maxwell allegedly introduced him to wealthy and powerful figures including Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew. Writer Anna Pasternak, a university friend, suggests that “Ghislaine set her sights on Jeffrey Epstein, who could give her the lifestyle she’d become accustomed to”.

As the series shows, Maxwell was the Oxford-educated life of the party, constantly photographed with the rich and famous, from Mick Jagger to Naomi Campbell. “She ran with the fast crowd; Ghislaine was just impossible fun,” says the rather woebegone Christopher Mason, a key interview subject and former friend, sitting forlornly on a sofa into which he almost disappears. “She was able to figure out the comedic potential of everyone at the table so she could have you in stitches.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229003

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14229001

2/2

Shearer starts her investigation with a terrific opening sequence where Maxwell, head down, a large furry hood obscuring her features, walks quickly down a Manhattan street, hands jammed into her pockets. Horns blare loudly. A reporter traipses along beside her holding out her microphone, trying to keep pace. “Have you anything to say?” she manages to say breathlessly. “Happy New Year,” drawls Maxwell in a well-bred accent. “Have you spoken to Prince Andrew?” Maxwell answers, face hidden, “I made a statement, thank you.” The politeness is biting, the sense of superiority withering; she’s obviously too bright and far too entitled to be entangled in any tabloid sordidness.

For all the recent publicity, Maxwell has remained enigmatic, not only Epstein’s shadow but a somewhat ghostly presence in his evil schemes, so complex, so bizarre, they might have emerged from a Michael Connelly novel. “You’ve got a woman who has been written about and we know has connections to a man who is very much talked about, and yet she’s still a mystery,” says executive producer Emma Cooper, another documentary veteran, who likes to shine a forensic light on high-profile cases.

When she and Shearer were approached about the series they were driven by the invisibility that seemed to cloak Maxwell. Their starting question: “Who is she and how come there’s so little that we know about her?”

The idea is to attempt to find a context through Maxwell’s life for the whole repugnant affair. How did a daughter of entitlement – her father also died under strange circumstances – become involved with a sex trafficker? The incongruity is gold for a biographer and Shearer is an experienced filmmaker in this area, expert at imposing the illusion of order on random events.

Shearer investigates whether in fact it was Maxwell’s class background that habituated her to the alleged criminality, a young woman who seemed to need to be constantly surrounded by powerful men. As her Oxford contemporary Pasternak says: “She was daddy’s little girl. But it all went wrong when daddy turned out to be a crook.”

Shearer’s series is relatively conventional in its approach, mainly a parade of talking heads, interviews with former friends, journalists, lawyers, business associates and alleged victims, “a mosaic which is pretty well-rounded”, according to Cooper.

And it is too. Shearer and her collaborators somewhat relentlessly pile on the details at a propulsive pace, the producers looking for “overlapping testimony” from the 30 on-camera interviews. Many “former friends” understandably refused to co-operate, some even buying the copyright to photos in London and New York to remove pictures from the market that shows them with Ghislaine or Epstein.

There’s also rare footage of the Maxwell family and previously unseen photos along with unsealed court depositions. Interviewees include Prince Andrew’s former girlfriend, Lady Victoria Hervey, former close friend Mason and alleged victim Maria Farmer. And there’s fascinating footage of Maxwell unearthed from a 1992 interview in Central Park. This interview gives some idea of the cryptic mysteries and secrets she carries within her as she’s asked about happiness.

There are occasional moments of odd humour to assuage the sordid monstrousness of the tale. Early in the first episode, there’s a clever, rather witty montage of various newsreaders and commentators struggling to pronounce Ghislaine, the “h” giving them all the terrors. And the soundtrack matches the urgency of Shearer’s presentation of the material, pressing and a little tense, nothing bombastic but simply allowing viewers to determine a scene’s mood or subtext.

It’s certainly a compelling tale of privilege, power and hubris, demonstrating rather graphically what the acerbic Dominick Dunne, that wonderful chronicler of the misdeeds of the rich in his various TV shows, called “the ugly part of being famous”.

There’s also an enticing sense of what crime writer James Ellroy calls “fragrant disorder” about this series that makes it so utterly alluring and takes us to the centre of that scary danse macabre, where the law in the US is such a part of the entertainment industry.

Farmer, one of the most vocal of Epstein’s alleged victims, should have the last word, having spent so much time with Maxwell. “These are the wealthiest people in the world and they have the most power,’’ she says.

“There’s only one way that they don’t get away with everything and that’s if they are killed. So either she gets away with everything, or she gets killed.”

Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell is streaming on Stan.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/epsteins-shadow-how-ghislaine-maxwell-went-from-socialite-to-inmate/news-story/6fd418e5a67ba7cafc0c2ef942142e4e

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6jcVR6COKM

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229018

File: d2b7d13565680cc⋯.jpg (144.66 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, The_US_is_the_super_spread….jpg)

The US is the super spreader of coronavirus and political virus

Xin Ping - Jul 29, 2021

1/2

When coronavirus hits the US, some politicians choose to surrender and collude with it. While working haltingly on containment, some people in the US, mostly without any scientific background, have been hyping up the "China lab accident" hypothesis. But in the China Part of the global study of origins of the coronavirus convened by the WHO, this pathway of emergence has been rated "extremely unlikely" after thorough review on data and evidence.

This is not the first time the US has insisted on going down a misguided path at the wrong time. Back in 2003, the US invaded Iraq with a tube of detergent as the proof for weapons of mass destruction held by the Middle East country. The 18 years since only made the US more unscrupulous. From using counter-terrorism as the pretext for raking in resources and geopolitical interests, it is now engaged in a terror-making campaign.

Muzzle voices of reason

Many Americans have been either muzzled, investigated or dismissed from their posts just because they told the truth about COVID-19 that the authorities don't like. Dr. Helen Y. Chu, a whistle-blower, sounded the alarm on the epidemic in the US, but was ordered to "cease and desist" and "stop testing". Adam Witt, a nurse, was barred from the medical center he worked for after going public with workplace concerns about coronavirus precautions. Captain Brett Crozier of aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt wrote to Navy leaders to evacuate and quarantine most of the sailors on board after three crew members were tested positive, only to be relieved of duty for losing the "trust and confidence" of their superiors.

Even Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top medical expert in the US, was lambasted by the previous administration and is still under attacks by some US politicians trying to force through conspiracy theories. The only way to evade the violent acts is to clam up about the truth. Indeed, some in the WHO and world scientists are adjusting themselves to the new reality.

Attack China with a whole-of-government approach

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said that the new US administration has generally continued its predecessor's extreme and erroneous China policy. This seems to be proved by the US stand on origin tracing of COVID-19. Despite the partisan gulf on most policies, Democrats keep with them the anti-China playbook compiled by some Republicans and have been going "tough" on China, including hyping up the lab leak theory pushed by former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Following the line of the "presumption of guilt", the new US administration has entrusted its intelligence community to rummage through for evidence that shows the virus was leaked from or manufactured by China.

The US also went so far as to spread lies at different levels in its government about China's lack of "transparency and openness" by fabricating infections at the Wuhan Institute of Virology or in a mine in Southwest Yunnan Province without providing the names or any other supportive details. When unfounded claims from the US are debunked one after another with facts, the state-sponsored machine is working against the clock to churn out new disinformation. The aim is clear: to glorify the US by defaming China.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229022

File: d4ebd8434c6cdd7⋯.jpg (161.22 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, US_slandering_China_over_C….jpg)

>>14229018

2/2

Super spreader of virus

The US has long been the country with the most confirmed COVID-19 cases. On top of the 35 million confirmed cases at home, the country has registered the highest number of over 611,000 deaths.

But it is not just the Americans that are suffering from the inadequate response by the US government. The lack of effective border control has led to international spread through cross-border travels. An Israeli study by Tel Aviv University in May 2020 showed 70 percent of the local virus strains originated from the US. Similarly, 35 percent of the imported cases in the Republic of Korea came from the US, according to reports in February this year.

Countries in the Americas bear the brunt of transmissions in another way. From March to September, the US deported 160,000 illegal immigrants, many of whom had lived in shabby shelters that could have undetected cluster cases and crossed the U.S. border without any testing or quarantine. Guatemala, for example, saw 50 percent to 7 percent of its deported citizens from the US confirmed with COVID-19.

Considering the mysteries shrouding Fort Detrick, the hundreds of lab mistakes, safety violations and near-miss incidents occurred in bio-labs coast to coast in recent years and more than 200 labs run overseas, the US is deeply involved in furtive operations posing significant health and security risks.

The US COVID-19 response has made it the super coronavirus spreader poisoning the whole world, be its scientific research, international cooperation or the protection of people's fundamental rights to survival. Out of self-interests driven by politics, the US has also become the super spreader of political virus, spreading stigmatization such as "China virus". Moreover, some US politicians have made personal attacks and verbal threats against some outspoken scientists. Some media outlets commented that the above practices of the US are tantamount to origin-tracing terrorism. All this makes the US unqualified to talk of "responsibility" and ashamed to make human rights lectures.

The author is a commentator on international affairs, writing regularly for Global Times, China Daily, etc. He can be reached at xinping604@gmail.com

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1230004.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229033

File: 8581294563bc792⋯.jpg (184.95 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, UK_shouldn_t_tempt_own_fat….jpg)

UK shouldn’t tempt own fate in South China Sea: Global Times editorial

Global Times - Jul 29, 2021

1/2

The UK's Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group on Sunday entered the South China Sea through the Strait of Malacca. It has not so far done anything particular that can attract the focus of public attention. The Washington Examiner, a US right-wing media outlet, on July 23 published an article which said, "The question of whether the 'special relationship' between Britain and the US is truly all that special… much depends on a 12-mile test in the South China Sea - more specifically, whether or not Prime Minister Boris Johnson sends a British warship within 12 miles of artificial Chinese territory." Earlier, the UK said Britain is not looking for a "confrontation." Instead, it is to "exercise its right to freedom of navigation," according to BBC.

The Queen Elizabeth carrier strike group's navigation to the South China Sea was the UK's effort to show its presence in the region. We seriously warn this group: They are obliged to remain restrained and obey the rules. Please follow the current international shipping lanes and stay at least 12 nautical miles away from the Chinese islands and reefs.

US warships have repeatedly entered the 12 nautical miles of the Chinese islands illegally in the South China Sea. So far, China has remained restrained to the largest extent. Yet it does not mean we will tolerate such provocations in the long term, nor does it mean that US allies can learn from the dangerous posture of the US. China is likely to escalate its attempts to expel the warships at any time. In the future, stopping such intrusive behavior that violates China's territorial waters is a struggle China is destined to intensify.

We advise US allies to be particularly cautious, keep a sufficient distance from China's red lines, and refrain from pushing ahead. They must be bluntly told that if their warships rampantly behave as the US military does in the South China Sea, they will more likely become an example of China defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity - just as a popular Chinese phrase indicates: To execute one as a warning to a hundred.

Needless to say, China has been strengthening its military capabilities in the South China Sea. These do not only involve the deployment of warships to the region, but also systematic military preparations. The distance between hot-spot regions in the South China Sea and the Chinese mainland is ideal for the use of China's various mid-range missiles. It would be wrong if the US and its followers just count who has more aircraft carriers and fighters in the region. Those aircraft carriers would be very vulnerable to extreme military conflicts.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14229036

File: 01ca11192f95fc4⋯.jpg (84.85 KB, 800x480, 5:3, The_comprehensive_supply_s….jpg)

>>14229033

2/2

The South China Sea is an international maritime transport channel, and its freedom of navigation has historically been fully realized. Under international law, warships, including those of the US and its allies, have been able to pass through the South China Sea unimpeded. But if those ships want to exert geopolitical pressure and build a wall to contain China along those shipping lines, those warships will face a confrontation from China. And the intensity of the confrontation is bound to increase constantly.

The very idea of a British presence in the South China Sea is dangerous. We respect the right of passage in the South China Sea granted by international law to military forces of all countries, including the UK.

However, if London tries to establish a military presence in the region with geopolitical significance, it will only disrupt the status quo in the region. And the UK simply does not have the ability to reshape the pattern in the South China Sea. To be precise, if the UK wants to play the role of bullying China in the region, it is demeaning itself. And if there is any real action against China, it is looking for a defeat.

We should also give such advice to Australia and Japan. For the international community, first of all, there is a shipping lane in the South China Sea. And then there are territorial disputes between different regional countries. As for disputes, China and other countries in the region are working to reach a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea to peacefully resolve or effectively manage those differences. In short, that is a matter between regional countries. Countries outside the region should only use the lane, instead of initiatively engaging in disputes.

The US wants to "play a role" in the South China Sea, which shows its hegemony and has made the region a new front line of the contest between great powers. Here in the South China Sea, China will end the struggle between hegemony and anti-hegemony forces with the US. All other countries outside the region are advised to stay away from this confrontation to avoid "accidental injury."

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1230053.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233531

File: 7ffc364ab275b09⋯.jpg (284.26 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0001.jpg)

File: eff2ad09276a1af⋯.jpg (361.96 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0003.jpg)

File: 43676f9996fe703⋯.jpg (486.05 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 00004.jpg)

File: d0373017e9fb7fb⋯.jpg (495.72 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0005.jpg)

File: 5235441a193f8f9⋯.pdf (2.06 MB, nap_combat_modern_slavery_….pdf)

ABF & AFP stand with victims for World Day Against Trafficking In Persons

Australian Border Force - 30-07-2021

The Australian Border Force (ABF) leads the whole-of-government response to modern slavery, working in close partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and other government agencies, and collaborating with international partners, civil society, business, unions and academia.

Today is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This year’s theme, Victims’ Voices Lead the Way, highlights the importance of listening to and learning from victims and survivors.

In Australia, the term ‘modern slavery’ refers to a range of serious exploitative practices, including human trafficking, slavery, slavery-like practices, and the worst forms of child labour. While each of these practices are distinct, they all involve the manipulation of complex relationships between an offender and a victim, and undermine a victim’s personal freedom and ability to make choices for themselves.

Australia is committed to a future where the human rights of all people are valued equally and no one is subjected to modern slavery. The National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25 provides the strategic framework for Australia’s response, and is supported by a Government commitment of $10.6 million for implementation. Through the National Action Plan, the Government aims to actively prevent and combat all forms of modern slavery wherever it occurs, while supporting, protecting and empowering victims and survivors.

ABF Group Manager Customs, Vanessa Holben said victims and survivors are at the centre of the Government’s response to modern slavery.

“The Government provides a dedicated Support for Trafficked People Program, and a visa framework that enables suspected victims and survivors of modern slavery to remain lawfully in Australia to receive support and assist with criminal investigations.”

“Our work under the National Action Plan is guided by the principle that the voices of victims and survivors, particularly women and children, inform our responses to modern slavery,” says Ms Holben. “We look forward to developing a Victim and Survivor Engagement and Empowerment Strategy to further embed victims’ and survivors’ voices.”

Other key aspects of the Government’s response include a new multi-year grant program to fund projects and research to combat modern slavery in Australia, and the implementation of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 to drive positive change by holding businesses publicly accountable for their actions to address modern slavery in their global supply chains.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Northern Command Lesa Gale said human trafficking is happening right here in Australia in 2021.

“Human trafficking, debt bondage, servitude and other forms of exploitation and slavery are not a thing of the past that only happen on the TV, it happens right here in our own backyard, often in plain sight.

“People subjected to human trafficking and slavery like offences suffer the most heinous treatment including; physical, psychological and sexual assaults, deprivation of food, money and breaches of basic human rights and freedoms.”

“Due to the actions of the AFP and our partners thirty people have been convicted of human trafficking offences in Australia since the criminalisation of human trafficking and slavery like practices in 2014,” Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

Between July 2020 and June 2021, 224 suspected instances of modern slavery were reported to the AFP. This included 79 reports of forced marriage, 42 reports of sexual exploitation and 35 cases of forced labour. Twelve of these reports involved children.

However, research estimates that for every victim and survivor detected in Australia, four remain undetected.

The general public has an important role to play in combating modern slavery. If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, these serious crimes, you can use the AFP’s confidential online form to report this:

https://forms.afp.gov.au/online_forms/human_trafficking_form

If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

Learn more about the red flags (known as indicators), which could suggest the occurrence of modern slavery, on the AFP’s website:

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/human-trafficking/human-trafficking-slavery-indicators

https://newsroom.abf.gov.au/releases/abf-afp-stand-with-victims-for-world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/files/nap-combat-modern-slavery-2020-25.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233549

File: 121a0b9a4dfa49a⋯.webm (13.16 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Op_Eastwater.webm)

>>14233531

Victims’ voices lead the way on World Day against Trafficking in Persons

Australian Federal Police - 30 July 2021

The Australian Federal Police champions the need to listen and learn from victims of human trafficking and modern slavery in seeking justice and calls on the public not to turn a blind eye to the signs of these crimes.

Victims are at the heart of the AFP’s response to Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery; and the AFP is are committed to helping every victim achieve their desired outcome.

In a Victim Impact Statement provided to the court following the conviction of a Sydney man in March of this year, a victim of exit trafficking told of the severe impact on her life and her young daughter.

"Because of his actions, I live in constant fear and stress knowing the lengths he will go to find us and harm us. This fear and stress impacts my physical, emotional and mental health," she said.

"Because of his actions and threats, I am constantly worried about my daughter. I worry about this every day. I am always thinking about how to keep my daughter safe. This is very stressful for me. Ordinary things like going out to the shops or to the park has become more difficult because I fear for our safety."

AFP Assistant Commissioner Northern Command Lesa Gale said human trafficking is happening right here in Australia in 2021.

“Human trafficking, debt bondage, servitude and other forms of exploitation and slavery are not a thing of the past that only happen on the TV, it happens right here in our own backyard, often in plain sight.

“People subjected to human trafficking and slavery like offences suffer the most heinous treatment including; physical, psychological and sexual assaults, deprivation of food, money and breaches of basic human rights and freedoms.”

“Due to the actions of the AFP and our partners thirty people have been convicted of human trafficking offences in Australia since the criminalisation of human trafficking and slavery like practices in 2014,” Assistant Commissioner Gale said.

In particular this year has seen significant landmark outcomes; earlier this month, a 53-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man received jail sentences after being convicted of keeping a woman in forced labour at their Mount Waverley home for nearly nine years.

The court heard the couple kept the Indian women in squalid conditions where she was forced to cook, clean, and care for the couple's children over an eight-year period before she collapsed and was taken to hospital, weighing just 40 kilograms.

On June 25 2021, a 39-year-old woman and a 47-year-old man were sentenced to imprisonment for slavery like offences after keeping a woman in forced labour at their Sydney home and business over three years.

ABF Group Manager Customs, Vanessa Holben said victims and survivors are at the centre of the Government’s response to modern slavery.

“The Government provides a dedicated Support for Trafficked People Program, and a visa framework that enables suspected victims and survivors of modern slavery to remain lawfully in Australia to receive support and assist with criminal investigations.”

“Our work under the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25 is guided by the principle that the voices of victims and survivors, particularly women and children, inform our responses to modern slavery,” says Ms Holben. “We look forward to developing a Victim and Survivor Engagement and Empowerment Strategy to further embed victims’ and survivors’ voices.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233576

File: c2fba28ae3e4022⋯.jpg (523.26 KB, 1676x1019, 1676:1019, Image_01.JPG)

File: 519ab04629ca687⋯.jpg (648.05 KB, 1983x1140, 661:380, Image_02.JPG)

File: 21cf170af7e0598⋯.jpg (790.48 KB, 2492x1356, 623:339, Image_03.JPG)

File: 739a4bc8cb1c604⋯.jpg (910.21 KB, 2490x1494, 5:3, Image_04.JPG)

>>14233549

2/2

In the 2020-21 financial year, the AFP received 224 reports of modern slavery, including:

• 79 reports of forced marriage,

• 42 reports of sexual servitude and exploitation,

• 35 reports of forced labour,

• 28 reports of trafficking in persons,

• 15 reports of domestic servitude,

• two reports of deceptive recruiting,

• twelve of trafficking in children,

• four of debt bondage,

• six reports of slavery.

In March this year, AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM led the signing of all Australian Police Commissioner’s to the National Policing Protocol to Combat Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This agreement commits all Australian Police Services to a national framework to combat all forms of human trafficking and slavery and represents unified partnerships to Australia’s fight against trafficking in persons across all police jurisdictions.

The general public has an important role to play and anyone can come across indicators of modern slavery and human trafficking, which include:

• appearing to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others,

• not having access to personal identification,

• appearing frightened, withdrawn, or showing signs of physical or psychological abuse,

• being dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times, i.e. very early or late at night.

If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form:

https://forms.afp.gov.au/online_forms/human_trafficking_form

If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

Join the conversation online by using the hashtags #EndHumanTrafficking.

NOTES TO MEDIA:

The National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25 sets the strategic direction of the Australia Government’s work to combat modern slavery over the next five years.

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/files/nap-combat-modern-slavery-2020-25.pdf

The Support for Trafficked People Program is a key component of Australia’s response to support victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.

If you or someone you know is being exploited, help is available. For information and confidential advice please contact Australian Red Cross. Call (03) 9345 1800 or visit:

https://www.redcross.org.au/stpp

A list of signs to identify potential human trafficking and slavery in Australia are available on the AFP website:

https://www.afp.gov.au/what-we-do/crime-types/human-trafficking/human-trafficking-slavery-indicators

Editor’s note: Footage of an example of human trafficking available on Hightail:

https://spaces.hightail.com/space/1zy1ucfmld

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/victims%E2%80%99-voices-lead-way-world-day-against-trafficking-persons

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233633

File: a5bd41b65ba51f7⋯.jpg (78.43 KB, 590x396, 295:198, _Blackbirding_South_Sea_Is….jpg)

File: 23eaccf29090bc0⋯.jpg (91.36 KB, 940x627, 940:627, _Buried_in_the_padock_Paci….jpg)

File: 8036a19041c9f17⋯.jpg (132.93 KB, 1024x682, 512:341, Aunty_Coral_Walker.jpg)

Queensland mayor issues historic apology over blackbirding slavery of Pacific Islanders

Johanna Marie and Stephanie Doole - 30 July 2021

The stone walls that stretch along Bundaberg's farms are a stark and lasting reminder of the history of slavery in the region, but today the community takes a step forward to begin the healing process.

In an Australian first, Bundaberg's mayor is issuing a formal apology to the region's South Sea Islander community for the practice of blackbirding.

Blackbirding refers to the indentured labour system between the 1860s and early 1900s, when 62,000 people from the South Sea Islands were trafficked to Queensland to work on the state's cane fields.

"To say sorry is a start in the healing and the hope for a better relationship going forward," Mayor Jack Dempsey said.

"It is something that needs to be done to be able to show that we have an understanding of the pain and suffering … and the harshness of people's lives that were devastated."

Forced into squalor and fear

Aunty Coral Walker, the president of the Bundaberg South Sea Islanders Heritage Association, said her relatives were stolen from the Epi and Tanna Islands in Vanuatu and brought to Queensland in the 1800s.

"They had to suffer when they were blackbirded over here. They were stolen," she said.

"They were shoved into the ship and they had to live in squalor. They had to abide by the treatment, otherwise they would have been thrown overboard and eaten by sharks or washed up or drowned."

Aunty Coral said they were subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment and many died while working on cane farms.

"They dropped in the field … even mothers and children."

"Women had their babies while working on the paddock and kept on working.

"Or if they died, they were buried in the paddock where they were working or next to the fence."

Landmarks of blackbirding

There are significant sites sprawled across the Bundaberg region that serve as a reminder of the slavery days, including the popular Basin swimming hole at Bargara.

"There's a basin where the stone walls [were built by] the Kanakas for all the non-Indigenous women and their children to swim, so that they were free from sharks and whatever else was in the water," Aunty Coral said.

She said the apology was a step forward.

"I'm thinking about my mother and my brother and my aunties who have all passed on," she said.

"It would have meant a lot to them because they were a part of that era where they knew about blackbirding."

Mayor Dempsey said the apology was long overdue.

"The community has been crying out for this; families have been crying out for it for years," he said.

"Bundaberg can be the first in Australia to say sorry and the first to be able to recognise and to be able to have a relationship with Vanuatu."

Bundaberg has signed a "Sister City" agreement with Luganville in Vanuatu, with the country's flag to be raised for the first time during a ceremony outside the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Mayor Dempsey said the partnership was forged with the purpose of promoting cultural and commercial ties.

"We'll look at all areas from agriculture to tourism to safety … from a council perspective looking at their water and sewerage and so forth," he said.

"If we can help, that's what it's all about."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-30/queensland-mayor-sorry-blackbirding-south-seas-slavery/100333302

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233699

File: a63370877cb958d⋯.webm (10.05 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Bundaberg_s_mayor_makes_h….webm)

>>14233633

7NEWS Facebook Post

Bundaberg's mayor makes historic apology to South Sea Islanders for their mistreatment in the early 1900s

30 July 2021

Bundaberg's mayor has made a historic apology to South Sea Islanders, for their mistreatment in the early 1900s.

Nearly 60,000 people were trafficked from the South Pacific to Queensland to work in the state's cane fields.

https://www.facebook.com/7NEWSWideBay/videos/bundabergs-mayor-makes-historic-apology-to-south-sea-islanders-for-their-mistrea/188993999923705/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14233997

File: 9850113f0980e4f⋯.jpg (62.53 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Monica_Smit_in_image_from_….jpg)

File: 9cd97326eedaff4⋯.jpg (148.97 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Anti_lockdown_protesters_i….jpg)

>>14206651

‘Freedom’ activists aim to harness anger for new political party

Richard Baker, Noel Towell and Simone Fox Koob - July 31, 2021

1/2

Two months ago, the founder of Reignite Democracy Australia, Monica Smit, whipped up a Sydney crowd by issuing a threat to the nation’s “corrupt, lazy politicians”.

“We are absolutely sick of paying to watch you destroy this country. And your free ride is over … we’re coming for your job,” the leader of the anti-lockdown and COVID-19 conspiracy group said. “The federal election is coming up, and we are going to be there.”

Last Saturday, thousands of maskless protesters, a disparate group including supporters of Reignite Democracy, took to the streets of locked-down Melbourne and Sydney. While many protesters were peaceful, the rallies resulted in violent clashes with police. Victorian and NSW police are preparing for protests this weekend.

While the protesters have a grab-bag of issues, some are starting to organise, believing they can have political influence. The demonstrations were condemned by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, premiers and many in the broader public, but some activists spent this week basking in the “success” of last weekend’s rallies and calling for the next planned “Worldwide Rally for Freedom” event to be brought forward from September.

While it did not organise last weekend’s rallies, Reignite Democracy Australia, now a fledgling political party that first came to attention during Victoria’s long winter lockdown last year, has organised a series of “community social gatherings” at 40 locations in Victoria this weekend. “We have a window of freedom so we’re striking while the iron is hot to create as many community groups as possible,” Ms Smit said in a post on her website.

The group has an application before the Australian Electoral Commission to be registered as a political party and has plans to field candidates for both houses of Parliament at the next federal election who will run on a core promise of “freedom” – freedom of speech, the end of COVID-related restrictions and lockdowns, and the right of the unvaccinated not to be discriminated against.

Ms Smit, who registered Reignite Democracy Australia as a proprietary limited company last September, is the group’s highest-profile figure.

But the party has also added to the executive Esther Baker, the former Victorian One Nation Party president; former Pizza Hut franchisee Miles Rozman; political activist and journalist Morgan C Jonas; and small-businesswoman Charelle Ainslie.

Reignite Democracy Australia this week advertised for people with “high-level broadcasting experience” to get in touch, with Ms Smit posting on its website that she had a “big dream” to start a media outlet, involving TV, radio and print.

Mr Rozman, who is party president, told The Saturday Age discussions about election strategy – including with like-minded parties – were under way, but any announcements would be premature.

Experts say these ambitions may be fanciful. Rallying those frustrated by Australia’s willingness to lock down to restrict the spread of COVID-19 into action is one thing; harnessing those disparate groups that make up the “freedom” protest crowd into a united, organised political force is a greater challenge.

Those attending the protests include a loose coalition of far-right, conspiracy and libertarian groups. These groups have relied upon encrypted messaging app Telegram and other social media platforms to communicate, motivate and mobilise. Reignite Democracy has 14,000 subscribers to its Telegram account.

While some messaging around the protest events can be extreme, messaging between many supporters show them expressing frustration about their daily lives – unemployment, family stresses and concerns about their children.

These worries are punctuated by militaristic calls for action from extreme corners, with some participants urging each other to be part of a “massive mobilisation of the citizenry”. Some key figures within the movement (none of those named in this article) this week drew comparisons with the Anzacs.

“The ANZACs were in the trenches fighting for freedom,” said one group member. “We are in cancel culture fighting for the same thing. We aren’t made for the trenches but I doubt the ANZACs would want to live through this era either.”

Another said: “I’m ready to go to jail, I’m ready to go to war and I’m ready to battle until death and protect my god’s given gift of birth rights.”

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who fears more trouble on Sydney’s streets on Saturday, confirmed on Friday that his force’s counterterrorism command and national security agencies were working with the international Five Eyes intelligence network to investigate the involvement of overseas extremist groups in organising last weekend’s protests.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14234012

File: 6714042c3ee72e3⋯.jpg (136.77 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Large_crowds_of_protesters….jpg)

>>14233997

2/2

There is no suggestion that Reignite Democracy Australia or any of those named are linked to overseas extremists or are part of the investigation Mr Fuller spoke about on Friday.

Australia’s best-known micro-party strategist, Glenn Druery, told The Age Reignite Democracy would find it difficult to distil the divergent views of those protesting against lockdowns into a coherent political movement.

“You’ve got anti-vaxxer crackpots, you’ve got extreme anarchists, some religious types and some more moderates all coming from different angles,” Mr Druery said, adding that he would not work as a consultant for the new party because he could not endorse many of its philosophies.

He said it would be highly unlikely that any Reignite Democracy Australia candidate could win a Senate position. However, he said the party could have an influence via the distribution of preferences if it targeted a handful of marginal Coalition seats in Melbourne and western Sydney, places where people are fatigued by lockdowns.

“The vaccine rollout has been a complete mess and is the most obvious target for why we keep getting put back into lockdown. So you’d be hammering that failure day in, day out,” he said. “But then again, a lot of those who might be supportive of Reignite are also anti-vaxxers. They don’t want to be vaccinated. This is one of the difficulties in uniting them.”

On vaccination, the party states that it is pro-choice. Among its online merchandise for sale is a “you can say no” sticker featuring a needle and a mask. It is also selling “RDA Freedom Fighter” and “Immune building not distancing” T-shirts.

Dr Timothy Graham, a senior lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology who studies the role of social media in the protests, said the ideologies of those involved varied and the movement has attracted groups of people who would traditionally be opposed on many issues.

”Some of the other key camps which are kind of new players are wellness groups, a kind of demographic which doesn’t kind of fit necessarily in with what we know about QAnon and far right groups,” Dr Graham said, adding that a smaller grouping in the protests was made up of individuals wanting to vent frustration and who believed doing something was better than nothing.

Despite their different perspectives and priorities, the protest groups were finding common ground on the issues of choice and freedom, Dr Graham said. He said the use of social media within the “freedom” movement had become increasingly sophisticated in the past 18 months and reflected a “much more solidified and organised mobilisation”.

David Limbrick, the Liberal Democrat member of the Victorian Parliament arrested at a Melbourne anti-lockdown protest in November, is also sceptical that Reignite Democracy or any of its associated groups could get candidates elected.

But the libertarian MP says the movement is set to make its presence felt on electoral politics in other ways, citing recent “defections” to his own party from disaffected Liberals in NSW and the Liberal National Party in Queensland.

His party is another outfit which sees a role for itself in the looming debate about mandatory vaccinations and vaccine passports.

“We were sliding into a situation that was unthinkable a couple of years ago, that we’re going to start restricting people’s liberties simply because they’re human,” Mr Limbrick said.

“This is a terrible state of affairs; the authoritarian creep is out of control.”

Independent researcher Cam Smith, who studied the protest phenomenon closely from its first appearance in early to mid-2020, also believes the movement is poised for the next stage in its evolution, fuelled by the vaccination question.

Mr Smith said an arsenal of disinformation resources and techniques, honed over decades by activists opposed to childhood vaccinations, was ready to be redeployed against COVID vaccines.

“There’s this anti-vaccine apparatus that’s been kicking along, sort of uncontested, on social media for quite a long time,” he said. “I think that that’s going to ramp up.”

Ms Smit certainly appears to believe her struggle is entering a new phase.

“We’re really lucky, we have God on our side and you know what? God always wins in the end,” the activist recently told her followers. “So let the games begin.”

https://www.smh.com.au/national/freedom-activists-aim-to-harness-anger-for-new-political-party-20210730-p58edq.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14234802

File: 501c91f9bc47f95⋯.jpg (55.82 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Malka_Leifer_is_accused_of….jpg)

File: 65cafb5d6ff13a2⋯.jpg (114.24 KB, 960x639, 320:213, A_sketch_of_Malka_Leifer_f….jpg)

File: d44bb1720702f07⋯.jpg (290.27 KB, 803x496, 803:496, Where_to_find_help.jpg)

Malka Leifer wants to watch key court hearing via video link, lawyer says

Adam Cooper - July 30, 2021

Accused paedophile Malka Leifer wants to watch the hearing that determines whether she faces trial on a video link from prison rather than attend court in person, her lawyer has said.

Ms Leifer is in custody, on remand, after being charged with abusing three of her then students when she was principal of the Adass Israel School in Elsternwick between 2004 and 2008. She was extradited from Israel earlier this year.

Previous hearings in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court were told the three women who allege they were abused by Ms Leifer want to attend court in person when they give evidence. That hearing, due to start on September 13, will determine whether Ms Leifer faces trial in a higher court.

But it was Ms Leifer’s preference to watch the five-day hearing on a video link from prison, defence lawyer Lucinda Thies told the court on Friday.

“My client is not seeking to be physically present [in court],” Ms Thies told magistrate Johanna Metcalf.

“Indeed it would be her preference to appear via a video link.”

Ms Leifer, 54, was excused from watching Friday’s hearing. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant most court hearings in Victoria are conducted online or via video link but it is possible for some to be held in person.

Ms Leifer faces 74 charges comprising 11 counts of rape, 47 of indecent assault, three of sexual penetration of a child and 13 of committing an indecent act with a child.

She maintains she is innocent.

Charge sheets allege Ms Leifer committed offences in Elsternwick, Elwood, Frankston and Emerald and the regional towns of Blampied and Rawson.

She left Australia for Israel in 2008 when allegations against her emerged. She was charged in 2012 and extradition hearings began in 2014.

The legal fight to have her return to Australia lasted six years and included more than 70 court hearings in Israel.

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

https://www.1800respect.org.au

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/malka-leifer-wants-to-watch-key-court-hearing-via-video-link-lawyer-says-20210730-p58ec4.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14234951

File: ef4ff370af1f408⋯.jpg (33.06 KB, 976x549, 16:9, Denis_Alexander_who_was_co….jpg)

File: fd22b6791b1162c⋯.jpg (70.7 KB, 976x549, 16:9, Alexander_previously_atten….jpg)

Former monk Denis Alexander to be deported after child abuse sentencing

Mark Daly - 30 July 2021

A former monk at a Catholic boarding school has been sentenced to four years and five months in prison for child sexual abuse.

Fr Denis Alexander, 85, pleaded guilty last month to two charges of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices against two boys between 1973 and 1976.

The offences took place at the Fort Augustus Abbey school in the Highlands.

The Australian national's sentence was backdated to January 2017, so is served and he is due to be deported.

Sentencing him at the High Court in Edinburgh, judge Lord Burns said the abuse of vulnerable young boys was in "flagrant disregard" of the principles and beliefs which Alexander was duty bound to follow as a Benedictine monk.

Alexander was first named as a paedophile by a BBC Scotland documentary in 2013.

One of his victims was Hugh Kennedy, now aged 58, who later told the BBC how he was beaten, groomed and sexually abused by Alexander.

Fort Augustus Abbey, at the southern end of Loch Ness, had been a monastery for more than 100 years.

The Benedictine monks who lived there operated a prestigious fee-paying Catholic boarding school, thought of one of the best in the country.

Alexander preyed on the children while teaching history and during yoga classes at the school.

'Gross abuse'

Lord Burns told him: "You have brought lasting shame on the order of which you were a member.

"You plead guilty to the sexual abuse of two young boys who were between 12 and 14 in 1973 until 1976. You were 37 to 40 years of age at the time."

"That abuse is aggravated by the age of your victims and position of trust and authority resulting from your status as a teacher and as a monk."

The judge added: "These vulnerable young boys were entrusted to your care and what you did was a gross abuse of the trust placed in you as a teacher."

The sentencing of Denis "Chrysostom" Alexander brings to an end a long-running search for justice for his victims.

He had firmly denied abuse allegations when I confronted him in Sydney more than eight years ago.

But our BBC Scotland documentary in 2013 sparked a chain of events which led eventually to the Scottish authorities launching a complicated, disputed extradition process.

Alexander fought his extradition every step of the way, dragging out the process for as long as he possibly could.

One of his victims, Hugh Kennedy, who waived his anonymity, had said all he ever wanted was to face his abuser in court.

He finally got his wish earlier his year, when Alexander pleaded guilty to abusing him and one other boy.

The BBC is aware of other former Fort Augustus pupils allegedly abused by Alexander who did not get their day in court.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14234962

File: 13c8d3d77737da3⋯.jpg (85.82 KB, 976x549, 16:9, The_abuse_took_place_at_Fo….jpg)

>>14234951

2/2

Observers of this case are clear that had it not been for the fortitude and determination of Hugh Kennedy, bearing the brunt of the public campaign to bring Alexander to justice, it may never have happened.

Today, Hugh told me he felt "empty, all in," and hopes to start rebuilding his life.

"He hasn't really shown any genuine remorse for what he did to me and the others. He remains the arrogant man I remember him as.

"He could have saved me and the others years of turmoil if he'd only accepted his guilt at the first opportunity."

Alexander was a symbol of the toxic culture at the prestigious Catholic boarding school where he and other monks preyed on children, wrecking lives and abusing their position of trust.

For some former pupils, simply surviving Fort Augustus has been hard enough.

Now there is proper justice for at least a few.

Lord Burns backdated the sentence to 23 January 2017, when Alexander was placed in custody. The judge told him he would be subject to deportation.

Advocate depute Jane Farquharson QC told the court offences committed by Alexander were "a snapshot of what is believed to be wider, systemic abuse of children" within the school and its preparatory school, Carlekemp, also run by the Benedictine Order.

The prosecutor said the school was a subject of the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry during 2019 and the English Benedictine Congregation accepted physical and sexual abuse of children took place. A sincere apology was tendered.

The court heard that one of Alexander's victims had told the headteacher, but the police did not become involved.

Alexander left the school during the 1970s and stopped being a practising Benedictine monk, but remained a priest and moved to Australia.

Ms Farquharson said: "He came to the attention of the police as a result of a BBC documentary screened in the summer of 2013 called Sins of Our Fathers that focused on life within both institutions."

'Significant delays'

The Crown Office requested his extradition in August 2016 and a warrant was issued by an Australian court in January the following year. But Alexander did not consent to his return to Scotland to face justice.

After further legal proceedings, he did not continue to fight the move and came back to the UK in January 2020.

Ms Farquharson said: "Significant delays were occasioned in bringing the accused to Scotland as a result of his opposition to the extradition process."

Defence solicitor advocate Shahid Latif said: "He is sorry and he can do no more than he has done and that is to have pled guilty."

He said that Alexander had been in "a stressful working environment" at the time of the offending and worked long hours, seven days a week.

Alexander watched the sentencing proceedings via a video link to prison. He was placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-58025383

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235081

File: 7e7d0508d193ccc⋯.jpg (99.19 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Defence_Minister_Peter_Dut….jpg)

China warning as ships delayed

CAMERON STEWART - JULY 31, 2021

The construction of the first three of the navy’s nine new frigates will be delayed by up to 18 months, as Defence Minister Peter Dutton warned China’s rise meant Australia could not afford further slippages in the timeline for its new frigates and submarines.

A frustrated Mr Dutton has ­delivered a blunt message to all prime contractors for the $45bn frigate project and the $90bn submarine project, saying Australia cannot allow these crucial projects to drift at a time of growing strategic uncertainty.

His comments came after he publicly confirmed for the first time that construction of the first of the new Hunter-Class frigates had been pushed back by up to a year and a half due to delays in the development of Britain’s Type 26 Frigate, on which the Australian ship design is based.

Under a revised schedule, the delay will be recovered only by the time construction begins on the fourth ship, meaning the first three frigates will now face a delayed introduction into naval service from the early 2030s.

“It is frustrating to see an up-to-18-month delay to the start of construction of ship one, but importantly this delay will be recovered over the term of the project,’ Mr Dutton told The Weekend Australian. “We are making difficult decisions in the national ­interest.

“It is important to note that the Australian changes are not the cause of the delay. The delay is directly related to the UK’s Type 26 design maturity which flows through to our program.”

He warned that Australia could not afford further setbacks in its major naval shipbuilding projects, given the rise of China.

“Our strategic circumstances with regard to the CCP (China) in our region mean I don’t intend to just sit back and let these projects drift,’ he said. “I have delivered a blunt message to all the primes and made it very clear they are to deliver these defence projects on time and on budget.”

Both the plan to build the frigates – the mainstay of Australia’s future fleet – and 12 new French-designed submarines have hit problems early before steel is cut on any of them.

The frigates will be based on Britain’s Type 26 frigate but will be modified to include a US combat system and an Australian radar, among other changes.

However, the development in Britain of the Type 26, which is not yet in service, has been delayed by design and weight problems, as well as by the Covid-related lockdowns in the UK this year.

This has meant the design is still too immature for the Australianised version to proceed as scheduled in Adelaide, and Mr Dutton has accepted advice that a delay of up to 18 months in the first ship would reduce design-related risks for the Hunter-Class boats.

The revised schedule means all nine frigates will still be delivered as originally planned by 2044. However, steel will not be cut on the first ship until 2024. It will not be completed until 2031, and will not enter service until 2033.

There is a concern that the weight of the new Hunter-Class frigates is already too heavy to ­accommodate future upgrades to weapons or other systems, potentially limiting their lifespan as ­effective warships.

The evolving design work on the Hunter-Class has seen the ship’s weight jump from a full displacement weight of 8800 tonnes to more than 10,000 tons.

The vessel’s weight margin – in other words the margin of growth to place future systems on the warship in years to come – is only 270 tonnes, or 3.3 per cent. By contrast the current ANZAC-class frigates had an initial weight margin of growth of 10 per cent, although this was larger than normal because they were built without ­several key systems.

“The risk is you won’t be able to evolve the vessel over its career because essentially you have used up the weight margin to add future systems to it as the threat evolves,” said Marcus Hellyer, a senior defence analyst with the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Craig Lockhart, the managing director of the frigate builder, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, denied the ship was too heavy and said its weight would not detract from its performance. “The Hunter ship … is within the design criteria to meet key whole-ship per­formance characteristics,” he said.

The government recently revealed that the cost of the project had jumped from $35bn to $45bn.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/china-warning-as-ships-delayed/news-story/db1dc3de77043c0cf809a9a8e63a07a5

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235136

File: 4606d9ed7cba037⋯.jpg (73.54 KB, 960x642, 160:107, A_container_ship_unloads_a….jpg)

Samoa's new leader confirms scrapping of China-funded port

Jonathan Barrett - July 30, 2021

SYDNEY, July 30 (Reuters) - The new prime minister of Samoa has confirmed she will cancel a China-backed port project, but hasn't closed the door to China as she navigates a path for the Pacific nation against a backdrop of intensifying regional competition between Beijing and Washington.

Fiame Naomi Mataafa indicated she would only approve investments that had clear benefits for her country as she expressed doubts about the upside for the Pacific in being a pawn in a geopolitical tussle between the two superpowers.

Mataafa said China's interest in the Pacific had grown as the United States effectively "moved out" of the region.

"There seems to be a renewed interest in the Pacific, which may be a good thing, but not necessarily," Mataafa said in an interview over Zoom on Wednesday, days after her election was confirmed, ending a months-long political crisis.

Samoa, an island nation of around 200,000 reliant on subsistence farming, along with tourism, fish, coconut product exports and foreign remittance, has found itself exposed to external geopolitical jostling, as Washington and its allies respond to a more assertive Beijing in Pacific waters that have been largely uncontested since World War Two.

Any foreign involvement in critical infrastructure such as ports and airstrips are particularly sensitive, and China's proposed construction of a wharf in Vaiusu Bay had played a part in April elections.

Samoa's former leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, promised to build the port with Chinese help for $100 million, after a similar project was deemed economically unviable by the Asian Development Bank.

Mataafa told Reuters in May, after her election but before taking office as Malielegaoi disputed the poll result, that she would scrap the project, calling it excessive for a small nation already heavily indebted to China.

China is the single largest creditor in Samoa, accounting for about 40%, or some $160 million, of its external debt.

"We've indicated that would not be a priority for us at this time and that there would be other areas that we would be more interested in," Mataafa told Reuters in an interview on Wednesday.

"I'm pleased the outgoing government had not reached a level of agreement with China where that is set in place."

China's Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that China held preliminary discussions with Samoa on the feasibility of building the port at the request of the former government.

"China always adheres to the principle of mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing in conducting foreign cooperation," the statement said.

"We will continue to strengthen friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields with the new Samoan government in accordance with the above principles to benefit the two countries and peoples."

Mataafa said China had been a long-term partner and her government would assess the relationship in the same way it evaluates all of its bilateral relations.

"I think as a new administration coming in we will do that for China and any other partner that we have," she said.

"China just takes the forefront because of the nature of the work that's being funded. There's a lot of infrastructure, mostly building infrastructure which other donors don't do."

FIRST FEMALE LEADER

Mataafa was confirmed on July 23 as Samoa's first female prime minister, ending a political impasse in place since the April 9 disputed election. Malielegaoi had governed the Pacific island nation for 22 years, making him one of the world's longest serving leaders.

Mataafa said her government would focus on the national budget after the months-long deadlock as the coronavirus pandemic had devastated important industries.

Her elevation to the country's leadership was briefly frustrated by a law, ironically, designed to ensure greater female representation in parliament that led to attempts to add an additional member allied to her rival.

Mataafa said there were ongoing impediments to female participation in politics such as the practice by some villages to deny women chiefly titles, called matai, which is a prerequisite for entering parliament.

"Fundamentally our electoral system was premised on our traditional matai system," she said. "A move away from that would be to seemingly say we want to discard the traditional. What might be better to do is … change peoples' perceptions of tradition."

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samoas-new-leader-confirms-scrapping-china-funded-port-2021-07-30/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235240

File: 5e7772bcece3065⋯.jpg (280.24 KB, 1200x900, 4:3, Ghislaine_Maxwell_appears_….jpg)

File: a6b4e8b1a284a2e⋯.jpg (420.07 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0001.jpg)

File: fc9cee923e615c7⋯.jpg (480.59 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0002.jpg)

File: f9bbff4b4f3fedc⋯.jpg (341.71 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0003.jpg)

File: e632817db2d48b4⋯.pdf (159.97 KB, markuscosbyordersdnyicp.pdf)

>>14035892

U.S. judge tells lawyers in Ghislaine Maxwell case to watch what they say

Jonathan Stempel - July 31, 2021

NEW YORK, July 30 (Reuters) - The U.S. judge overseeing Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case on Friday admonished lawyers not to make out-of-court statements that could taint the British socialite's upcoming sex trafficking trial.

U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan ruled a month after Maxwell lawyer David Markus said the overturning of actor Bill Cosby's sexual assault conviction justified ending Maxwell's prosecution on charges that she groomed and trafficked underage girls for the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Maxwell, 59, has pleaded not guilty to eight charges, and faces up to 80 years in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors said Markus' opinion piece in New York's Daily News violated a court rule against lawyers making "extrajudicial statements" that could taint the jury pool.

Markus said he was not subject to the rule because he was not part of Maxwell's defense team. But the judge noted that Markus had worked on Maxwell's appeals from bail denials, and identified himself as her lawyer when communicating with the press and in the opinion piece.

"These facts mean that the public, which includes potential jurors, may perceive Mr. Markus as an authoritative source of information regarding the pending matter and may readily consider his remarks to be accurate and reliable," Nathan wrote.

The judge also said any lawyers in Maxwell's case, including prosecutors, could be disciplined for violating the court rule.

Markus did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cosby was freed from prison after Pennsylvania's Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's 2005 agreement not to charge him with drugging and assaulting a woman named Andrea Constand, which freed him to testify in her civil lawsuit against him, meant he should not have been criminally charged a decade later.

Maxwell's defense team has said her case is similar because she had been immunized under Epstein's 2007 nonprosecution agreement, but saw prosecutors use her testimony from a 2016 civil lawsuit against her in their criminal case. Prosecutors have denied that Epstein's agreement immunized Maxwell.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-judge-tells-lawyers-ghislaine-maxwell-case-watch-what-they-say-2021-07-30/

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc

https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21030700/markuscosbyordersdnyicp.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235322

File: db0a799410ea347⋯.jpg (29.12 KB, 700x394, 350:197, Epstein_s_victims_hope_jus….jpg)

Jeffrey Epstein stalks his shadowy network of plutocrats from the grave

Why did so many rich and powerful men seek out his advice?

VICKY WARD - JULY 31 2021

1/2

The writer is the host and co-producer, with James Patterson, of the podcast ‘Chasing Ghislaine’

It’s almost two years since the alleged paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was found dead in his jail cell, months before he was due to face trial on charges of trafficking and abusing scores of minors.

His victims, understandably, have said that his untimely death robbed them of justice — which they now hope will be served in the forthcoming trial of Epstein’s alleged accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. (She has denied all charges). But Epstein remains the subject of intense media curiosity, not just because of Maxwell, but also because of his extraordinary, destructive reach into the international plutocracy.

In the manner of a standing pack of cards collapsing from a gentle push, the list of billionaires who have paid a reputational price for their association with Epstein grows, as it confounds.

Some of the names are now widely known: the former retail king Les Wexner who has stepped off the board of L Brands, the company he founded; the founder of Apollo Global Management, Leon Black, who has also stepped down as CEO, after an outside review described how he paid Epstein fees of nearly $160m for tax advice and lent him $30m; the hedge fund manager Glenn Dubin, who faced an allegation in a civil deposition by an alleged Epstein victim, also stepped down from his firm. (All three men have denied any wrongdoing). More recently, it’s been reported that the world’s greatest philanthropist Bill Gates was divorced by his wife Melinda, in part because of his meetings with Epstein.

That Epstein was able to infiltrate such a group raises a fundamental question: what did Epstein, a college dropout who spent only five years at the now-defunct investment bank Bear Stearns, offer that was so apparently irresistible?

The answer lies in the complexity of power and how it can manifest itself. In the last decade of his life, in an effort to rehabilitate his image, given that he was a registered sex-offender, Epstein curated elite, predominantly male salons.

I have been investigating Epstein for nearly two decades. According to my recent reporting Epstein claimed to some of his select guests that he could get them to whoever they needed — quietly. For example he knew Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — and if you doubted this, the Crown Prince’s photograph was hanging on the wall. He said he could get you to Vladimir Putin and to any number of prominent Israelis. He had friends in high places in developing Africa, France, Britain, the Middle East, Japan, and China.

And yet all this convening was done either on offshore islands, or in private rooms, on private trips, or in private planes — in short he was like a private concierge at the world’s most elite male club. Whether or not he really could deliver on everything he promised remains debatable. But astonishingly, given the sophistication of his audience, his followers seem to have believed him.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235329

File: e01d3c5dac36c28⋯.jpg (123 KB, 1024x892, 256:223, The_Man_Behind_Bill_Gates_….jpg)

>>14235322

2/2

One example: over a tea meeting held around 2014 in Epstein’s mansion, Epstein bragged to the journalist Edward Jay Epstein (no relation) that his financial clients included an assortment of African dictators. He also said that he was effectively in control of the deepwater port of Djibouti.

Ed was sceptical: but mid-conversation a butler announced the arrival of Black. “Let Leon wait,” Epstein said. It was 15 minutes, according to Ed, before Epstein wrapped up, leading the veteran journalist to wonder if his host might actually be credible.

We know that Epstein invited Bill Gates to dinner at his New York home in 2011. He also invited the economist Larry Summers and the then JPMorgan banker, Jes Staley. According to someone familiar with Epstein’s thinking, the grouping was a deliberate effort to legitimise Epstein to Gates, whose spokesperson has said he made an “error in judgment” and that Epstein’s “ideas related to philanthropy gave Epstein an undeserved platform”.

Wexner has also said that he was completely deceived by Epstein’s extraordinary “cunning”. According to the retailer, Epstein stole $46m from him. Significantly, Wexner waited until after Epstein’s death to mention the theft publicly.

This is important because one of the vulnerabilities of the 0.001 per cent that Epstein keenly understood — and manipulated — was the power of social humiliation. He told me in 2002 that he’d discovered in the 1980s, when he was working as a self-described bounty hunter, that “when rich people lose money, they don’t want to go to the authorities, they just want it back.”

What he didn’t tell me was how enormously beneficial this insight was to him personally. Over the years, a number of extremely wealthy people or leaders of institutions have told me they or their families had been cheated by Epstein but they remain far too embarrassed to go on the record about it.

All this murky activity speaks to a truth most powerful people won’t readily admit: that while we may think the western world is run via an obvious chain of command, through boardrooms and politicians, this is not the only way that influence works.

There is a whole other socio-economic system at play in the shadows; and billionaires who are now under attack by Epstein, even from the grave, appear to have wanted access to it badly enough to pay a very high price.

https://www.ft.com/content/59405ddc-3ce5-4ca0-b8d7-e95a2029b727

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235380

File: 15809f4a168b670⋯.jpg (565.08 KB, 1440x1080, 4:3, Sarah_Ferguson.jpg)

Sarah Ferguson’s Own History With Jeffrey Epstein May Explain Why She’s So Quick to Defend Prince Andrew

KRISTYN BURTT - JULY 30, 2021

Sarah Ferguson is busy making the rounds promoting her new book, Her Heart for a Compass, but it’s shining the spotlight back on an old topic that seems to keep circling the royal family: Jeffrey Epstein. While much of the talk surrounding the convicted pedophile is with Prince Andrew, Ferguson does have her own complicated history with the sex offender.

The former royal has gone through some notoriously public issues with financial debt, including owing her former personal assistant, Johnny O’Sullivan over $100,000 in salary. With no way to pay off that enormous sum promptly, she turned to Epstein to help settle the issue. As a businessman, he restructured her debt, got O’Sullivan to agree to a $20,000 settlement and Epstein paid off her tab. To make matters even more sinister, this entire deal was arranged by Ferguson’s ex, Prince Andrew.

In 2011, this questionable business dealing came to light, per The Telegraph, and the Duchess of York had to offer a very embarrassing apology. “I, personally, on behalf of myself, deeply regret that Jeffrey Epstein became involved in any way with me,” she said in a statement to the U.K. publication. “I abhor peadophilia and any sexual abuse of children and know that this was a gigantic error of judgment on my behalf. I am just so contrite I cannot say.”

Andrew’s suspicious ties to Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019, created a very convoluted web that the royals got themselves into. But it makes it easy to understand why Ferguson stands by the royal family, no matter how poorly they’ve treated her in the past. And she’s doubling down on her loyalty in her latest press rounds on Good Morning America by sharing that she is a “number one fan of the monarchy” and believes in the “extraordinary steadfastness of the queen.”

But she didn’t stop there, Ferguson wanted to make sure everyone understood that she stands by Prince Andrew’s side, even though they’ve been divorced since 1996. “He is a great man and [our wedding day] was the best day of my life,” she said on the morning show. “I would do it all over again because he was a very good-looking sailor, but I fell in love with him and I think love conquers all.” So if she has any reservations about her ex’s alleged interactions with underage girls procured by Epstein, she isn’t going to share them with us — she is 100% pro-monarchy.

It’s a murky situation that will probably see more headlines and have people asking questions once the sex-trafficking trial of Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s former partner, begins in November. Prince Andrew and Ferguson will have to face their alleged misdeeds once again.

https://www.sheknows.com/entertainment/articles/2475294/sarah-ferguson-jeffrey-epstein-debt-prince-andrew-defense/

https://www.standard.co.uk/hp/front/duchess-of-york-apologises-for-gigantic-error-of-judgement-over-debt-6574623.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235474

File: 48e767b680f4652⋯.jpg (2.66 MB, 2304x1296, 16:9, Supporters_of_President_Do….jpg)

File: 6376a925196e148⋯.jpg (264.18 KB, 771x1200, 257:400, Pastels_and_Pedophiles_Mak….jpg)

Foreign powers amplified QAnon content to sow discord that led to Jan. 6 Capitol riots, extremism expert says

Mia Bloom, co-author of "Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon," speaks with The World's host Marco Werman about the rise of QAnon, a US-based, conspiracy-fueled movement with international reach.

Stephen Snyder - July 30, 2021

1/2

This week, a House Select Committee began its investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

Several police officers like Sgt. Aquilino Gonell gave their testimonies.

"I could feel myself losing oxygen and recall thinking to myself, 'This is how I'm going to die, defending this entrance,'" he said.

Some of the rioters that Gonell and other officers fought at the Capitol were QAnon followers — people who subscribe to the conspiracy theory that asserts Donald Trump as a kind of savior who will defeat Satan-worshiping pedophiles in the so-called "deep state."

Author Mia Bloom studies extremism and terrorism. Her latest book, "Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon," is about the rise of this group, along with co-author Sophia Moskalenko.

Bloom joined The World's host Marco Werman to talk about the rise of QAnon and its international reach.

Marco Werman: I think pretty much everybody has heard of QAnon. But briefly, what is it? How did it start? How big is it?

Mia Bloom: QAnon is one of these baseless conspiracy theories that started from the underbelly of the internet, and the basic premise of QAnon is rehashed and recycled old anti-Semitic tropes, conspiracy theories about the Catholic Church, and that the world is controlled by this global cabal of mostly Democrats, but also Hollywood elites that are trafficking in children.They are raping the children, and then they are drinking their blood. And for the longest time, it was a fringe movement. And then all of a sudden, in March 2020, we saw a 600% increase in the number of people joining these message boards, Facebook groups, Twitter. And so, there was a massive uptick. So now, instead of it being a fringe movement, what we have is as many as 30 million Americans believe that there is a blood-drinking cabal running things.

What happened to QAnon after former President Trump lost the election?

On the one hand, we had some people that were very depressed. We had others that still maintained hope that things were going to work out, that the election results were going to be overturned. And then, there was a third category that we talk about in our book, "Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon," that I wrote with Sophia Moskalenko, where they basically rejected outright everything that had happened. The election had been stolen. And so, we see the move of QAnon from talking about the blood-drinking cabal of pedophiles to Dominion voting machines. This is where we see the lead-up to what happens on Jan. 6.

Is there an original author of QAnon or did it grow organically?

Studies have been done to look at the "Q-drops" and there's almost around 5,000. And what happens is over a period of time, the grammar changes, the spelling changes, capitalization changes. There's a lot of differences that if you were someone who studies language style, it would be pretty obvious these are not the same person the entire time.

What is a Q-drop?

So, the Q-drops are these cryptic messages that originally were left on the message boards, first 4chan and then 8chan. But it was just basically in many ways a puzzle. The reason that's so important is because these Q-drops encourage people to do their own research. People are absolutely adamant that they were not told what to think. They figured it out themselves.But those Q-drops were preceded to lead to a specific conclusion. And so, this is where the psychology of QAnon comes in. As people figured it out for themselves, they felt very good about themselves. They felt very clever. And then, they were the only ones that could see through and figure it out. And then also, it instigates this almost proselytizing instinct that now I have to tell everybody and all of my friends that I'm the one that figured it out and I'm going to share it.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235501

File: e385504336b64e3⋯.jpg (3.26 MB, 1254x4240, 627:2120, CHAPTER_1_LOONY_LIES_AND_C….jpg)

>>14235474

2/2

Let's talk about Jan. 6, the focus of these hearings in Congress. What role did QAnon play in the insurrection?

We were watching the insurrection on a live feed in real-time. And the people who were QAnon supporters were really easy to pick out of the crowd because either they would have a giant Q flag or they might have actually even been wearing a "Q" their chest. And you also had, you know, this very well-known figure, Jake Chansley, who's known as the Q Shaman, you know, with the face paint and the horns and the body tattoos. Right.So, I think there was a perception that this insurrection was exclusively a QAnon insurrection when in fact, the QAnon people seem to have bulked out the crowd, but the most dangerous elements on Jan. 6 were groups that we know, these militia groups, Oath Keepers, Boogaloo, Three Percenters, KKK, Patriot Front. We don't see the vast majority of people who believe in QAnon as the equivalent of ISIS. But if someone is a neo-Nazi or a Patriot Front or an Oath Keeper or Three Percenter, they're already dangerous. If they believe in QAnon, then that's where the problem is.

QAnon is also of interest to us because it appears to have some international connections. The Soufan Group, which looks at extremism and global security, they put out a report that pointed to Russia and China as having weaponized QAnon, that the two governments use social media to sow discord among Americans. Did foreign powers have responsibility in creating QAnon or allowing it to grow?

Absolutely. And in fact, in the book, we talked about and we traced how at the outset, in October of 2017, when you started to have people like Tracy Diaz, or known as "Tracy Beanz," posting about QAnon on her YouTube channel, she would take that Q-drop and walk the viewer through how to figure out what the Q-drop means, connecting it to either something that Donald Trump had said or something that he had tweeted. We know that Russian accounts, the internet research agency that was so involved in the 2016 election, they amplified that content. And now, Russia and China also have QAnon problems. And so, it's almost one of these ironies that while Russia tried to amplify it, now they themselves have to deal with it.

So, you're saying there are QAnon followers in Russia and China. Do they pose a threat to authority there?

Well, there are QAnon followers in 85 different countries. And what's unique about QAnon is its ability to adapt to a new environment and take on a lot of local flavor. There is QAnon in China, there's QAnon in Russia. When they get to a foreign area, they connect with local groups. So, for example, in France, they are allied with the Yellow Jackets movement. In the United Kingdom, they're connected to Brexit. We even have QAnon trying to make in-roads into Israel. And there's a number of Hebrew-language QAnon channels, which is very ironic and interesting because QAnon is really anti-Semitic.

Who else around the globe believes this? I mean, Yellow Vesters and Brexit supporters. Why?

You know, we remarked in the book and how unusual it is for countries that we tend to assume are, if not anti-American, maybe neutral, they still are loving Donald Trump. And so you'll see Trump signs at QAnon anti-vaccine demonstrations in Greece, or in France, or in the UK, and it is a bit of a head-scratcher.

https://www.pri.org/stories/2021-07-30/foreign-powers-amplified-qanon-content-sow-discord-led-jan-6-capitol-riots

https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=34673

https://www.sup.org/books/extra/?id=34673&i=Chapter%201%20Excerpt.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235604

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre 21: US Marines, British Royal Marines, ADF & JGSDF Conducting Amphibious Landing

GEORGEnews

Jul 31, 2021

U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, British Royal Marine Commandos with 40 Commando, Japan Ground Self Defense Force soldiers and Australian Army soldiers with 3rd Royal Australian Regiment conduct an amphibious landing during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 in Ingham, Queensland, Australia, July 29, 2021. Amphibious operations provide a Combined-Joint Force Commander the capability to rapidly project power ashore in support of crisis response at the desired time and location. TS21 supports the Indo-Pacific Pathways initiative to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific by strengthening relationships and building trust and interoperability with allies and partners.

https://george.news

https://www.todaysmilitary.com/military-life/futures-magazine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NeNGAy-TQM

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235614

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

>>14235604

Multi National Amphibious Assault

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 31, 2021

A Multi-National Amphibious Assault was conducted as part of Talisman Sabre 2021. Coalition forces consisting of Royal Marine Commandos, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force, and the Australian Defence Force landed at Forrest Beach near Ingham, Queensland.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF3jMNg4SgM

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235682

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

>>14235604

Joint amphibious landing and air assault - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 30, 2021

Soldiers from the ADF, U.S. Marines, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and Royal Marine Commandos participated in a combined joint amphibious landing and air assault as part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

The troops took to the beaches and streets of Bowen, Queensland as part of simulated battles between two opposing forces. Scenarios included a beach landing, securing of airfields and strategic areas and storming of positions at various locations.

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, aimed to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/international/troops-come-ashore-quiet-beach-final-push

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

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235711

File: 6a4a27af3a0335c⋯.jpg (166.19 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Personnel_from_the_3rd_Bat….jpg)

File: e678d322efb55e3⋯.jpg (152.44 KB, 1200x801, 400:267, An_Australian_light_armour….jpg)

File: 358623695e8fa48⋯.jpg (229.29 KB, 1200x717, 400:239, British_Royal_Marines_land….jpg)

>>14119998

>>14235682

Troops come ashore on quiet beach in final push

Private Jacob Joseph - 30 July 2021

If you were fishing near Forrest Beach, Queensland, over the past month, you might have seen landing craft from HMA Ships Canberra and Choules ferrying troops to shore.

This was part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021.

Hidden from view, however, were the reconnaissance soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR), concealed in the bush, taking notes in preparation for a joint Australian, American, United Kingdom and Japanese assault on the town of Ingham.

At dawn on July 30, the assault began with an amphibious landing.

Ingham resident Garry Fresser sat on a beach chair and watched the silhouetted boats approach the shore against the rising sun.

“Everyone’s sitting doing nothing all the time and then, all of a sudden, something like this happens. It’s almost exciting,” he said.

The Joint Pre-Landing Force had been surveying the beach for days, marking the shoreline with red, blue and green lights in advance of the boats carrying soldiers and their large vehicles to shore.

Marine Matthew Owen, a Royal Marines Commando, was in the first wave of the assault, having spent weeks in HMAS Canberra.

“The landing craft were different to ours,” Marine Owen said.

“It was pretty deep when we got off, though back home they would probably drop us out further.”

Lines of soldiers departed the beach and moved on foot towards the Ingham airfield – their final objective some 20km away – while armoured personnel carriers took a faster route along the road.

Australia, the US and other partner forces used TS21 to strengthen their cooperative military-to-military relationships through the planning and conduct of realistic warfare scenarios across both conventional and cutting-edge battlefields.

The beach landing and assault were some of the final activities for TS21 and certified forces in amphibious operations, according to the Commander of Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, Major General Jake Ellwood.

“These types of skills don’t come easily, they take a lot of training to make sure that our people are highly capable,” Major General Ellwood said.

“You can’t take for granted that you can just do it on the fly; it’s something that must be worked at.”

US Marine Corps Colonel Jeffrey Rule, a US amphibious specialist at the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters, said amphibious operations were “the hardest” to conduct in the military, and even more so when working in a coalition.

“Even when you speak the same language, the cultural differences can be huge, but the only thing harder than that would be working without a coalition,” Colonel Rule said.

“The one thing that Talisman Sabre says is: not only can we fight, we will fight and we will fight together.

“That’s the nature of friendship, and that’s what friends do for each other,” he said.

A special edition Talisman Sabre newspaper will be available on August 2. To subscribe for free, click here:

https://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/

Keep up with the TS21 action here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/troops-come-ashore-quiet-beach-final-push

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235784

File: 141845daf1cd7b3⋯.jpg (541.63 KB, 825x1090, 165:218, TS_23.jpg)

File: 3dfd7a95236a5d5⋯.jpg (2.41 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7f8gOfXIAgW59h.jpg)

File: b8c127b23f27407⋯.jpg (1.28 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7f8hcwWUAEIVx8.jpg)

File: 952a9a8a811fa68⋯.jpg (1.4 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7f8iXUXIAMS4uK.jpg)

File: 57c1455f83756a4⋯.jpg (1.22 MB, 3297x2472, 1099:824, E7f8jHcXMAcKP_W.jpg)

>>14119998

>>14228354

>>14228362

Talisman Sabre Tweet

A picture can tell a thousand words

The calm before the storm is the perfect epitome for the @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers onboard an @AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III, patiently waiting to step out into the open Queensland sky.

bit. ly/3f8Wj8B

#TS21 @USArmy

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1420881893227212801

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14235790

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14235784

From Alaska to Queensland - U.S. paratroopers drop in on Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Jul 30, 2021

United States Army troops from the 3rd Batallion, 509th Infantry Airbourne conducted an airborne assault dropping into 'Kangaroo Dropzone' near Charters Towers, Queensland for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21).

The paratroopers, based in Alaska, jumped from RAAF C-17A Globemaster aircraft, testing interoperability between Australia and the U.S.

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States, aimed to test Australian interoperability with the United States and other participating forces in complex warfighting scenarios. In addition to the United States, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

More here: https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/paratroopers-skies-over-queensland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um-uKaXIdp0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236056

File: 3c458ce37c69552⋯.jpg (575.6 KB, 825x973, 825:973, USN_3.jpg)

File: da505b0e928628b⋯.jpg (1.56 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7keCFUWQAADX4W.jpg)

File: 57a7087c503b66b⋯.jpg (2.14 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7keC_5XsAQ_81_.jpg)

File: 03b828029b0a7f0⋯.jpg (1.45 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7keDlrXEAQkG5r.jpg)

>>14119998

U.S. Navy Tweet

Teamwork makes the dream work for a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific

.@31stMeu and Sailors aboard USS America (LHA 6) conduct an underway replenishment with the Australian Navy's HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) in the Coral Sea, July 27, 2021, as part of @TalismanSabre #NavyPartnerships

https://twitter.com/USNavy/status/1421200214950567938

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236063

File: 4851188fed13b7a⋯.jpg (476.15 KB, 825x1170, 55:78, TS_24.jpg)

File: 81ee372ddac40d2⋯.jpg (110.87 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, E7cTCIgXIAAs38p.jpg)

>>14119998

>>14236056

Talisman Sabre Tweet

Hidden beneath the deep blue sea lurks an unseen threat, keeping sailors alert during #TS21.

@Australian_Navy & @USNavy submarines are disrupting operations during a series of sub-surface training scenarios.

Learn more - bit. ly/3rEQxjZ

#AlliesandPartners

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1420625136831639552

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236071

File: ad194e85adae5cc⋯.jpg (320.19 KB, 1200x676, 300:169, 725_Squadron_s_MH_60R_Rome….jpg)

>>14119998

>>14236063

Submarines add extra layer of realism on Talisman Sabre

Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree - 27 July 2021

Beneath the impressive amphibious landings and multi-national fleet manoeuvres lurked an unseen menace, keeping sailors on their toes during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 (TS21).

Royal Australian Navy submarines HMA Ships Collins and Rankin were on the prowl to disrupt surface-ship operations during a series of attack and interdiction missions. A United States submarine also contributed to the sub-surface training scenario.

Unlike the submarine wolf packs of WWII, today’s subs are lone hunters; dodging sonar and other sensors looking for a torpedo shot.

Australian Navy Captain Peter Bartlett, TS21 Maritime Response Cell, said submarines were a very dangerous adversary when positioned well.

“It does not mean the submarine will always win. There are ways to defeat submarines through manoeuvering and employment of air and surface assets,” he said.

As part of the opposing force for a portion of TS21, subs conducted sea-denial operations against the allied fleet, limiting their freedom of movement on the water’s surface.

This forced surface elements to undertake what Captain Bartlett referred to as the most complex type of maritime warfare – anti-submarine operations.

“That’s because of the environment and the capabilities of modern submarines,” Captain Bartlett said.

“Much of the training is based around the employment of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, as well as surface ships.”

Captain Bartlett said anti-submarine warfare was something surface elements had to perform over extended periods to keep adversaries at bay, with difficulty depending on a variety of conditions.

“It all depends on the environment and the water in which you operate,” Captain Bartlett said.

Submarines also conducted sub-versus-sub training.

The exercise included time to debrief the submarine teams after each serial and apply what they had learned.

“You cannot simulate the anti-submarine warfare training environment to the same extent without [other submarines],” Captain Bartlett said.

“You need a submarine with the thinking, reacting crew to train against.”

A special edition Talisman Sabre newspaper will be available on August 2. To subscribe for free, click here:

https://www.defence.gov.au/Publications/NewsPapers/

Read more TS21 news here:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/talismansabre/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/talismansabre/?hl=en

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - https://www1.defence.gov.au/exercises/talisman-sabre-21

https://news.defence.gov.au/capability/submarines-add-extra-layer-realism-talisman-sabre

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236107

File: d7af04992f4c3a9⋯.jpg (578.67 KB, 825x1089, 25:33, TS_25.jpg)

File: d4bcff2ac4e0435⋯.jpg (2.1 MB, 2731x4096, 2731:4096, E7hi5FvXsAINaSu.jpg)

File: 59531f5f8e77e85⋯.jpg (829.68 KB, 2558x1706, 1279:853, E7hi5rFXsAMfKdY.jpg)

File: 3b1b2fc26e5c31b⋯.jpg (1.48 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7hi6hbWEAIKH7g.jpg)

File: 21993cf726e4609⋯.jpg (2.07 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7hi7cTXEAAbtoR.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

How fitting that today is the #InternationalDayOfFriendship?!

We celebrate all the new mates we have made on #TS21.

Read a story of friendship - bit. ly/3rPQHp2

#AlliesAndPartners #YourADF #TalismanSabre2021 #TalismanSabre

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1420994464491970560

https://news.defence.gov.au/people/making-new-mates-exercise

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236111

File: 8cefcf231c4daf9⋯.jpg (83.72 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Private_Louii_Hornibrook_f….jpg)

>>14119998

>>14236107

Making new mates on exercise

Captain Dan Mazurek - 30 July 2021

Getting to know the Japanese soldiers embarked on HMAS Canberra for Exercise Talisman Sabre (TS21) has been a career highlight for Australian-Japanese soldier Private Louii Hornibrook, from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment.

“We’ve been swapping rat packs, comparing training, you know,” Private Hornibrook said after a solid physical training session on the ship’s light vehicle deck (LVD).

With the aircraft lift lowered, there was a strong ocean breeze offsetting the Queensland humidity, making the LVD a popular place to work out.

HMAS Canberra was transiting north towards Ingham in preparation for the amphibious phase of TS21.

The heat didn't bother Private Hornibrook, who grew up on the Sunshine Coast.

His British father and Japanese mother met on holiday before settling in Queensland.

Private Hornibrook's grandfather, who served in the Royal Air Force, inspired him to join the ADF.

“Mum wanted uni, but Army has always been my aspiration,” Private Hornibrook said.

“They just wanted me to have a good career and now they see that I’m happy and saving heaps and enjoying my job, they are pretty proud of me.”

After initial training, Townsville was an easy choice in terms of units.

“I love it. I’m definitely glad I chose 3RAR as my battalion – super-motivated individuals, good rank structure and lots of time to train, so it’s been fun," Private Hornibrook said.

Last week, 3RAR moved from Lavarack Barracks to Bowen where it conducted a mock beach landing before marrying up with US Marines and Japanese soldiers to assault Objective Pepsi: an abandoned coking plant in the middle of town.

From there, the multinational forces loaded onto various landing craft at King’s Beach and embarked aboard Canberra.

This is Private Hornibrook’s first Talisman Sabre and getting to know his Asian and American counterparts had been a great experience.

That said, at the end of the day, it was his friends who made it memorable.

“The best part about the Australian Army is going everywhere with the mates that I’ve come through training with,” he said.

“A lot of us got posted to Townsville, so being able to experience these new things with all my closest mates is probably the best part about it all.”

The tight-knit camaraderie in 3RAR was obvious hearing the banter from Private Hornibrook’s mates as they ribbed him over his TS21 celebrity status, tallying up each click of the camera’s shutter for the payment they'd receive when TS21 was done.

Seeing the American, Japanese and Australian soldiers playing basketball and doing physical training together on the LVD, it was clear mateship isn’t limited to one army.

https://news.defence.gov.au/people/making-new-mates-exercise

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236173

File: 0478e35c8f8d627⋯.jpg (591.4 KB, 825x1015, 165:203, MRF_D_20.jpg)

File: 4ef7625d0bb36f2⋯.jpg (1.25 MB, 3276x2180, 819:545, E7hyUspVkAYE4yF.jpg)

>>14036029

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet

Come out, come out, wherever you are #SouthernJackaroo #YourADF #MRFD #ADF #australianarmy #Australia #Darwin #IIIMEF #Marines #MarineCorps #freeandopenindopacific #JGSDF

June 24, 2021 - @USMC (photo) by Cpl. Lydia Gordon

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1421251762493612032

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236208

File: c052044db33126f⋯.jpg (470.44 KB, 825x1014, 275:338, DOD_9.jpg)

File: b7066b764288767⋯.jpg (1.63 MB, 2400x3600, 2:3, E7f8fshX0AwIpqk.jpg)

File: 0e06598dae90155⋯.jpg (1.46 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7f8gKqX0AEqQ9U.jpg)

File: 5ceecc21ff30520⋯.jpg (1.79 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7f8gn1WEAQTq_J.jpg)

File: 0c27f7643b12c4f⋯.jpg (1.35 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7f8hSnWYAAtJUP.jpg)

Department of Defence Tweet

Ready for action

Preparations are underway for high-end warfighting Exercise #Koolendong, which is set to take place during August and September between elements of #AusArmy's 1 Brigade and the @MrfDarwin.

bit. ly/3f4ic98 #YourADF

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1420881862625464324

https://news.defence.gov.au/service/communications-ready-koolendong

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14236219

File: 009d26d338cd8ab⋯.jpg (138.91 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, _2020_Gunner_Thalia_Tabuai….jpg)

>>14236208

Communications ready for Koolendong

Captain Peter March - 27 July 2021

Preparations are underway for high-end warfighting Exercise Koolendong, which is set to take place between elements of 1 Brigade and the US Marine Corps Marine Rotational Force Darwin (MRF-D).

The exercise will be held during August and September at the Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT.

The live-fire exercise, which is the concluding activity for the current MRF-D deployment, aims to achieve proficiency in core mission essential tasks and to enhance integration between the two nations.

To ensure successful interoperability from the outset, personnel from 1 Combat Signal Regiment (1CSR) and the MRF-D established a Coalition Communications Formation Node on the Robertson Barracks parade ground for a mission readiness activity to confirm information exchange between coalition networks.

1CSR’s Captain Michael Wiggins explained the importance of these types of pre-exercise activities in order to help identify and address potential issues.

“Here we have Australian soldiers and United States Marines working side-by-side, working to confirm that everything is mission ready before we deploy to the field,” Captain Wiggins said.

“Some of the initial challenges that we’ve come across is from a communications security perspective, getting the integration between their national authorities to be able talk on the same networks within the coalition.”

Communications enable the two forces to not only walk the talk on exercises, but be ready to respond if needed during humanitarian aid tasks or in conflict.

Captain Michael Wiggins said Exercise Koolendong was used to confirm ADF and MRF-D posture for contingency and crisis response in the Indo-Pacific region.

“From a communications perspective, Exercise Koolendong confirms that everything we say about interoperability and the effect we’re able to achieve in the stable barracks environment, is also replicated and achievable in the field or if required, in an operationally contested environment,” he said.

Teams from 1CSR and MRF-D will spend three weeks in the field, communicating across about 6600km2 to keep 4000 troops connected during Exercise Koolendong.

https://news.defence.gov.au/service/communications-ready-koolendong

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236269

>>14233699

I wouldn't watch 7 News as I would smash the TV. Pedos reading the propaganda, no thanks

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236291

>>14228943

Does Pell know the Military is here??

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236307

>>14228831

With what variant. What a joke. Consult Reece Kershaw AFP. This guy must be on the BTs side>>>

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236308

>>14228786

And another Psychopath

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236313

>>14220927

Do these guys know the military is here to take them down. Obviously not

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236327

>>14220726

More Horse Shit

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4d00aa  No.14236340

>>14213610

Abbott, Just stand very still when they come and get you. See you at the wall. Jesuit Prick.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

552fab  No.14237394

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qxPwwYnfiFA

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

e2fe11  No.14242283

File: 8dbee13887aa72c⋯.png (1 MB, 1200x675, 16:9, ClipboardImage.png)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243099

File: 9a4dec26044ed05⋯.jpg (105.75 KB, 976x549, 16:9, A_mostly_empty_domestic_te….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia's east coast battles rising COVID-19 cases

Lidia Kelly - August 1, 2021

MELBOURNE, Aug 1 (Reuters) - Australia's east coast states of New South Wales and Queensland faced an escalating battle against the COVID-19 Delta variant on Sunday, with millions under strict lockdown and authorities urging more testing and vaccinations to rein in the outbreaks.

Sydney and its surroundings, under a stay-at-home order for five weeks already, reported 239 new locally acquired cases of the highly infectious Delta strain, matching the record daily number in the current outbreak that was reported on Thursday.

The city's 5 million residents and those in neighbouring regional centres spanning 200 km (120 miles) of coastline are to stay home until Aug. 28 at least. The total number of cases in the outbreak, which began in mid-June, has reached 3,427.

"I think what is important to know is that there is no roadmap for the Delta variant," NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

"The challenge for us is getting as many people vaccinated in August as possible so by the time 28 of August comes around, we have options as to how we can ease restrictions."

Australia's vaccination drive has been sluggish, with only 18% of adults fully vaccinated so far. Brad Hazzard, NSW health minister, said that 70% of the state's population could be fully vaccinated in about four months.

In neighbouring Queensland, there were nine new locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the biggest daily spike in almost a year. More than 3 million residents were put into a three-day snap lockdown on Saturday.

"It is vital (to get tested), anyone with any symptoms at all, it doesn't matter where you are, because I don't know where this virus is at the moment," Queensland's chief health officer Jeannette Young said.

Australia has managed to keep its epidemic largely under control with a total of just over 34,000 cases and 924 deaths. But the slow vaccination drive means that it could be months before the country's borders reopen.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-new-south-wales-reports-239-locally-acquired-covid-19-cases-2021-08-01/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243113

File: 22773c463ff4596⋯.jpg (181.98 KB, 959x639, 959:639, A_man_rides_a_unicycle_pas….jpg)

File: 1e4ba03c98f246c⋯.jpg (120.33 KB, 959x639, 959:639, Police_enforced_an_exclusi….jpg)

File: fdcb27bb70cdfc2⋯.jpg (155.05 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Mounted_police_at_Hyde_Par….jpg)

File: 5982db6c771f715⋯.jpg (223.92 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Experts_say_protests_are_l….jpg)

>>14206651

Anti-lockdown protest never arrived, but the movement is just getting started

Nick O'Malley - July 31, 2021

A lone man on a unicycle tootled by a bored-looking posse of police officers in an otherwise empty Victoria Park in the warm winter sun at midday, highlighting just how thoroughly authorities had closed the city to protesters.

A week earlier, protesters had gathered here before marching into the city in an anti-lockdown “freedom rally” that turned violent at times and provoked outrage from authorities and fellow citizens alike.

On Saturday, police ringed the city and flooded its parks and public spaces, determined to prevent a repeat of the event.

Taxis and ride-share services were banned from taking passengers into the CBD and police stopped cars at roadblocks on major roads, checking identification and turning away those without a valid reason for travelling into the exclusion zone.

Eight people were arrested across Greater Sydney and more than 250 penalty infringement notices were issued in the high visibility operation, which saw more than 1300 police deployed across the CBD and surrounding suburbs.

Most of the infringements were issued to people for travelling outside their local government area, contrary to the stay-at-home orders, police said.

Olive New watched the operation unfold on her doorstep in St Peters opposite Sydney Park where she has lived for 40 years. Ms New said she welcomed the police presence.

“I think it shows you how worried the government really is about COVID,” she said.

Throughout Newtown, where rallies were rumoured to have been planned, a community known for its sympathy for protest actions generally shared her sentiment.

A large homemade sign propped up early in the morning at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park read, “You give protest a bad name”. On local social media sites, people thanked the police for keeping protesters out.

At Hyde Park police officers gathered in groups at every entrance from early in the morning. No protesters were seen by the media who watched throughout the day.

On the social media channels of some prominent figures in the emerging anti-lockdown protest movement, it was claimed that the rallies authorities feared were never planned in the first place.

One leading figure from last weekend’s rally warned people against attending, saying it was a “trap” set by the media. Others described it as a “false flag” event, using a term favoured by conspiracy theorists who believe governments agents are behind events like pandemics or mass shootings.

Another message being shared on social media showed a flyer for a rally at Hyde Park, tagged with the message, “This event is a police set-up, do not attend.”

Kas Ross, an academic who researches the growing far right movement, said that even though authorities managed to avert protests on Saturday, the movement was likely to grow as long as the lockdown continued.

She said the anti-lockdown movement in Sydney is at a similar stage of growth as it was in Melbourne a year ago.

Dr Ross, who follows the movement on social media platforms, said that those who attended last week’s rally included protesters concerned about loss of civil liberties, as well as opportunists - often from right-wing fringe politics - seeking to raise their public profiles.

It was backed and promoted on social media by an international protest group called Worldwide Demonstration, which has helped organise rallies in cities around the world.

In Melbourne, the movement has also attracted QAnon conspiracy theorists, libertarians and Trump supporters, many of whom have never attended rallies in the past.

“As long as you have the lockdowns going on and people in some suburbs find they can’t leave the house without being questioned by police, while they are seeing pictures of people lying on the beach at Bondi, they are going to get pissed off, and some will protest,” she said.

The well-organised and networked global anti-vaccination movement has also been central to the movement, she says.

Some parts of the movement are already advertising another rally to be held in Sydney later this month, and a Worldwide Demonstration site is promoting a global rally slated for the following month.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/anti-lockdown-protest-never-arrived-but-the-movement-is-just-getting-started-20210731-p58epo.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243136

File: 083c2d6cce655c8⋯.jpg (157.81 KB, 960x640, 3:2, An_antibody_cocktail_given….jpg)

File: 671f83bbedc097f⋯.jpg (125.39 KB, 960x540, 16:9, The_National_COVID_19_Clin….jpg)

File: 538153f1c0bc5b6⋯.jpg (64.61 KB, 960x540, 16:9, The_potent_cocktail_of_ant….jpg)

Covid cocktail given to Trump now recommended for Aussies

Australian Associated Press - 1 August 2021

An antibody cocktail given to Donald Trump when he contracted Covid-19 and now widely used in the United States has been conditionally recommended in Australia.

The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has made a series of recommendations about the use of casirivimab plus imdevimab, or REGEN-COV, made by US company Regeneron.

The body, which compiles the latest information from peak health authorities managing treatment of the virus in Australia, has put forward REGEN-COV for patients hospitalised with moderate to critical COVID-19 who have no detectable virus antibodies.

Such patients have multiple health risk factors including comprised immune systems.

In these people, the taskforce advises, the risk of death is "probably reduced".

REGEN-COV, given by injection, is made of two monoclonal antibodies mixed together - hence the term "cocktail". They mimic natural antibodies and stop the virus doing as much damage.

It is not currently approved by national drug regulator the Therapeutic Goods Administration. However pharmaceutical company Roche Australia is trying to have the antibody cocktail made available.

"Roche is exploring opportunities to make the investigational antibody cocktail available in Australia and will work with the government on a potential supply agreement if approved for use in Australia," a spokesperson told AAP.

AAP understands Roche is waiting for approval and that this could come through within weeks.

The company's efforts come as severe cases in NSW rise. On Saturday, NSW Health reported 53 people in intensive care, including 27 ventilated. There have been 14 deaths in the state's current outbreak.

The federal health department confirmed on July 29 there had not yet been an application to the TGA for the drug's approval in Australia.

The department said it was aware of the recommendations made by the National Covid-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.

"We are actively monitoring COVID-19 therapeutic development that is occurring both in Australia and around the world and are meeting with pharmaceutical companies to discuss progress and the application process," a spokesperson told AAP.

"We are also part of a network of international regulators that meet regularly to discuss the development of COVID-19 therapies."

The research body advises against the use of REGEN-COV for COVID-19 infected people who have antibodies to the virus.

In mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, it recommends the drug's use in research settings only and notes there is no available evidence on the use of the antibody cocktail in children, adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women or frail, older people.

The US drug regulator approved the Regeneron therapy for emergency use in COVID-19 patients in late 2020 in an attempt to prevent hospitalisations and worsening disease in patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration authorised the therapy in adults and children 12 and above and who are at high risk of severe illness because of age or medical conditions.

It is unclear whether the Regeneron drug was what helped former US President Trump recover from the virus.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/covid-cocktail-given-to-trump-now-recommended-for-aussies-010010039.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243180

File: 97ea0a3e77d21cb⋯.jpg (197.5 KB, 1200x723, 400:241, Sky_News_Australia_s_YouTu….jpg)

YouTube restricts Sky News channel over ‘COVID misinformation’

Josh Butler - Aug 1 2021

1/2

YouTube has restricted Sky News Australia’s channel for a week and deleted several of its videos as part of a new crackdown on COVID ‘misinformation’.

It comes after Sky host Alan Jones was dropped from his column in News Corp’s Daily Telegraph and heavily criticised by former 2GB Radio colleague Ray Hadley following controversial comments on lockdowns and the pandemic.

Despite a relatively small television audience on Foxtel, Sky News Australia has one of the biggest YouTube channels in the country, with 1.86 million subscribers.

By comparison, ABC News has 1.42 million, 9 News Australia 767,000 and 7 News Australia 542,000.

Sky’s YouTube channel published dozens of videos every day, from short news bulletin clips to longer interviews and editorial segments from its ‘after dark’ conservative opinion programs.

But despite an active YouTube presence, Sky News Australia hasn’t published a video on the platform since July 29.

In a statement to The New Daily, a spokesperson for Google-owned YouTube said the channel had been given a “strike” for posting videos that the platform claimed constituted “misinformation” about COVID.

That strike means the channel is restricted from posting new videos for seven days.

“We have clear and established COVID-19 medical misinformation policies based on local and global health authority guidance, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 misinformation that could cause real-world harm,” the YouTube spokesperson said.

“We apply our policies equally for everyone regardless of uploader, and in accordance with these policies and our long-standing strikes system, removed videos from and issued a strike to Sky News Australia’s channel.

YouTube said it doesn’t “allow content that denies the existence of COVID-19 or that encourages people to use hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin to treat or prevent the virus”.

“We do allow for videos that have sufficient countervailing context, which the violative videos did not provide,” the statement continued.

YouTube declined to specify exactly which videos had been removed or how their content breached the platform’s rules.

TND contacted News Corp for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. In a statement on its website, Sky News Australia confirmed the suspension, saying it came after “a review of old uploaded videos.”

“Sky News Australia acknowledges YouTube’s right to enforce its policies and looks forward to continuing to publish its popular news and analysis content back to its audience of 1.85 million YouTube subscribers shortly,” it said.

“We support broad discussion and debate on a wide range of topics and perspectives which is vital to any democracy. We take our commitment to meeting editorial and community expectations seriously.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243192

File: a8445aae6ff0de2⋯.jpg (159.74 KB, 685x603, 685:603, MW_1.jpg)

File: 71bf6ccc87d4e11⋯.mp4 (2.87 MB, 640x360, 16:9, 04Vqh5tlyPgNkzhN.mp4)

>>14243180

2/2

Hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, drugs long used for treatment of malaria and parasites respectively, had been held up by some – including former US president Donald Trump – as possible COVID treatments. However, their use has been dismissed by medical authorities.

When former Coalition MP Craig Kelly quit to sit as an independent, he specifically mentioned ivermectin as a factor, telling TND “I was greatly concerned with what’s happening with some of the COVID treatments”.

Posting on his Telegram channel, Coalition MP George Christensen – a regular guest on Sky News – responded to the YouTube move by demanding “the Australian government must finally take action on Big Tech censorship”.

“A foreign power should not have that much control over what Australians are able to view and listen to online,” Mr Christensen said.

Sky News Australia’s YouTube videos regularly rack up hundreds of thousands or even millions of views. Many of the most popular clips are from their night-time conservative opinion shows, largely focusing on American politics or international affairs, including Mr Trump and the COVID pandemic, or making claims about the “cognitive” performance of current US President Joe Biden.

YouTube’s community standards system sees a channel permanently deleted if it receives three ‘strikes’ within a 90-day period. A warning is given for a “first violation”, the standards set out. However, the rules continue, “if we find your content doesn’t follow our policies for a second time, you’ll get a strike”.

A first strike means that, for a week, a channel is restricted from uploading videos or live streams, and other actions including creating playlists or thumbnails.

“Full privileges will be restored automatically after the one-week period, but your strike will remain on your channel for 90 days,” YouTube’s standards say.

YouTube’s internal policies don’t allow videos that share medical misinformation about COVID, including those that contradict local health advice on treatments, preventions, transmission or social distancing.

Mr Jones’ Sky News show has come under fire from Mr Hadley in recent days. Mr Hadley claimed Mr Jones had been an “apologist” for anti-lockdown protesters who rallied in Sydney and Melbourne last weekend, and that he had given platforms to “conspiracy theorists” and “anti-vaxxers”.

Sky News Australia also posted a correction on its website last month, following a segment where Mr Jones interviewed Mr Kelly about the COVID pandemic and death rates in the United Kingdom. The channel said that clip had been removed from its websites.

Mr Jones also provided an on-air correction during his show on July 19.

Also on Sunday, Sky News Australia expanded with a new free-to-air offering in regional parts of the country through WIN and Southern Cross.

https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2021/08/01/sky-news-youtube-restricted/

https://twitter.com/ABCmediawatch/status/1417254828774858754

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243226

File: f43360b5db454fe⋯.jpg (55.92 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Senator_James_Paterson_cha….jpg)

How foreign spies are infiltrating Australia

Intelligence experts say a “dormant presence” is lurking in Australia’s critical networks amid a rise in espionage efforts by foreign governments.

David Hurley - August 1, 2021

Foreign spies under the control of overseas governments are feared to have planted digital viruses to disrupt Australia’s critical networks such as electricity, water and food delivery in the event of the country going to war.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal intelligence agencies have learned that a “dormant presence” is believed to be lurking in the country’s critical networks, ready to be deployed if Australia becomes involved in a conflict in the region or in a humanitarian crisis.

It can also be revealed that more than 10 suspected spies have left Australia in the past 12 months after being confronted with strong evidence they were involved in foreign interference.

In an exclusive interview with the Sunday Herald Sun, Liberal senator James Paterson, chair of the federal parliament’s powerful intelligence and security committee, said espionage efforts by China in Australia had never been higher and the country is “by far and away the biggest threat”.

Speaking about the spectre of foreign spies having infiltrated Australia’s critical infrastructure, Senator Paterson did not name China directly, but said: “The sobering thing about that is we have had independent experts before the committee say they believe it is likely there is already a dormant presence on some of those critical networks of a foreign state that could be activated in the event of a regional conflict or crisis.

“And that activation could be used to disable Australia internally and to weaken us to prevent us from projecting our power in the region and prevent us from coming to the aid of our friends and allies.”

Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is harmful to a computer network and includes viruses, worms, trojan horses and spyware.

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is grappling with the threat of foreign spies more than at any time in its 72-year history.

While the public hear little about the work that goes into sending foreign spies home, Senator Paterson said it is happening frequently.

“It is very real,” he said.

“There is a lot that happens below the surface which will never reach the public record. There are foreign spies and agents of foreign powers who are all the time identified by ASIO and other agencies and called out and leave quietly to avoid embarrassment to their government.”

In March ASIO director-general Mike Burgess revealed the agency had cracked a “nest of spies” that successfully recruited a government official with security access to classified defence technology.

The spies also groomed politicians and tried to get access to sensitive security protocols for a major airport.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/how-foreign-spies-are-infiltrating-australia/news-story/bc54c0422f22f5d1ebdac05dc73c2c82

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243230

File: ff8b5892736d7cb⋯.jpg (55.25 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Liberal_Senator_James_Pate….jpg)

File: e55eab8b6a3baf7⋯.jpg (78.13 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Chinese_Premier_Li_Keqiang….jpg)

>>14243226

Victorian senator lifts lid on China’s ‘wolf-warrior diplomacy’

A senator has revealed the “shocking” level of Chinese subterfuge in Australia as the escalating trade war leads to a deterioration in relations between the two countries.

DAVID HURLEY - July 31, 2021

1/2

A lot has changed in four years. Back in 2017 the Turnbull government was considering signing an extradition treaty with China.

For many it was a no-brainer. Just another agreement with the country’s biggest trading partner.

James Paterson was 29 at the time and had been in the Senate only a year.

Until then his background was more in economics than national security. But something didn’t feel right to him about the looming deal with China.

Along with MPs Andrew Hastie and Tim Wilson, the young senator threatened to cross the floor and vote against the government.

“I was concerned an Australian citizen could be sent to face a fundamentally unfair justice system that has a 99.9 per cent conviction rate,” he tells the Sunday Herald Sun in his South Melbourne office.

“I was worried it would be another tool of leverage or oppression for the Chinese Communist Party to use against the Chinese diaspora in Australia.

“There are 1.2 million people here who already face threats to family and friends back at home if they don’t uphold and support Beijing’s political objectives in Australia.

“I thought this would be a powerful tool and strike a lot of fear into the hearts of the Chinese community.”

Fast-forward four years and the relationship between Australia and China has undergone a seismic shift. An escalating trade war has led to a rapid deterioration in relations between the two countries.

Australia’s security agencies have stepped up their efforts against foreign interference – with China deemed the No. 1 target.

Two weeks ago Australia joined the US in accusing China of engaging in “malicious cyber activities”, including recently a huge global hack on Microsoft Exchange software that compromised tens of thousands of computers.

“Everything that has happened in the last four years has vindicated that stand. No Australian government today would propose an extradition treaty with China; we have moved on a long way,” Senator Paterson said.

Earlier this year the Liberal senator was appointed chairman of the federal parliament’s powerful intelligence and security committee.

“It has been a steep learning curve over the last five months,” he said.

“China is the biggest player in this space (espionage). They are not the only player, but China is by far and away the biggest threat.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14243232

File: 90f2cb2f9a8bd17⋯.jpg (81.84 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Labor_senator_Sam_Dastyari….jpg)

File: c894eed131f6cb7⋯.jpg (181.9 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, An_escalating_trade_war_ha….jpg)

>>14243230

2/2

Since Labor senator Sam Dastyari resigned in 2017 over his links to Chinese businessmen, the national security focus on China has grown.

“The Sam Dastyari affair was the big wake-up call for the system,” Senator Paterson said. “A lot of legislative change has flowed from that, including the foreign influence and transparency scheme and other changes, including banning donations to political parties from foreign entities.”

A huge amount of work by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation goes on behind the scenes – work the public will never find out about.

In the past year more than 10 suspected spies working for foreign governments have left Australia after being confronted with evidence of their spying.

“Usually it doesn’t require them to be arrested or for them to be charged for them to leave,” Senator Paterson said.

“We just tell their home government that we have identified them and it will be a good idea for them to leave – and usually they pretty quickly do.”

The senator said that since taking on his new role he was surprised at the level of Chinese subterfuge in Australia.

“I was shocked. Since I became the chair and had access to much deeper and broader briefings about their (China’s) activities, even I was surprised,” he said.

“I think Australians would be shocked by the breadth of it.”

“We have seen a very big change in the way China approaches the world.

“They are very determined on the path they are on, and the wolf-warrior diplomacy they are using around the world is not an accident – it is very deliberate.

“They think because they have come to a position of power and prominence – the most powerful they have ever been – that the compromises they used to have to make they don’t have to make anymore, and they can demand and expect more of the world. It is going to be a big challenge.”

The tensions with China are unlikely to go away anytime soon.

The intelligence and security committee held an inquiry recently into the way Australian universities dealt with China.

“I have been concerned about what we have discovered so far and we will report in the next couple of months with a series of recommendations about how to address this,” Senator Paterson said.

“This inquiry was called because we were worried universities were not prudently managing their relationship with China. The inquiry has revealed that in many instances they are not. It is a real point of vulnerability for Australia.”

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/victorian-senator-lifts-lid-on-chinas-wolfwarrior-diplomacy/news-story/13565af5619ea4256af5a9b044807e4b

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14245410

File: 8b65fe2a38e2feb⋯.jpg (132.39 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, The_moment_when_tenor_Maur….jpg)

Our resilience has silenced Covid prophets of doom

JENNIFER ORIEL - AUGUST 2, 2021

1/2

You are more resilient than you think. The message from mental health experts is that life in lockdown has been hard for most and misery for some. But the Covid pandemic has done its worst and humanity has survived. Developed nations where the virus took hold early are reaching high levels of vaccination, which should mean an end to the most restrictive public health containment policies. While Australia is playing catch-up, vaccination rates are rising as state governments allow younger people to access vaccines. All of this is good news for thumping Covid and giving hope where mutual suspicion has reigned for too long.

It takes a Christian with chutzpah to bet on Christmas. But the Prime Minister has set his sights on opening the country in time for Santa. On Friday, he met with the national cabinet to hatch a plot against Covid’s grip on power. Armed with modelling from the Doherty Institute, cabinet set vaccination thresholds for charting a path out of the pandemic. When 70 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated, lockdowns will become less likely, some international arrivals will be permitted and vaccinated residents will enjoy greater freedoms such as reduced quarantine requirements.

At about 80 per cent, lockdowns will be “highly targeted”; vaccinated residents will have greater freedom of movement and be permitted to travel internationally. The travel bubble will be extended to other “safe” countries and inbound citizens who have been fully vaccinated will enjoy reduced requirements for re-entry.

The long-awaited end to Covid winter is in sight. Yet psychologists have warned that mental health can deteriorate as societies move out of pandemics. For The Atlantic, the Covid mind is a tale of two stories. The first ran in July 2020. Jacob Stern marshalled research and experts who warned about an impending mental health disaster. Stern observed that a third of Americans were already feeling severe anxiety. Texts to a federal emergency mental health line had increased 1000 per cent.

It was widely believed that people were at risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. There was historical precedent; in the four years following the SARS pandemic, more than 40 per cent of survivors in Hong Kong were found to have a psychiatric illness. There were “delirious patients” in America with “chilling hallucinations”. Stern contended that: “A wave of psychological stress unique in its nature and proportions is bearing down on an already-ramshackle American mental healthcare system.”

A year on, The Atlantic was emerging from dystopia. Psychology professors Lara Aknin, Jamil Zaki and Elizabeth Dunn reported on their efforts to quantify the psychological effects of the pandemic. They examined studies from nearly 100 countries that measured variables such as life satisfaction, anxiety, depression and deaths by suicide.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14245416

File: 10157a68b0881e8⋯.jpg (166.38 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, First_doses_of_AstraZeneca….jpg)

>>14245410

2/2

While there had been an initial and dramatic increase in reported levels of anxiety and depression, including clinically significant forms of psychological distress, recovery began during 2020 “as spring turned to summer”. The researchers found that life satisfaction had remained stable in the year. In some countries, the rate of suicide had declined. The professors cautioned that the studies were limited by methodology, but suggested: “People are more resilient than they themselves realise.”

In Australia, too, researchers have found that, generally, people adapted and found ways to cope with the external shocks brought about by the pandemic. As lead researcher of the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, Associate Professor Delyse Hutchinson, reported, despite the challenges, personal and national wellbeing scores remained largely within the average range. She attributed it to “the resilience of the Australian community (and) our adaptive capability as a society”.

It is good news for everyone except those seeking to capitalise on Covid-induced psychological distress. Time might heal most wounds produced by the pandemic, but an increase in mental health suffering justifies demands for increased government funding.

However, emerging research indicates that instead of a blanket approach to mental health funding, governments might be better advised to increase funds for specific groups such as the unemployed, people with pre-existing mental health conditions and more serious psychological illness.

The pandemic brought an avalanche of predictions about mental health. The short story was that lockdowns would lead to a mass psychological crisis with long-term effects. In retrospect, it might simply be that, like the rest of society, the media was panicked by the pandemic. But before long, little acts of defiance began appearing on suburban streets like green shoots butting their heads against concrete to greet the sun. Teddy bears were propped up on windowsills to delight children on their Covid-compliant walks. People made friends with neighbours. New communities formed online. And if you tried to buy a breadmaker during lockdown, you soon learned that baking had made a comeback like the 1950s had never gone out of fashion.

Australia’s experience of the pandemic has been relatively benign; we have huddled in the shadow of the beast, not under its scythe. But, like the rest of the world, we have learned human beings are a creative, adaptive and resilient lot. For everyone, there will be a memory from the pandemic of the spirit triumphant. Mine is the moment when tenor Maurizio Marchini took to his balcony to serenade Florence with Puccini’s Nessun Dorma as the pandemic waltzed its danse macabre through the shuttered houses and shattered hospitals of Italy. Nessun dorma: none shall sleep. At last, we can put the prophets of doom on notice. Covid’s days are numbered and Santa Claus is coming to town.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/our-resilience-has-silenced-covid-prophets-of-doom/news-story/e9e6783e36be4553c155c54a2585055f

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14245420

File: 3bda1ac64a00b10⋯.jpg (140.58 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_Prime_Minister_receive….jpg)

>>14245410

Vaccination the gold medal we aspire to

SCOTT MORRISON - AUGUST 2, 2021

1/2

Like all Australians, my family has been inspired by watching the extraordinary performance of our athletes in Tokyo. Whether it has been our Queen Machine, led by Emma McKeon in the pool, on the water with our rowers, in the rapids with Jess Fox, or boxer Skye Nicolson baring her heart and soul to the nation after her disappointment and Patrick Tiernan getting to his feet in the final lap of the 10,000m, we are bursting with pride. Not just in what they have achieved, but in what they have overcome to be there in Tokyo.

Of course, these are extraordinary athletes. They have incredible determination and rare skills that enable them to go higher, faster and further than the rest of us. But what I think really endears our Olympians to us all is just how like the rest of us they really are. Ash Barty kicking a footy before a match. Kaylee McKeown’s uncensored joy. Rohan Browning’s mullet. And then you see their families, tearing up, shouting loudly and hugging the breath out of each other.

They come from a place of honesty, sincerity and passion. Where you just push through life’s trials and get on with it.

There may not be gold medals for being a single parent, running a small business, doing night shift at an emergency department or aged-care facility or volunteering for your local surf lifesaving club or bushfire brigade, but if there were, Australia would be high in the medal tally. This is why I have always been so confident that Australia will pull through this Covid-19 pandemic. We won’t let it beat us. We won’t let our frustration get the better of us. We won’t let negativity overwhelm our optimism. We will just put our heads down and keep pressing on.

So far, working together, we have done better than almost any other country in the world in saving lives and livelihoods. We haven’t seen anything like this in 100 years. And it doesn’t come with an instruction manual.

The overseas evidence clearly shows that if we had the same experience of other advanced economy countries, where their Covid death rate has been almost 40 times greater than in Australia, more than 30,000 additional Australians would have died. Together, we stopped this.

And, despite setbacks from recent lockdowns, more than one million Australians were able to get themselves back into work after last year’s Covid recession, as our unemployment rate fell to 4.9 per cent. Now we have to finish the job and get Australians vaccinated. Because that is our path back.

As Prime Minister, I take responsibility for the early setbacks in our vaccination program. I also take responsibility for getting them fixed and that we are now matching world-best rates, with more than 1 million doses every week. The supplies are in place, the GPs, pharmacists and state clinics are getting the job done.

To keep us focusing forward, I have been able to secure the support of our premiers and chief ministers around the country for our national four-step plan to bring this home.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14245424

File: 49d3f726f38aac2⋯.jpg (84.29 KB, 862x647, 862:647, Scott_Morrison_is_standing….jpg)

>>14245420

2/2

This plan now has clear vaccination targets to drive us on. Right now we are in the suppression phase, where the only way to stay ahead of the new Delta strain is to have quick and short lockdowns.

I wish this was different, but the Delta strain is far more infectious. The science of the Delta strain is the game changer and you can’t ignore it. The tools of testing and contact tracing are no longer enough to enable us to weather limited cases in the community.

We now need 70 per cent of our population aged over 16 to get vaccinated to move to the next phase where we can start saying goodbye to lockdowns. When we hit 80 per cent, lockdowns should become a thing of the past.

I can say this because I asked one of the world’s best pandemic expert scientific organisations – the Doherty Institute in Melbourne – to tell us at what rate of vaccination we can now safely take these steps, and not see it all fall over again and run out of control as we have seen in other countries that have tried.

I also asked our economic experts the same question, about the lockdowns and the cost of restrictions. And they agreed with the medical experts. With this new Delta strain, until we get to 70 per cent, you have to lock down for quick short periods, as this avoids longer lockdowns, where the cost is far greater.

The idea that you can just let this rip and ignore it is not an option. It is fanciful, foolish and dangerous.

To get us through these lockdowns, the federal government is providing timely and direct financial support to individuals and businesses. Through our Covid Disaster Payment, we have already directly helped 774,465 Australians in NSW, Victoria and South Australia with payments totalling $994.5m. This support will now extend to southeast Queensland.

So, 70 per cent is our next mark to get to Phase B and 80 per cent for Phase C. Like you, I wish it were lower. But it’s not. It’s what the detailed scientific analysis of the virus tells us. The science of Covid-19 writes these rules, not us, so we just have to adjust and beat it. If the virus changes again we’ll have to do the same.

If we all work together we can get this done, including getting to the next step before the end of the year. But it is up to all of us. There will be enough supplies. There will be enough GPs, pharmacists and nurses to deliver the jabs. All we now need is you.

So, our gold medal run to the end of year is now well under way. Our Olympians in Tokyo have given us the perfect inspiration to get this done. It’s now up to us.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/vaccination-the-gold-medal-we-aspire-to/news-story/a4c914567ad24ee565ccad5955131d9f

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

4da163  No.14245938

Forcing qr checkin is illegal.

Commonwealth Consolidated Acts

[Index] [Table] [Search] [Search this Act] [Notes] [Noteup] [Previous] [Next] [Download] [Help]

PRIVACY ACT 1988 - SECT 94H

Requiring the use of COVIDSafe

(1) A person commits an offence if the person requires another person to:

(a) download COVIDSafe to a communication device; or

(b) have COVIDSafe in operation on a communication device; or

(c) consent to uploading COVID app data from a communication device to the National COVIDSafe Data Store.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 300 penalty units, or both.

(2) A person commits an offence if the person:

(a) refuses to enter into, or continue, a contract or arrangement with another person (including a contract of employment); or

(b) takes adverse action (within the meaning of the Fair Work Act 2009 ) against another person; or

(c) refuses to allow another person to enter:

(i) premises that are otherwise accessible to the public; or

(ii) premises that the other person has a right to enter; or

(d) refuses to allow another person to participate in an activity; or

(e) refuses to receive goods or services from another person, or insists on providing less monetary consideration for the goods or services; or

(f) refuses to provide goods or services to another person, or insists on receiving more monetary consideration for the goods or services;

on the ground that, or on grounds that include the ground that, the other person:

(g) has not downloaded COVIDSafe to a communication device; or

(h) does not have COVIDSafe in operation on a communication device; or

(i) has not consented to uploading COVID app data from a communication device to the National COVIDSafe Data Store.

Penalty: Imprisonment for 5 years or 300 penalty units, or both.

(3) To avoid doubt:

(a) subsection (2) is a workplace law for the purposes of the Fair Work Act 2009 ; and

(b) the benefit that the other person derives because of an obligation of the person under subsection (2) is a workplace right within the meaning of Part 3-1 of that Act.

http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/s94h.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

91f840  No.14248043

File: 27b57f9f0337740⋯.png (5.4 MB, 3403x1712, 3403:1712, ClipboardImage.png)

Thought my Aussie's might enjoy this….

QClock August 1, 2021

Australia 5:5

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249439

File: 4dc2dcad6a3ce63⋯.jpg (479.58 KB, 825x935, 15:17, USM_4.jpg)

File: 61ca4f0350654ba⋯.jpg (1.52 MB, 4096x2304, 16:9, E7tRx6CXoAMBwk5.jpg)

File: c18de04c4424e02⋯.jpg (1.83 MB, 4096x2304, 16:9, E7tRzJdXEAEOT9D.jpg)

>>14248043

U.S. Marines Tweet

G'day, mates! @Australian_Navy

#Marines and Sailors of the America Expeditionary Strike Group greet the crew of HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) during an underway replenishment of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Coral Sea.

https://twitter.com/USMC/status/1421820053029281794

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249450

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14243180

YouTube’s Murdoch ban over COVID lies

Kevin Rudd

Aug 1, 2021

In the midst of a pandemic — more than half the country into lockdown, severe sickness & death, and businesses suffering — Murdoch’s vultures have been caught out lying to the Australian people on basic medical information. And then trying to cover it up. #MurdochRoyalCommission / MurdochRC.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z8tbYj3Rgw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249467

File: df4619a97adc6d0⋯.jpg (95.22 KB, 480x619, 480:619, Mr_Johnsen_says_he_has_bee….jpg)

Former NSW MP Michael Johnsen not charged over alleged rape of Blue Mountains sex worker

abc.net.au - 1 August 2021

Former New South Wales Nationals MP Michael Johnsen will not be charged after allegations he raped a sex worker.

Police said the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) recommended there was "insufficient admissible evidence to proceed with charges".

Mr Johnsen resigned from Parliament in the wake of the allegations, prompting a by-election in May in the marginal seat of Upper Hunter.

In a statement, Mr Johnsen said he had been "formally cleared" of the sexual assault allegation by police "with no further action to occur against me".

"I have been vindicated. I am innocent. As stated all along," he said.

The Nationals narrowly held the seat during the by-election in May, but the slump in Labor's primary vote ended the Labor leadership of Jodi McKay who described the result as "devastating".

In his statement, Mr Johnsen also accused Ms McKay and Blue Mountains MP Trish Doyle of abusing parliamentary privilege by airing the claims publicly.

Ms Doyle used parliamentary privilege earlier this year to claim that a "government MP" had been accused of raping a sex worker at a secluded lookout in Ms Doyle's electorate.

Within hours, Mr Johnsen had issued a statement revealing he was the MP at the centre of the allegations.

Other details also emerged, including that he offered to pay the sex worker to have sex in the NSW Parliament and sent the woman a string of lewd text messages and an obscene video while Parliament was sitting.

Mr Johnsen resigned from Parliament over the rape allegations and was removed from the Nationals and Coalition party rooms, and suspended from the National Party.

At the time, Mr Johnsen said his decision to resign was with a "heavy heart" and that he was confident he would be cleared of the alleged rape.

He admitted he was an "imperfect human" but said the alleged crime "just didn't happen".

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-01/nsw-michael-johnsen-not-charged-over-rape-allegation/100340798

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249699

File: aae5134a67ff604⋯.jpg (56.39 KB, 890x534, 5:3, A_fake_video_features_a_ma….jpg)

Fake video purports to show Australian federal police boss plotting to overthrow government

A man has been charged over the recording of someone claiming to be Reece Kershaw talking about plans to remove key members of the government

Elias Visontay - 2 Aug 2021

Hundreds of replica police badges have been seized and a Perth man arrested after an investigation triggered by a fake recording purporting to show Australia’s federal police commissioner describing a plot to overthrow Australia’s government.

On Monday, the AFP announced they had arrested a 49-year-old man from Tuart Hill in suburban Perth on the weekend after they allegedly identified his voice in a fake recording that went viral over the past two weeks in online conspiracy groups.

The recording purports to show AFP commissioner Reece Kershaw speaking about a secret unit of his force and how Australia’s government could be “dissolved”.

In the recording, a man claiming to be Kershaw says he had been approached by groups including the army about an intention to “bear arms on the government”, and how governor general David Hurley would be removed and replaced by a former political candidate.

The man was charged with impersonating a commonwealth public official, with police alleging he claimed to be an AFP official during an unsuccessful attempt to obtain stamps and ID badges bearing the official force’s logo from a commercial business.

He was bailed to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on 16 August. The maximum penalty for his charge is two years in prison.

Andrew Donoghue, AFP commander of investigations in the northern command, said the man was in contact with a group of like-minded people holding “anti-government views”.

Donoghue said his arrest was part of an operation carried out by joint counterterrorism teams – which comprise the AFP, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and a state police force – at homes across three states.

In Queensland, officers searched a home in Cairns where a member of the group lived after investigators had tracked three boxes of replica AFP badges ordered to the house. Officers found 470 of the replica badges dumped in a creek near the home.

Donoghue said he expects to lay further charges as investigations into the group continue.

“These are people who believe our systems of government do not apply to them or are somehow illegal and must be usurped. I want to emphasise that this video is complete and utter nonsense, it is not from the AFP,” Donoghue said.

“It has no truth or credibility.”

Donoghue stressed that police “have no evidence that this group has the ability or capability to commit violent acts to overthrow the government”, but said “the behaviour of these people is extremely concerning” and that ongoing investigations are “focused on criminality, not ideology”.

He said the group “wanted to establish a separate strain” of the AFP, and issue a number of arrest warrants for “high profile people”.

Police also searched homes in Brisbane and Townsville, as well as in the rural South Australian town of Peterborough.

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2021/aug/02/fake-video-purports-to-show-australian-federal-police-boss-plotting-to-overthrow-government

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249700

File: a8c982043c7b893⋯.jpg (33.03 KB, 828x466, 414:233, The_AFP_s_Andrew_Donoghoe_….jpg)

>>14249699

Plot to oust government, replace AFP

Tracey Ferrier - 02/08/2021

A plan to overthrow the Morrison government and arrest senior MPs and bureaucrats has been thwarted by counter-terrorism police.

The bizarre plot also involved setting up an alternative police force and the manufacture of 470 fake Australian Federal Police badges found dumped in a creek in Cairns.

One man has been arrested in Perth and other arrests are expected in coming days.

The group is allegedly behind a fake video circulating online and purportedly from AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, calling on people to join the AFP and overthrow the federal government.

One man arrested in Perth at the weekend has been charged with one count of impersonating a Commonwealth public official.

AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Donoghoe said the man claimed to be a Commonwealth official during an unsuccessful attempt to obtain stamps and ID badges, bearing the official AFP logo, from a commercial business.

"We are also aware of a shipment of three boxes of replica AFP badges consigned to a house in Cairns. These were found dumped in a local creek and recovered by the Queensland Police," he said.

There were 470 badges in all.

"Inquiries are continuing to ensure no other badges are in possession of this group or any of their associates.

"We have no evidence that this group has the ability or capability to commit violent acts to overthrow the government.

"But the behaviour of these people is extremely concerning and we are continuing our investigation to identify any criminal offences as a result."

Mr Donoghoe said the fake video circulating online demonstrated that "they wanted to establish a separate Australian Federal Police force".

"They had issued several warrants for a number of high-profile government people and they intended to execute those arrest warrants on those people," he said.

He described the video as complete and utter nonsense with no truth or credibility.

The operation to dismantle the group followed a two-week investigation with raids carried out over the weekend in Perth, Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and rural South Australia.

More arrests are expected.

https://7news.com.au/news/crime/man-busted-over-afp-boss-impersonation-c-3573321

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249732

File: 678fdd175dcc3fb⋯.jpg (71.57 KB, 740x493, 740:493, Man_charged_with_impersona….jpg)

>>14249699

Man charged with impersonating Commonwealth official as search warrants executed in three states

Australian Federal Police - 2 August 2021

A Perth man was charged with impersonating a Commonwealth public official and six search warrants were executed across three states on Saturday as part of a Queensland Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigation into a group of people allegedly impersonating government officials and holding anti-government sentiment.

The Queensland JCTT executed search warrants in Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville, while additional search warrants were executed in Peterborough (SA) and two locations in Perth (including the suburb of Tuart Hill) by the Joint Counter Terrorism Teams in those states. The purpose of these warrants was to disrupt the group’s activities, and collect evidence which may indicate criminal actions.

Queensland JCTT investigators have not found an impending threat to community safety, and have yet to find any evidence the group had the ability to carry out acts they had discussed.

A 49-year-old man from Tuart Hill is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 August 2021. Police will allege he claimed to be an AFP official during an unsuccessful attempt to obtain stamps and ID badges bearing the official Australian Federal Police (AFP) logo from a commercial business. Further enquiries are continuing into this man’s activities.

Police will allege members of the group are responsible for a video that is circulating through social media channels that falsely claims to be a recording of the AFP Commissioner detailing anti-government sentiment and encouraging others to join. The man speaking in this video is not AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw.

JCTT enquiries identified the man speaking in this recording, and found him to be part of a group of like-minded people across Australia who regularly met online and discussed their shared interest in taking over the Federal Government, including the creation of ‘arrest warrants’ for a number of high-profile politicians and public servants.

Investigators were last week made aware of a shipment of three boxes of replica AFP badges that were consigned to a house in Cairns where a member of the group lived. These three boxes were found dumped in a local creek and recovered by the Queensland Police Service. A total of 470 badges were recovered by police before the execution of search warrants, and enquiries are continuing to ensure the entire shipment of badges has been recovered.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Scott Lee said it was concerning a group of people had arranged the manufacture of AFP replica badges and creation of a false video online.

“We have found no evidence this group has the ability – or has actually attempted – to carry out specific violent acts in support of statements made by members of this group. The Queensland JCTT acted early in this instance to stop any potential disturbing activities at the earliest possible stage, and we will not hesitate to lay further charges if more criminal offences are identified,” he said.

“The general public needs to know that a video purporting to be of the AFP Commissioner calling for people to join in a plan to create a new government is complete and utter nonsense – it is not from the Commissioner, it is not from the AFP and has absolutely no credibility. We continue to investigate those we believe are responsible for creating it.”

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Debbie Platz, Security and Counter Terrorism Command, urged members of the public with any information relevant to this matters to come forward.

“The Queensland Police Service values the ongoing relationships it has fostered with the Australian Federal Police and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation as part of the JCTT to keep Queensland safe,” she said.

“These types of activities can easily escalate, and we urge members of the community to contact Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline with any information of concern.”

The man from Tuart Hill has been charged with one count of impersonation of Commonwealth public officials, contrary to section 148.1 (2) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years imprisonment.

The Queensland JCTT is comprised of members of the Australian Federal Police, Queensland Police Service and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

Anyone with information about extremist activity or possible threats to the community should come forward, no matter how small or insignificant you may think the information may be. The National Security Hotline is 1800 123 400.

UPDATE: Audio from this media conference can be downloaded from Hightail - https://spaces.hightail.com/space/Uy5eonBUKP

https://www.afp.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/man-charged-impersonating-commonwealth-official-search-warrants-executed

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249774

File: 66c9669c6fa4952⋯.jpg (107.07 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, AFP_commissioner_Reece_Ker….jpg)

>>14249699

Man charged over fake video of AFP chief Kershaw ‘plotting coup’

STEPHEN RICE - AUGUST 2, 2021

A faked video purporting to be a leaked briefing by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw planning to arrest government leaders for treason is circulating in online conspiracy circles and has been watched more than 100,000 times, with police sources expressing fear that unbalanced individuals may act on it.

Police sources say a man has been charged over the circulation of the videos.

The video claims to reveal Commissioner Kershaw “spelling out the crimes of how our ‘leaders’ have hijacked our Government and how they will be taken down under common law and the constitution.”

Police authorities who track online conspiracy activists have become increasingly alarmed at the proliferation of anti-vax and anti-lockdown messaging inciting violence and armed resistance to lockdown and other restrictions.

“This has already started,” the man purported to be Commissioner Kershaw says in the video. “When are we going to overthrow the Government? ASAP! This is lawful arrest warrants on people who have done wrong by the criminal justice system and we have to arrest them for that.”

The “commissioner” tells potential recruits some of them will be armed but “the last resort is to pull a handgun on someone – we don’t want to do it; we want to do it lawfully and under the 1979 Police Act.”

They will be getting an AFP badge, he says, but “only to be used on the day of the arrests.”

The fake video clip has been posted on dozens of social media sites including pages belonging to celebrity chef Pete Evans, rebel MP Craig Kelly and activists linked to the recent “Freedom Day” protest marches.

The man who calls himself “the commissioner” claims to have a handgun that he brings to meetings to “show people this is not a bloody game. There could be times where your life could be threatened.”

“This is not a coup, this is not a terrorist act,” he says. “If you think you’re going in guns blazing and it’s going to be all fun and games, it’s not. This is not a game. You’re signing on for something that could be dangerous.”

“The people at the top will be removed from their positions,” the man says. The Governor-General Sir David Hurley will be “taken from power completely” and “the true Governor General”– far right activist Teresa van Lieshout – will be installed in his place.

Former One Nation and Palmer United Party candidate Teresa van Lieshout posts videos issuing “arrest warrants” for various politicians, state premiers and chief medical officers for offences including murder and treason.

The Australian understands the audio is of a real Zoom meeting conducted on the Gold Coast by a splinter group connected to the far-right Citizens Initiated Referendum, for the purpose of recruiting gullible volunteers.

The audio of the meeting has then been re-badged with a picture of Commissioner Kershaw and added text to make it appear he is the speaker.

The session purports to be an opportunity for volunteers to sign up for a secret section of the AFP where they will be given firearms and self-defence training.

The Citizens Initiated Referendum claims Australia’s leaders are traitors and the death penalty should be re-introduced for treason.

The group’s website states that “Australia is heading towards a similar fate to Germany before Hitler came along”, and that “Hitler has plenty to teach us.”

The site links to videos claiming that “Jews are a people of robbers” who have “destroyed civilisations by the hundreds.”

The man claiming to be Commissioner Kershaw says in the video: “All you have to do is sign on, learn the basic self defence, be ready for when we give you that direction to be called up, to effect the arrest warrants.

“So long as you’re ready to stand up and effect the arrest warrants and dissolve the political parties that have done wrong, we don’t have a problem with that

“They won’t be able to come in and vax you because we will stop that. That’s why I’m calling upon Australians, men and women, we need you to sign on, to stand up, put on the boxing gloves and get ready to go. Be ready to do your duty, not only as a Federal Police Officer but as a citizen.

“Eventually they’ll pull a full lockdown on us and that’s something we can’t have.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/man-charged-over-fake-video-of-afp-chief-kershaw-plotting-coup/news-story/b9acb20b6be8263a7c3e033a2ce5e6e3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249826

File: 1502521b7ccb1b0⋯.jpg (2.93 MB, 4567x3045, 4567:3045, The_trial_of_Ben_Roberts_S….jpg)

File: 344ed96697f057a⋯.jpg (933.56 KB, 3638x2425, 3638:2425, The_team_for_Nine_and_Fair….jpg)

Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case adjourned due to Sydney COVID outbreak

Jamie McKinnell - 2 August 2021

The high-stakes defamation trial of war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith has been adjourned for three months due to Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak.

The case resumed temporarily last week so the Federal Court could hear from three Afghan villagers over a video link from Kabul, following concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan.

Both parties agreed the case should be adjourned until November 1, as the majority of remaining Australian witnesses are from outside NSW.

Justice Anthony Besanko today agreed, noting the state's stay-at-home orders would be in place until at least the end of August.

"There is at least a reasonable possibility that they will be extended for a period thereafter," he told the hearing in Sydney.

"Even after the stay-at-home orders have ceased to operate, it is necessary to build in a period before any state borders are open."

The judge said there was a need for as much certainty as possible as to the resumption of the trial.

"There are potentially many witnesses still to be called in this trial and the logistical arrangements for these witnesses are substantial," he said.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times over stories that reported serious allegations of war crimes, bullying, and domestic violence.

He has denied all of the allegations, while the newspapers are relying on a truth defence.

The court was told Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of two of the papers, plans to call up to 24 witnesses and 19 are interstate.

Mr Roberts-Smith said he may call up to 19 witnesses.

Both sides have multiple former or current Special Air Service Regiment (SAS) operators on their witness lists.

The veteran's legal team also sought orders requiring any witness who seeks to be excused from attending in person file an affidavit setting out their reasons by late September.

But Justice Besanko rejected that proposal.

"It seems to me undesirable to make such orders in such unpredictable circumstances and in my opinion it is appropriate to maintain a degree of flexibility," he said.

The judge set down a case management hearing in October so questions of witness appearances could be debated.

He also declined to make an order setting a date in February for closing submissions, saying the trial had not reached a point where "sound and sensible decisions" could be made about such matters.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-02/ben-roberts-smith-defamation-adjourned-three-months/100342222

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249933

File: 957337809d19fb3⋯.jpg (375.24 KB, 825x1013, 825:1013, TS_26.jpg)

File: 2cf92dad1fbe0ce⋯.mp4 (5.62 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, 77ohesJN4k8tKgA6.mp4)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

What's it like training with your Australian comrades?

Hear from U.S. Special Operations personnel as they complete jump training with #YourADF from an MC-130J Air Commando II during #TS21.

@USSOCOM @AustralianArmy #AlliesAndPartners

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1421289654360358913

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249965

File: 589194f43df1c56⋯.jpg (583.48 KB, 825x1051, 825:1051, TS_27.jpg)

File: 4198ab23cbf8e8b⋯.jpg (1006.17 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7wUaHLWEAMv9XR.jpg)

File: 7bcffde9c37bdee⋯.jpg (994.37 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7wUbB4XEAEwqtA.jpg)

File: 38a1ac37eca1ca9⋯.jpg (1.22 MB, 4096x2884, 1024:721, E7wUcUPXMAMgEEJ.jpg)

File: 80b1a590b437eda⋯.jpg (996.14 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7wUdazWYAAVrrN.jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

The end of #TS21

#YourADF and International Military personnel who participated in #TalismanSabre this year marked the end of the exercise during a closing ceremony yesterday.

(Australia, United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, United Kingdom, India, Indonesia, France and Germany)

But it's not the end of us! We still have lots to show you so stay tuned.

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1422034084004573186

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14249989

File: 08be56acd7edef3⋯.jpg (92.14 KB, 750x450, 5:3, Charg_d_Affaires_Doug_Sonn….jpg)

>>14119998

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia

Chargé d’Affaires Doug Sonnek Speech: Talisman Sabre Closing Ceremony

August 01, 2021

Talisman Sabre Closing Ceremony – Kissing Point, Townsville

“It is a pleasure to be here with you in Townsville for the conclusion of Talisman Sabre 2021.

Since 2005, Talisman Sabre has created opportunities for the United States and Australia to work closely together to enhance our collective military capabilities.

Over the past month, here in Queensland, our combined militaries have undertaken critical, high-level training exercises to improve the capacity of our servicemen and women to work together.

We were pleased to welcome some ten thousand American Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Guardians to experience for themselves the close bond our two nations share.

This exercise achieved significant milestones in our military interoperability, including firing the U.S. Marine Corp’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket System here in Queensland.

The ninth iteration of Talisman Sabre was only possible thanks to the Australian and Queensland governments, for enabling this crucial bilateral military training event to proceed safely during a global pandemic.

We also thank all the servicemen and women who have conscientiously adhered to COVID guidelines throughout.

Although this year’s exercise may have looked different due to the pandemic, one thing remains the same: our relationship stands strong.

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, we have completed this essential exercise, in the presence of our many allies and partners invited to observe.

Talisman Sabre is a critical component in our mission to advance an open, interconnected, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific.

Exercises such as Talisman Sabre lay the very foundation of our collective response capabilities in the real world.

I personally witnessed our ability to work together when Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji in 2016. I was there when the deadly category five storm struck.

Soon after, Australian and U.S. service members delivered humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The way our countries worked together to provide help in a time of great need reinforced to me, and to the world, that our alliance is a force for good, especially for our friends in the Indo-Pacific.

Ours is an Alliance that spans decades, extends far beyond our military relationship, and is celebrated this year by the 70th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty.

When Australia and the United States came together to sign the Treaty in 1951 at the Presidio in San Francisco, our countries declared formally, and for all time, that we are here for each other.

As we look back on the relationship between the U.S. and Australia, at the same time we remain forward-looking.

Close collaboration on the emerging technologies that will shape the next 70 years of our alliance will also create jobs and grow both economies.

Our alliance is unshakeable, and together we are ready for anything.

We look ahead to new and emerging opportunities to work together to ensure the future security and prosperity of all our nations.

We remain resilient and flexible, as demonstrated at Talisman Sabre across the last few weeks.

We will be where we need to be, shoulder to shoulder with our Australian counterparts, as we have been for decades.

Thank you for joining us at Talisman Sabre 2021, we look forward to meeting once again in the future.”

https://au.usembassy.gov/charge-daffaires-doug-sonnek-speech-talisman-sabre-closing-ceremony/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14250019

File: c52d9f04a77aa89⋯.jpg (181.07 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australian_troops_leave_a_….jpg)

>>14119998

Push to recruit India for Australian wargames

BEN PACKHAM - AUGUST 1, 2021

Defence Minister Peter Dutton has flagged the participation of India in Australia’s biggest wargames with the US, saying he’d like to see the nation’s Quad partner at Exercise Talisman Sabre in two years’ time.

Mr Dutton said the participation of Japan, another Quadrilateral Security Dialogue member, had been a highlight of this year’s exercise in Queensland, which ­officially concluded on Sunday.

He said he hoped Indian forces would be able to attend Talisman Sabre 2023, and believed the matter was under consideration by the Chief of the Defence Force, Angus Campbell.

The inclusion of India, which invited Australia to its Malabar naval exercise with the US and Japan last year, would further elevate Talisman Sabre’s strategic significance by bringing in the only absent Quad partner.

“It would be great to see India here,” Mr Dutton said. “Obviously the Quad has been quite remarkable. We have had the ability there … to deepen that relationship, and that relationship will continue to be strengthened.”

The inclusion of India in the biennial exercise would likely infuriate Beijing, with Chinese state-controlled media describing Australia’s participation in Malabar as an unwelcome step towards the establishment of an “Asian version of NATO”.

In an interview on HMAS Canberra during Talisman Sabre 2021, Mr Dutton also expressed confidence that the US would allow the sharing of sensitive missile technology with Australian to establish a sovereign guided weapons industry.

“The Americans have trust and faith and that is built on operations like this over many decades,” he said.

“The intellectual property is tightly held, which is completely understandable.

“But there are also capacity constraints in the US, within their system, around manufacturing and production.

“Australia can provide not only a deepening of our own capability, but we can also provide support back into the US system.”

Mr Dutton said discussions with the US on the matter had been “productive”, and were ongoing. His comments come ahead of a planned bilateral meeting between Scott Morrison and US President Joe Biden, and a face-to-face meeting of Quad nation leaders in Washington DC in September.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14250023

File: 52d8e8977315c0c⋯.jpg (144.7 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, American_paratroopers_land….jpg)

>>14250019

2/2

Soldiers from Japan’s Ground Self Defence Force for the first time joined a multinational amphibious force during Talisman Sabre 2021, launching a combined assault exercise from HMAS Canberra with Australian soldiers, US Marines and British Royal Marine Commandos. A Japanese ship was also involved in the exercise.

“We want a seamless arrangement with our partners and we want to maximise each other’s capability to have a greater combined effect than would otherwise be the case,” Mr Dutton said.

“Our Five Eyes partnerships obviously, historically, have been the underpinning of our training model and our intelligence gathering and sharing.

“But as we see here, with Japan and with many other partners, there really is a very significant collaboration with countries within the Indo-Pacific, and Japan has really stepped up and is an important partner.”

About 17,000 personnel from seven nations – Australia, the US, the UK, Japan, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand – participated in Talisman Sabre 2021, together with 18 ships, 70 fixed wing aircraft and 50 helicopters.

While the Quad is a strategic partnership rather than a defence alliance, all four of its member nations – Australia, the US, Japan and India – are concerned about China’s growing military power, and its willingness to flout global norms.

On HMAS Canberra last week, Australian army Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Barrow said a platoon of Japanese amphibious soldiers had been “completely integrated” in the combined landing force, despite the language barrier.

Lieutenant Colonel Barrow said all of the participants had “fairly similar” ways of operating despite some cultural and language barriers.

“We will always be able to operate together. It is getting that last 10 to 15 per cent to make things even better,” he said.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s national security program director Michael Shoebridge said India’s inclusion in Talisman Sabre was an “absolutely reasonable expectation”.

“The fact that Australia has now joined the Malabar Exercise is another brick in building the Quad relationship,” he said.

“The momentum out of that can be accelerated by Australia reciprocating right away and inviting the Indians to be participants in Talisman Sabre.

“This is exactly what the Quad leaders spoke about in their meeting back in March – they want to use the Quad to address some of the region’s largest problems.

Japan’s participation in Talisman Sabre 2021 comes amid deepening military ties with Australia. The US is also in talks with Australia on expanding the number of bilateral military exercises.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/push-to-recruit-india-for-australian-wargames/news-story/4f1c400bd847c9e3eaf369970d519b77

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

7639b8  No.14252394

Good Night anon 0500

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257276

File: 94591f6c16ae5c1⋯.jpg (116.07 KB, 850x478, 425:239, People_are_seen_queued_to_….jpg)

File: c71fcb91b0a6bc8⋯.jpg (434.12 KB, 2227x1484, 2227:1484, Health_Minister_Greg_Hunt_….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia can 'realistically' reach COVID-19 vaccine targets by end of year, infectious disease experts say

The federal government hopes every Australian who wants a vaccine will be offered one by Christmas, but how soon can the nation reach its new vaccine targets?

TOM STAYNER - 2 August 2021

1/2

Australia's COVID-19 vaccine targets to reopen the nation and ease restrictions on vaccinated people could realistically be reached by the end of the year, according to infectious disease experts.

The federal government is promising every Australian who wants a vaccine will be offered one by Christmas.

But there are no hard timelines set for the rollout to be completed.

National Cabinet last Friday outlined a four-stage plan to guide the nation out of the pandemic and towards life without coronavirus restrictions.

Australia is currently in Phase A of the roadmap with just 19 per cent of the eligible population having been fully vaccinated, or around 3.9 million people.

The second stage, which would see eased restrictions on vaccinated individuals and reduce the likelihood of lockdowns, requires 70 per cent of people over the age of 16 to receive two doses.

When Australia reaches 80 per cent vaccination, more restrictions would be released, including removing caps on the number of returning vaccinated Australians, while vaccinated people would be allowed to travel overseas.

But how soon can Australia reach these vaccination thresholds and how will it get there?

Hesitancy 'not an issue'

To reach 70 per cent, the number of double-dosed Australians over the age of 16 will have to reach more than 14.4 million out of more than 20 million.

The nation has averaged around 100,000 vaccines a day throughout the second half of July and at this rate would reach the 70 per cent threshold in mid November.

Professor Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases expert from the Australian National University, said reaching the vaccine threshold by the end of the year was a “realistic” prospect.

“I don’t actually think hesitancy is an issue - there is a sense of urgency for everybody if you look at the queues,” he told SBS News.

“The more supply comes, the more we need to open up availability so people can do it easily.”

Britain, Israel and the United States are currently similar countries to have achieved vaccination levels over 70 per cent, with Canada also not far from reaching the target.

In the US, vaccine hesitancy has resulted in flagging vaccination rates, particularly in some southern states.

But Professor Collignon said he believes the 80 per cent target is not insurmountable for Australia despite the challenge presenting a more difficult task.

“It is a realistic goal,” he said.

“The more supply comes the more we need to open up availability so people can do it easily.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257282

File: 5530f2f89cfe95c⋯.jpg (869.24 KB, 3307x2480, 3307:2480, COVID_19_taskforce_command….jpg)

>>14257276

2/2

Supply must get ahead of demand

The vaccine rollout has been delayed by constrained supplies of the Pfizer vaccine and changes in medical advice affecting uptake of the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated he is confident the 70 per cent mark will be reached this year if enough people come forward to receive both jabs.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the country was on track to ensure every Australian who wanted a vaccine could access one by the end of the year.

“We are on track to achieve this goal,” he told reporters.

“[But] in terms of the 70 per cent and 80 per cent targets that's a challenge for all of us. We're not putting a timeframe on that.”

As the federal government attempts to accelerate the vaccine rollout, it is seeking to make more distribution sites available, including bringing more pharmacies on board.

But Australians aged between 20 and 40 continue to face restrictions on accessing a vaccine depending on their state and territory.

Deakin University epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said opening up the rollout to younger Australians should help bolster vaccination numbers towards reaching the designated targets.

Promises of fewer restrictions should entice many to get the jab, she said.

"[The targets] can be an incentive to people if they actually realise that they can participate in some of those activities in a safer way, because they're vaccinated,” she told SBS News.

“Once that end is in sight, and people can see that it's achievable, then hopefully, it will only accelerate things."

Professor Bennet said if the nation can continue to increase uptake numbers, she believes it can get “on track to complete” vaccine target requirements by the end of the year.

“[But] we won't know until we get our supply ahead of our demand,” she told SBS News.

“We've got a way to go yet and a lot of people waiting to get their vaccine, who will be very glad when when their bookings finally come around.”

'Eligible population' may increase with children

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on vaccines is currently considering whether to approve the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 12 to 15.

On Monday, the vaccine advisory body signed off on their use by children with underlying medical conditions, those who are immuno-compromised or from an Indigenous background or remote community.

If ATAGI does recommend the shots be given to children in this age category, the size of the eligible population would increase.

Labor's health spokesperson Mark Butler has accused the government of bungling the vaccine rollout by not getting supplies out quickly enough.

"We need to see that vaccination rate climb very, very quickly if we're going to protect the Australian population against this highly infectious variant, which is causing lockdown after lockdown," he said.

The vaccines figures also show a lower proportion of people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background have received vaccinations.

As of 1 August, 140,202 people or 24 per cent of people who identify as Indigenous Australians have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccine.

Around 10.8 per cent or 63,116 Indigenous Australians have now been fully vaccinated.

COVID-19 taskforce commander Lieutenant General John Frewen said reaching the vaccine threshold is going to rely on Australians turning out to get the jab.

“It is going to mean that Australians have to turn up,” he told reporters.

“People in Australia really need to keep coming forward to get vaccinated so I encourage them to do so.”

https://www.sbs.com.au/news/australia-can-realistically-reach-covid-19-vaccine-targets-by-end-of-year-infectious-disease-experts-say

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257305

File: 1cd031fab7f5aa0⋯.jpg (225.76 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, A_delivery_person_crosses_….jpg)

Military lockdown gambit exposes Canberra's double standards

Lu Xue - Aug 01, 2021

Three hundred Australian military personnel will begin on Monday to help local police crackdown on residents who flout stay-at-home restrictions amid rising COVID-19 cases, Australian media outlet ABC News reported on Friday.

An outbreak of the hyper transmissible Delta variant of the novel coronavirus continues to grow in Australia. New South Wales broke the record of daily coronavirus cases with 239 new infections reported on Thursday, the highest tally since the pandemic begun, according to Sky News. And news.com.au said that Queensland on Sunday reported the highest increase in infections all year with nine positive cases.

In response to the latest outbreak, Sydney on Wednesday extended its lockdown by another four weeks. But anti-lockdown protests have taken place in Australia against the tight restrictions to address a rise of COVID-19 cases.

The protesters reportedly marched unmasked in Sydney carrying signs calling for "freedom" and threw bottles at mounted police officers. This will make it more difficult to curb the spread of the virus in Australia.

In Australia, a so-called liberal democracy, some of the public tend to be anti-intellectual. They ignore the common sense of public health, refuse to wear masks and object to taking vaccines. In a bid to effectively handle the pandemic, Australia has to take drastic measures.

Canberra has been critical of China's effective response to control the disease. For example, ABC News in April 2020 published an article, which indicated that the Chinese government's efforts to track some of its citizens through software that analyzes their personal data to identify their health status and level of risk for COVID-19 "alarmed" human rights advocates.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in June 2020 that "some countries are using the pandemic to undermine liberal democracy to promote their own more authoritarian models." An AP News report analyzed she was referencing China and Russia.

Now, quite ironically, it turns out that Canberra plans to send its military personnel to help enforce social lockdown.

"This is a typical double standard on the side of Australia," Chen Hong, a professor and director of the Australian Studies Centre, East China Normal University, told the Global Times on Sunday.

"Judging from the desperate situation in Sydney and the military reinforcement, Australia is aware that the right to life is the most important human rights. To help ensure the effectiveness of the lockdown, Australia's move to send military personnel into Sydney seems draconian among nations," Chen said.

Now, it is known to all that Australia's incessant unwarranted criticism of China in terms of freedom and human rights is not about human rights at all. Instead, Canberra has exploited it to echo Washington's anti-China policy, Chen said. "For a time, the Morrison administration has made use of every opportunity to smear and demonize China by politicizing issues such as lockdowns, QR code inspection, mass vaccination and other measures adopted in China's battle against the Covid-19 pandemic," he noted.

Chen said, "Australia has manipulated the definitions of democracy, freedom and human rights as a political weapon to discredit China. The Canberra government has been handling such concepts arbitrarily to serve their ulterior motives. Their goal is crystal clear that is to attack China."

Against this backdrop, no matter what China does, Australian politicians and media outlets will interpret it as a "Chinese conspiracy". Such a bizarre mentality is neither conducive for China-Australia ties nor an effective response to deal with COVID-19.

The rapid spread of the Delta variant is complicating global attempts to stem the spread of the virus, and it is high time for global cooperation. Coordinating the US government's anti-China strategy by badmouthing China will do no good to Australia.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202108/1230241.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257322

File: 599ba913140c655⋯.png (1.54 MB, 1280x726, 640:363, Ben_Roberts_Smith_denies_k….png)

>>14035776

>>14249826

WhatsApp messages reveal Nine witness’s ‘inconsistency’

KIERAN GAIR - AUGUST 2, 2021

A barrister acting for Ben Roberts-Smith in the war veteran’s defamation trial has urged the Federal Court to admit into evidence WhatsApp messages that allegedly show a key witness for Nine newspapers, Afghan villager Mohammed Hanifa, gave an “inconsistent statement” while under cross-examination last week.

On Monday, Arthur Moses, SC, acting for Mr Roberts-Smith, said WhatsApp messages obtained by the war veteran’s legal team suggested Mr Hanifa, who claimed he witnessed a “big soldier” kick his step-uncle Ali Jan off a cliff, was told by an Afghan official that he could “receive compensation” for Ali Jan’s death.

Last week, Mr Hanifa repeatedly denied giving false evidence during cross-examination about a September 2012 raid on Darwan, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing of Ali Jan, who he claims was kicked off a cliff by a big “blue-eyed” soldier and then shot dead by Australian troops behind a berry tree.

In an at times fiery cross-examination, Mr Hanifa was accused by Bruce McClintock, SC, acting for Mr Roberts-Smith, of discussing the possibility of obtaining compensation for Ali Jan’s death with the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission.

At a case management hearing on Monday, Mr Moses told the court that WhatsApp messages from December last year indicated the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission had “mentioned” to Mr Hanifa that “if Ali Jan is your brother or father, file your complaint” and “compensation will be provided.”

He said a representative for Nine in Afghanistan had told the media company’s legal team via Whatsapp about the alleged communication between Mr Hanifa and the Afghan Human Rights Commission.

“The HRC director tells Hanifa some compensation will be provided to affected families by Australians through the HRC in Tarin Kowt,” Mr Moses said.

“He (was) told that there were two groups against each other and one group is facing justice.”

When asked by Mr McClintock last week if he had spoken with anyone from the human rights agency about compensation for Ali Jan’s death, Mr Hanifa said: “I haven’t done that, I haven’t talked to anyone.”

In fact, Mr Moses told the court, the Afghan villager had “spoken to the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission”, had been told that compensation “would be provided to affected families”, and was also told that “if Ali Jan was your father or your brother you could file the complaint.”

“The WhatsApp messages tend to prove that Mohammed Hanifa has made a prior inconsistent statement,” Mr Moses said. “The court should admit the WhatsApp messages.”

Nicholas Owens, SC, acting for Nine, told the court the messages were hearsay because they had not been sent by Mr Hanifa, and that Mr Moses would need to “demonstrate why a hearsay exception would apply.”

The defamation trial was adjourned on Friday and will likely resume on November 1, due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 lockdown in Sydney.

On Monday, the court heard Nine intended to call a further “24 witnesses, of whom some 19 are interstate”, while Mr Roberts-Smith may call 19 witnesses in reply.

Speaking via an interpreter from Kabul, Mr Hanifa told the court last week that he saw a “big soldier” kick a handcuffed Ali Jan off a cliff. Mr Hanifa said he saw two soldiers dragging Ali Jan behind a berry tree and then heard gunshots. When he next saw Ali Jan, he was dead.

Under cross-examination, Mr Hanifa conceded that he “hated” Australian soldiers. “If they are coming to our houses, go inside to our women, of course that’s what you call them — infidels,” Mr Hanifa said.

“You call people who are killed by infidel soldiers martyrs, don’t you?” Mr McClintock asked. “Yes, that’s it, yes,” Mr Hanifa said. “And that’s how you see them isn‘t it?” “Yes, yes,” Mr Hanifa replied.

The alleged killing of Ali Jan is the centrepiece allegation in Mr Roberts-Smiths’ action against The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times over claims that he committed or was complicit in six unlawful killings during deployments to Afghanistan.

Nine alleges Mr Roberts-Smith kicked Ali Jan off a cliff, and then agreed with a colleague – Person 11 – that Mr Jan would be shot dead. He denies the allegations and says the reports portray him as a war criminal.

Justice Anthony Besanko will make a ruling on the messages at a later date.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/whatsapp-messages-reveal-nine-witnesss-inconsistency/news-story/07076a7626314e9021b469c9cc650b60

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257358

File: ed47b8c546110e8⋯.jpg (572.25 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0005.jpg)

File: a0a6d442ba616db⋯.jpg (609.83 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0007.jpg)

File: 72c3f9b83d97ce1⋯.jpg (227.1 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0008.jpg)

File: bc6301983547b4b⋯.jpg (830.84 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0010.jpg)

File: ab078e6ca06e32e⋯.pdf (6.51 MB, Afghanistan_Inquiry_Reform….pdf)

‘Serious failings’: Defence quietly releases war crimes inquiry response plan

Anthony Galloway - August 3, 2021

The Department of Defence has released a four-year plan to address the serious and systemic organisational and cultural failings exposed by the Afghanistan war crimes inquiry that commits to determining whether to strip war medals from soldiers by the end of 2021.

The plan was quietly posted on the website of the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force on July 30, with Defence opting not to release any public statement or inform media about its publication.

Under the plan, Defence aims to come to “initial determinations” on whether to strip medals from soldiers who have committed serious wrongdoing and compensate Afghan victims by the end of 2021. It then wants to deliver a “transformational reform” package over more than four years to the end of 2025, which will address “what went wrong” and prevent and respond to “any future issues”.

The Brereton inquiry last year found credible evidence of 39 unlawful killings of Afghan civilians or prisoners by Australian soldiers, raising the alarm about a “warrior culture” within Australia’s special forces and “the clique of non-commissioned officers who propagated it”.

In a forward to the report, chief of the Australian Defence Force General Angus Campbell and Defence secretary Greg Moriarty said Defence accepted responsibility for the “failings in systems, culture and accountability”.

“Misconduct as serious as that identified and alleged by the Afghanistan Inquiry cannot occur unless there have been serious and systemic organisational and cultural failings,” they said.

“These failings created an environment which allowed Defence’s proud and respected reputation, earned by our professional and ethical personnel over decades, to be damaged by the actions of a few.”

The four-year inquiry by NSW Court Of Appeal Justice Paul Brereton found there was credible evidence of 23 incidents in which one or more non-combatants - or individuals who had been captured or injured - were unlawfully killed by special forces soldiers, or at least at their direction. There were also a further two incidents the report said could be classified as the war crime of “cruel treatment”.

Military sociologist Samantha Crompvoets was commissioned by the Department of Defence in 2015 to produce a report on culture within the special forces, which led to members disclosing claims of unlawful behaviour including alleged war crimes.

Dr Crompvoets, who this week released her book Bloodlust, Trust and Blame, said Defence’s report set out a clear path for reform that must be adopted if it wants an ADF that is “fully battle-ready”.

“This isn’t some woke agenda, this is about ensuring the ADF is as strong and resilient as possible,” she said. “We owe it to men and women who serve, and our veteran community, to ensure these reforms are not compromised.”

In April, the federal government stepped in to stop the 3408 members of the Special Operations Task Group from being stripped of the military honours awarded for their service in Afghanistan. The move to revoke the unit citation was a key recommendation of the Brereton war crimes inquiry, which found credible allegations that special forces soldiers committed 39 murders in Afghanistan.

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age revealed in June that General Campbell and Mr Moriarty warned Defence Minister Peter Dutton against allowing special forces troops to keep their meritorious unit citation from Afghanistan because it posed a risk to Australia’s moral authority.

A Department of Defence briefing obtained under Freedom of Information laws said a failure to strip the unit of its citation would threaten the “international and domestic reputation” of the Australian Defence Force and cause further harm to Afghan victims.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/serious-failings-defence-quietly-releases-war-crimes-inquiry-response-plan-20210803-p58ffk.html

https://afghanistaninquiry.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-07/Afghanistan_Inquiry_Reform_Plan_0.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257419

File: 0d07a01c394fe99⋯.jpg (115.12 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, An_Australian_light_armour….jpg)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre’s theatre of war

BEN PACKHAM - AUGUST 2, 2021

1/3

On the upper vehicle deck inside HMAS Canberra, 33 Japanese soldiers wearing black face masks check their weapons, surrounded by a larger group of British Royal Marine Commandos.

The Japan Self-Defence Force troops are part of an elite marine unit, the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade, established three years ago to counter Chinese threats to the country’s island territories in the East China Sea.

The platoon of Japanese soldiers is the smallest of the combined forces aboard HMAS Canberra for the amphibious assault exercise. But its presence is significant.

The Australian has been invited aboard HMAS Canberra for the final week of Talisman Sabre 2021 – Australia’s biggest defence exercise with the US, which has grown into a significant multinational training event.

This year the exercise tests the interoperability of seven nations’ militaries – those of Australia, the US, Britain, Japan, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand. All share democratic values and a deep desire to protect the international rules-based order.

Crucially, of the participants in Talisman Sabre this year, Japan is closest to the frontline of strategic geopolitical tensions with China; facing regular incursions by Chinese military, coast guard and maritime militia into its territorial waters. As a fellow member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, with Australia, the US and India, Japan is also a vital partner in the combined Indo-Pacific pushback against Chinese attempts to flout international norms.

The presence of two Chinese spy ships monitoring Talisman Sabre from international waters for the duration of the exercise provides a constant reminder of its strategic backdrop.

The landing of 650 Australian, US, British and Japanese personnel from HMAS Canberra, and the subsequent “battle” for the north Queensland town of Ingham last Friday, is the culmination of a month of combined exercises involving 17,000 personnel, 18 ships, 70 fixed wing aircraft and 50 helicopters.

The Australian hitches a ride to HMAS Canberra with Peter Dutton on a CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The Defence Minister lauds Japan’s contribution and flags the future participation of India – the only absent Quad partner – in the next Talisman Sabre in 2023.

“It would be great to see India here,” Dutton says. “Obviously the Quad has been quite remarkable.

“Our Five Eyes partnerships obviously, historically, have been the underpinning of our training model and our intelligence gathering and sharing. But as we see here, with Japan and with many other partners, there really is a very significant collaboration with countries within the Indo-Pacific, and Japan has really stepped up and is an important partner.”

For the purposes of the amphibious exercise, Ingham and its surrounds are cast as an island that had been occupied by a large force of “North Torbians” – a fictional “near peer” enemy with comparable air, ground, maritime, space, and cyber capabilities.

For Australia, an isolated, three-ocean nation with friends and partners scattered throughout the region, it’s a potentially realistic scenario.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257424

File: 5c0c1ec07ac3ae4⋯.jpg (100.1 KB, 822x463, 822:463, Australian_Army_soldiers_w….jpg)

>>14257419

2/3

The landing at Forrest Beach, near Ingham, on Friday is uncontested, amid deception, sabotage and cyber operations to throw the “enemy” off guard.

But the coalition forces face strong resistance later in the day at the town’s airport. The landing force seizes key terrain, including bridges, intersections, and power infrastructure, creating multiple problems for the “enemy” to deal with at once.

Earlier, navy clearance divers search the ocean floor for “mines”, and a navy survey team has mapped the undersea terrain.

US Marine Corps Captain Jeremiah Dennis, a tanned, broad-shouldered Texan, says technology and tactics have transformed amphibious warfare.

Dennis’s rifle company, from the 7th Marines, is typically inserted by helicopter to engage the enemy ahead of seaborne landing forces.

“You’ve seen Saving Private Ryan with Tom Hanks where they take that beach? That’s the worst case scenario,” he says.

“So how do you solve that problem? Deception is a big one – making you think where you are going is not where you are going so you can slide in the back door. It’s not checkers, it’s chess.”

Striking from the naval platforms is core business for the US Marines and the British Royal Marine Commandos, each of which has a company of 120 personnel operating from HMAS Canberra, together with 350 Australian soldiers from 3 Royal Australian Regiment, and the platoon of Japanese.

Royal Marines commander Major Kris Dawson’s 40 Commando unit has joined Talisman Sabre after being re-tasked to the Indo-Pacific under Britain’s new force posture.

“Our presence in the area is certainly going to increase over the coming years,” he tells The Australian.

“What we are looking at doing in the future is having a strike company forward deployed in the area of operation, anywhere east of the Suez Canal, all the way through to the Indo-Pacific.”

Dawson’s commando force specialises in amphibious warfare and reconnaissance.

“As a commando force, we offer something slightly different. We are used to working in small teams over large areas,” Dawson says.

“We’ve done a bit of work with 2 Royal Australian Regiment and we’re doing work now with 3RAR. It takes years and years to become familiar with.”

The Australian Defence Force has been steadily ramping up its amphibious capabilities during the past decade, accelerating its readiness for marine operations since the arrival of the navy’s landing helicopter dock ships HMAS Canberra in 2014 and HMAS Adelaide in 2015.

The 27,000-tonne LHDs can deposit up to 1000 armed soldiers by air and water, together with their weapons and vehicles, anywhere in the Indo-Pacific or further abroad if needed.

The vessels have landing space for eight medium-sized helicopters or four of the army’s heavier Chinooks and can accommodate 110 vehicles below deck.

During Talisman Sabre, HMAS Canberra operates command and control platforms for its accompanying naval taskforces and a floating headquarters for the amphibious landing force.

“It is important we do have a capability such as this which, let’s face it, is designed for combat but can just as easily be re-tasked to conduct a peacetime operation which is really important,” the ship’s Captain Jace Hutchison says.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257426

File: f1a6b73e950ba14⋯.jpg (47.6 KB, 722x484, 361:242, In_front_of_the_Japanese_S….jpg)

>>14257424

3/3

Two submarines – Australian Collins-class boats – are participating in the exercise on the enemy “Red Team”, testing the ships’ anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Earlier, one of the US ships was “hit” in a mock torpedo attack.

Australia’s LHDs, Canberra and Adelaide, and Landing Ship Dock HMAS Choules are key to Australia’s ability to deploy land forces anywhere in the region, in war or peacetime.

Colonel Kim Gilfillan, a co-commander at the ADFs Amphibious Force Headquarters in Sydney, is head of the landing force. When he talks to The Australian after lunch, he has just finished his 10th meeting of the day.

He says the ADF’s amphibious capabilities have grown significantly during the past four to five years. Refining them with key international partners is now a top priority to ensure Australia can work with any of its allies and friends in combined regional operations.

“To use a sporting analogy, when we generate a State of Origin team, or the Wallabies, they come from other teams and they don’t work well together until they’ve been given time to understand the game plan and the communications necessary,” Gilfillan says.

“Once they’ve worked together for a while, it becomes seamless. That is the same for our profession – practice, practice, practice gets us better.”

The pandemic has constrained the number of participants in Talisman Sabre this year and confined many to their ships, but it helps to test the exercise’s planners by adding another layer of complexity to the training.

Australian Army Major General Jake Ellwood is commander of the exercise for the second time in as many years.

He says the aim is to develop “micro interoperability” between the ADF and its international partners, allowing them to operate as one.

“We’re testing that connective tissue,” Ellwood tells The Australian. “We want to make it as realistic as we can. We like to make sure the adversary we are facing is near-peer. That’s important for us to test and stretch our capabilities as far as we can.”

The opposing force, made up of forces drawn from the Five Eyes nations – Australia, the US, Britain, Canada and New Zealand – is given access to the tactics and technology available to the fictional enemy.

The amphibious assault exercise – the second of Talisman Sabre and fourth for the ADF since June – is one of three major actions during the multinational war games.

Earlier, at Charters Towers, 140 US Army paratroopers conducted an airborne assault, while a “multi-domain strike” at the Shoalwater Bay training area featured the first firing of a US Patriot missile on Australian soil, together with US HiMARS artillery rockets.

The results of each engagement are not a foregone conclusion.

“We use our intelligence architecture to try and anticipate what they are going to throw at us and to outmanoeuvre them,” the landing force’s chief of plans, Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Barrow, tells The Australian.

“Having previously been an enemy force on these exercises, they absolutely want to attempt to beat the blue force because that is a feather in your cap if you can win the scenario.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/inquirer/talisman-sabres-theatre-of-war/news-story/5870a09756e57c78764dbf39a1061a00

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257458

File: 16434f0e6467b6a⋯.jpg (139.93 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Chrissie_Foster_fought_to_….jpg)

File: ca678b7ae6d739e⋯.jpg (194.83 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, The_Herald_Sun_s_Let_Her_S….jpg)

File: a883d583bc4ff84⋯.jpg (223.86 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, The_Herald_Sun_s_campaign_….jpg)

File: a55f6b46258d18e⋯.jpg (105.93 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_state_government_attem….jpg)

Families of tragic sex assault victims no longer silenced after state government backflip

Chrissie Foster faced jail for naming her daughter, a victim of sexual abuse. But a landmark victory has seen a government blunder overturned.

Ashley Argoon and Nina Funnell - August 3, 2021

Families of sexual assault victims have won a landmark victory to speak the names of their dead loved ones after a Herald Sun campaign forced a state government U-turn.

Reforms will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday, empowering families to tell their loved ones’ stories following a prominent campaign titled #LetUsSpeak.

The Judicial Proceedings Reports Amendment Bill will replace controversial reforms that would have made it a crime to name deceased sexual assault victims, including Jill Meagher, Eurydice Dixon and Aiia Maasarwe.

Striking a balance to respect the wishes of those who want to remain private, a new Victim Privacy Order has also been created, which partners, family or close friends can apply for if they don’t want a deceased loved one named.

Bans on others naming living victims of sexual assault are already in place.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said she hoped the reforms – to be reviewed within two years – would work to destigmatise discussion on sexual offending and prevent the protection of offenders’ identities.

The Herald Sun, in conjunction with news.com, Marque lawyers and the Rape & Sexual Assault Research & Avocacy group, ran the #LetUsSpeak campaign following a massive reform blunder last year. The state government attempted to revoke victim gag laws but instead created a new ban on naming deceased victims.

Chrissie Foster, who fought to continue naming her daughter, Emma who was sexually abused by a paedophile priest, said she was “really heartened” by the changes.

The Order of Australia ­recipient received an alarming phone call from the Victorian Attorney-General’s office late last year, threatening her with jail if she kept naming her ­deceased daughter in public.

Ms Foster, a campaigner on these issues for more than two decades, was reeling that Emma’s name was being wiped from the pages of history.

“Silence is the big killer in all of this. That’s what every paedophile on this planet wants,” she said.

Ms Foster contacted the #LetUsSpeak campaign, and with donations raised through its GoFundMe page, Marque Lawyers took her case to court – and won. “I would still like to know who was behind the gag legislation but it’s good if this Bill gets us back on track to a future that protects children,” she said.

Nina Funnell, creator of the #LetUsSpeak campaign, said she was pleased with the result.

“I’m relieved the government listened to and engaged with the criticism from survivors and victims’ families,” she said. “It should never have come to this.”

The reforms will be introduced to parliament on Tuesday and are to be on debated Thursday.

If the changes go through, victims of sexual assault and the loved ones of deceased victims will be able to apply for a Victim Privacy Order through the courts in October.

Ms Symes said family perpetrators, either alleged or found guilty, would be banned from applying.

The court would weigh up the distress of publishing versus the public interest and the victim’s view before granting an order. The order would apply for five years, after which a victim, or the family of a deceased, would have to seek an extension.

“The more you talk about sexual offending, the better it is for society – you’re encouraging people to feel confident in reporting, you’re reducing the stigma of being a victim of these types of crimes and the public discourse at the moment is very open to these conversations,” Ms Symes said.

Funding would be made available to assist those who wanted to apply, but Ms Symes did not anticipate a large number of applications.

Nina Funnell is the creator of the #LetUsSpeak campaign.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/families-of-tragic-sex-assault-victims-no-longer-silenced-after-state-government-backflip/news-story/5bdc0fa5b62a7b4a73d345bcc6be70bb

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

58d4e5  No.14257467

File: 9d7ed262d2e7fef⋯.jpg (724.83 KB, 1440x1080, 4:3, 9d7ed262d2e7feff7d8c59440a….jpg)

File: 43200e6b8e69548⋯.jpg (470.43 KB, 1440x1080, 4:3, 43200e6b8e69548b95d070e489….jpg)

File: 578997369b7102b⋯.jpg (125.58 KB, 992x742, 496:371, 578997369b7102b6acd5f7c3af….jpg)

File: a21af3fcf75448b⋯.jpg (162.49 KB, 998x740, 499:370, a21af3fcf75448b224add4dd66….jpg)

File: a91e443d05c7fbb⋯.jpg (116.96 KB, 1080x928, 135:116, a91e443d05c7fbb9565e2b3e5f….jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257474

File: 2e3323dd51ea9ad⋯.jpg (116.31 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Telstra_has_previously_mad….jpg)

Local, national and calls to mobiles will now be free from Telstra payphones

abc.net.au - 3 August 2021

Future generations may never know the thrill of making a reverse-charges call to their parents after Telstra made its 15,000 payphones free.

The telco announced today local or national calls to a fixed line or Australian mobile from a Telstra payphone would no longer incur a charge.

The move means the days of scrambling for 50 cents in change, or devising a code involving a predetermined number of rings were effectively over.

The company said around 11 million calls were made from its payphones last year, including 230,000 calls to critical services such as 000 and Lifeline.

Telstra CEO Andy Penn said the move to make every payphone free would cost the company around $5 million a year.

"Just watching over the last 18 months how they've played a role in emergency situations through the bushfires in keeping people connected and particularly those that are vulnerable and disadvantaged, I just thought we've got to a point where we can make this free," he said

"It's not not a big deal for Telstra."

"It just means people don't have to worry about having a pocketful of coins if they need to make a phone call in an emergency."

Mr Penn said Telstra had no plans to remove any of the payphones, and the number of phones the company maintained was determined by the federal government.

The phones have previously been made free to communities affected by natural disasters, or in remote indigenous communities.

Telstra has also offered free Christmas and New Year calls from its payphones for the past five years.

Salvation Army Major Brendan Nottle said it was a "game changer" for people who couldn't afford a mobile phone, or have had to leave dangerous domestic situations.

"Many vulnerable Australians don't have access to a mobile phone so it's really important for them to break down that sense of social poverty, social isolation to connect with a friend, or to connect with a service," he said.

"During COVID we've seen the spotlight shone on isolation and the reality is there is a proportion of Australians that suffer from social isolation every day of their lives."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-03/telstra-has-made-its-15000-payphones-free/100344664

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14257486

File: d265650da0516e5⋯.jpg (489.53 KB, 825x935, 15:17, FMMP_21.jpg)

File: 0bd4842ba12a012⋯.jpg (252.34 KB, 2048x1152, 16:9, E70zAroVoBgwzK_.jpg)

Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet

(Australia) is working with our closest partners on global health security, equitable vaccine access & promoting shared values of democracy & human rights. Today I met with Five Eyes counterparts @MarcGarneau @NanaiaMahuta @DominicRaab @SecBlinken on Indo-Pacific priorities & challenges.

https://twitter.com/MarisePayne/status/1422349155293306904

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

8c24d3  No.14260270

hi there mates

very disappointed in that country

my kids left this third world country for that country and now they are prisoners in their own home after living there 10 years

good god is there any country left where a person can enjoy freedom

my other children left for NZ and there they are forced to take the suicide injection to keep their jobs

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265541

File: 071c74cc7e2af7e⋯.jpg (152.5 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Simmons_Sean_Tribe_and….jpg)

File: e5cc844cd0ac216⋯.jpg (84.3 KB, 768x1021, 768:1021, Olivia_Simmons.jpg)

Ben Simmons sister Olivia claims she was victim of child sex-trafficking ring

STEVE JACKSON - AUGUST 3

The sister of Australian basketballer Ben Simmons claims she was preyed upon by a child sex-trafficking ring while growing up in suburban Melbourne and now suffers “flashbacks” of the sickening abuse she endured.

Olivia Simmons has made the allegation in a video shared with her online social media following, encouraging them to further distribute the clip to ensure her safety.

“I have come to TikTok today, not on a positive note,” the 29-year-old single mother says in the undated video. “I have come here today because the country of Australia is sex-trafficking children – and I am a victim of that sex-­trafficking ring.

“I have recently started having flashbacks and nobody believed me. Everyone keeps hating me like I’m f..king crazy, and I know I’m not crazy.

“I’m saying this openly (in case) anything f..king happens to me. What they’re doing in this country is really f..king sick between the schools and the sporting complexes and all these events. This entire country was built off paedophilia … and I remember everything.”

The Australian understands Ms Simmons was set to be grilled about the claims she raised in the video in the Federal Court after making similar historic sex alle­gations against her half-brother, Sean Tribe, and accusing him on social media in April of sexually assaulting her as a child and ­“molesting (me) for years from age three”.

Ms Simmons initially claimed she “recalled” the alleged abuse at the hands of her sibling after undergoing “suppressed memories therapy” five years ago and she was “tired of this facade just ‘cause my brother (Ben Simmons) is ­famous” and it could damage his “brand”.

She also denied fabricating the allegations in the days after she posted them on Twitter, adding that while she had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, she was not suffering from any mental illness.

However, on Tuesday, judge Michael Lee found Ms Simmons had defamed her half-brother after she conceded she was unable to defend her allegations and had received advice from her therapist to not continue in the case.

Mr Tribe, who has always maintained his innocence, took legal action against his half-sister in April after repeated mediation attempts by family members failed to resolve the matter, retaining Sydney barristers Sue Chrysanthou SC and Barry Dean, with reputation specialist Rebekah Giles, of Company Giles, acting as his solicitor.

The family has been at loss to explain Ms Simmons’s motivation for making the allegations against her half-brother, though some suspect she is jealous of his position as their famous sibling Ben Simmons’s manager.

The 25-year-old is one of Australia’s greatest sporting exports. Since becoming the No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2016, he has cemented himself as a star player for the Philadelphia 76ers, where he commands a $38m salary.

The basketballer has strong ties with both siblings. He flew home to Melbourne to be by Ms Simmons’s side in 2018 after her young daughter was diagnosed with a rare brain condition, while Mr Tribe moved to the US almost a decade ago to work with him.

In legal papers filed with the Federal Court in April, Ms Giles said Mr Tribe and Ms Simmons, who also played basketball in the US for the Arizona State Sun Devils, had enjoyed a “normal close sibling relationship” until March when Ms Simmons raised sex ­assault accusations against Mr Tribe to another family member.

She said Ms Simmons then posted the “sensational, accusatory and spiteful” allegations on social media, knowing her relationship to her sports star brother would give them prominence.

Justice Lee said he had ­extended “considerable sympathy” to Ms Simmons and had gone “to great lengths to assist her” by offering her repeated ­extensions to file a defence. He banned her from repeating her sexual abuse allegations against Mr Tribe ahead of a hearing on September 14 when the court would rule on damages.

The court is expected to hear Ms Simmons’s social media posts “devastated” Mr Tribe and the extended Simmons family. In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Tribe said he welcomed the court’s decision and was looking forward to putting the matter behind him.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/ben-simmons-sister-olivia-claims-she-was-victim-of-child-sextrafficking-ring/news-story/e59dee9007758ddb6fde862392031e64

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265549

File: aabd0e4273024df⋯.jpg (199.73 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Shoppers_stock_up_in_a_Wuh….jpg)

File: 1c4ecee12fb533b⋯.jpg (255.14 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_Wuhan_resident_is_given_….jpg)

Covid-19 returns to Wuhan, China

WILL GLASGOW - AUGUST 4, 2021

Wuhan is in a “wartime state”, local officials say, with the coronavirus returning to the central Chinese city where it was first ­detected in late 2019.

Across China, domestic summer holiday plans are in tatters and mass testing is under way as the fiendishly infectious Delta variant strains even the world’s strictest public health orders.

Many in Wuhan – veterans of last year’s 76-day lockdown – stocked up on essentials on Tuesday, a day after seven new cases were detected in the city, which has a population 11 million.

Simon Carter, an Australian geophysicist who now lives in Wuhan, set off to buy lentils and red wine before he and his wife lined up for yet another test.

“It was always going to come back,” Dr Carter said. “I do worry. When do we get back to normal?”

Life in Wuhan has actually been closer to normal than in most of the world over the past 14 months, the last time officials announced a coronavirus case had been found in the city.

A year ago, thousands in Wuhan celebrated their freedom from the pandemic with a mask-less pool party that stunned the world outside China.

That won’t be repeated this month now that Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, has joined the burgeoning list of Chinese ­cities struggling with a growing cluster of Delta cases.

The Chinese outbreak began with the infection of an airport cleaner in Nanjing in China’s east in July and has since spread to Beijing, Shanghai, Yantai and Wuhan, as well as some of the country’s most populous provinces, including Hunan and Fujian.

Wuhan’s summer holiday plans are now ruined. And it is the same situation across China, as local governments advise against all but essential travel.

Ms Tan, a teacher in Wuhan, said she had to cancel a planned trip to ­Liaoning, a province in China’s northeast on the border with North Korea. And she is far from alone.

“Many people I know have had to cancel travel,” she said.

This outbreak is not terrifying like the original one, which killed thousands as Wuhan’s hospital system was the first in the world to be overwhelmed by what was then an unknown virus.

More than a year and a half after those first cases were ­detected, the country’s corona­virus set-up is formidable.

China was the first country to establish a smartphone check-in system which – combined with a political system that is less troubled than Australia’s with individual rights – has helped with contact tracing.

It has also pioneered a system of mass testing that operates on a scale unparalleled in the world. The entire population of Wuhan – which is the size of Melbourne and Sydney combined – was first tested in just 10 days last May.

Following orders this week from Hubei party secretary Ying Yong to “quickly enter a wartime state”, the city’s 11 million people are being tested again. They aim to be completed by next week.

Similar mass testing is being undertaken across the country as China’s officials desperately try to retain the almost Covid-free status of the world’s second-­biggest economy.

They hope it will allow China’s cities to avoid the extended lockdowns that have occurred in ­Australia.

More than half of China’s 1.4 billion people have been twice jabbed with the locally made Sino­vac and Sinopharm vaccines.

While those vaccines have not stopped people getting infected with Delta, China’s most famous doctor Zhong Nanshan said they had greatly reduced the severity of the cases.

“They still have a protective ­effect,” said Dr Zhong in an interview with Chinese media.

The national Covid-19 outbreak – which grew to a total of 61 new domestic cases on Monday – has overtaken China’s gold medal dominance at the Tokyo Olympics as the most discussed topic in the country.

As in Australia, many in China are grumbling about whether this current outbreak could have been avoided.

Feng Jun, who was the party secretary of Nanjing airport until he was sacked last month, has been widely pilloried.

“He ruined the summer ­vacation of all Chinese students,” said one commentator.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/covid19-returns-to-wuhan-china/news-story/67168cb79f07deb4f9e76c9644d621c3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265795

File: eeca386aa85e5b4⋯.jpg (774.21 KB, 1233x1061, 1233:1061, Chinese_Embassy_Spokespers….jpg)

>>14166101

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks - 2021/07/22

Recently, the Japanese ambassador to Australia has made some nasty remarks regarding China. At a diplomatic function in Canberra not long ago, he attempted blatantly to whitewash and even beautify the brutal aggression and atrocities by the Japanese militarists in World War II. It is all natural he was excoriated by the Chinese ambassador on the spot. And his offer to invite the Chinese ambassador for a dinner was politely declined.

In 2010, China surpassed Japan in terms of GDP. Unfortunately up to today, a small number of Japanese with imperial dream still cannot come to terms with history and reality. But the trajectory of world development will not be altered just because someone does not like it.

http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1894240.htm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265799

File: 7e6ca75144b6f1c⋯.jpg (66.81 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Mr_Yamagami_had_praised_Au….jpg)

File: c35a23c4c241227⋯.jpg (168.57 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_statement_was_posted_o….jpg)

File: 23a076851dc1208⋯.jpg (94.11 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Tokyo_Beijing_relations_ha….jpg)

File: 8ace4a500df3aed⋯.jpg (139.46 KB, 862x647, 862:647, Japanese_and_Australian_wa….jpg)

>>14166101

>>14265795

Chinese embassy in Canberra accuses Japanese ambassador of 'nasty remarks'

Stephen Dziedzic - 3 August 2021

The Chinese embassy in Australia has launched an extraordinary personal attack on Shingo Yamagami, Japan's ambassador in Canberra, accusing him of making "nasty remarks" about China and glorifying Japanese war crimes at a diplomatic function.

The embassy said China's ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, responded by "excoriating" Mr Yamagami at the event.

But Japan's embassy firmly denied that Mr Yamagami had ever praised Japan's World War II legacy and insisted the two ambassadors never engaged in a verbal confrontation.

The confusing diplomatic stoush was kickstarted by a highly unusual statement posted to the Chinese embassy's website 10 days ago.

"At a diplomatic function in Canberra not long ago [Japan's ambassador] attempted blatantly to whitewash, and even beautify, the brutal aggression and atrocities by the Japanese militarists in World War II," it reads.

"It is … natural he was excoriated by the Chinese ambassador on the spot. And his offer to invite the Chinese ambassador for a dinner was politely declined."

The Chinese embassy released the statement a day after Mr Yamagami gave a speech to the National Press Club, praising Australia's policies on China.

He said the federal government had "faced up to tremendous pressure in a consistent, principled and resilient manner".

The Chinese embassy statement called the speech "nasty" and accused the ambassador of pining for the days of imperial Japan.

"In 2010, China surpassed Japan in terms of GDP. Unfortunately … a small number of Japanese with imperial dream[s] still cannot come to terms with history and reality," it says.

"But the trajectory of world development will not be altered just because someone does not like it."

However, it is not clear exactly which event the Chinese embassy is referring to when it talks about the ambassador excoriating Mr Yamagami.

China's ambassador Cheng Jingye did not attend the National Press Club speech given by Mr Yamagami, so the alleged confrontation could not have happened there.

The ABC asked the Chinese embassy to provide more details. But officials simply said Mr Yamagami's speech spoke for itself and they had nothing further to add.

Ambassadors attended Holocaust memorial event

The Japanese embassy told the ABC it did not know which function the Chinese embassy was referring to, and the two ambassadors had never exchanged barbs.

Mr Yamagami and the Chinese ambassador did both speak at a Holocaust memorial event hosted by the Israeli embassy in April.

But a spokesperson for the Japanese embassy said the Japanese ambassador spoke only about the Holocaust at the function.

While Mr Yamagami referred briefly to Japanese officials who helped Jews flee Europe to reach safety, he made no references to the war in Asia or Japan's military conquests in World War II, they said.

The spokesperson added that if the Chinese embassy's statement was indeed aimed at that speech, then it was not an accurate portrayal.

The Chinese embassy's attack on the ambassador coincides with a broader deterioration of ties between Japan and China.

There are deep reservoirs of hostility in China towards Japan over Tokyo's depredations before and during World War II, when Japanese troops murdered countless civilians and prisoners of war in China.

And fresh tensions flared in recent months as senior Japanese politicians adopted increasingly assertive language on deeply sensitive issues, from territorial disputes in the East China Sea to human rights abuses in China.

Beijing's ambassador to Japan recently declared that Japan's statements on Taiwan and Hong Kong had "seriously disturbed" the bilateral relationship, warning Tokyo against working with the United States to contain China.

Several Chinese diplomats have also embraced a far more confrontational tone — sometimes labelled "Wolf Warrior diplomacy" — partly in response to surging nationalism back home.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-03/chinese-embassy-attacks-japanese-ambassador-australia-canberra/100343564

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265811

File: 5c1eb380a084ecb⋯.jpg (351.84 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Australia_all_alone_on_ant….jpg)

>>14166101

>>14265795

Australia all alone on anti-China path despite Japan envoy's empty talks

Chen Hong - Jul 23, 2021

In a recent speech made at Australia's National Press Club, Japanese Ambassador to Canberra Shingo Yamagami profusely applauded the Morrison administration's provocative and hostile approaches of handling Australia's relations with China. He slandered China's lawful and justified trade actions on Australian exports as coercive pressure, and instigated Canberra to continue relentlessly antagonizing its biggest trade partner in an inimically confrontational way. "You are doing an excellent job," commended Yamagami, adding more fuel to the already fiery tensions between Australia and China.

As Japan's top diplomat to Australia, it is obviously very undiplomatic for Yamagami to try to shove Canberra's icy relationship with Beijing into a more aggravating deadlock in such an unveiled and inflaming manner. Instability and confrontations in the Asia-Pacific region would not only impair Australia and China's national interests, but would also backfire to inflict harm on Japan itself.

The Japanese envoy went further by encouraging Canberra to invoke the mythological US-Japan-Australia alliance. "Australia, Japan, (the) United States, like-minded countries have to get together (and) join forces" to tackle "the rise of this emerging power."

However, the most recent statistics show that the US has been taking the lion's share of the market in China left by the exit of some Australian products, in particular wines, beef, timber, and seafood. Moreover, the US had not been an exporter of coal to China, but the most recent year has witnessed a sharp surge from almost zero American coal bound for China in October 2020 to 720,000 tons in May this year. American beef exports to China have now overtaken Australian products, harvesting on the huge Chinese market with an increasing middle class population of 400 million strong.

In fact, even Japan itself has been handling its relations with China in ways much more cautious and prudent than Australia. While differences and disputes remain between the two countries, Tokyo has managed to maintain political, economic, social and cultural dialogues and exchanges with Beijing at various levels.

In recent months, Australia has been hit by successive outbreaks of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular with the Delta variant rampaging in its major cities and towns. Almost half of the population are confined at home with another round of lockdown, with no foreseeable prospect of an immediate lift. Australia's economy, pillared with exports, tourism and international education, has been facing serious peril with international travel and supply chains disrupted and therefore adversely impacted. It is in essence irrational and self-defeating that Canberra has been ferociously turning against its comprehensive strategic partner, China, jeopardizing its own long-term economic health.

The Japanese ambassador's void promises and futile support carry no actual substance. It is simply out of the question that Japan, itself ensnared in the deteriorating pandemic, would lend a helping hand to Australia's economic plight.

One thing that causes alarm is that Yamagami attempted to coax Australia to get implicated in the contestations in the East China Sea, on the ground that, according to his absurd logic, Australia's trade shipping route goes through the said waters. But it is plain to any eye that the destinations of most of Australia's trade going through the East China Sea are located in China. Does Yamagami really believe that Canberra politicians are so gullible as to believe China would attack shipments destined to its own ports? His ulterior motive is simply to embroil Australia into Japan's illegitimate territorial contest for the island.

Canberra has already been acting as the deputy sheriff for Washington's anti-China campaign, only to gravely spoil the mutually beneficial relations with China that for almost 50 years had brought substantive dynamism to its economic development. Australia is an independent country with its own national interests and does not have to prioritize Washington or Tokyo's strategic goals. Do Morrison and his policymakers have the political wisdom to become aware of this and stop acting as the cat's paw for other countries?

The author is President of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies, and professor and Director of the Australian Studies Centre, East China Normal University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202107/1229450.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265858

File: 2f99a2ece918777⋯.webm (10.04 MB, 480x270, 16:9, Tucker_Sky_News_Australia….webm)

>>14243180

SkyNews Australia anchor slams YouTube for 'most extreme cancelation of free speech imaginable'

Charles Creitz - 4 August 2021

Days after YouTube suspended SkyNews Australia's channel for one week, citing failure to comply with the platform's policy against potential COVID-19 misinformation, network host Sharri Markson decried the ban as the "most extreme cancellation of free speech imaginable."

Markson, an award-winning journalist and anchor of the Sunday program "Sharri", told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that YouTube is misguidedly using the World Health Organization as a barometer for what qualifies as coronavirus-related "misinformation."

The suspension had been issued last Thursday following a review of the network's content purporting to encourage people to use Hydroxychloroquine or Ivermectin as remedies for coronavirus symptoms, according to Reuters.

Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic, is often prescribed to fend off tropical diseases like Zika, and a much stronger formulation of the relatively inexpensive drug is commonly prescribed to horses.

Markson said SkyNews Australia is not guilty of spreading misinformation, but instead it is establishment figures trusted by Big Tech that are, pointing to NIAID Director Anthony Fauci.

"Sky News – the entire news network in Australia has been censored on YouTube for an entire week for bringing responsible, informed coverage to the people," Markson claimed.

"The people actually guilty of misinformation [are] Anthony Fauci – who said masks don't work before back-flipping [and] Joe Biden who until recently said said vaccinations stop infections, when that's not what they do – they prevent hospitalization and death," she said.

Fauci, 80, has been under harsh criticism for appearing to flip-flop on masks and in other regards, as well as being challenged on his public prescriptions and NIH funding practices by lawmakers like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

"The WHO - the very body that YouTube and the other tech giants rely on for advice – insisted for months that COVID-19 was not transmissible, the WHO insisted for months that COVID 19 was not transmissible there was no human to human transmission," Markson added.

She said the WHO also objected to travel bans instituted early in the pandemic by Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

"[The WHO] told Europe travel bans were not necessary. This directly led to the spread of the virus globally and the WHO said there was no chance the virus leaked from a laboratory and so failed to investigate it," Markson continued.

This is the body guilty of extreme misinformation and yet this is what the tech giants like YouTube are relying on for their advice when they decide to censor an entire news network in the most extreme cancellation of free speech imaginable."

Host Tucker Carlson later added that Australia under Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison has "turned into a COVID dictatorship." He added that White House COVID adviser Michael Osterholm incidentally made the argument recently on MSNBC that masks don't work – telling the anchor of that program instead that more comprehensive "respirators" would instead be effective.

Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for Google, YouTube's parent company, for comment.

Sky News and Fox News share common ownership.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/skynews-australia-youtube-free-speech

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265885

File: e60ea1e8dee27a6⋯.webm (13.11 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Tucker_Sky_News_Australia….webm)

>>14243180

SkyNews Australia anchor slams YouTube for 'most extreme cancelation of free speech imaginable'

Charles Creitz - 4 August 2021

Days after YouTube suspended SkyNews Australia's channel for one week, citing failure to comply with the platform's policy against potential COVID-19 misinformation, network host Sharri Markson decried the ban as the "most extreme cancellation of free speech imaginable."

Markson, an award-winning journalist and anchor of the Sunday program "Sharri", told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" that YouTube is misguidedly using the World Health Organization as a barometer for what qualifies as coronavirus-related "misinformation."

The suspension had been issued last Thursday following a review of the network's content purporting to encourage people to use Hydroxychloroquine or Ivermectin as remedies for coronavirus symptoms, according to Reuters.

Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic, is often prescribed to fend off tropical diseases like Zika, and a much stronger formulation of the relatively inexpensive drug is commonly prescribed to horses.

Markson said SkyNews Australia is not guilty of spreading misinformation, but instead it is establishment figures trusted by Big Tech that are, pointing to NIAID Director Anthony Fauci.

"Sky News – the entire news network in Australia has been censored on YouTube for an entire week for bringing responsible, informed coverage to the people," Markson claimed.

"The people actually guilty of misinformation [are] Anthony Fauci – who said masks don't work before back-flipping [and] Joe Biden who until recently said said vaccinations stop infections, when that's not what they do – they prevent hospitalization and death," she said.

Fauci, 80, has been under harsh criticism for appearing to flip-flop on masks and in other regards, as well as being challenged on his public prescriptions and NIH funding practices by lawmakers like Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.

"The WHO - the very body that YouTube and the other tech giants rely on for advice - insisted for months that COVID-19 was not transmissible, the WHO insisted for months that COVID 19 was not transmissible there was no human to human transmission," Markson added.

She said the WHO also objected to travel bans instituted early in the pandemic by Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.

"[The WHO] told Europe travel bans were not necessary. This directly led to the spread of the virus globally and the WHO said there was no chance the virus leaked from a laboratory and so failed to investigate it," Markson continued.

This is the body guilty of extreme misinformation and yet this is what the tech giants like YouTube are relying on for their advice when they decide to censor an entire news network in the most extreme cancellation of free speech imaginable."

Host Tucker Carlson later added that Australia under Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison has "turned into a COVID dictatorship." He added that White House COVID adviser Michael Osterholm incidentally made the argument recently on MSNBC that masks don't work – telling the anchor of that program instead that more comprehensive "respirators" would instead be effective.

Fox News Digital has reached out to representatives for Google, YouTube's parent company, for comment.

Sky News and Fox News share common ownership.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/skynews-australia-youtube-free-speech

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265919

File: d5eab583da5468d⋯.jpg (466.11 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, What_s_Become_of_QAnon_Sin….jpg)

What’s Become of QAnon Since Trump’s Defeat?

Laurence Arnold and Daniel Zuidijk - 4 August 2021

1/2

Donald Trump’s presidency provided the bedrock for the fantastical U.S. conspiracy theory known as QAnon. That may help explain why QAnon adherents were well represented among the rioters who tried to stop the U.S. Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s victory. But even with Trump out of office, QAnon soldiers on.

1. What is QAnon?

It’s a collection of groundless allegations built around the notion that Democratic politicians, abetted by celebrities, are Satan-worshipping pedophiles who traffic children for sexual purposes. Trump, according to the tale, took office in 2017 to battle and take down this cabal. QAnon shares roots with the so-called PizzaGate conspiracy theory that took hold during the 2016 presidential campaign. It held that top Democrats including Hillary Clinton, Trump’s presidential opponent, were involved in a child sex-trafficking ring operating out of a Washington pizza restaurant. One follower drove from North Carolina to Washington to “self-investigate” the theory and fired an assault rifle into a closet at the restaurant. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has designated QAnon a domestic terrorism threat.

2. What outcome did QAnon predict?

Basically, that Trump would triumph. In October 2017, almost one year after Trump’s surprise win, someone using the name Q hinted on the pseudo-anonymous discussion board 4chan - a platform known for perpetuating white nationalism - that Clinton’s arrest was imminent. After that claim proved unfounded, Q continued to post cryptic content termed “drops,” which are deciphered into plain English. (The posts from Q moved to another discussion board, 8Chan, which is now called 8Kun.) QAnon believers awaited the “Great Awakening,” or the moment the general public realized the conspiracy exists, and the “Storm,” when thousands of wrongdoers were to face justice. That latter idea was fueled by a cryptic comment uttered by Trump during a 2017 photo op with military generals: “You guys know what this represents? Maybe it’s the calm before the storm.”

3. Who is Q?

Many believers long maintained that Q was a high-ranking government official in Trump’s inner circle with access to sensitive military information. (Within the U.S. Department of Energy, which is responsible for the nation’s nuclear-weapons program, the letter Q designates a high-level security clearance.) It’s possible that control of Q’s messages changed hands over the years. NBC News reported in 2018 that “a small-time YouTube video creator and two moderators of the 4chan website” banded together to turn initial Q posts into “an entire mythology.” More recently, the HBO documentary “Q: Into the Storm” suggested the person behind Q is Ron Watkins, the longtime administrator of 8kun. Watkins denies being Q.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265920

File: 0c975615b3a3bdc⋯.jpg (135.29 KB, 1050x550, 21:11, What_Is_QAnon_the_Viral_Pr….jpg)

>>14265919

2/2

4. How has QAnon explained Trump’s defeat?

Beyond a few vague comments - “Sometimes you must walk through the darkness before you see the light” - little has been attributed to Q since the Nov. 3 election. There have been no posts at all since Dec. 8. Some diehard followers are pouring over old drops for relevancy to current events. But QAnon may be moving on from Q, as evidenced by a QAnon conference in Dallas in late May. It featured influential figures within the QAnon community such as former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and Sidney Powell, one of Trump’s former election lawyers, who stoked groundless claims that Trump will (or even could) somehow be reinstated as president.

5. What is Trump’s involvement?

As president, he retweeted QAnon content on multiple occasions. His repeated talk about a “deep state” of unelected government workers undermining his presidency, and about what he calls hoaxes and witch hunts, parallel the logic and language of QAnon. Asked about the conspiracy theory at a news conference in August 2020, Trump said, “I don’t know much about the movement other than I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate.”

6. How many people believe in QAnon?

A March poll by the Public Religion Research Institute and the Interfaith Youth Core found that 15% of Americans agreed with the core QAnon belief that “the government, media and financial worlds in the U.S. are controlled by a group of Satan-worshipping pedophiles who run a global child sex trafficking operation.” Among Republicans, that number was 23%. A YouGov online poll for the Economist suggested a link between religious belief and tied to belief in QAnon. It found that American adults who attended church at least once a month were 8 percentage points more likely to rate QAnon favorably.

7. Can anything be done?

Facebook, Twitter and YouTube began removing content and accounts related to QAnon last year. In response, QAnon influencers, groups and pages migrated to so-called alternative social networks, such as Parler. In October, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan resolution “condemning QAnon and rejecting the conspiracy theories it promotes.” In the November election, however, two Republicans who had endorsed or promoted QAnon content won election to the House.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/energy/whats-become-of-qanon-since-trumps-defeat/2021/08/03/a9eafc9a-f492-11eb-a636-18cac59a98dc_story.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265940

File: 6b3b606a2f891cd⋯.jpg (468.12 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0003.jpg)

File: 5a94efd22db800e⋯.jpg (632.44 KB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0005.jpg)

File: c63c13f1b4f84bb⋯.jpg (1.04 MB, 1241x1754, 1241:1754, 0008.jpg)

File: cb6d6c5dc619344⋯.jpg (883.85 KB, 1754x1241, 1754:1241, 0011.jpg)

File: fe8897ae6811a20⋯.pdf (8.13 MB, Defence_data_strategy.pdf)

Diggers to fight on digital front

GEOFF CHAMBERS - AUGUST 3, 2021

The Australian Defence Force has adopted a new digital battle space strategy and modern warfare posture to advance the country’s preparedness for combat and “grey-zone tactics” aimed at ­undermining and penetrating the nation’s defences.

Facing a decade of unprecedented geostrategic competition in the Indo-Pacific region, Defence will ramp up its focus on data and digital tactics in support of military operations, intelligence gathering and technology advancements.

The step-up, which responds to significant investment by Five Eyes partners in repositioning data as a strategic asset, will underpin frontline operations supporting the strategic deployment and tactics of troops, how terrain and sea geography influence ADF hardware, how ­weather impacts operations and the movement of supplies.

Assistant Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, who will launch the strategy in a virtual event with Defence staff on Wednesday, said Australia must remain competitive as the “strategic environment degrades”.

“Increasingly, the effective use and management of data will be critical to the successful conduct of Defence operations, in times of war and peace. This strategy will guide data management and ­improve data literacy across the Defence organisation. This is critical to underpinning ­Defence’s mission focus,” he said.

“We live in a data-rich world in a digital age. Cyber espionage and warfare are a reality we cannot ­ignore. So whether we like it or not, we are joined in an online contest to preserve our digital sovereignty as a country.

“Our warfighters – commanders and troops in the field, aircrew … and sailors – all need access to fast and reliable data to successfully conduct operations. This strategy will help ensure our readiness for future conflicts. Our interoperability with our security partners and allies depends on us sharing sophisticated mission and intelligence data.”

Mr Hastie said building sovereign capabilities in partnership with Australian defence industry required “that our intellectual property and data be secure”. “This strategy will enable Defence to use data more effectively as our strategic circumstances change.”

The exposure of vulnerabilities in global supply chains and critical infrastructure has become a target during the pandemic for grey-zone activities, including cyber attacks and foreign interference, accelerating the need to improve data security, privacy requirements and storage processes.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/diggers-to-fight-on-digital-front/news-story/67905d3389947dbb716c005e02e972f4

https://www1.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-08/Defence%20data%20strategy.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265963

File: 5be9d303861cc81⋯.jpg (474.37 KB, 825x1011, 275:337, AYS_9.jpg)

File: 40860e83d74608b⋯.jpg (1007.86 KB, 3225x2419, 3225:2419, E77W7DnVoAYA_pI.jpg)

File: 0201bad1543b975⋯.jpg (607.41 KB, 2400x1600, 3:2, E77W8JEVgAQsYRI.jpg)

File: 17c36f188695b69⋯.jpg (188.23 KB, 1116x767, 1116:767, E77W9KjVIAAbw6w.jpg)

>>14119998

Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 has concluded, but (Japan and Australia's) journey to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific steadily and resolutely continues.

I hope JSDF @ModJapan_en can expand its presence, show greater integration w/ ADF @DeptDefence & other forces at Talisman Sabre 23.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1422811322828267522

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14265971

File: 4201394463d56cc⋯.jpg (218.69 KB, 825x440, 15:8, BG_1.jpg)

Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz Tweet

I had an excellent call with my Australian counterpart @peterdutton_MP, emphasizing the strong bond between our countries based on shared values. We discussed deepening the excellent industrial & defense relations between our countries.

https://twitter.com/gantzbe/status/1422590268365230082

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14266051

File: f2ee272419bfc2c⋯.jpg (389.15 KB, 825x1043, 825:1043, ACCCE_5.jpg)

File: edf2128b04bdd8e⋯.jpg (69.51 KB, 1200x675, 16:9, E73FZHoXIAAXUZ5.jpg)

File: de1f6cc62568b66⋯.jpg (1.68 MB, 1243x4304, 1243:4304, STOP_CHILD_ABUSE_TRACE_AN_….jpg)

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweet

Can you help @Europol Stop Child Abuse and #TraceAnObject? #ChildProtection

https://twitter.com/ACCCE_AUS/status/1422753970309664769

Europol Tweet

Did you know that you can help us to trace an object and stop child abuse? Yes, it is as simple as checking this object and letting us know if you recognise it

Remember that every clue can assist in solving a case: ow.ly/jRPn50FJc6h

#StopChildAbuse #TraceAnObject

https://twitter.com/Europol/status/1422510094147784709

STOP CHILD ABUSE – TRACE AN OBJECT - EUROPOL

You can help us to trace an object and stop child abuse

The most innocent clues can sometimes help crack a case. The objects are all taken from the background of an image with sexually explicit material involving minors. For all images below, every other investigative avenue has already been examined. Therefore we are requesting your assistance in identifying the origin of some of these objects. We are convinced that more eyes will lead to more leads and will ultimately help to save these children.

Can you help us recognise the objects? We specifically want to trace their origin (location/country). You can help by clicking on an object you recognise and providing Europol with the information you have on the object. This can be done anonymously. Once the origin of an object is identified, we will inform the competent law enforcement authority of the involved country to further investigate this lead and hopefully speed up the identification of both the offender and the victim.

Out of respect for the victims, we urge you not to share any personal information (recognisable pictures, names, etc.) on social media or anywhere online. Your useful tips can be shared with us in a secure way via this website form. Thank you for your support.

https://www.europol.europa.eu/stopchildabuse

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

12a952  No.14267181

>>14267085 (qr)

JUST REMEMBER: AUSTRALIA FIRST TO FOLD

So long paraded themselves as "Real Tough"

- our men are harder then anywhere else

- our sports are brutal and we don't wear padding

- our women open beer bottles with their thighs

and the tiniest blow back from their police

- most of which was just a news report, there were hardly ANY cops out (unarmed at that)

too scared to protest

BIG GIRLS BLOUSES

AUSTRALIA

- founded by violent criminals

- live with 8 or is it 9 of the 10 most dangerous animals in the world

- thrived in a land that's 80% dessert

FIRST TO GIVE UP!

Q: forget Aus,

- not willing to lift a little finger to help themselves

- why should anyone else take any risk for them

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

3d561c  No.14270535

YUGE!!! Canadian Court Victory Proves Covid-19 Is A Hoax & All Restrictions Have Now Been Dropped

Patriot Patrick King represented himself in court after being fined $1200 dollars for protesting against the Covid-Hoax, he slew the beast and emerged VICTORIOUS. He issued a subpoena to the Provincial Health Minister for proof that the so-called Covid-19 Virus exists, and they were forced to admit that they had no evidence whatsoever. The virus has never been isolated, and thus the government had no legal grounds to impose any of the punishing restrictions they have inflicted on society. Since this shocking confession came to light, the Province has since rescinded all Covid-Restrictions and now officially treats Covid-19 as nothing more than a mild flu! WE WON

TEMPLATE TO WIN

PATRIOTS IN CONTROL

King has shown the template to be followed WORLDWIDE. This is what can happen when you are not re-presented by a BAR (British Accredited Registry) Lawyer who's first obligation is to the Corrupted Courts and not their client.

https://www.bitchute.com/video/euMT6jUwXhym/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14273935

File: 5fc5e4064dd4eb5⋯.jpg (143.25 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Personnel_from_the_Austral….jpg)

>>14020199

Sydney suffers worst day of pandemic, Victoria state to enter sixth lockdown

Renju Jose and Colin Packham - August 5, 2021

SYDNEY, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Sydney reported a record daily number of new coronavirus infections on Thursday, as Victoria state said it will enter a snap one-week lockdown as Australia struggles to contain an outbreak of the highly infectious Delta variant.

Sydney, Australia's largest city and the capital of New South Wales state, is nearing the seventh week of its own nine-week lockdown. It reported five deaths and a record 262 infections in the past 24 hours.

Victoria state said it has detected eight new cases, the bulk of which could not be traced back to a known infection, triggering a one-week lockdown for the state's more than 6 million people from later on Thursday evening.

"Nothing about this is optional. This is a lockdown, it will be enforced, for the best of reasons and the best purposes, to bring these case numbers down, under control so we can once again be open," Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.

Australia will within hours have its three most populous cities - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane - in hard lockdowns, threatening to drive the country's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy into a second recession in as many years.

Brisbane reported another 16 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, the same as the previous two days. It has been under a lockdown since July 31.

The Hunter region in New South Wales, home to the state's second-largest city of Newcastle, will also be locked down from Thursday evening after six new cases.

Officials suspect the virus in the Hunter region spread from a beach party near Newcastle after people travelled from Sydney, an apparent violation of the city's lockdown.

"Our strongest focus … is getting to the bottom of how the disease was transmitted and introduced into Newcastle," New South Wales Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant told reporters in Sydney.

GET VACCINATED

With around 35,200 COVID-19 cases and 932 deaths, Australia has avoided the high caseloads of other developed countries but its vaccination figures are among the lowest, with only 20% of its population over 16 fully vaccinated.

Four of the five people who died in Sydney were unvaccinated while one had one dose, state health officials said, as they implored residents to get inoculated as early as possible.

They included three men in their 60s, one man in his 70s and a woman in her 80s, taking the total number of deaths in the latest outbreak in New South Wales to 21.

Health experts expect the country to endure stop-and-start lockdowns until it reaches a high vaccination coverage, but lawmakers are under mounting pressure to ease restrictions for those unable to work.

"I'm a fortunate one to be in essential service, so I'm still working, still getting paid. For other people it's a mixed bag. Some people are taking it really well and others not so well," Keirom O'Donoughue, a pharmacy salesperson in one of the worst-affected suburbs of Bankstown in Sydney, told Reuters.

($1 = 1.3535 Australian dollars)

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-new-south-wales-reports-262-local-covid-19-cases-five-deaths-2021-08-05/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14273956

File: ac50d7e0de3c9c3⋯.jpg (148.03 KB, 1279x719, 1279:719, Hillsong_Pastor_Brian_Hous….jpg)

Hillsong founder Brian Houston to face court over allegedly concealing child sex abuse

KIERAN GAIR and RICHARD FERGUSON - AUGUST 5, 2021

Brian Houston, the founder of the Evangelical Hillsong Church and a friend of Scott Morrison's, has been charged by NSW Police for allegedly concealing child sexual abuse committed by his father.

Police allege Mr Houston, 67, “knowingly concealed information” about the sexual abuse of a young man in the 1970s and “failed to bring that information to the attention of police.”

On Thursday, Mr Houston’s lawyer was served with a court attendance notice requiring the pastor to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on October 5.

In a statement, police confirmed that a “church leader” has been charged over the alleged concealment of alleged child sex offences.

The charge comes after police opened an investigation in 2019 into reports a man had “knowingly concealed information relating to child sexual offences.”

“Police will allege in court the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police,” NSW Police said in a statement.

Detectives have also requested that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions review their brief of evidence.

Mr Houston is expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday 5 October 2021.

The Prime Minister once once sought a White House invitation for Mr Houston to a state dinner with then-US president Donald Trump.

Mr Houston’s invitation was reportedly denied by the Trump Administration on security grounds at the time.

On Thursday, a spokesman for Mr Morrison said the charges were “a police matter”

“It would be inappropriate to comment,” the spokesman said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/hillsong-founder-brian-houston-to-face-court-over-allegedly-concealing-child-sex-abuse/news-story/9b0adc2ea4755b2d7e674afbaf41042e

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14273984

File: dc26e1a8e1140a5⋯.jpg (373.27 KB, 1920x1080, 16:9, A_court_sketch_of_Malka_Le….jpg)

>>14234802

Leifer asks to be physically absent from key hearing

Extradited from Israel earlier this year, Malka Leifer, 54, faces 74 charges relating to child sexual abuse at the Adass Israel school between 2004-08.

PETER KOHN - August 5, 2021

MALKA Leifer does not want to be physically present at a hearing to determine whether she stands trial on child sex abuse charges.

Leifer’s lawyer Lucinda Thies told a special-mention hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Friday her client prefers to take part by video link.

Extradited from Israel earlier this year, Leifer, 54, who faces 74 charges relating to child sexual abuse at the Adass Israel school between 2004-08, is at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre women’s prison in Melbourne. She maintains she is innocent. By permission, she did not take part in the brief July 30 court session.

Thies said, “My client is not seeking to be physically present, indeed it would be her preference to appear via video link” at a hearing, which has been set down for five days from September 13. The three women allegedly abused by Leifer have previously indicated they want to be present in court.

Magistrate Johanna Metcalf said that “the only issue there may be the ability of the prison to accommodate full-day video links”.

Thies told the court she has been appearing for another client, who like Leifer, is in custody at the Frost Centre, and has been appearing by video for full days without issues.

“As I understand it, there are presently restrictions in place in which someone coming to court would be put into 14-day quarantine on returning, so there may be a number of prisoners in that similar situation,” said Thies.

Metcalf noted that due to “the state of the pandemic … the court has to take into account the possible safety risks in transportation”.

“If it is the accused’s preference to attend the hearing by video link, then the court accepts that as the appropriate mode of appearance,” she stated.

After Leifer’s lawyers had applied in May for the release of medical details relating to Dassi Erlich, one of Leifer’s alleged victims, lawyer Nanette Rogers noted on Friday her medical details were likely to arise in the defence’s arguments.

She said Erlich had contacted the Office of Public Prosecutions “and advised that she did not want her private medical details in the public domain, as publication of those details were likely to be detrimental to her emotional and mental health”.

Metcalf granted an interim media suppression order relating to Erlich’s medical details and adjourned the court to August 9 when she will further consider the matter.

https://ajn.timesofisrael.com/leifer-asks-to-be-physically-absent-from-key-hearing/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274251

File: 659dfe4811f15e2⋯.jpg (74.93 KB, 862x485, 862:485, In_the_60s_the_CIA_wanted_….jpg)

File: d8121ae451bac54⋯.jpg (170.79 KB, 862x1149, 862:1149, Dr_Martin_Orne_was_highly_….jpg)

File: d67a65bc2793d75⋯.jpg (122.83 KB, 862x575, 862:575, When_American_POWs_defecte….jpg)

Academic papers from the 1960s reveal how a CIA-funded 'mind control' program came to Australia

Joey Watson - 5 August 2021

1/3

In the winter of 1960, Martin Orne, remembered as one of the 20th century's greatest psychologists, touched down in Sydney.

The American professor was due to begin a three-month sabbatical at the University of Sydney, attracted by its world-renowned psychology faculty.

Professor Orne was one of the leading researchers into hypnosis, something the Sydney team awaiting his arrival was also interested in. They were all trying to apply a scientific approach to a practice long associated with magic and mystery.

"The environment at [the University of] Sydney was electrically alive with intellectual stimulation," says psychologist Dr Peter Sheehan, who was completing his honours in psychology at the faculty during Professor Orne's visit.

"I suddenly found myself surrounded by people who were entrenched in the issues of hypnosis."

But, unbeknownst to the Sydney university staff and students, documents recently retrieved by the ABC confirm that Professor Orne was receiving funding from the secretive intelligence program MK-Ultra, which was in turn funded by the CIA.

Orne was a keen psychologist, well regarded for his scepticism and scientific rigour, but the CIA had questionable motives.

Sleep, drugs and Operation Midnight Climax

In the early years of the Cold War, the US and the Soviet Union were poised for nuclear combat.

"The United States became convinced that we were under imminent threat," says Stephen Kinzer, a former foreign correspondent at the New York Times.

"[The population] felt that the Soviet Union had the power, almost at a moment's notice, not only to destroy the United States but to destroy the entire possibility of meaningful human life on Earth."

The anxieties of US citizens were not just about their nuclear capacities.

There was a widely held suspicion that the Soviets were developing mind-control capabilities.

Reports had emerged of American soldiers, captured during the Korean war, defecting to the communist side and seemingly renouncing the US.

US intelligence concluded that the communists must be hypnotising the soldiers. Alarmed, they decided that they needed to develop similar capabilities.

This spurred the creation of the MK-Ultra program.

It was, says Mr Kinzer, "a project to find ways for the CIA to seize control of the minds of other people".

Over 100 experimental projects were set up under MK-Ultra. The project titles included phrases like "aspects of magicians' art useful in covert operations" or "sleep research" and "behavioural modification"

Mr Kinzer says that those working on MK-Ultra experiments, often under extreme secrecy, would push ethical boundaries in the name of national security.

For instance, in an operation known as 'Midnight Climax', the CIA employed sex workers in San Francisco, Mill Valley and New York.

They were instructed to bring their clients to a safe house and dose them with LSD, so researchers could assess the impact of the drug and gauge its suitability for use in military settings.

In another example, the CIA funded experiments at a psychiatric hospital in Montreal, Canada, directed by the controversial Professor Donald Ewen Cameron.

Professor Cameron's "psychic driving" involved subjecting drugged, sleep-deprived patients to continuously repeated audio messages on a looped tape.

Years later, a senate hearing on MK-Ultra concluded that some of these experiments represented "a fundamental disregard for the value of human life".

"The research and development program … resulted in massive abridgments of the rights of American citizens, sometimes with tragic consequences," the 1977 report states.

According to the senate committee report, many participants felt the "residual effects" of the experiments decades after the program ceased. At least two died.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274254

File: 50b0763b0bb632a⋯.jpg (176.23 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Dr_Peter_Sheehan_says_he_l….jpg)

File: 58095792fde636f⋯.jpg (466.22 KB, 1147x1600, 1147:1600, Professor_Orne_wanted_to_t….jpg)

>>14274251

2/3

The Human Ecology Fund

Arguably the most coveted of the CIA's mind control projects were those investigating the possibilities of hypnosis, with documents showing that it occupied up to eight MK-Ultra sub-projects.

At the time, pop culture led many to believe that hypnosis could be used to create a "Manchurian candidate." The 1962 film of the same name, starring Frank Sinatra and Janet Leigh, depicts a former soldier brainwashed into becoming an assassin. Some in the CIA believed hypnosis could be weaponised in real life in a similar way.

"Instead of waging war, [the CIA thought] 'we'll just find a way either to hypnotise leaders, or to hypnotise entire populations to control other people's minds from far away'," Mr Kinzer says.

"The prize would be nothing less than global mastery."

Martin Orne, then a young professor at the Harvard Medical School, became a key part of this quest in the late 1950s.

The Vienna-born American psychologist had worked in magic shows as a teenager and developed a keen interest in hypnosis.

He had continued to research it throughout his career and, according to author John D. Marks, Professor Orne's rigorous scientific approach made him attractive to the CIA.

In the late 1970s, when researching his book The Search for the Manchurian Candidate, which exposed the details of the MK-Ultra program, Mr Marks interviewed Professor Orne, who revealed he was regularly consulted by the CIA. According to Mr Marks, Professor Orne knew about the program and also received funding to support his research on hypnotism.

"He was their man on the outside — their specialist who they would go to for ideas about hypnosis," Mr Marks says.

In 1960, Professor Orne's work took him to the University of Sydney.

The university was an intellectual spark in an at-times culturally conservative Australia. The psychology department was renowned, particularly for its work on hypnosis.

In the 1950s, there were five significant hypnosis labs in the world — four in North America and the other at Sydney University, under the guidance of professors John Philip Sutcliffe and Gordon Hammer.

So Professor Orne came to collaborate with some of Sydney's esteemed psychologists. His financial backing for the trip, however, came from a source with shady motives.

An article published in a 1965 edition of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, in which Professor Orne and his colleague Professor Frederick J. Evans record the results of one of their key experiments in Australia, has been referenced by the ABC.

On the first page, the authors acknowledges the contribution of the Human Ecology Fund, a secretive organisation used by the CIA to provide grants to social scientists and medical researchers investigating questions of interest to the MK-Ultra program.

"This study was conducted at the University of Sydney, Australia, during a visit by the senior author [Orne], June-August 1960. It was supported in part … by a grant from the Human Ecology Fund," the paper reads.

Dr Sheehan, who had studied under Professor Orne, says the researchers at the University were unaware that their work was CIA-linked.

"That particular experiment was at the University of Sydney, while I was doing my honours year, and I had never learned that was CIA-funded," he says.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274255

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14274254

3/3

Alternative explanations

The aim of Professor Orne's experiments in Sydney was to see if it was possible to get hypnotised people to engage in "anti-social behaviour". If a subject could be made to perform tasks against their own wishes, the CIA could potentially use this power against opposition soldiers.

Historical experiments had recorded hypnotised subjects doing almost anything. They could be made to steal, injure themselves, even attempt murder.

Professor Orne wanted to test this. According to the article, he asked a group of hypnotised subjects, comprised of Sydney University psychology students, to perform a series of seemingly dangerous acts, including picking up a venomous snake and throwing a vat of nitric acid at an experimenter.

While many of the subjects completed these seemingly dangerous tasks, Professor Orne did not necessarily conclude that hypnosis was responsible.

Eager to find alternative explanations to why the participants had performed these actions, Professor Orne used a control group of non-hypnotised subjects.

They also completed the tasks, the researchers discovered.

The subjects, Professor Orne concluded, knew at some level that they would be safe, regardless of whether they were hypnotised. They judged correctly that researchers were simulating danger.

In experiments with snakes, for example, the animals had been rendered harmless by the University's zoology department; in other experiments with nitric acid, the acid was simply a convincing "coloured solution". The subjects were not told about this.

"The tasks are within the broad range of activities which are perceived as legitimized by the nature of the situation," the journal article reads.

"They were requests made by experimenters, viewed by subjects as responsible scientists, in the context of a psychological experiment."

But if the CIA was looking to control the human mind in their Cold War battle against communism, Professor Orne's findings would have proven disappointing.

"No conclusions can be drawn from the present investigation about the potential use of hypnosis to induce antisocial behaviour," Professor Orne wrote in the journal article.

According to Mr Marks, this scepticism was part of the professor's appeal to the CIA.

"Orne was the person they would go to, in terms of hypnosis, to say, do you think this is going to work — and he tended to be a sceptic," he says.

"So, his sceptical and academic way of looking at it would have been useful in turning down half-baked ideas."

This scientific approach is Professor Orne's legacy.

In a career that continued for four decades, Professor Orne helped to established what hypnosis could and couldn't do, and moved it from the realm of magic to an established academic and clinical practice.

"I learnt an awful lot from him," says Dr Sheehan, Professor Orne's student and collaborator.

"There are lots of people out there that would love to think that you or I could do terribly immoral things under hypnosis, but I don't think that's true," he says.

"I think that experiment would have been absolutely pivotal in proving otherwise."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-05/how-a-cia-mind-control-program-came-to-australia/100308002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL0CAmYN9Kk

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274481

File: ea71db71eb12c5f⋯.jpg (464.58 KB, 825x1168, 825:1168, TS_28.jpg)

File: 1eee112c18661d7⋯.webm (9.63 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Talisman_Sabre_wraps_up.webm)

>>14119998

Talisman Sabre Tweet

And that's a wrap!

Seven nations worked, trained & fought side by side in some of the most realistic & challenging training activities yet.

Thank you to all involved in #TalismanSabre2021 & thank you Australia.

See you in 2023

bit. ly/EndOfTS21

https://twitter.com/TalismanSabre/status/1423162014461988864

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/talisman-sabre-wraps

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274492

File: 441a3562e7ea346⋯.jpg (105.51 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Army_Captain_Samuel_O_Neal….jpg)

>>14119998

>>14274481

Talisman Sabre wraps up

3 August 2021

1/2

Along the coast from the Northern Territory to NSW, the dust settled and members of international forces started to catch their breath as Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21) on July 31 drew to a close.

Seven nations sent military forces to test their abilities to operate together across the traditional operating domains of sea, land, and air, as well as on the new frontiers of information/cyber and space.

While COVID-19 reduced personnel numbers, it added to the complexity and the ability of all nations to plan complicated manoeuvres while protecting the health and safety of their forces.

This year’s exercise included some of the most realistic and challenging training activities yet, spreading even further across Queensland than in previous years.

Nearly 17,000 personnel from Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom worked, trained and fought side by side.

In the first few days of the exercise, each nation focused on foundational training to get the multinational forces reading from the same playbook.

Sailors, soldiers, and aviators of each nation made brief introductions, brushed up on their tactics and skills and took the first steps on what would become a steep learning experience.

Within days, they were live-firing – a symbol of the action set to play out on the battlefield.

In a first for Australia, the US Army launched the MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missiles at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area on July 16.

The next two days involved a barrage of munitions from land, air, and sea, culminating in an awesome display by the US High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

Not only spectacular to watch, the live-fire activities ultimately showed that the forces of the seven nations could operate as one to produce a coordinated and staggering result.

Things ramped up again in the second week with the collective training; engineers paired with infantry, explosive detection dogs alongside amphibious elements; and special forces worked in the air and in the shadows.

As the complexity of each event built, so did the threat scenario.

The urban operations training facility within the Townsville Field Training Area hummed.

It is a series of structures built for soldiers to fight through the streets and buildings of a simulated town.

At sea, the air and maritime assets engaged in high-end warfare training above and below the waves off the Queensland coast.

Meanwhile, a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber joined the latest Australian aircraft in a simulated long-range strike.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14274499

File: 733f16bde29d4f8⋯.jpg (304.64 KB, 1327x885, 1327:885, E7wzAO9VIAE5VTG.jpg)

>>14274492

2/2

In the third week, the combined forces orchestrated all of these moving pieces in a complex opposed scenario involving real Queensland communities like Bowen, Ingham and Cairns.

Forces in the community fought their way through a scenario designed to test their skills at the highest level.

For the first time in history, Australian, US, Japanese and UK amphibious forces operated from the same ship.

Inland, Alaskan paratroopers embarked in a C-17A Globemaster in Darwin to drop onto farmland thousands of kilometres away in Charters Towers.

Not to be outdone by their counterparts operating across the physical domains, the cyber and information warfare operators sharpened their skills.

Just like the real world, the exercise scenario was tested through simulated social media and traditional media.

Tactical leaders saw their decisions tested – with their failures tipping social media sentiment towards the opposing force, only to see it swing back again through public support for the mission.

TS21 Exercise Director Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham and his US counterpart Colonel Jerry Hall were at the forefront of the planning and execution of the exercise from its beginning.

Both praised the efforts of all nations involved.

“I’m extremely proud that this year’s Talisman Sabre directly contributed to advancing the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” Colonel Hall said.

“We want people to be free, we want free trade, to sail, fly anywhere in the Indo-Pacific region without having to worry about the security situation. That is our shared vision and why we work together.”

Air Commodore Bellingham echoed this sentiment, highlighting the big success stories.

“TS21 has been a tremendous success,” he said.

“I applaud what our international forces have been able to accomplish together in the past three weeks.

“I am particularly proud of the many milestones we have achieved this year, including the US Patriot missile launch, the HIMARS tactical airlift, and the first ever employment of the US Space Force in an international exercise.”

To see images from the exercise, visit the Talisman Sabre image gallery.

https://images.defence.gov.au/assets/Home/Search?Query=%3Fq%3DS20212000&Type=NavAlbum&TabIndex=1&AlbumName=Talisman%20Sabre%202021

To view the Talisman Sabre special edition newspaper lift out, click here.

https://armynews.partica.online/army-news/august-5-2021/flipbook/8/

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/talisman-sabre-wraps

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14276698

File: b0394e77119ba63⋯.jpg (119.91 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Marise_Payne_rejected_Beij….jpg)

Marise Payne dismisses China talk terms

WILL GLASGOW - AUGUST 5, 2021

Australia will not be cowered into accepting Beijing’s preconditions for the recommencement of high-level dialogue with China, Marise Payne says.

In a forthright address to Australia’s most China-exposed businesses, the Foreign Minister said there was still no path to normalise the relationship that spectacularly unravelled last April and argued that China was holding the relationship hostage.

“We have been advised by China that they will only engage in high-level dialogue if we meet certain conditions. Australia ­places no conditions on dialogue,” she told the Australia China Business Council’s annual Canberra gathering.

“We can’t meet the conditions, such as the now well-known list of 14 grievances raised in the media last year.”

Officials from China’s ­embassy in Canberra last Nov­ember circulated a list of 14 ­grievances with the Australian government, including rejected Chinese investment deals, the ban on Huawei’s involvement in Australia’s 5G network, the passage of foreign interference legislation, the call for an independent inquiry into Covid-19 and what Chinese diplomats described as “incessant, wanton interference in China’s Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan affairs”.

The list followed strikes by Beijing on Australian exports worth more than $20bn a year, ­including coal, wine, barley, ­lobsters and timber.

Those bans remain in place.

Senator Payne on Thursday rejected Beijing’s characteris­ation of the Morrison government as “anti-China”.

“Where we raise certain ­behaviours or certain challenges to long-agreed rules, that doesn’t mean that we are anti-China or anti any other country,” she said.

“It means we want all countries to operate by the rules that protect our shared interests and those of all countries – large and small.”

Unlike past years, no representative from China’s embassy in Canberra spoke at the Australia China Business Council’s major annual event.

Ambassador Cheng Jingye had been scheduled to give the opening address when it was to run at Parliament House and was to host a reception for guests at the Chinese embassy.

“Unfortunately, because of Covid, it didn’t come to be,” the council’s chief executive, Michael Clifton, said.

Covid-19 outbreaks in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane made attendance impossible for most of the business council’s members, so the summit was held online.

Speaking from her parliamentary office, Senator Payne noted she was at the online East Asia Summit foreign ministers’ meeting on Wednesday with China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, and would join him and their regional counterparts again on Friday at the ASEAN Regional Forum.

“We remain open — genuinely open — to dialogue with China,” she said. “We have made that clear to China on many occasions.”

Trade Minister Dan Tehan, whose counterpart in Beijing has refused to take his calls since his appointment to the portfolio last December, said Australian and Chinese officials in Geneva had recently been working co-operatively on reform of the World Trade Organisation.

“This is one of the positive things we have seen in the relationship in the last few months,” he said.

In a later session, Labor leader Anthony Albanese said the relationship with President Xi Jinping’s China would “continue to be challenging”, even under a change of government, but it was “a pity” Scott Morrison had rejected his suggestion earlier this year to use former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and John Howard in an “informal role” to engage with Beijing.

“We need to be diplomatic in how we deal with China,” the Prime Minister said.

In the same session, Labor foreign affairs spokeswoman Penny Wong said Australian public sentiment about the country’s biggest trading partner had fallen sharply because the people had “observed the way that China has changed … and they understand the ways in which differences with China are structural and enduring and have to be managed by any government”.

Senator Payne said Australia was “following a clear strategy informed by clear objectives and principles. In working with China, we want a relationship that serves the interests of both countries in which each respects the other’s interests.”

But she acknowledged the many points of ongoing friction.

“Where it is in our interest to do so, we will call out malicious cyber activity that can and does undermine Australian businesses and security and give advantages to China,” Senator Payne said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/marise-payne-dismisses-china-talk-terms/news-story/e79c6c0a423a6f08f59895e8b5f2ea00

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

165aee  No.14279052

File: 69b9ec888ee10d8⋯.png (509.02 KB, 652x792, 163:198, ClipboardImage.png)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282319

File: 8aaeb7e8ed8bb1e⋯.jpg (121.42 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Personnel_from_the_Austral….jpg)

>>14020199

Delta spreads in Sydney as Australia widens COVID-19 restrictions

Renju Jose - August 6, 2021

SYDNEY, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Australian officials warned Sydney residents on Friday to brace for a surge in COVID-19 cases after the country's largest city logged record infections for the second straight day despite a weeks-long lockdown to stamp out an outbreak of Delta variant.

"Just based on the trend in the last few days and where things are going, I am expecting higher case numbers in the next few days and I just want everyone to be prepared for that," New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney, the state capital.

Sydney reported a record 279 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, up from the previous high of 259 the day before. New South Wales reported a record 291 cases, up from 262. One more person has died, raising the state total to 22 during the latest outbreak, all in Sydney.

The dead person was an unvaccinated woman in her 60s who died in a Sydney hospital after contracting the coronavirus from a healthcare worker. There are 304 cases in hospitals in New South Wales, with 50 people in intensive care, 22 of whom require ventilation.

Of particular concern is the growing number of people positive with the highly infectious Delta strain moving around in the community, particularly in Sydney's southwestern suburbs. Around one-fifth of Friday's cases have spent time outside while infectious.

Officials in the neighbouring state of Victoria, which on Thursday night entered its sixth lockdown since the pandemic began, warned the state was "in a precarious position" as officials try to trace the source of several unlinked new cases.

"We have many lines of inquiry actively underway as to where these new cases have been and any further exposure sites," state Health Minister Martin Foley said in a media conference.

Faced with another lockdown within weeks, an anti-lockdown protest erupted in state capital Melbourne on Thursday night.

Victoria reported six locally acquired COVID-19 cases on Friday, down from eight a day earlier, with all linked but not in quarantine during their infectious period.

In Brisbane, the state capital of Queensland, the authorities reported 10 new cases, down from 16 the day before, and added that they were hopeful a lockdown would be lifted as planned on Sunday since all but two cases were isolated before testing positive.

LOCKDOWN WOES

More than 60% of Australia's 25 million citizens are in hard lockdowns on Friday to try to contain latest surge, including the country's three largest cities - Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Snap lockdowns, strict border controls and swift contact tracing have helped Australia keep its coronavirus numbers relatively low, with just over 35,600 cases and 933 deaths. But recent stop-and-start lockdowns amid a sluggish vaccination rollout, with only about 21% of people above 16 fully vaccinated, have frustrated residents.

Australia has also enacted tough border controls requiring residents to apply for exemptions to leave and incoming overseas travellers, capped at around 3,000 a week, must go through a two-week mandatory quarantine.

The rules will further tighten from Aug. 11 by removing an automatic exemption for citizens and permanent residents living outside of Australia to leave, a government statement tabled in the parliament on Thursday showed.

The change would require all citizens and permanent residents living outside the country to apply for permission to exit.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-victoria-reports-six-local-covid-19-cases-first-day-lockdown-2021-08-05/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282328

File: 23e7640057cc9ad⋯.jpg (53.59 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Liberal_senator_James_Pate….jpg)

Proposed AFP dark web powers get cautious tick

Anthony Galloway - August 5, 2021

Politicians want the authority to oversee proposed new police powers to take over the online accounts of criminals and terrorists, as well as tougher hurdles for warrants and an independent review within three years.

The Australian Federal Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission would be given powers to hunt paedophile rings, terrorists and drug traffickers operating on the “dark web” under planned laws.

Senior security officials and law enforcement have been pushing for a version of the laws for years. They have been the subject of controversy after one of the earlier proposals was leaked to then-News Corp journalist Annika Smethurst, leading to an AFP raid on her house in 2019.

The Joint Parliamentary Committee on Intelligence and Security released its report into the proposed laws on Thursday, recommending new oversight powers for itself and the Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security given the “novel” and “covert” nature of the legislation.

PJCIS chair, Liberal senator James Paterson, said the committee “recognised the significance of the powers and their potential impact”.

“The committee concluded that oversight should be increased and safeguards should be added to ensure the community has confidence that these powers are only used for their intended purpose while remaining operationally effective,” he said.

The new laws will create three new powers for the AFP and ACIC to break into the networks of serious criminals.

Under an “account takeover power”, the two agencies would be able to take control of a person’s online account to gather evidence of criminal activity. They would also be able to apply for “network activity warrants” to collect intelligence on the most serious and harmful criminal networks, building a picture of how they operated online.

The third power – “data disruption warrants” – would allow the AFP and ACIC to modify data belonging to individuals suspected of criminal activity to stop them from distributing harmful material. For example, investigators who were aware of child abuse images would be able to modify or delete the material to prevent its further spread.

Under the legislation as currently drafted, a judge or member of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal would have to approve network activity and data disruption warrants, while a magistrate would have to tick off on account takeover warrants.

The PJCIS inquiry has instead recommended the authority to approve the first two powers be given to either a Federal or Supreme Court judge.

It also suggested the PJCIS committee review the new powers within four years of the laws coming into force and that the Independent National Security Legislation Monitor review them within three years. It called for a sunset clause of five years on each of the new powers, meaning they would have to be re-legislated.

The Morrison government argues the new powers are needed because existing computer access warrants are not designed to address new threats on the “dark web” – a part of the internet that allows users to interact anonymously and therefore can more easily evade traditional law enforcement or investigation methods.

Evidence from AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw to the PJCIS inquiry showed a worrying rise in traffic to the dark web during the COVID-19 pandemic, including 168 per cent more child abuse material identified in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same period the previous year.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/proposed-afp-dark-web-powers-get-cautious-tick-20210805-p58g6o.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282340

File: ca821bd32b3266e⋯.jpg (71.1 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Brittany_Higgins_speaks_at….jpg)

Man summonsed to appear in court over Brittany Higgins rape allegation

David Crowe - August 6, 2021

Federal police have charged a 26-year-old man with raping former government adviser Brittany Higgins in Parliament House two years ago.

Ending almost six months of doubt over whether charges would be laid, the police served the summons on the man’s lawyers on Friday to ask him to appear at the ACT Magistrates Court on September 16.

“The man will face one charge of sexual intercourse without consent. The maximum penalty for this offence is 12 years imprisonment,” the ACT Police said in a statement on Friday.

Lawyers for the man said he would defend the charge and denied any form of sexual activity took place.

Ms Higgins went public in February with her claim that a colleague raped her in the office of Senator Linda Reynolds in March 2019, setting off a public debate about the treatment and the culture of Parliament House.

The political storm led Senator Reynolds to apologise for not offering Ms Higgins enough support, while Prime Minister Scott Morrison faced questions over how many staff in his office knew of the allegations years before they were made public.

The ACT Police named Saturday, 23 March 2019, as the date of the alleged rape, the same date Ms Higgins named when she spoke to the media.

“Detectives from ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Team, the specialist team dedicated to investigating sexual assaults in the ACT, first received a report in April 2019,” the police said in a statement on Friday.

“The investigation remained open and in February 2021 a formal complaint was made. Detectives have since spoken to a number of witnesses and collected evidence as part of the investigation.”

Ms Higgins has spoken publicly about her allegation several times since telling News.com.au and The Project on the Ten Network in February that she was raped by a colleague in the office of Senator Reynolds, who was defence industry minister at the time and is now the Minister for Government Services.

The man accused of the rape has declined to comment since those claims were made, but his lawyer said on Friday he rejected the allegation.

“My client absolutely and unequivocally denies that any form of sexual activity took place whatsoever,” said barrister John Korn of Sydney firm Ada Evans Chambers.

“He will defend the charge.

“The only thing that matters is what the charge alleges and he absolutely, unequivocally denies that any form of sexual activity took place at all.”

Mr Korn added that his client was in a “very fragile state at the moment” and vehemently denied the claims against him.

The debate over the allegations came after years of dispute over the treatment of women in politics, sparking disputes in question time and leading Mr Morrison to launch a series of inquiries into the culture of Parliament and the process for advisers to lodge complaints.

Mr Morrison responded on July 26 to one of those reviews, by senior public servant Stephanie Foster, with a pledge to create an independent complaints mechanism for serious incidents within six weeks.

Parliament is also subject to a separate review by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins, which is still underway.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/man-summonsed-to-appear-in-court-over-brittany-higgins-rape-allegation-20210806-p58gk0.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282357

File: 5193c6205c11075⋯.jpg (742.41 KB, 1233x1041, 411:347, Chinese_Embassy_Spokespers….jpg)

>>14276698

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia

Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks - 2021/08/06

The recent remarks by Foreign Minister Payne at the Australia China Business Council, as reported by The Australian, mischaracterized the current problem in China-Australia relations. As we have reiterated, the difficult situation in the bilateral ties is the result of Australia’s actions against China. We hope the Australian side will make serious reflection in this regard and take practical moves towards improving the bilateral relations.

http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/sghdxwfb_1/t1897845.htm

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282364

File: 10d689fc0e6c388⋯.jpg (195.85 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Heavy_fog_floats_above_the….jpg)

GT Voice: Enhanced response to Delta variant may affect China-Australia trade

Global Times - Aug 05, 2021

The Chinese Embassy in Australia on Thursday reminded Chinese citizens in Australia to ensure they took personal protective measures against COVID-19, according to a post published on the embassy's WeChat account.

According to the post, at present, the Delta variant of the coronavirus is spreading fast around the world, with the resurgence of the epidemic peak seen in many countries and regions including Australia, posing a new challenge to the ongoing fight against the pandemic. The embassy advised Chinese citizens in Australia not to travel unless for some necessary or urgent reasons and reminded Chinese citizens not to let down their guard and to continue to take necessary prevention measures to reduce the infection risk.

The reminder came at a time when Australia is struggling to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious Delta variant. Australia's largest city, Sydney, reported a record daily number of newly confirmed infections on Thursday, while the state of Victoria is set to enter a seven-day lockdown from 8 pm local time on Thursday, the state's sixth lockdown since the pandemic began, according to media reports.

The coming week will also see the country's most populous cities, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, under lockdown. Meanwhile, Australia's vaccination has been slow to get off the ground, with only 20 percent of its population over 16 fully vaccinated.

It is conceivable that strengthened epidemic prevention and control measures following the resurgence of the outbreak will have an impact on China-Australia trade.

Domestically, China has also seen the spread of the Delta variant in a number of provinces and regions over past weeks, which is almost certain to lead to enhanced quarantine and inspection procedures involving some imported products at Chinese customs. Based on past experience, it is possible that imports of cold-chain food may suffer certain negative impacts in terms of stricter importing procedures.

Given the tensions between China and Australia, any minor setback encountered by Australian exports to China could be seen by some Australian politicians as the so-called China's "economic retaliation." Yet, in fact, the China-Australia trade has not been hit as hard as many have claimed.

Data released on Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that the country's exports gained 4 percent month-on-month in June. Specifically, among all major trading partners of Australia, some statistics showed the growth rate of Australia's exports to China was still relatively fast. Chinese customs statistics also reflects this trend. In the first half of this year, Chinese imports from Australia increased 37 percent year-on-year, according to customs data.

Since the relationship between China and Australia turned sour, some Australian politicians have grabbed any opportunity to accuse China of "economic coercion," but official data from both countries doesn't support this bias agenda.

Now both sides are expected to step up anti-epidemic measures as a result of the Delta variant spread, which is likely to affect bilateral trade. It is hoped that some in Australia could be more rational and objective in viewing trade frictions during this challenging time.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202108/1230712.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282402

File: 4170db04da361bf⋯.webm (8.12 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Hillsong_founder_charged_….webm)

File: a430239d7850cda⋯.jpg (104.93 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Hillsong_pastor_Brian_Hous….jpg)

File: 0b3c30b03147a38⋯.jpg (56.35 KB, 620x620, 1:1, Died_in_2004_Frank_Houston.jpg)

>>14273956

‘God is in control’: Hillsong comforts the flock after founder charged by police

Fergus Hunter and Laura Chung - August 6, 2021

The board of megachurch Hillsong has written to followers after founder Brian Houston was charged by police, offering comfort and criticising media reporting of the pastor’s handling of his late father’s sexual abuse of children.

Mr Houston, whose father Frank Houston was accused of abusing nine boys while he was a Pentecostal preacher, was charged on Thursday for allegedly concealing the abuse of a child in the 1970s. He says he will return to Australia to attend court in October and fight the charge.

In an email sent to Hillsong members on Friday, the Australian board of the church said the “charges relate to many years ago when Pastor Brian found out about his father’s actions” in 1999.

“We have always been open and transparent with the church about his father Frank, and Pastor Brian has shared his pain with you many times over the past twenty years,” the email said.

“As you are aware, this matter has been ongoing since the Royal Commission in 2014 and has been the subject of much media speculation – most of it inflammatory and much of it inaccurate.”

The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse found Mr Houston, 67, failed to report Frank Houston’s abuse when his father confessed to it five years before his death. In 2019, police in The Hills district in north-west Sydney launched an investigation into the alleged cover-up.

Following consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, detectives served Mr Houston’s lawyer with a court attendance notice for October 5 on a charge of concealing a serious indictable offence.

“Police will allege in court that the man knew information relating to the sexual abuse of a young male in the 1970s and failed to bring that information to the attention of police,” NSW police said in a statement.

In its email to church members on Friday, the Hillsong board said it could not comment on the details because of the court proceedings but asked that Mr Houston be afforded the presumption of innocent and due process.

“At this time is it comforting to know that God is in control of every situation, and as we bring you this update, we do so in the knowledge that He alone is our strength and our help,” the board said.

The email invoked a bible passage: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Brett Sengstock, who endured Frank Houston’s abuse over five years in the 1960s and 1970s, has previously gone public to condemn Brian Houston’s inaction when he learned of the abuse. Mr Houston has said Mr Sengstock asked him not to inform police but Mr Sengstock has denied this.

Mr Houston has maintained other people knew of the abuse before he did and, when he found out, he confronted his father and reported it to the church organisations in which Frank Houston was involved.

Mr Houston, who co-founded the church now known as Hillsong in Sydney in 1983, has recently been based in the US with his wife Bobbie Houston and last month travelled to Mexico to preach.

A church spokesperson said Mr Houston, who led a sermon in California on Sunday, would be returning to Australia to clear his name.

Mr Houston is a friend of Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a committed Pentecostal Christian who put the pastor’s name forward to be invited to a White House state dinner with former US president Donald Trump in 2019. The request was knocked back by the hosts, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time.

Speaking to radio station 2GB in March last year, Mr Morrison said Hillsong was a large and respected organisation in the US and “so well known that Brian was actually at the White House a few months after I was”.

A police investigation into Mr Houston was active at the time.

https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/god-is-in-control-hillsong-comforts-the-flock-after-founder-charged-by-police-20210806-p58gjb.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282642

File: 2048572603defd0⋯.jpg (520.32 KB, 825x1118, 825:1118, AYS_10.jpg)

File: ef06117c8e73d05⋯.jpg (82.59 KB, 655x492, 655:492, E8ERXN2VgAA_zes.jpg)

Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Delighted to welcome to my Residence AFP @AusFedPolice Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM.

Expressed my gratitude for the contributions the AFP makes to the continuation of peace and safety for approximately 100,000 Japanese citizens that reside in Australia.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1423438932377702403

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14282778

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Bill gates praises Australia’s Covid response, plays down relevance of virus origins investigations

ADAM CREIGHTON - AUGUST 6, 2021

US tech titan Bill Gates has lauded Australia’s Covid-19 response as world’s best practice and played down the relevance of investigations into the origins of Sars-Cov2.

The Microsoft founder, speaking on US cable TV on Wednesday, said investigations into the origins of Sars-Cov2, which have become highly controversial among scientists and fuelled tension between China and the US and Australia, wouldn’t change “the need for masks and vaccines”.

“The last paper I saw showed evidence against lab leak, but yes we should investigate these things, but it’s not directly tied to particular actions to save lives,” he said.

Gates, whose personal wealth is in excess of $162 billion, also called for a “very different regimen so all countries can get on top of cases very quickly and be more like Australia than Europe or the US ended up being”.

The comments came as Victoria entered its sixth lockdown after recording eight new cases, putting the state in lockdown along with Queensland and New South Wales, where the military is helping local police keep residents in their homes.

Mr Gates, whose charity behemoth the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been criticised for holding up the global rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, also said eradication of influenza and the common cold was in prospect.

The subject of numerous conspiracy theories throughout the pandemic, Mr Gates said he had been in “a lot of discussion about break throughs in diagnostic and therapeutics, and the scaling of vaccine factories in less than six months”

In June last year a prominent US newspaper, USA Today, had to factcheck the claim Bill Gates “was planning to microchip the world through a Covid-19 vaccine”.

“We need to resource the preparedness for the next pandemic and we can get a lot of benefits. People don’t like flu and common cold, we will build tools that over time get rid of those as well,” said Mr Gates, who is currently embroiled in a messy multi-billion dollar divorce with wife Melinda, and awkward questions about his own relationship with the late disgraced Jeffrey Epstein.

The billionaire has repeatedly come under fire for backing vaccine patent protections for multinationals pharmacy businesses. He reversed his position in May after US President Joe Biden buckled to global pressure and threw the government’s weight behind the push to waive vaccine patents.

In July Gates and fellow billionaire George Soros bought UK company Mologic, a maker of rapid Covid testing kits, for $55 million.

US intelligence services are due to release a report on the origins of Sars-Cov2 within a fortnight.

The report was commissioned by President Joe Biden in May amid declining confidence among scientists in a report by the World Health Organisation published in March, which concluded a lab-leak was “extremely unlikely”.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/bill-gates-praises-australias-covid-response-plays-down-relevance-of-virus-origin-report/news-story/146a43e02f68916dfecadd0589ec4e6d

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeXYeED38y0

>7:48

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14286727

File: b3679a0884dd97a⋯.jpg (76.79 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, Senior_Republican_on_the_H….jpg)

Plea to US for excess Covid-19 vaccine doses going to waste

SHARRI MARKSON and ADAM CREIGHTON - AUGUST 6, 2021

1/2

The Morrison government has made urgent appeals to the Biden administration for access to its ­estimated 26 million vaccine doses that are sitting unused in warehouses and about to expire.

The Weekend Australian has spoken to three high-level sources involved with the negotiations ­between Australia and the US and it is understood Australia has “made representations” over the course of several weeks for access to America’s excess Pfizer ­vaccines.

All of Australia’s requests have so far been unsuccessful.

A senior Australian government source said the representations were continuing.

Leading Republicans are pushing the Biden administration to provide Australia the excess doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines – some of which expire this month.

Michael McCaul, the senior Republican on the House foreign affairs committee, said Australia should be prioritised for the doses, followed by developing nations where China was exerting influence through vaccine diplomacy.

“Australia is not only an ally but a Five Eyes ally,” Mr McCaul said.

“I’ve been pressuring this ­administration through the Covax program to give more of these ­vaccines that are just sitting in warehouses in the US.

“They will expire if we don’t get them out the door.”

“I think particularly a Five Eyes ally should get the vaccines … and then we need to get it to countries like Sri Lanka, to African nations and Latin America where we know the Chinese are playing a pretty big game of vaccine diplomacy, to vaccinate people against the very virus that they created.”

Mike Gallagher, the Republican co-chairman of the Friends of Australia congressional caucus, is also backing the move.

“The United States has vaccine doses set to expire at the same time our Australian mates need extra doses,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The Biden administration should be doing everything in its power to get these doses to ­Australia.”

About one million doses have gone to waste in the US since ­December, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials chief ­medical officer Marcus Plescia told The New York Times: “Here we are with loads of ­vaccine, and there are other countries in the world where people are desperate for vaccination.”

Despite interest from some US states in sharing excess vaccines, the doses are owned by the federal government which is preventing their redistribution.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14286731

File: 242a595a9097b48⋯.jpg (458.45 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, Mike_Gallagher_Republican_….jpg)

>>14286727

2/2

One source involved in the ­negotiations between Australia and the US, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it would be politically awkward for the US to send excess vaccines to a “rich” country because it could be seen as undermining the administration’s commitment to deliver 500 million doses to developing nations, under a $US3.5bn ($4.7bn) deal with Pfizer, by the end of 2022.

The negotiations are still ­ongoing as the US currently has excess supplies, but sources were not hopeful of a positive outcome.

One source said the ­negotiations were all “up in the ether”.

A third insider said the US was reluctant to commit any doses to Australia, because it might need to divert the vaccinations to hot spots in the US amid a fresh outbreak of the Delta variant.

The Australian government currently has agreements with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna and Novovax for the supply of vaccines. According to timelines distributed in June, doses of Moderna are not expected to arrive until September.

The US has significant vaccine reserves in some states that are set to expire “this summer” and “a significant tranche of Pfizer doses is expected to expire in August”, a report in specialist medical publication Stat revealed in July.

Robert Ator, a retired colonel in the Arkansas Air National Guard who is leading that state’s vaccine distribution, told Stat: “We’re drowning in this stuff.”

Mr McCaul told The Weekend Australian that the US had the capacity to deliver “hundreds of millions of doses”.

“I’m afraid (the Biden administration) may think it’s mission accomplished, we’ve covered the US but I think we have a moral ­responsibility having developed this to get it to our allies and to these developing nations that are falling prey to the CCP,” Mr McCaul said.

“Get the vaccines to our allies, get the vaccines to nations where the Chinese are coming in with their vaccine and they want ­access to the ports, military bases … I believe we’re losing in that diplomacy game right now.”

US President Joe Biden said this week his administration had donated 110 million vaccine doses to 65 countries globally.

“In the fight against Covid-19, the United States is committed to be the arsenal of vaccines,” Mr Biden said.

He added the donations would have “no favouritism and no strings attached”.

The Biden administration, which had been celebrating a ­decline in Covid-19 cases a month ago, is now battling more than 100,000 cases a day.

The US daily vaccination rate has been in steady decline since April, from more than three million a day to about 600,000 this week.

The White House did not ­respond to a request for ­comment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/plea-to-us-for-excess-covid18-vaccine-doses-going-to-waste/news-story/3c704703f153a8740a921ccb81693aec

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14286750

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14286727

PM asks Biden to share vaccine supply

Sky News Australia

Aug 7, 2021

The Morrison government has made urgent appeals to the Biden administration for extra coronavirus vaccine supplies.

Australian officials are asking for access to excess Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

America is estimated to have up to 26 million doses sitting unused in warehouses and about to expire.

The Australian newspaper has revealed negotiations have been ongoing for a number of weeks, but all requests so far have been unsuccessful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghH55B7Td14

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14287270

File: bc1265ed414ed3c⋯.jpg (87.9 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ohio_State_University_dire….jpg)

Beijing lab mishap ‘infected scientist’ with Covid-19

SHARRI MARKSON - AUGUST 6, 2021

A Beijing laboratory director was infected with Covid-19 in a lab accident in early 2020, explosive emails have revealed, showing an inadvertent leak of the highly contagious coronavirus is far from a conspiracy theory.

A senior scientist at a prestigious laboratory, the National Institute for Viral Disease Control, allegedly contracted Covid-19 in his laboratory in early 2020 while researching the virus, prominent virologists say.

The virologists discussed the infection in an email chain obtained by the US Right to Know group.

China’s failure to disclose this laboratory accident has raised questions about whether health authorities would have disclosed a lab accident in Wuhan months earlier.

Ohio State University director of viruses and emerging pathogens Shan-Lu Liu wrote in an email dated February 14, 2020: “We were from the same lab where my former director has now been infected by SARS-CoV-2! Very sad but he’s doing OK!”

Scientist Lishan Su, then at the University of North Carolina, replied: “Your former colleague was infected with sars2 in the lab?”

Shan-Lu Liu responded: “Yes, he was infected in the lab!”

University of Massachusetts Medical School professor Shan Lu, also on the email chain, wrote 15 minutes later: “I actually am very concerned for the possibility of SARS-2 infection by lab people. It is much more contagious than SARS-1.

“Now every lab is interested in get a vial of virus to do drug discovery. This can potentially (sic) a big issue.”

The virologists were preparing a commentary to refute the ­hypothesis that Covid-19 emerged in a laboratory. The piece had been commissioned by Shan Lu, who is editor-in-chief of the medical journal Emerging Microbes and Infections.

US Right to Know executive director Gary Ruskin said the emails were a strong and reliable indication of a lab-acquired infection of SARS-CoV-2 from a prestigious Beijing virology institute.

“Lab accidents happen. They are not a conspiracy theory. It’s time for the China CDC to disclose everything they know about this accident,” he told the Weekend Australian.

“This new lab accident, and the failure to disclose it, is further evidence of the potential dangers of Chinese biolabs, and the failure to publicly disclose the accident does not bring confidence they would have disclosed a lab accident in Wuhan if it happened.”

The Right to Know group obtained the emails from Ohio State University under the Ohio Public Records Act.

In the same email chain where Shan-Lu Liu revealed his former colleague had been infected in the lab, the scientists discussed whether to include in the article the risks of working on contagious coronaviruses.

Lishan suggested including such a sentence about the “public health concerns” of working with a contagious virus in an email sent at 11am on February 14, 2020.

Shan-Lu Liu replied saying: “I get your point – maybe below one reads better?

“We should emphasis that although SARS-CoV-2 shows no evidence of laboratory origin, ­viruses with such great public health threats must be handled properly in the laboratory and properly regulated by scientific community and governments.”

The Chinese Communist Party, World Health Organisation investigators and prominent scientists have repeatedly claimed that a lab leak origin for Covid-19 is a conspiracy theory.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/science/beijing-lab-mishap-infected-scientist-with-covid19/news-story/9b0cb0ed84df21d25da11b698be3611a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14287286

File: c36bb86ca4d5327⋯.jpg (1.81 MB, 1258x2444, 629:1222, Senior_Chinese_scientist_a….jpg)

File: fc0bb37d651cd81⋯.jpg (352.5 KB, 2550x3300, 17:22, 0001.jpg)

File: 33dd213a2aee59a⋯.jpg (366.79 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0002.jpg)

File: 6be91969fdfa5f5⋯.pdf (205.42 KB, OSU_LAI_SARS2_p2.pdf)

File: b2d31f0dcf79047⋯.pdf (96.7 KB, OSU_LAI_SARS2.pdf)

>>14287270

Senior Chinese scientist acquired SARS-CoV-2 in lab infection accident, virologist says

Sainath Suryanarayanan - August 5, 2021

In what may be the first known case of a lab-acquired infection with the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19, a senior scientist was infected with SARS-CoV-2 in a prestigious laboratory in Beijing in early 2020, according to virologists’ emails obtained by U.S. Right to Know.

The National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (NIVDC), where the infection is said to have occurred, is a part of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2004, a SARS virus outbreak was traced to a lab–acquired infection from the NIVDC.

The revelation that an experienced scientist was infected with SARS-CoV-2 while working in a premier virology lab in Beijing underscores concerns about the health risks posed by biolabs researching pandemic pathogens, and in particular, facilities operated by the Chinese government.

The SARS-CoV-2 lab-acquired infection came to light in a set of emails dated Feb 14, 2020, between virologists Shan-Lu Liu (Ohio State University), Lishan Su (then of the University of North Carolina) and Shan Lu (University of Massachusetts Medical School). The context of the email exchange was in the preparation of a commentary to refute the hypothesis that the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 came from a lab, which Shan Lu had solicited as editor-in-chief of Emerging Microbes & Infections (EMI), a China-linked journal.

Shan-Lu Liu noted that his former director at NIVDC “has now been infected with SARS-CoV-2”, and in a separate email acknowledged that his former colleague “was infected in the lab!” Shan Lu responded, “I actually am very concerned for the possibility of SARS-2 infection by lab people. It is much more contagious than SARS-1. Now every lab is interested in get[ting] a vial of virus to do drug discovery. This can potentially [be] a big issue.”

There does not appear to be any public disclosure or reporting of this lab-acquired infection of SARS-CoV-2 from the NIVDC. This raises more questions about whether there is adequate disclosure of lab-acquired infections in China. It also reinforces the idea that if SARS-CoV-2 originated as a lab-acquired infection at the Wuhan Institute of Virology or Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there may not have been disclosure of such an accident.

For more information

U.S. Right to Know is posting documents from our public records requests for our biohazards investigation. See: FOI documents on origins of SARS-CoV-2, hazards of gain-of-function research and biosafety labs.

https://usrtk.org/biohazards/foi-documents-on-origins-of-sars-cov-2-risks-of-gain-of-function-research-and-biosafety-labs/

Background page on U.S. Right to Know’s investigation into the origins of SARS-CoV-2.

https://usrtk.org/biohazards/

https://usrtk.org/biohazards/senior-chinese-scientist-acquired-sars-cov-2-in-lab-infection-accident/

https://usrtk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/OSU-LAI-SARS2-p2.pdf

https://usrtk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/OSU-LAI-SARS2.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

59de7c  No.14287394

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Aus Baker is the hardest working Baker.

TY! :)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14288823

File: 4a92eb6b17c812b⋯.jpg (155.67 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, A_woman_walks_past_a_Stay_….jpg)

>>14020199

Australia daily COVID-19 at 2021 record high with millions in lockdown

Lidia Kelly - August 7, 2021

MELBOURNE, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Australia reported a record daily number of new coronavirus cases this year on Saturday with the highly infectious Delta variant continuing to spread through the country's most populous states of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

With about 15 million people in the three states, or 60% of Australia's population, under a strict lockdown, the country also reported five coronavirus-related deaths, one of the highest this year.

NSW reported 319 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, the most since the start of the pandemic in early 2020, with Sydney and neighbouring regional centres spanning 200 km (120 miles) of coastline under a stay-at-home order for six weeks already.

There are 345 people admitted to hospital in NSW, with 56 in intensive care and 23 under ventilation, state authorities said.

Neighbouring Victoria saw the highest daily jump in cases this year, with 29 new infections, as the state remains under a snap seven-day lockdown imposed earlier this week, the state's sixth since the start of the pandemic.

Victoria Premier Dan Andrews urged people to follow the public health rules that allow residents to leave their house only for essential work, shopping, care, vaccination or two hours of outdoor exercise.

"This Delta variant spreads so fast," Andrews said. "We don't have enough of people vaccinated, we will finish up with younger people in the hospital, otherwise fit and healthy people. Our system will be overrun if we don't bring this under control."

Queensland recorded 13 new cases, with all but one isolating while infectious, bringing hopes that the eight-day lockdown in parts of the state will be lifted as planned on Sunday afternoon.

With just over 36,000 COVID-19 cases and 937 deaths, Australia has avoided the high caseloads of other developed countries, but its vaccination figures are among the lowest, with only 20% of people aged over 16 fully vaccinated.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-daily-covid-19-2021-record-high-with-millions-lockdown-2021-08-07/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

9a8e6b  No.14288858

>>14282402

The way 9 presented the story, the channel should be held accountable for complicity. No mention of the PM. Funny that!!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

9a8e6b  No.14288872

>>14282364

There is endless proof that the whole Covid plot is a hoax. Show me the proof it has a signature.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

9a8e6b  No.14288891

>>14274499

You Military stay safe out there. Thanks for your service..WWG1WGA

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

9a8e6b  No.14288900

>>14273956

He looks like a Used Car salesman.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289308

File: df8e855891fb3cf⋯.jpg (1.44 MB, 825x2901, 275:967, USCP_1.jpg)

File: 10e1b55632bce25⋯.jpg (1.67 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E8FlHREUcAQTSGf.jpg)

File: cfd4830415b2343⋯.jpg (1.16 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E8Fmq7XUUAEORqa.jpg)

File: fa0d9294f18d92f⋯.jpg (679.3 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E8FoP7EVkAcrEv3.jpg)

US Consulate Perth Tweets

A new memorial has been unveiled at WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle in honor of American World War II submarine USS Bullhead. #USwithAUS

https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1423530866563719169

The USS Bullhead departed Fremantle on July 31, 1945 but was sunk in an attack by a Japanese army aircraft on August 6 in the Java Sea.

84 U.S. servicemen lost their lives.

https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1423531251814715392

"Lives aboard the USS Bullhead were lost defending Australia. This memorial is a powerful symbol of their courage and the unbreakable alliance between our two countries.” – Consul General David Gainer

#USwithAUS

https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1423532582466068480

"[This memorial] honours not only the Bullhead and the submarine fleet, but the Port of Fremantle as well, where so many of these boats were based.” – Memorial benefactor and author Tim Baldock #USwithAUS

https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1423535567560605701

Read the full article: New U.S. Submarine Memorial Unveiled in Fremantle bit. ly/3ireHf3 #USwithAUS

https://twitter.com/uscongenperth/status/1423537098322104324

https://au.usembassy.gov/new-u-s-submarine-memorial-unveiled-in-perth/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289327

File: 7daa3eea31e9998⋯.jpg (2.93 MB, 6000x4000, 3:2, 51360903484_0c8679831e_6k.jpg)

File: eaf176920fbd51d⋯.jpg (4.01 MB, 5944x3962, 2972:1981, 51360170426_2ef2477936_6k.jpg)

File: 560b02005c256f9⋯.jpg (4.12 MB, 5899x3932, 5899:3932, 51359414627_319f7e6fed_6k.jpg)

>>14289308

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia

New U.S. Submarine Memorial Unveiled in Perth

U.S. Embassy in Canberra - 6 August, 2021

A new memorial has been unveiled in Fremantle, Western Australia in honor of the American World War II submarine USS Bullhead.

The USS Bullhead (SS-332) departed Fremantle on July 31, 1945 to commence its third war patrol but was sunk in an attack by a Japanese army aircraft on August 6 in the Java Sea. Eighty-four United States servicemen lost their lives.

The memorial, located outside the Western Australian Maritime Museum, was unveiled on the 76th anniversary of the submarine’s sinking.

U.S. Consul General David Gainer said the memorial underscored the United States’ unwavering commitment to Australia.

“Australia and the U.S. have fought side-by-side in every major conflict since World War II,” Consul General Gainer said.

“Lives aboard the USS Bullhead were lost defending Australia. This memorial is a powerful symbol of their courage and the unbreakable alliance between our two countries.”

Memorial benefactor and author Tim Baldock said the significance of the submarine’s contribution to the final outcome of the Pacific War, and the fact his book is dedicated to the memory of the crew of the USS Bullhead, inspired him to create the memorial.

“It honours not only the Bullhead and the submarine fleet, but the Port of Fremantle as well, where so many of these boats were based,” Mr Baldock said.

Fremantle was the world’s second largest submarine base in World War II, after Pearl Harbor, and housed submarines predominately from the U.S.

The USS Bullhead was the last of 52 American submarines, and the last U.S. naval vessel, to be lost in WWII.

“May this memorial provide some comfort to those who lost a loved one on the USS Bullhead, and also serve as an eternal reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of democracy,” Consul General Gainer said.

Photo album available here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/53038940@N08/sets/72157719646514231/

https://au.usembassy.gov/new-u-s-submarine-memorial-unveiled-in-perth/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289377

File: 8f2aad2c05c1ebd⋯.jpg (72.39 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Golfer_Greg_Norman_says_Au….jpg)

File: 1c5de102bcd0db1⋯.jpg (61.85 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Senior_US_Republican_Micha….jpg)

File: fe6ea53b59f3871⋯.jpg (433.4 KB, 1169x750, 1169:750, S_GN_1.jpg)

>>14286727

Greg Norman blasts Joe Biden for failing to provide Australia with excess vaccine doses

SHARRI MARKSON and ADAM CREIGHTON - AUGUST 7, 2021

Golf legend Greg Norman has blasted President Joe Biden for failing to provide Australia with some of its millions of vaccine doses that are sitting unused in warehouses and about to expire.

Commenting on The Weekend Australian’s revelations today that the Morrison government has made urgent appeals to the Biden administration for access to some of its estimated 26 million excess doses of Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna, The Shark appealed to the President and the White House to help Australia out.

“Living in the States for 40+ years I am so dismayed with this article and the fact that little brother has to beg to big brother for unused vaccines about to expire after all we have done in support for eons,” Norman wrote on Instagram.

“We have stood shoulder to shoulder in every war America has fought (except domestic) and this is a war. We are meant to be allies.

“Come on @joebiden @potus @whitehouse help little brother”.

The Weekend Australian has spoken to three high-level sources involved with the negotiations ­between Australia and the US and it is understood Australia has “made representations” over the course of several weeks for access to America’s excess Pfizer ­vaccines.

All of Australia’s requests have so far been unsuccessful.

A senior Australian government source said the representations were continuing.

Leading Republicans are pushing the Biden administration to provide Australia the excess doses of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines – some of which expire this month.

Michael McCaul, the senior Republican on the House foreign affairs committee, said Australia should be prioritised for the doses, followed by developing nations where China was exerting influence through vaccine diplomacy.

“Australia is not only an ally but a Five Eyes ally,” Mr McCaul said.

“I’ve been pressuring this ­administration through the Covax program to give more of these ­vaccines that are just sitting in warehouses in the US.

“They will expire if we don’t get them out the door.”

“I think particularly a Five Eyes ally should get the vaccines … and then we need to get it to countries like Sri Lanka, to African nations and Latin America where we know the Chinese are playing a pretty big game of vaccine diplomacy, to vaccinate people against the very virus that they created.”

Mike Gallagher, the Republican co-chairman of the Friends of Australia congressional caucus, is also backing the move.

“The United States has vaccine doses set to expire at the same time our Australian mates need extra doses,” Mr Gallagher said.

“The Biden administration should be doing everything in its power to get these doses to ­Australia.”

About one million doses have gone to waste in the US since ­December, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials chief ­medical officer Marcus Plescia told The New York Times: “Here we are with loads of ­vaccine, and there are other countries in the world where people are desperate for vaccination.”

Despite interest from some US states in sharing excess vaccines, the doses are owned by the federal government which is preventing their redistribution.

One source involved in the ­negotiations between Australia and the US, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it would be politically awkward for the US to send excess vaccines to a “rich” country because it could be seen as undermining the administration’s commitment to deliver 500 million doses to developing nations, under a $US3.5bn ($4.7bn) deal with Pfizer, by the end of 2022.

The negotiations are still ­ongoing as the US currently has excess supplies, but sources were not hopeful of a positive outcome.

One source said the ­negotiations were all “up in the ether”.

A third insider said the US was reluctant to commit any doses to Australia, because it might need to divert the vaccinations to hot spots in the US amid a fresh outbreak of the Delta variant.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/greg-norman-blasts-joe-biden-for-failing-to-provide-australia-with-excess-vaccine-doses/news-story/32867c46cd4c398c3e410ca0f51d5c39

https://www.instagram.com/p/CSQSmuFs4CT/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289530

File: b149708c426385c⋯.jpg (101.11 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Representatives_of_Japan_A….jpg)

Why the Quad Alarms China

Its Success Poses a Major Threat to Beijing’s Ambitions

Kevin Rudd - August 6, 2021

1/4

When former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe invited officials from Australia, India, and the United States to meet in Manila in November 2017, Chinese leaders saw little reason to worry. This gathering of “the Quad,” as the grouping was known, was merely “a headline-grabbing idea,” scoffed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. “They are like the sea foam in the Pacific or Indian Ocean: they get some attention but will soon dissipate.” Beijing had some reason for such dismissiveness. The interests of the Quad’s members were, Chinese strategists assessed, too divergent to allow for real coherence. Anyway, the Quad grouping had already been tried more than a decade earlier, with little in the way of real results.

Within a few years of that November 2017 gathering, however, Beijing had started to rethink its initial dismissiveness. By March of this year, when the Quad held its first leader-level summit and issued its first leader-level communique, Chinese officials had begun to view the Quad with growing concern. Since then, Beijing has concluded that the Quad represents one of the most consequential challenges to Chinese ambitions in the years ahead.

As “strategic competition” with China has become a rare point of bipartisan consensus in Washington, Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken to warning that his country faces a “struggle over the future of the international order” with a United States determined to thwart China’s rise. Xi believes that Beijing has an opportunity between now and 2035 to make China the world’s top economic, technological, and potentially even military power. Integral to this push is persuading countries in Asia and around the world that Chinese dominance is inevitable and that, accordingly, they have no option but to start deferring to Chinese demands. That would enable China to begin rewriting the rules of the international order—and entrench its global leadership position—without ever having to fire a shot.

The Quad is uniquely problematic for China’s strategy because its aim of unifying a multilateral coalition of resistance has the potential to stiffen spines across the whole of the Indo-Pacific and possibly beyond. For Xi, the critical question is whether the Quad will evolve to be large, coherent, and comprehensive enough to effectively balance against China, thereby undermining any sense that its dominance, in Asia or globally, is inevitable. So far, Beijing has struggled to mount an effective response to the Quad challenge. Whether Chinese officials settle on a strategy that succeeds in undermining the Quad’s progress will be one of the key factors in determining the course of U.S.-Chinese competition—and the fate of China’s global ambitions more generally— in what has already become a “decade of living dangerously.”

COME TOGETHER

Abe’s first attempt to launch the Quad came in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, when Australia, India, Japan, and the United States worked together on a disaster response. Abe saw the Quad as a way to build the four countries’ capacity to work together to meet shared regional security challenges. But the response in other capitals was tentative at best.

In Washington, President George W. Bush worried that such cooperation would unhelpfully alienate China when it needed Beijing in the “war against terrorism”; within a few years, as cables subsequently released by WikiLeaks showed, the administration was privately assuring regional governments that the Quad would never meet. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh repeatedly ruled out any real security cooperation with the Quad and categorized ties with Beijing as his “imperative necessity.” And in Canberra, the conservative government of John Howard worried about undermining economically beneficial ties with China and also opposed expanding existing trilateral cooperation with the United States and Japan by adding India; in July 2007, Australia formally withdrew and announced the decision in Beijing soon after. When Abe, the driving force behind the Quad, unexpectedly resigned, in September 2007 (before becoming prime minister again in 2012), his successor, Yasuo Fukuda, formally consigned the Quad to the dustbin of history.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289534

File: ad865cebdcd6ecf⋯.jpg (61.78 KB, 1400x753, 1400:753, The_leaders_of_Australia_t….jpg)

>>14289530

2/4

When Abe got the band back together a decade later, strategic circumstances had changed dramatically. After years of growing U.S.-Chinese tensions, assertive Chinese behavior in the South China and East China Seas, and repeated clashes between Chinese and Indian forces along their contested land border, the strategic calculus on China had evolved in all the Quad capitals. Still, Beijing thought it had little reason to worry after the Quad reassembled, in November 2017, for a working-level meeting of diplomats on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Manila: they failed to issue a joint communique outlining a common strategic purpose, instead releasing uncoordinated individual statements that served mostly to highlight divergences on key concerns. Beijing remained largely indifferent even after the first meeting of the Quad’s foreign ministers, in September 2019 in New York, and even when the ministers finally agreed to work together on what would become the Quad’s mantra: to “advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Then, in June 2020, Chinese and Indian forces clashed along their shared border, leaving 20 Indian soldiers dead and causing New Delhi, heretofore the most reluctant member of the Quad, to reassess its strategic priorities and demonstrate new eagerness to balance Chinese power. When the Quad’s foreign ministers met again, in October 2020 in Tokyo, Beijing began to pay attention. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated bluntly that Washington’s goal was to “institutionalize” the Quad, “build out a true security framework,” and even expand the grouping at “the appropriate time” in order to “counter the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to all of us.” (Pompeo had earlier gathered New Zealand, South Korea, and Vietnam for what became known as the “Quad Plus” talks on trade, technology, and supply chain security.)

Following the meeting, India invited Australia to join its annual Malabar naval exercises held with the United States and Japan. This was notable because India had previously refused to allow Australian participation in the exercises for fear of antagonizing Beijing. Now, thanks in large part to the June 2020 border clash, all remaining hesitation in Delhi was gone. From Beijing’s perspective, the geopolitical wei qi board was suddenly looking less advantageous.

FROM DIVIDE TO ATTACK

At first, Chinese strategists seemed to think there was a relatively straightforward solution to the new challenge from the Quad: using a combination of carrots and sticks to drive a wedge between the economic and security interests of the Quad’s members. By stressing each state’s overwhelming dependence on the Chinese market, Beijing hoped to break the Quad apart.

Following the October 2020 Quad ministerial meeting and the subsequent Malabar naval exercises, Yi, the Chinese foreign minister, changed his tone dramatically, slamming the effort to build an “Indo-Pacific NATO” and calling the Quad’s Indo-Pacific strategy “a big underlying security risk” to the region. Beijing also selected a target against which to use a stick. Chinese strategic tradition advises “killing one to warn a hundred.” In this case, the idea was to kill one (Australia) to warn two (India and Japan).

Beijing had previously seemed intent on improving relations with Canberra. But without specific explanation, it suddenly imposed restrictions on imports of Australian coal—and then meat, cotton, wool, barley, wheat, timber, copper, sugar, lobster, and wine. As the smallest of the four Quad economies, Australia would, in Beijing’s judgment, be the most vulnerable to economic pressure (and by dint of size and geography, less threatening to Chinese security interests). At the same time, China worked to repair relations with India and Japan. Following years of efforts to improve ties with Tokyo, Beijing tried to finalize a visit by Xi to meet with Abe’s successor, Yoshihide Suga. And it sought to de-escalate tensions with India by negotiating an agreement to pull back troops from the area where clashes had occurred and working quietly to secure the release of a captured Chinese solider in order to avoid sparking a nationalist firestorm.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289540

File: 89501acb7e6b0f4⋯.jpg (164.85 KB, 1200x630, 40:21, President_Joe_Biden_partic….jpg)

>>14289534

3/4

But Beijing had underestimated the effect of its own actions on Quad solidarity, and neither of these carrots had the intended effect. In Tokyo, aggravation over Chinese assertiveness in the East China Sea and concerns about human rights and Hong Kong had begun to throw the relationship into a deep chill. In Delhi, wariness of China had become deeply ingrained, no matter that the immediate standoff had been resolved. As Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar explained, the border clashes had produced greater “comfort levels” in Delhi with the need “to engage much more intensively on matters of national security” with Washington and other partners. The arrival of a new administration in Washington, one that would bring a renewed focus on allied, regional, and multilateral engagement and move quickly to resolve Trump-era trade and military-basing disputes with Asian allies, added a further obstacle to Beijing’s plan.

By early this year, Chinese officials had realized that neither ignoring nor splitting the Quad would work. So Beijing moved on to a third option: full-scale political attack.

The March meeting of the Quad’s leaders confirmed growing Chinese concerns about the grouping’s significance. By convening the Quad’s top leaders for the first time (albeit virtually) so early in his administration, U.S. President Joe Biden signaled that the group would be central to his strategy in the Indo-Pacific. And for the first time, the meeting produced a unified communique committing to promote “a free, open, rules-based order, rooted in international law” and to defend “democratic values, and territorial integrity.” The Quad also pledged to jointly manufacture and distribute one billion COVID-19 vaccine doses throughout the region. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to what may be Beijing’s worst fears when he declared, “Today’s summit meeting shows that the Quad has come of age. It will now remain an important pillar of stability in the region.”

Since then, there has been an explosion in Chinese condemnations of the Quad as a “small clique” of countries trying to “start a new Cold War.” In May, Xi denounced efforts to use “multilateralism as a pretext to form small cliques or stir up ideological confrontation.” China has begun to portray itself as the champion of “genuine multilateralism” and as the leading defender of the United Nations system. Xi and other Chinese officials have started talking more frequently about “great-power responsibility” and China’s status as the “responsible great power.” Beijing is also doubling down on its efforts to develop alternate trade frameworks by promoting its membership in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), attempting to finalize the EU-Chinese investment agreement, and flirting with the idea of joining the CPTPP (the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which evolved out of the U.S.-driven Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations). Beijing’s hope is that it can isolate and marginalize the Quad by diplomatically and commercially outflanking it on the global stage.

Yet such denunciations have so far done little to stall the Quad’s progress. Biden’s June trip to Europe—where Australia and India joined a gathering of the G-7 and U.S. discussions with the EU and NATO included a heavy China component—reinforced fears that the Quad could integrate itself into a broader anti-Chinese alliance. And U.S.-South Korean interactions, including President Moon Jae-in’s May visit to Washington, reinforced fears that the Quad could bring in South Korea and become “the Quint”; although Seoul has usually been reluctant to side explicitly with the United States against China, the two countries’ joint statement agreed that they “acknowledge the importance of open, transparent, and inclusive regional multilateralism including the Quad.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289544

File: 8672ab5eae47a2d⋯.jpg (1.53 MB, 5370x3580, 3:2, Australia_s_Prime_Minister….jpg)

>>14289540

4/4

REASON TO WORRY

China has considerable reason to worry about such developments and what they could mean for its regional and global prospects. On the security front, for example, the Quad changes Beijing’s thinking about various scenarios in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea and, to a lesser degree, in the East China Sea, as China’s sense of the likelihood of Australian, Indian, or Japanese military involvement in any conflict involving the United States grows. Especially significant would be the Quad’s coordination with the United States’ Pacific Deterrence Initiative. A distributed network of land-based antiship missiles and other precision-strike capabilities stationed in allied countries in the region could hinder Beijing’s threaten Taiwan with an amphibious invasion, a blockade, or land-based missiles—although political agreement on such deployments in individual Quad countries is far from guaranteed. Another Chinese concern is that the Quad will move toward an intelligence-sharing arrangement with the Five Eyes intelligence partnership, which would allow for sensitive information on Chinese strategy and behavior to be more widely disseminated.

But the worst-case scenario from Beijing’s perspective is that the Quad could serve as the foundation of a broader global anti-Chinese coalition. If the Quad were to draw other Asian countries, the EU, and NATO into efforts to confront or undermine China’s international ambitions, it could over time swing the collective balance of power definitively against China. The Quad could also lay the groundwork for a broader allied economic, customs, and standards union, which could reshape everything from global infrastructure funding to supply chains to technology standards. The Biden White House’s senior Asia official, Kurt Campbell, has already spoken of the need to provide a “positive economic vision” for the Indo-Pacific; Beijing fears that the Quad could become the fulcrum for such an effort.

One bright spot from Beijing’s perspective is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is likely to keep its distance from the Quad, as part of its general neutrality on U.S.-Chinese tensions. Chinese officials also take comfort from continued protectionist sentiment in both Washington and Delhi, which means that neither is likely to join the CPTPP (or even RCEP) any time soon. Indeed, the gravitational pull of the Chinese economy will remain the greatest tool for weakening the Quad and subverting anti-Chinese efforts more broadly: for Beijing, China’s continued economic growth and increasing share of the global economy remain its most important strategic advantages, as they were in the past.

China will also double down on strategic and military cooperation with Russia. Moscow and Beijing have already committed to expand bilateral nuclear energy cooperation, and in a May call with Xi, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Chinese-Russian relations “the best in history.” From China’s perspective, Russia serves as a useful military partner and, with respect to the Quad, offers a way to expand China’s field of strategic options geographically. Russia’s proximity to Japan and its continued occupation of Japan’s Northern Territories, for example, could make Tokyo think twice before joining with the United States in any future military scenarios involving China.

The continued consolidation of the Quad will also drive further increases in Chinese military spending. Even if some Chinese analysts are doubtful about the actual impact of the Quad on the hard business of warfighting, military officials will argue that they must be ready for worst-case scenarios involving the Quad. Chinese officials are wary of repeating the Soviet Union’s mistake of military overextension at the expense of the civilian economy. But if they see the correlation of forces with the United States and its allies shifting against China, Beijing’s military spending will increase accordingly, turbocharging the regional arms race in Asia.

Ultimately, the biggest question may be what all of this means for Xi, especially in the run-up to the 20th Party Congress, in the fall of 2022, where Xi hopes to secure his own long-term political dominance. There is some chance that the Quad’s progress will offer Xi’s detractors additional evidence of his inclination to strategic overreach. More likely, however, is that Xi will ultimately manage to strengthen his own hand by pointing to the Quad as proof that China’s adversaries are circling the Motherland, thereby further consolidating his hold on power.

KEVIN RUDD is President of the Asia Society, in New York, and previously served as Prime Minister of Australia.

https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-08-06/why-quad-alarms-china

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289709

File: b50d04a2440b606⋯.jpg (503.18 KB, 825x975, 11:13, DOD_10.jpg)

File: 62f3a79e56ec735⋯.jpg (1.37 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E8JJNzaXsAkJiNg.jpg)

File: 81b8a4f97a23c61⋯.jpg (4.34 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E8JJORPWUAAHjPp.jpg)

File: 4c33df8965e8aa2⋯.jpg (1.06 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E8JJPdFWYAUExbr.jpg)

File: c40f70d5c8759ac⋯.jpg (1.46 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E8JJQC5XEAE0vsV.jpg)

Department of Defence Tweet

HMA Ships Canberra and Ballarat have arrived in the Western Pacific Ocean for the opening phase of the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21.

#YourADF #AusNavy #RegionalPartners

bit. ly/2Vl9Fbn

https://twitter.com/DeptDefence/status/1423780978015838209

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/australian-ships-join-us-led-exercise

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289712

File: f2fea28112e54f6⋯.jpg (110.45 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, HMAS_Canberra_front_conduc….jpg)

>>14289709

Australian ships join US-led exercise

news.defence.gov.au - 6 August 2021

HMA Ships Canberra and Ballarat have arrived in the Western Pacific Ocean for the opening phase of the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21.

Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said Australia’s participation in the first phase of the activity followed the success of Exercises Talisman Sabre and Pacific Vanguard.

“We have just completed some extraordinary training in and around Australia and now we have this exciting new opportunity to consolidate those gains,” Lieutenant General Bilton said.

“We’ve got amphibious forces, including United States marines, embarked in Canberra, and a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft involved at various stages as well.

“Activities like this build strong operational relationships, which are the foundation for responding to shared security challenges.”

Commanding Officer Canberra Captain Jace Hutchison said the exercise would prove invaluable for the crews of Canberra and Ballarat.

“Any opportunity for us to test our skills and processes with partner nations enhances our readiness and ability to respond as required,” Captain Hutchison said.

All activities will be conducted in a contactless environment, with strict COVID-19 safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all participants.

https://news.defence.gov.au/international/australian-ships-join-us-led-exercise

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14289723

File: f1efcc4541b5e67⋯.jpg (397.43 KB, 825x973, 825:973, MRF_D_21.jpg)

File: 427847028fcb4d4⋯.jpg (267.84 KB, 1920x1080, 16:9, E7hkzEzVoAobHJ4.jpg)

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet

Today we honor those wounded in action, understanding that some gave their last full measure of devotion. We thank those at @WWRUSMC for taking care of Marines on the road to recovery. Semper Fidelis.

#Marines #USMC #PurpleHeartDay #WWR #Veterans #Heroes #USMCFamily

https://twitter.com/MrfDarwin/status/1423773377261494275

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14295282

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Dr Anthony Fauci discusses how the US is dealing with the Delta variant differently | 7.30

ABC News (Australia)

Aug 6, 2021

Delta cases are surging in parts of the United States, but even with such high infection numbers, with nearly half the population fully vaccinated they're dealing with the Delta variant differently and with far fewer restrictions.

The public face of the US response to COVID is Dr Anthony Fauci, the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and he speaks to Laura Tingle on the way the US is handling Delta.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcF8AAi1nCw

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296273

File: 6483bce2f4421e3⋯.jpg (44.79 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Uncancelled_Sky_News_uploa….jpg)

>>14243180

In an avalanche of misinformation, who decides what’s too dangerous to hear?

Michael Koziol - August 8, 2021

1/2

After its one-week suspension for breaching Google’s COVID-19 misinformation policies, Sky News Australia returned to YouTube on Thursday evening with a dramatic all-singing, all-dancing assault on the American-owned tech giant.

“When big tech censors opinion for some but not for others, it’s a dark day for free speech,” boomed an ominous voice over. “Will you allow it? Freedom of debate and conversation should not be cancelled. Your freedom to think should not be extinguished.”

Sky News digital editor Jack Houghton went on to lament that “conservatives seem to be the only people ever to be locked out of the national conversation”, and while YouTube might be great at coding, “tech geeks in Silicon Valley are not very well-versed at nuance on difficult social issues”.

And host Chris Kenny put it this way: “This is cancel culture writ large. This is censorship … a US company banning Australians talking to Australians and the rest of the world”.

In one of the banned videos, veteran broadcaster Alan Jones claimed COVID-19 was not by definition a pandemic and that India’s death toll was not really as bad as portrayed. The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020. Other clips promoted hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin as COVID-19 treatments.

This firebrand commentary has a particular appeal among the world’s far-right and anti-vaxxers, and has helped give Sky News Australia a global platform with 1.9 million YouTube subscribers.

But is it dangerous enough to be banned? And in a sea of misinformation and competing claims related to COVID-19, who gets to decide which contentions and opinions get censored and which are disseminated to the public?

Nick Coatsworth, Australia’s former deputy chief medical officer and now executive director of medical services at Canberra Health Services, says advocacy of “zero-COVID” and misleading statements about the AstraZeneca vaccine in mainstream media are just as dangerous as anti-vaccination propaganda on pay TV.

Coatsworth was critical of the ABC’s coronavirus commentator Norman Swan after he told ABC News Breakfast on Tuesday that Sydneysiders were “guinea pigs” in an experiment of using vaccination to try to arrest an outbreak. “I don’t think this has been tried anywhere else in the world,” Swan said.

“No, Dr Swan, they are not guinea pigs,” Coatsworth responded. “Rapid vaccination during an epidemic is part of epidemic control. And it’s what every other country has done with COVID-19.”

On Saturday, UNSW adjunct professor Bill Bowtell tweeted that NSW’s COVID policy settings were “closer to those in Florida” than other Australian states or New Zealand, even though Florida has rejected lockdowns. Coatsworth replied: “The Australian media cannot let this sort of hyperbole go unchallenged. The community should just ignore it.”

Coatsworth says these comments - as well as infectious diseases expert Michelle Ananda-Rajah’s remarks on Q+A in February that mass vaccination with AstraZeneca was a “population-level experiment” - are as bad as right-wing conspiracies about COVID-19 or vaccines.

“There is no difference between that and an anti-vaxxer saying ‘you’re conducting experiments without knowing the consequences’. What is the difference? It’s exactly the same language,” Coatsworth tells The Sun-Herald.

“The problem with the pro-lockdown, zero-COVID view is although it seems like it’s a lot nicer and a lot more credible than anti-vaxxer [content], you could still end up in a pretty dark place if you try and push for COVID-zero against the Delta variant.”

Coatsworth does not advocate censorship in either case but says people who hold themselves up as experts need to be held to account firmly and publicly. Meanwhile, Swan stands by his remarks, saying NSW’s approach would show whether the Doherty Institute’s modelling for reopening based on vaccination levels would work.

“I can be criticised for calling that an experiment,” Swan says. “I wasn’t sure that was the right word to use - but we don’t know yet the extent to which it will work.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296278

File: 8998a6fb92ecb0c⋯.jpg (51.43 KB, 620x619, 620:619, Former_deputy_chief_medica….jpg)

File: 09fec33ecdbaa44⋯.jpg (76.11 KB, 620x620, 1:1, Former_editor_in_chief_of_….jpg)

>>14296273

2/2

At News Corp, which owns Sky News Australia, some high-profile commentators circled the wagons in defence of their colleagues. The Australian’s columnist Peta Credlin called YouTube’s decision “a serious infringement on liberty”. Censorship wasn’t necessarily wrong on every single occasion “but it certainly shouldn’t be [left to] the commercial or political judgment of a functionary in California against which there’s no recourse,” she wrote. The same newspaper’s investigations editor Sharri Markson said Sky’s suspension was “the most extreme cancellation of free speech imaginable”.

But Chris Mitchell, a long-serving former editor-in-chief of The Australian, takes a somewhat different view. He recalls watching an Alan Jones interview with independent (and former Liberal) MP Craig Kelly in which they misrepresented the UK’s COVID-19 data to assert the Delta strain was far less deadly than portrayed - without accounting for the UK’s very high vaccination rate.

“I said to my wife ‘this is going to cause trouble’,” Mitchell says. “I follow the figures pretty closely. They misread the numbers quite badly, which is pretty dangerous.”

Sky News issued a correction and removed the segment from its platforms. Jones was also slammed by 2GB’s Ray Hadley and the ABC’s Media Watch over the “breathtaking” broadcast.

Mitchell says that’s a fair cop: Jones got it wrong. But YouTube’s move against Sky was surprising “given the amount of mad right-wing conspiracy stuff” that appears elsewhere on the platform, he says. “There’s a lot of QAnon stuff on YouTube that’s a lot harder to the right than anything Alan Jones has ever said.”

However, Mitchell doesn’t think YouTube’s decision is as serious as some commentators, including those inside News Corp, make out. “I’d say to all of them: this is not a huge deal, [it’s] seven days and a handful of videos.”

Neither does Mitchell see any reason for misinformation to be left online. “I don’t think there’s a problem with people censoring incorrect facts,” he says. “At one level, free speech is an important value and all journalists should support free speech and free media. But that doesn’t really include the freedom to spread untruths knowingly.”

The question then comes back to: who makes these calls? Should YouTube be the sole arbiter of what Australians can see on its platform, even when that content is produced by a large media company? Or is there a role for the government regulator, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), to get involved?

Chris Chapman, a former chair of ACMA and now president of the London-based International Institute of Communications, says these are big questions for lawmakers around the world, who need to consider whether it is satisfactory that a social media platform can make these editorial decisions and whether there is enough transparency around how they make their decisions.

The same issues were at play in Facebook’s decision to suspend Donald Trump’s account, says Chapman, who argues there is a growing need for parliaments to “reassess all legislation to test whether it is ‘fit for purpose’ in what is now in reality a post-digital world, and rebuild from a ‘first principles’ perspective”.

Executive director of the free market Institute of Public Affairs, John Roskam, has by his own declaration a “pretty extremist” attitude to free speech. But while he is no fan of YouTube’s censorious decision, he says it is not a freedom of speech issue.

“There is a difference between a private organisation publishing or not publishing something, and saying something that is unlawful,” says Roskam.

“A private organisation such as YouTube must have the right to decide what is on its platform. It must. Is it censorship? Yes it is. Should it be regulated? Probably not.

“The alternative of giving the government the power to decide what is on private organisations’ platforms is much worse than any private censorship. The idea of [Communications Minister] Paul Fletcher ringing up Google to say ‘fix up YouTube in Australia’ is a joke.”

https://www.theage.com.au/national/in-an-avalanche-of-misinformation-who-decides-what-s-too-dangerous-to-hear-20210804-p58fto.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296376

File: becd2ced814b7a9⋯.jpg (129.81 KB, 634x786, 317:393, The_Duke_of_York_has_alway….jpg)

File: 709da278dfe5c38⋯.jpg (89.71 KB, 634x980, 317:490, The_filing_of_a_civil_acti….jpg)

Now Virginia Roberts is set to sue Prince Andrew in a New York court over her claims that Jeffrey Epstein forced her to have sex with the Duke aged 17

DANIEL BATES and CAROLINE GRAHAM - 8 August 2021

Prince Andrew could be sued in an American court by his accuser Virginia Roberts, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.

Ms Roberts, who claims she was forced to have sex with the Prince by convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when she was just 17, could file a multi-million-pound civil action in New York as early as this week.

Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, her lawyer David Boies said the bombshell lawsuit 'would be based on her being lent out to Prince Andrew for sex by Jeffrey Epstein and [her] being under 18'.

He added the suit would include claims of 'improper sexual violations, physical and emotional distress' and would include a claim for damages.

Mr Boies said: 'To use a common phrase here in the United States, 'Time's up.' '

The Duke of York has always vehemently denied all charges made by Ms Roberts.

Buckingham Palace previously issued a statement saying: 'It is emphatically denied that The Duke of York had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Virginia Roberts. Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.'

The filing of a civil action against the Duke in America is certain to cause huge embarrassment for the Royal family as lawyers will seek to question him under oath about his sex life. He could also be forced to hand over texts, emails and private letters.

A defamation suit, filed by Ms Roberts in 2015 against Ghislaine Maxwell, ended in a settlement – but deeply embarrassing depositions in which Ms Maxwell discussed her sex life were made public last year.

A source said: 'This could be devastating for Andrew. If he chooses to fight it and is deposed [forced to give evidence], then those depositions could end up being made public.

'If he ignores it, he could be found guilty in absentia which would be a public relations disaster.'

Under the New York Child Victims Act, Ms Roberts has until next Saturday to file the civil action which will include her claims that she and Prince Andrew had sex three times in 2001.

Although Ms Roberts was then above the UK legal age of consent, in New York a child is considered to be anyone under 18.

She alleges the first encounter took place at the London home of Epstein's alleged 'madam' Ms Maxwell, the second at Epstein's £77 million New York mansion and the third during an 'orgy' on his private island in the Caribbean. Saturday's deadline was created by the New York Child Victims Act which came into law in 2019.

Previously, victims had up to five years after turning 18 to file a claim against an alleged abuser.

But the new law gave victims a one-off window to make a legal claim, regardless of how old their claim is. The timeline to file those claims expires next Saturday.

The final decision about whether to proceed rests with Ms Roberts, now a 37-year-old mother-of-three who lives in Australia.

Should the Duke ignore the lawsuit, Mr Boies warned it could go to trial without him and the court could enter a default judgment.

The amount of damages would then be set and 'that judgment could be enforced any place in the world', Mr Boies said.

Weeks ago Mr Boies sent a second formal letter to the Duke's lawyers offering to sign an agreement, known as a tolling agreement, that extended the statute of limitations so that both sides could negotiate.

The letter said that Ms Robets needed to file a claim 'now' or she risks not being able to file a lawsuit.

So far it has been ignored, according to Mr Boies.

Epstein hanged himself in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.

Ms Maxwell, 59, was arrested last July and is due to go on trial in November for allegedly recruiting underage girls for Epstein.

She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Last night Ms Roberts declined to comment.

A spokesman for Prince Andrew declined to comment.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9872595/Virginia-Roberts-sue-Prince-Andrew-New-York-court.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296407

File: b7577557e64e976⋯.jpg (63.42 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Federal_Health_Minister_Gr….jpg)

Moderna vaccine to be approved within a fortnight, doses rolling out in mid-September

Tom Lowrey - 8 August 2021

1/2

Australia's third COVID-19 vaccine will begin being rolled out around the country from the middle of next month, with final approvals likely within two weeks.

The Moderna vaccine is currently being considered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and Health Minister Greg Hunt said he expected it to be approved shortly.

"Best advice is that we're likely to receive approval from the TGA — but it is in their hands — within the next two weeks," he said.

"And that we would receive a million doses during the course of September, and then three million in each of October, November and December."

The first batch of doses is expected around the middle of next month.

Australia has bought 25 million doses of the vaccine, with 10 million to be used for primary vaccinations this year, and 15 million to be used as booster shots.

It is an mRNA vaccine, similar to the one available now from Pfizer.

Like the Pfizer vaccine it is also expected to be administered to children 12 years and older later this year, though that will have to be approved separately.

Asked if there was any prospect of accelerating deliveries of Moderna doses, as has been done with Pfizer, Mr Hunt said it was something they are pushing, but that it was a difficult and competitive global market.

"We work with all our suppliers on a continuous basis to try to bring forward," he said.

"There is immense global demand, immense global demand, and so we working continuously with all our suppliers."

CMO says NSW can still get on top of outbreak

Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has suggested New South Wales could alter some of its approaches to handling the Sydney outbreak, but conceded there was no "magic bullet".

On Friday, Professor Kelly suggested there was "clearly a need for a circuit-breaker" in the city to start driving cases towards zero.

Pushed to elaborate on those comments on Sunday, he suggested altering existing approaches and said many different things were already being tried.

"It's a combination of doing as much as we can, in all of things we know that work, and continuing to do that," he said.

"A combination of extra vaccination sites, different ways of vaccination — that's happening.

"Looking at different ways of testing — that's already happening — we've talked about rapid antigen tests in workplaces and so forth in the last few days, that's an important component.

"Looking at different ways we can work on contact tracing, getting other states to assist and indeed the Commonwealth to assist in that endeavour.

"Looking at any possible way we can reach out to the community, to make sure they are getting that right message — and it's difficult."

Professor Kelly said today's dip in case numbers in Sydney, from 319 yesterday down to 262 today, was positive, while acknowledging one day is not a trend.

He said cases could still be driven back down to zero.

"We'll get on top of this," he said.

"There is hope."

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296413

File: 2b916ba82938d76⋯.jpg (103.38 KB, 862x575, 862:575, The_Moderna_vaccine_is_an_….jpg)

>>14296407

2/2

Hunt says Pfizer deal as good as it gets

Mr Hunt said Australia's deal with Pfizer was the best and only offer on the table when it was agreed in November last year.

In November, the federal government announced it had secured 10 million Pfizer doses, with an expectation they would begin to be available from early-to-mid 2021.

The order was doubled to 20 million doses in February, and doubled again to 40 million doses in April, with those doses to be delivered late this year.

Asked if the national vaccine rollout might have been more advanced had a deal with the company been secured earlier, Mr Hunt said there was no alternative option.

"There was no other deal available," he said.

"So we are happy to receive any criticism for the things that we control, but that notion of another deal being available has been completely and comprehensively debunked."

Mr Hunt said there was simply no opportunity for the government to secure any more Pfizer doses earlier than it did.

"There was no other deal available for any earlier vaccines or any larger quantities, and so that is clear, and as we've been able to, we've expanded that."

Shadow Health Minister Mark Butler said it was hard to believe dealings with Pfizer could not have been handled differently, given how other developed countries had secured their vaccines.

"The truth is that Scott Morrison and his government deliberately adopted a so-called wait-and-see strategy on vaccine procurement, which is why we've been so desperately short of Pfizer all year now," he said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-08/moderna-covid-vaccine-to-be-approved-within-a-fortnight/100359788

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296462

File: 7b1de5d13c2c64f⋯.jpg (62.08 KB, 992x661, 992:661, Former_President_Donald_Tr….jpg)

File: fba0171b9d1f237⋯.jpg (75.66 KB, 992x558, 16:9, A_Department_of_Homeland_S….jpg)

Homeland Security warns of 'increasing but modest' threat of violence from Trump conspiracy

DHS said it has no specific evidence of an imminent plot.

Luke Barr - 7 August 2021

The Department of Homeland Security said Friday they have observed "an increasing but modest level of activity online" by people who are calling for violence in response to baseless claims of 2020 election fraud and related to the conspiracy theory that former President Donald Trump will be reinstated.

"Some conspiracy theories associated with reinstating former President Trump have included calls for violence if desired outcomes are not realized," according to a DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis bulletin obtained by ABC News.

There is no evidence that shows there was widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.

"Over the last few days what has occurred is there's been much more public visibility, meaning the discussions and these theories have migrated away from being contained within the conspiracy and extremist online communities, to where they're being the topic of discussion on web forums, or more public web forums, and even within the sort of media ecosystem," a senior DHS official explained.

DHS says in the bulletin they do not have specific evidence there is a plot imminent.

"As public visibility of the narratives increases, we are concerned about more calls to violence. Reporting indicates that the timing for these activities may occur during August 2021, although we lack information on specific plots or planned actions," the bulletin sent to state and local partners reads.

The department "does not have the luxury of waiting till we uncover information with the level of specificity, regarding a potential location and the time of an attack" to act on potential threats due to the threat environment, the senior DHS official explained.

"Past circumstances have illustrated that calls for violence could expand rapidly in the public domain and may be occurring outside of publicly available channels. As such, lone offenders and small groups of individuals could mobilize to violence with little-to-no warning," the bulletin says.

The senior official said that one of the lessons learned from the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol is "that information that may reflect a growing threat may be communicated on public forums."

"The current threat environment is one which is fueled in large part by conspiracy theories and other false narratives that are spread online by foreign governments, by foreign terrorist groups and by domestic extremist thought leaders, and are consumed by individuals who are predisposed to engage in violence," the official said.

The official pointed to the events of Jan. 6 and the attacks on the synagogues in Pittsburgh and Poway, California, as examples.

The senior DHS official also pointed to the balance DHS has to walk when putting out products.

"We don't want to overreact, but we want to make sure that we are at the earliest stage possible providing awareness to law enforcement and other personnel who are responsible for security and are critical to mitigating risk," the senior official said, adding the bulletin was done with civil rights and civil liberties in mind.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/homeland-security-warns-increasing-moderate-threat-violence-trump/story?id=79324751

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14296485

File: 1027e83ac24e9bb⋯.jpg (531.77 KB, 825x1576, 825:1576, AD_24.jpg)

File: c68a685aa980f33⋯.jpg (28.09 KB, 366x488, 3:4, E8Mwto_WEAcS5bR.jpg)

Alexander Downer Tweets

George Papadopoulos @GeorgePapa19

Coming up on Newsmax at 6:25 pm ET! Tune in!

https://twitter.com/GeorgePapa19/status/1424030277312122880

Paul Blackman @paulblackman

This is your reminder that @GeorgePapa19 tried to drink @AlexanderDowner under the table. A man who did this sober while Foreign Minister.

https://twitter.com/paulblackman/status/1424035470678315012

Alexander Downer @AlexanderDowner

Exactly!

https://twitter.com/AlexanderDowner/status/1424082881115213828

JVP @jv_payne

How much money did you give to the Clinton’s?

https://twitter.com/jv_payne/status/1424087259490439168

Alexander Downer @AlexanderDowner

Billions!! Are you sober??

https://twitter.com/AlexanderDowner/status/1424088524257648640

TDS_Sufferer @SuffererTds

Who tasked you with eliciting from Papadopoulos what mifsud had said to him?

https://twitter.com/SuffererTds/status/1424103975960334340

Alexander Downer @AlexanderDowner

No one. I’d never heard of Mifsud!

https://twitter.com/AlexanderDowner/status/1424112688670527489

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303677

File: 590423d541743bb⋯.webm (8.09 MB, 640x360, 16:9, RSA_Webinar_Michael_Dove_….webm)

Leading voice behind ‘No Religion’ campaign praises Satanism

MAX MADDISON - AUGUST 8, 2021

One of the leading voices behind the campaign urging people to mark “No Religion” on the 2021 Census has praised the principles of Satanism as “fantastic”, “progressive” and “sensible”.

In a monthly Rationalist Australia webinar, President Meredith Doig discusses the “impact” of the campaign on sixth category religions including the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, Satanism and Witchcraft with the leader of Census21, Michael Dove.

A vocal backer of the Census 21 drive for people to mark No Religion, Ms Doig said Satanism was having an important role in pushing for “equality and secularism”, before noting followers of the faith were already behind the campaign.

“If anybody hasn’t actually read the principles of Satanism, they’re fantastic. They’re very sensible. They’re very secular, they’re liberal, progressive, all sorts of nice things. So, go Satanists,” Ms Doig said.

“Stella is just saying that the Satanism pages are also pushing for No Religion – Yay. Terrific,” she later added.

The Census21 campaign is pushing Australians to consider their religiosity at the upcoming population snapshot. Groups supporting the move, like the Rationalist Society of Australia, argue current figures of religious adherents are inflated, and assert the question asking people to identify their religion is “misleading”.

Ms Doig asks followers of Satanism to mark “No Religion” on the Census, before Mr Dove cautions that they should not do this “if they’re genuinely a committed Satanist”.

While noting the “five tenets” of the Noosa Temple of Satan, “most of which Rationalists could easily agree with”, Ms Doig said she wasn’t a Satanist, nor were her positive views on the beliefs of Satanism in any way behind her support for the Census21 ­campaign.

“Firstly I am not defending Satanic principles. I was stating that they were perfectly reasonable and appealing to people who value a secular, liberal democracy,” Ms Doig said.

“Our campaign is aimed at getting Australians to reflect on whether they are religious, and if not, or not any more, then they should mark No Religion.”

Homelessness, Social and Community Minister Michael Sukkar, who has oversight of the Census rollout, took aim at Census21, saying the revelations were unsurprising.

“It’s probably not surprising that those pushing the ‘no religion’ campaign are wildly supportive of Satanism,” Mr Sukkar told The Australian. “I suspect Australians will pay no attention to these strange fringe dwellers.”

“The Census is for each household to complete honestly and without interference. So I would simply encourage all Australians to complete their own Census ­survey and ignore this bizarre campaign.”

Catholic Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher said the campaign was “misleading”, saying the push would “distort” the true picture of Australia.

“But not only is this campaign deceptive, it also reduces our ability to get reliable information on where our people are, and so where we must concentrate infrastructure and services such as Catholic churches, schools, hospitals, aged care, welfare and pastoral care,” Dr Fisher said.

“And by giving a distorted picture of who and where we are, the secularists hope to use the census as yet another excuse for denying believers a voice in the public square.”

Australian Christian Lobby national director Wendy Francis described the Census21 campaign as “out of step” and “out of touch” with “everyday Australians”, designed to “marginalise and exclude” people of faith.

“The ‘tick no religion’ campaign is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. The ‘no religion’ campaigners love the principles of Satanism, believing that it advances their causes. It reveals an out of touch agenda meant to marginalise people of faith in this country.”

Australian Federation of Islamic Councils President Rateb Jneid encouraged all Muslims to “faithfully express their faith” on the Census.

“We understand that there is a campaign to distort the religious identity of our nation. State your faith proudly and be counted,” Dr Jneid said.

Anglican Bishop of South Sydney Michael Stead said Census21 campaigners would use higher rates of “No Religion” as a lever to reduce funding for religious programs and increase funding for secular ones. “I think it’s bizarre that we have a campaign to direct people how to feel in any … part of the Census, but particularly around religion,” Mr Stead said.

“It is the first time I can remember where people have been actively campaigning, to tell other people how they should feel in the Census.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/leading-voice-behind-no-religion-campaign-praises-satanism/news-story/dd30425a84ccd9872f467bb650a71a23

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303690

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14303677

RSA Webinar: Michael Dove on ‘The census and religion–Giving more Australians the freedom to choose’

Rationalists Australia

Jul 30, 2021

On 28 July 2021, Michael Dove, leader of the ‘Census21 - Not Religious? Mark 'No Religion'’ campaign, presented on the census religion question and new initiatives that will make it easier for people to exercise their freedom to choose their religion or to choose 'no religion' at the August census.

He also provided updates about the progress of the Census21 campaign and what it hopes to achieve.

Read more here: https://bit. ly/3yfvmHN

We hold a monthly RSA Webinar with a guest speaker exploring important topical issues from a rationalist perspective. For more information about upcoming webinars and to register for them, visit: https://bit. ly/2V2AFvW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHS_wCUY36c

>1:02:48

>PURE EVIL.

>HOW MANY IN WASHINGTON AND THOSE AROUND THE WORLD (IN POWER) WORSHIP THE DEVIL?

>Conspiracy?

>Fake News?

>The World is WATCHING.

https://qanon.pub/?q=satan

https://qanon.pub/?q=devil

https://qanon.pub/?q=evil

https://qanon.pub/?q=god

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303709

File: ed22a0182c7339b⋯.jpg (1.68 MB, 852x2416, 213:604, Q_1646.jpg)

File: 66f130919c81ae2⋯.jpg (596.23 KB, 852x1124, 213:281, Q_4461.jpg)

File: 5212bf7fd6f93b7⋯.jpg (166.53 KB, 720x960, 3:4, EZlRSs1WoAAZ7lS.jpg)

File: 7e90d7f936b0ab6⋯.jpg (254.59 KB, 852x674, 426:337, Q_4396.jpg)

File: 0be73ce8c1e97b4⋯.jpg (119.42 KB, 1920x1080, 16:9, 200601_1591066627421.jpg)

>>14303677

>>14303690

Q Post #1646

Jun 30 2018 13:36:13 (EST)

You have a choice.

The choice has always been yours.

POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

THEY WANT YOU DIVIDED.

THEY WANT RACE WARS.

THEY WANT CLASS WARS.

THEY WANT RELIGIOUS WARS.

THEY WANT POLITICAL WARS.

THEY USE THE MEDIA.

THEY USE HOLLYWOOD.

THEY USE POLITICAL LEADERS.

THEY ARE LOUD.

GROUP THINK.

PUBLIC SHAME AGAINST THOSE WHO CHALLENGE.

SLAVERY.

THEY KNOW WHAT IS COMING.

IT IS NOW MORE CLEAR THAN EVER.

NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY BEEN THIS EXPOSED.

NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY COME OUT FROM THE SHADOWS TO FIGHT.

THE TRUTH IS CLEARLY VISIBLE.

DEFEND MS-13?

DEFEND THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR BORDERS?

PROMOTE THE FEAR NUCLEAR WAR IF POTUS REMAINS IN OFFICE?

NUCLEAR ALERTS MALFUNCTION?

COMPARE TO HITLER/NAZIS?

PROMOTE VIOLENCE?

PROMOTE HATE?

PROMOTE WAR?

PROMOTE ECONOMIC DECLINE?

PROMOTE NK TO END TALKS W/ POTUS?

PROMOTE IMPEACHMENT FOR NO REASON?

PROMOTE RACISM?

PROMOTE FACISM?

PROMOTE RIOTS?

FORM ANTIFA - VIOLENT GROUP DESIGNED TO INSTILL FEAR IN FREE SPEECH.

HATRED FOR AMERICA.

SHEEP FOLLOW BLINDLY.

THEY ARE SCARED.

THEY ARE LOSING CONTROL.

WE KNEW THIS DAY WOULD COME.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2qIXXafxCQ

WE PLANNED.

WE TOOK CONTROL OVER KEY ELEMENTS.

WE STAND AT THE READY.

WE FIGHT.

DARK TO LIGHT.

GOD BLESS AMERICA.

GOD BLESS PATRIOTS AROUND THE WORLD.

THINK FOR YOURSELF.

TRUST YOURSELF.

COURAGE.

TOGETHER.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

Q

https://qanon.pub/#1646

Q Post #4461

Jun 13 2020 14:03:17 (EST)

Only when evil is forced into the light can we defeat it.

Only when they can no longer operate in the [shadows] can people see the truth for themselves.

Only when people see the truth [for themselves] will people understand the true nature of their deception.

Seeing is Believing.

Sometimes you can't tell the public the truth.

YOU MUST SHOW THEM.

ONLY THEN WILL PEOPLE FIND THE WILL TO CHANGE.

It had to be this way.

This is not another 4-year election.

GOD WINS.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#4461

Q Post #4396

God wins.

Q

https://qanon.pub/#4396

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303931

File: be1cd97ffb711c7⋯.jpg (64.49 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Tony_Abbott_says_Australia….jpg)

>>14289530

India the foil to China threat: Abbott

DENNIS SHANAHAN - AUGUST 8, 2021

1/2

Australia’s special envoy to India, Tony Abbott, says the conclusion of a trade deal with New Delhi would signal the “democratic world’s tilt away from China” and has placed Australia’s relations with India, Japan and Beijing at the heart of an escalating global contest to shape the world order.

The former Liberal prime minister has pushed for India to take its “rightful place” in world affairs and warned that China had ­“exploited the West’s goodwill and wishful thinking to steal our technology and undercut our ­industries”.

The push by Mr Abbott comes as Japan’s ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, prepares to address all federal Labor MPs and senators after accepting an invitation to speak at a landmark meeting about Tokyo’s relations with Australia, China, India and the United States.

The two envoys are united in urging closer Australia-Japan-India relations as part of the development of the Quadrilateral relationship between the three ­nations and the US amid new warnings China now views the four-nation agreement as the ­biggest challenge to its global dominance.

After travelling to Britain and India as Scott Morrison’s special trade envoy, Mr Abbott said the revival of the Quadrilateral agreement and the military exercises ­involving Australia, India, the US, Japan and the UK’s visiting naval flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth was “an impressive show of strength, demonstrating the ­democracies’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific”.

Writing in The Australian, Mr Abbott argues that Australian ­foreign policy had wrongly ­assumed that increased free trade would lead to an increased freedoms and liberalisation in China.

He argues for greater trade diversification away from Beijing, warning the pandemic has ­exposed the “extent to which the world has become dependent on Chinese imports, including in critical supply chains, that can be turned on and off like a tap”.

“China’s daunting power is a consequence of the free world’s decision to invite a communist dictatorship into global trading networks,” Mr Abbott says. “Back then, the assumption was that rising prosperity and more economic freedom would lead, eventually, to political liberalisation too. Certainly, that was my view in 2014 when we finalised China’s first trade deal with a G20 economy.

“Subsequently, our exports to China did indeed grow, even faster than theirs to us; but the current capricious boycotts of Australian coal, barley, wine and seafood show that, for the Beijing regime, trade is just politics by other means.

“Because trade deals are about politics as much as economics, a swift deal between India and Australia would be an important sign of the democratic world’s tilt away from China, as well as boosting the long-term prosperity of both our countries.”

Mr Abbott said that India and Australia were “like-minded ­democracies” whose relationship had been underdeveloped until Narendra Modi became India’s Prime Minister. “Under Modi, India has revived the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue and the first in-person Quad summit is ­expected before the end of the year,” Mr Abbott said.

India is Australia’s seventh-largest trade partner, with annual two-way trade of about $30bn, but Mr Abbott warned it was “hampered by tariffs and mutual perceptions that neither country is always a good place to do ­business”.

He argued there was huge ­potential for progress, pointing to a 150 per cent tariff on Australian wine exports to India and a range of other tariffs on Australian wool exports. Mr Abbott also said that Australia could replace China as a key source of rare earths and ­strategic minerals that India would need.

“The answer to almost every question about China is India,” he said.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303936

File: 0f263f3f9ffe435⋯.jpg (114.45 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Japanese_ambassador_Shingo….jpg)

>>14303931

2/2

Mr Abbott’s return from the trade trip coincides with a Labor offer for Mr Yamagami to appear before all Labor federal MPs and senators, as well as the ALP’s foreign affairs policy committee, to provide a strategic outline on the complexities posed by a resurgent and rising China.

There has been disquiet in the region about various Labor statements in relation to policies ­affecting China and the attacks on Mr Morrison and Peter Dutton in recent weeks when the Prime Minister and Defence Minister were critical of China and warning of the prospect of armed conflict.

There have also been accusations that Labor is attempting to break the longstanding bipartisanship on China and its attitude to Taiwan, human rights in Hong Kong and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

Mr Yamagami, appointed late last year, has worked assiduously in promoting Japan’s views on China in Australia and has come to the critical attention of some senior Labor figures.

Anthony Albanese has tried to calm the debate and play down any differences between the Labor and Coalition positions on China and Taiwan, telling The Australian last month it would be “difficult” for any Australian government to maintain balanced ­relations with China.

Kevin Rudd, the Labor prime minister when the Australian ­government formally dropped ­negotiations on a moribund Quadrilateral agreement, also declared last week that China had gone from a “dismissive ­approach” to the four-nation agreement to now seeing it as the biggest challenge to its global domination.

In a policy analysis for the international Foreign Policy site as leader of the Asia Institute, Mr Rudd said that by early 2021 China had realised its earlier dismissive attitude towards the Quadrilateral agreement and ­attempts to disrupt the arrangement by sowing division were mistaken and would not work.

“By early this year, Chinese ­officials had realised that neither ignoring nor splitting the Quad would work. So Beijing moved on to a third option: full-scale political attack,” Mr Rudd wrote.

Mr Rudd said the first meeting of leaders of the Quad (albeit ­virtual) under US President Joe Biden “signalled the group would be central to his (Mr Biden’s) strategy in the Indo-­Pacific”.

“For the first time, the meeting produced a unified communique committing to promote ‘a free, open, rules-based order, rooted in international law’ and to defend ‘democratic values, and territorial integrity’,” Mr Rudd said.

“The Quad is uniquely problematic for China’s strategy ­because its aim of unifying a multilateral coalition of resistance has the potential to stiffen spines across the whole of the Indo-­Pacific and possibly beyond.

“For (President) Xi, the critical question is whether the Quad will evolve to be large, coherent, and comprehensive enough to effectively balance against China, thereby undermining any sense that its dominance, in Asia or globally, is inevitable.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/india-the-foil-to-china-threat-abbott/news-story/b0c8f99007ee0f5add846b64d6ffcb9d

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303953

File: 2dccef412558679⋯.jpg (94.35 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australian_Prime_Minister_….jpg)

>>14303931

India the sensible substitute for belligerent Beijing

TONY ABBOTT - AUGUST 9, 2021

The world’s “emerging democratic superpower” is how I habitually described India as PM. With the world’s other emerging superpower becoming more belligerent almost by the day, it’s in everyone’s interests that India take its rightful place among the nations as quickly as possible. And because trade deals are about politics as much as economics, a swift deal between India and Australia would be an important sign of the democratic world’s tilt away from China, as well as boosting the long-term prosperity of both our countries.

India and Australia are like-minded democracies whose relationship had been under-developed, at least until Narendra Modi became India’s Prime Minister. Under Modi, India has revived the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, and the first in-person Quad summit is expected before the end of the year. Under Modi, India has invited Australia to join the annual Malabar naval exercises that will soon involve India, the US, Japan, Australia and also the UK’s visiting carrier strike group led by the Royal Navy’s new flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth. It will be an impressive show of strength, demonstrating the democracies’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

But the basic problem is that China’s daunting power is a consequence of the free world’s decision to invite a communist dictatorship into global trading networks. Back then, the assumption was that rising prosperity and more economic freedom would lead, eventually, to political liberalisation too. Certainly, that was my view in 2014 when we finalised China’s first trade deal with a G20 economy. Subsequently, our exports to China did indeed grow, even faster than theirs to us; but the current capricious boycotts of Australian coal, barley, wine and seafood show that, for the Beijing regime, trade is used as a strategic weapon.

China has exploited the West’s goodwill and wishful thinking to steal our technology and undercut our industries; and, in the process, become a much more powerful competitor than the old Soviet Union ever was, because it’s now a first-rate economy that’s rapidly developing a military to match; and spoiling for a fight over Taiwan, a pluralist democracy of 25 million that’s living proof there’s no totalitarian gene in the Chinese DNA.

The pandemic has put up in flashing neon lights the extent to which the world has become dependent on Chinese imports, including in critical supply chains, that can be turned on and off like a tap. But the answer to almost every question about China is India. Although currently not as rich as China, as a democracy under the rule of law, and as the world’s second-largest producer of steel and pharmaceuticals, and with its own version of Silicon Valley, India is perfectly placed to substitute for China in global supply chains.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14303955

File: c497690b54a1e80⋯.jpg (76.59 KB, 940x627, 940:627, Tony_Abbott_meets_Indian_P….jpg)

>>14303953

2/2

Australia and India are natural partners. Our troops fought together at Gallipoli, in Malaya and at El Alamein. There are now close to a million Australians of Indian background who have integrated readily into Team Australia. We are big and sophisticated enough to be useful but not so big as to be intimidating. Unlike others with India, we don’t have to live down a fraught history. Our challenge is to overcome India’s traditional protectionism, and the tendency to see trade talks as a zero-sum game, in order to seal a deal that will make the world safer for democracy.

India is currently our seventh-biggest trade partner with annual two-way trade of about $30bn, despite being hampered by tariffs and mutual perceptions that neither country is always a good place to do business. After 10 years of green obstruction and lawfare, the Adani mine is finally about to export its first coal from Queensland to India, yet that will attract a 2.5 per cent tariff, despite being Indian-owned and operated. There’s a whopping 150 per cent tariff on Australian wine exports to India and a range of tariffs on Australian wool exports to India, despite the fact that much of it is then re-exported to Australia and the wider world as high-quality Indian textiles. Then there’s a double taxation agreement that anomalously raises $35m a year by taxing here in Australia online services delivered from India, unlike with other countries.

Both countries are now boosting their negotiating teams with a view to having an “early harvest” trade agreement at least by the end of the year, as a big step towards a much deeper partnership. India is already Australia’s second-largest (by far) source of foreign students but this should be more of a two-way street. Australia could readily replace China as a key source of the rare earths and other strategic minerals that India will need, under PM Modi’s “Make in India” program, if it’s to replace China as a source of manufactured inputs at scale. With a spectacular infrastructure program now under way, as well as sweeping privatisation, India should be a place for Australian investment funds to secure long-term stable returns.

With the pandemic accelerating changes to the world order, there’s a wider resonance to Australia’s efforts to give India a leadership role among the great democracies. If Australian business and officialdom were to make the same effort with India that they’ve long made with China, there’s potential for a “family” relationship with India that was never likely with China, especially under the party-state.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has just returned from a visit to India as Australia’s special trade envoy.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/india-the-sensible-substitute-for-belligerent-beijing/news-story/2d7940c990e38bb4c4574c38c2c45e79

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304027

File: f06c69e65036359⋯.mp4 (8.46 MB, 1024x576, 16:9, TGA_approves_use_of_Modern….mp4)

>>14296407

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine approved with first million doses arriving next month

abc.net.au - 9 August 2021

Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine has been given provisional approval by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Prime Minister Scott Morrison says.

One million Moderna doses are set to arrive next month to be delivered through pharmacies, with a total 10 million doses ordered by the government for 2021.

TGA boss John Skerrit said approval was given to Moderna just in the last hour, making it the fourth COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in Australia.

The third, a single-dose vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson, has not yet been purchased to be used as part of the national rollout.

Provisional approval fast-tracks the use of a medication under strict conditions while a pharmaceutical company completes its final clinical trials.

This pathway is reserved for promising life-saving medicine and can reduce the wait time for a drug by up to two years, the TGA says.

Moderna's vaccine has only been approved for people over 18, but the TGA said it was evaluating its use in adolescents and no specific concerns have been identified.

Professor Skerrit said Moderna's results overseas had been encouraging.

"Even after six months it is proving to be 93 per cent efficacious against any infection, 98 per cent against severe disease and 100 per cent against death and that’s really exciting," Professor Skerrit said.

"None of us has a crystal ball and no medical expert will be able to say, 'You need to have a booster [shot] on a certain date', [but] it is exciting to see such sustained activity of that vaccine six months later."

With Moderna approval, optimism country will hit 70 per cent target this year

The Prime Minister said that with a third vaccine in the arsenal, alongside the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, the government would be able to ramp up its program and hit its target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the eligible population by the end of the year.

"We have more doctors, we have more nurses, we have more pharmacists, we have more jabs in arms and now 10 million Moderna to add this year, with more than 1.3 million vaccines doses delivered in just one week," Mr Morrison said.

"The national plan to get the jabs in arms, to implement the national plan, is working."

Three million Moderna doses are slated to arrive each month from October until the year's end.

Professor Skerrit also responded to reports Moderna was seeking to trial its vaccine among children as young as six months of age, saying he had not yet received a formal application for the company to do so.

Moderna indicated in its latest financial reports it was considering a vaccine trial on 6,000 children from six months to 12 years old, with Australia listed as a potential trial location.

The TGA has said any application to trial the Moderna vaccine in children would be subject to clear health and safety standards.

A total 25 million Moderna doses have been purchased by the Commonwealth, with 15 million slated to be used in the first half of next year as a booster shot.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-09/moderna-approved-tga-covid19/100352826

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304044

File: 788f143874b59df⋯.jpg (66.6 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Malka_Leifer_is_taken_from….jpg)

>>14273984

Alleged Malka Leifer victim’s medical records released

TESSA AKERMAN - AUGUST 9, 2021

Victorian prosecutors will hand over medical records of a woman who was allegedly abused by Malka Leifer after defence lawyers claimed the reports had probative value for the woman’s credibility.

Barrister Lucinda Thies told the Melbourne Magistrates Court the reports by medical professionals and counsellors had legitimate forensic purpose in determining the alleged victim’s, Dassi Erlich’s, credibility and reliability.

The reports formed part of a civil case in 2015.

Ms Leifer is facing 74 charges relating to three sisters, comprising 11 counts of rape, 47 of indecent assault, 13 of committing an indecent act with a child and three counts of sexual penetration of child.

The abuse allegedly occurred between 2004 and 2008 while the sisters were under Ms Leifer’s care as principal at Adass Israel School in Elsternwick.

The sisters – Ms Erlich, Nicole Meyer and Elly Sapper – obtained a court order allowing them to identify themselves as the alleged victims.

Ms Leifer was extradited from Israel in January.

A five-day committal hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for trial is set for next month with Ms Leifer attending by video link.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/alleged-malka-leifer-victims-medical-records-released/news-story/32d83c12a72d1874f2f48759f8312af2

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304081

File: f55e46be8f1ffae⋯.jpg (1.57 MB, 1486x1030, 743:515, Vaccination_is_now_a_race_….jpg)

Vaccination is now a race to the federal election

Poll ratings are rising and falling based on management of the pandemic. That’s why the Morrison government must throw everything into rolling out the vaccine as fast as humanly possible.

Alexander Downer - Aug 8, 2021

1/2

Political commentary in Australia is dominated by party politics. Every decision by the government is analysed in terms of its electoral impact on the government and the opposition. And then every fortnight or so opinion polls are published and commentators judge the winners and the losers.

There’s endless analysis about who is winning and losing in day-to-day politics even if the election is years away.

It’s not necessarily very enlightening. It would make more sense for there to be constant analysis of the efficacy of government policies rather than an analysis of whether those policies will win or lose an election.

These days, commentators are saying the Morrison government is heading for electoral defeat because of the way it is handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, the election, I would guess, is still around nine months away, and a lot will happen in that time.

What has happened elsewhere in the world is illustrative of the electoral impact of the pandemic. Without doubt, Donald Trump lost the presidential election in November last year because of his clumsy and erratic rhetoric about COVID-19. The rollout of the vaccine didn’t come soon enough to save him.

In the UK, Boris Johnson and his Conservative Party have seen their poll ratings rise and fall depending on their responses to the pandemic.

In the early months of the pandemic, the British government seemed uncertain about what to do and polling showed the government in decline. Then came the rollout of the vaccines, which was a stunning success, and the government poll ratings rose almost stratospherically. Lockdowns have now ended and things have settled down.

In Europe, Angela Merkel and her party, the Christian Democratic Union, have seen their ratings rise and fall and rise again according to their management of the pandemic. The same is true for President Emmanuel Macron in France.

So back to Australia. In the early stages of the gilded-cage strategy, the public rallied behind Scott Morrison and his government. But then the state premiers started pursuing their quixotic COVID-19 elimination strategies – which are, of course, unsustainable and, as you can now see, are doomed to fail.

The relatively slow rollout of the vaccine, the constant lockdowns and the never-ending dramatic reports of COVID-19 infections have created a political headache for the federal government.

It has to be said that for the traditional Liberal voter it’s hard to accept that the government they voted for constricts people’s individual freedoms and goes on a spending spree the likes of which none of us has seen before. It’s hard to swallow.

A handful have said they will not vote Liberal at the next election. One of those is the former Queensland premier Campbell Newman.

I must say, I find it a bit hard to sympathise with him. His mother and father would never have become ministers had it not been for the Liberal Party, and nor would he have become the premier of Queensland and the lord mayor of Brisbane without the endorsement of the Liberal Party. I might be wrong, but when the election comes, I doubt Newman will trouble the scorer.

So let’s face it, these are troubled times for the Morrison government, and I don’t expect its position to look pretty in the next round of opinion polls. That means we are about to get a flurry of commentary about the end of the Morrison government and what kind of prime minister Anthony Albanese will make.

Well, nearly every election in Australia is closely fought and either of the main political parties always has a chance of winning. The Liberal Party could win the next election, but it depends on three things.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304085

File: 902975db414b74e⋯.jpg (686.79 KB, 1368x912, 3:2, By_the_end_of_the_year_Sco….jpg)

>>14304081

2/2

First, it has to throw everything at getting the vaccine rolled out as fast as humanly possible.

Converting sports grounds and other facilities to vaccination centres, getting as many medical professionals as possible to administer the vaccinations, and encouraging the community by telling them that double vaccination will free them of lockdown constraints should ensure that most Australians are vaccinated by late this year. If 80 per cent of adults are vaccinated that will be a great achievement.

Once a large percentage of the public is vaccinated, the vulnerable are protected, families spread around the country and abroad are able to reunite and the state premiers can administer lockdowns only at their own cost, the public will forget the limitations of the present.

Make it clear: elimination is impossible

It does need to be told, however, that the elimination of COVID-19 in Australia is not possible. There will always be some cases, and occasionally people will die with COVID-19. That is unavoidable and politicians in Australia should be honest with the public and ensure that they understand that.

It is completely dishonest to suggest that COVID-19 can be eliminated. And just as the government cannot guarantee people will not die from a range of ailments and accidents, no Australian government can be sure that people will not die from COVID-19 or with COVID-19. Indeed, it doesn’t matter who you vote for: we’re all going to die in the end!

The second requirement for a re-elected Morrison government is for it to lead the way on fiscal consolidation. At the moment, both major parties favour a massive spending spree. This risks inflation, rising interest rates and crippling defaults on loans and mortgages.

Australia has been pursuing South American-style economics for the past 18 months, and we all know where that leads.

The Liberal Party needs to have a face-to-face fierce debate with the Labor Party over public finances. The public knows there is a limit to government spending and that to go beyond the limit will destroy the economy. The government needs to define that limit and control the debate about fiscal consolidation and responsibility.

Third, the Liberal Party needs to recapture the spirit of entrepreneurship, individual freedom and personal responsibility. It needs to make sure Australia has a competitive tax system and the labour market works efficiently.

But government is not just about economics and at times over the years the Liberal Party has sounded as though that was all that mattered to it. It has to outline its broad philosophical direction. It needs to ensure the public knows what it is about and what it aspires to achieve.

Understandably, at the moment it looks as though it is preoccupied with fixing the COVID-19 problem. But by the end of the year, Morrison should be talking about his vision for a post-pandemic Australia.

There will be many events which will batter the government over the next nine months, but if it gets these three things right it might just win the next election. After all, Albanese is a good bloke but he doesn’t look like a prime minister.

Alexander Downer was Australia's longest serving foreign minister, from 1996 to 2007, and most recently Australian High Commissioner to the UK.

https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/vaccination-is-now-a-race-to-the-federal-election-20210805-p58g17

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304166

File: 43a2673a7b206a9⋯.jpg (124.52 KB, 959x688, 959:688, Prince_Andrew_s_accuser_Vi….jpg)

>>14296376

A Tight Spot: What Prince Andrew Faces If Virginia Roberts Guiffre Files Her Civil Suit Against Him This Week

Guy Martin - Aug 8, 2021

1/3

It’s a political and societal irony of great proportion that a child-victims law signed into effect by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo — himself accused by 11 women of unwanted sexual advances, one of whom has just filed a criminal complaint against him — would have any effect on Prince Andrew’s legal status in his dispute with his chief accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre. But on Valentine’s Day 2019, the governor signed into law the New York Assembly’s far-reaching Child Victims Act, which enhanced the rights of childhood victims of sexual abuse, including a broadening of victims’ rights to file civil suits against their abusers in New York state.

In August 2020, as a result of the pandemic, the New York Assembly drafted and Cuomo signed into law an extension of what’s called the “Look Back Window” to the Child Victims Act. That 2020 legislation increased the time for victims to file civil suits relating to certain historical cases of childhood sexual abuse until August 14, 2021. Which is upon us.

These two pieces of legislation did not go unnoticed in the offices of legendary trial lawyer David Boies, who represents Prince Andrew’s accuser among the many Epstein victims, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, nor did they go unnoticed in England. Bottom line: With the August 14 deadline fast approaching, reporters from London’s tabloid Mail on Sunday, who have been assiduous in reporting every minute twist and turn of the increasingly ominous matters Andrew faces in relation to his decades-long friendship with Jeffrey Epstein, rang up Mr. Boies to ask what he thought of his client Ms. Giuffre’s intention to file a suit against Prince Andrew this week.

Noting that the August 14 deadline meant that his client faced the risk of not being able to sue Prince Andrew at all, Boies said to the reporters: “To use a common phrase here in the United States, ‘Time's up.’”

As we might expect from Mr. Boies, the pithy quote has quite some legal muscle behind it. More pointed and significant for Prince Andrew is the letter Boies acknowledged sending some time back to the prince’s lawyers. As of August 6, according to Boies, this letter has gone unanswered. It seems it’s in the interests of the prince to gin up some sort of response. Because: the Boies letter offered Andrew’s legal team the opportunity to enter what is called a tolling agreement, an agreement by both parties in a prospective lawsuit to set aside any time limitations on the prospective suit so that the parties can have time to negotiate a settlement, rather than proceeding toward trial — in public — with the suit.

In other words, the suit has been in the works for quite some time. In short, what Boies and Giuffre were offering Andrew in that letter was an opportunity at a far more discreet solution in the civil matter.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304168

File: 64241413aecad71⋯.jpg (99.44 KB, 960x663, 320:221, New_York_Mayor_Rudy_Giulia….jpg)

>>14304166

2/3

But, as the prince’s foot-dragging thus far in delivering a response to the Boies letter seems to indicate, Prince Andrew may not see the offer of a tolling agreement in such a positive light. First, Andrew is nothing if not a man with a certain, admittedly high, idea of himself. Indeed, it was that idea of himself that led him to think he was somehow putting to rest the Giuffre accusations by giving his disastrous interview to the BBC. Whether exercised by a once-convicted felon and serial abuser such as Jeffrey Epstein, his accused former girlfriend and gatekeeper, Ghislaine Maxwell, or their mutual friend Prince Andrew, hubris comes in many forms. Nevertheless, Andrew’s denials of ever having met, much less known, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, have remained staunch.

Ergo, the many prickly legal disadvantages for the prince can be read thusly: If he, Andrew, enters into the proposed tolling agreement with Roberts Giuffre, he is by default admitting that there is at least something worth negotiation to her claim. That would lend, from Andrew’s perspective, unwanted substance to Giuffre, and it is precisely that legitimacy that the prince, in his vehement denials of her charges, has been at pains to keep from her. In effect, a tolling agreement to negotiate with his accuser also means that he’s walking his fierce denials of her accusations back, thus also lending more impetus to the requests from the criminal prosecutors of the Southern District of New York to “come in” and talk about what he knows of his old friend Epstein’s procurement operation. In a word, negotiations with Virgina Roberts Giuffre opens a host of ugly doors that Andrew would rather keep shut.

Put differently, living up to every scintilla of his reputation as a ferocious litigator, David Boies recognized the significance of the August 14 deadline in the look-back window of the Child Victims Act quite early, and so made the offer to Andrew’s legal team on his client’s behalf: We can proceed with the suit, or proceed with a negotiation of a settlement.

The threat of civil action arguably comes as somewhat of a surprise to Andrew and his team. His posture to date, and his team’s on-again/off-again negotiations with the Southern District of New York’s federal prosecutors of Ghislaine Maxwell have been more specifically geared to fending off any possible criminal prosecution, while affording the prince the appearance of being willing to cooperate with her prosecutors and at the same time allowing the prince to stage his withdrawal from public life quite comfortably among the horses and dogs in the Royal Lodge at Windsor. Like some of the postures in the Sixties floor-game Twister, Andrew’s is quite an ungainly stretch that takes a lot of effort to maintain.

He has known Ghislaine Maxwell throughout many stages of her life, from her very beginnings on the British social stage as a bright young heiress, on down to her last incarnation as Epstein’s fixer. And, she has known Andrew. This would be a logical element in the reluctance Andrew has shown toward opening the door to cooperation with Ghislaine Maxwell’s prosecutors: It’s not just about the possibility of him criminalizing himself across the pond in New York, although it is, also, that. Among any serious group of courtiers and legal advisors to the prince there would also be an innate wariness of the maw of Ms. Maxwell’s ferocious defense chewing Andrew, and others, quite publicly to bits at her trial.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304175

File: 47adcdd721096b6⋯.jpg (115.49 KB, 960x740, 48:37, American_real_estate_devel….jpg)

>>14304168

3/3

Ms. Maxwell is trying to get out of jail. Prince Andrew and others in Epstein’s orbit are trying to stay out of jail, or at least out from under the threat of criminal prosecution. Those are two very different projects, and they don’t necessarily fit together, which is why Andrew and other registrants and regulars in the Epstein little black book are correct to be concerned that Ghislaine Maxwell may, under the onmarch of her trial, start to talk.

For these reasons the civil suit is coming at a bad moment for Andrew. A civil suit, with its promise of depositions (of Andrew) and its attendant trial can be a kind of waking nightmare for any respondent. For a British royal, facing the prospect of Virginia Roberts Giuffre on the witness stand and conceivably having an American judge assess financial damages — in this case, if it comes to it, arguably in the many millions — is about as ugly a prospect as can be had. The damage to the Crown and the reputation of the British royal family would be almost incalculable, not to mention the sizeable dent in Andrew’s pocket. Further, it would mean that that what we can call the bedroom-minutiae of Andrew’s social life in the Aughts, when this alleged abuse of the then-underaged Virginia Roberts is to have occurred, would be irretrievably paraded before the public.

Quite a lot of that graphic detail is out there already in statements from Ms. Giuffre, but under oath, at a (civil) trial, it could be cast in a far weightier, and possibly criminal, light. New York’s Southern District prosecutors wove Ghislaine Maxwell’s current perjury charge out of her deposition in the settled Roberts Guiffre defamation lawsuit. In this way we can say that Andrew’s general legal circumstance, both civil and criminal, has stripped him of royal status, and it threatens anew, with every passing day.

In her own depositions in her 2016 civil suit of Andrew’s good friend Ghislaine Maxwell for defamation, Virginia Roberts Giuffre has been quite courageous and excruciatingly forthright in excluding no detail of her many years of abuse by Epstein and Maxwell in the Epstein apparatus. That level of directness is what Andrew would theoretically face in court, whether he is physically present or not, should Ms. Giuffre choose to file her lawsuit this week.

According to attorney Boies, the subject matter of the lawsuit is based in Ms. Giuffre’s accusations of sexual abuse by Andrew prior to the (American) age of consent. It’s fair to say that Andrew should at least be aware of his legal vulnerability in this regard. Should he decide to not respond, the suit can, and likely would, proceed in New York most aggressively without his participation. If he’s found guilty, in absentia or not, he would still be liable for damages.

Bottom line: Mr. Boies has succeeded in painting Britain’s most reclusive prince into a corner. In the taut, elevated battle to save himself and his freedom of movement, it’s Andrew’s move now.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/guymartin/2021/08/08/a-tight-spot-what-prince-andrew-faces-if-virginia-roberts-guiffre-files-her-civil-suit-against-him-this-week/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304238

File: 8000d6257602279⋯.jpg (587.3 KB, 825x973, 825:973, AS_11.jpg)

File: 998f5ddd29500b0⋯.jpg (1.07 MB, 2980x2064, 745:516, E8TvmAtVcAE4Szw.jpg)

File: b5775259f3e242b⋯.jpg (858.31 KB, 2536x1690, 1268:845, E8TvnBmVUAMK4lF.jpg)

File: 60c6bf3f57571b0⋯.jpg (1.62 MB, 4096x2335, 4096:2335, E8TvoewVcAcLrNR.jpg)

Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet

Solemnly attended the bell ringing ceremony to remember the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hosted by Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin.

Expressed my sincere condolences and renewed my determination to work hard with (Australia) for peace and stability of this region.

https://twitter.com/YamagamiShingo/status/1424528225540079617

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14304266

File: f4468126deedc84⋯.jpg (473.45 KB, 825x1014, 275:338, III_MEF_2.jpg)

File: 52ab805a2581e7d⋯.jpg (804.51 KB, 2449x1633, 2449:1633, E8EOfL8VoAAR0gF.jpg)

III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet

Marines with @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy soldiers reviewed a terrain model during a concept rehearsal.

Leaders review schemes of maneuver during rehearsals to seamlessly complete the mission.

https://twitter.com/IIIMEF/status/1424173517843664900

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311486

File: 058c928e5728424⋯.jpg (75.5 KB, 500x300, 5:3, Source_refutes_Aussie_jour….jpg)

>>14287270

>>14287286

Source refutes Aussie journalist’s rumor that researcher at Beijing lab infected with coronavirus at work

Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi - Aug 10, 2021

As US President Joe Biden's deadline for the intelligence community to hand over the report of the origins of coronavirus approaches, Australia's right-wing newspaper The Australian and some US tabloids are churning out another vicious rumor that the "coronavirus comes from a Chinese lab." This time they smeared the National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention (NIVDC) under the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

"A Beijing laboratory director was infected with Covid-19 in a lab accident in early 2020, explosive emails have revealed, showing an inadvertent leak of the highly contagious coronavirus is far from a conspiracy theory," The Australian claimed in a report on Friday, adding that "a senior scientist at a prestigious laboratory, the National Institute for Viral Disease Control, allegedly contracted Covid-19 in his laboratory in early 2020 while researching the virus, prominent virologists say," the report claimed.

Regarding the accusations in the report, the Global Times learned from a source close to the NIVDC on Monday that the report was a complete lie. A person familiar with the situation told the Global Times that one researcher at the institute did become infected early last year but that person belonged to the institute's viral hepatitis division, which has nothing to do with the coronavirus research work. His office and his activities were located on the second floor of the institute and he had no access to the samples or to the P3 laboratory on the sixth floor of the building.

According to the source, the researcher was infected out of the workplace early last year when the COVID-19 epidemic was much severe in China. Relevant departments in Beijing have visited the NIVDC to investigate the case and confirmed that the infection process was not connected to the laboratory. This case was also included in Beijing's COVID-19 infection data and there was no "cover-up" as alleged in some reports.

How was this vicious rumor fabricated? According to the right-wing US media National Pulse, a group called the US Right To Know Foundation obtained the email exchange under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). In a February 14, 2020 email exchange, Shan-Lu Liu, a virologist based in Ohio, said that the former director of the NIVDC, where he previously worked "has now been infected with SARS-CoV-2." Subsequent emails show him reiterating that "he was infected in the lab."

However, another source close to the NIVDC told the Global Times on Monday that Liu had left the institute for "at least more than a decade" and that it was impossible for him to know what was going on at the institute as researchers were not close to him.

The Global Times found Liu got master degree in Viral Infectious Diseases at the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine (now CDC). The Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine was transformed into the CDC on January 2002, which means Liu's intersection with the NIVDC occurred at least 19 years ago.

It's worth noting that it is The Australian's Sharri Markson that fabricated this report. Markson has previously fabricated many rumors regarding the novel coronavirus, including claims that it may be a "biological weapon" developed by China.

Markson has her routine to make fake news: the first step is to find an unreliable source and get information which may be nonsense or get a few words out of context; the second step is to label it as "leaked documents" under the guise of "intelligence agency" to create a "mysterious sense of trust;" the third step is to distort the truth to attack China in her report. This time, the "Beijing lab mishap" adopted the same method.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202108/1231030.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311519

File: 0de5e54668258eb⋯.jpg (39.95 KB, 1000x562, 500:281, A_photograph_from_inside_F….jpg)

>>14064818

>>14064827

Taskforce Argos : How Australian detectives spent years on the trail of darknet paedophile suspect

Mark Saunokonoko - Aug 10, 2021

Seven years after he first appeared on their radar, a Queensland Police crack child sexual abuse unit has tracked down a suspected "prolific" paedophile who allegedly abused at least eight young victims and funnelled photos and videos of his abuse into nefarious dark web networks for over a decade.

A 45-year-old man was arrested in Guatemala on Friday as part of an extensive Interpol investigation, with Taskforce Argos, the world-renowned Queensland Police branch, playing a game-changing role in the raid.

The man's arrest can be tracked all the way back to 2014, when Australian detectives in Taskforce Argos covertly infiltrated a child abuse network on the dark web.

Argos detectives later dismantled the site, but not before they had hoovered up as much information about its cloaked users, who are notoriously proficient in covering their digital tracks, as they could.

A Queensland Police spokesperson told 9news.com.au the darknet site was a magnet for facilitating the production and distribution of child exploitation material across the globe.

Since that takedown, Argos detectives had monitored the offender.

But it wasn't until 2018 when "new information" led detectives to a possible physical location for the suspect, the spokesperson said.

Argos shared that breakthrough information with special investigators from Brazil, France, Switzerland and Interpol.

Together, investigators worked years to comb through a substantial amount of child sexual abuse materials produced by the alleged offender over a 10-year period.

Their work pieced together his identity as well as those of his victims.

Eight child victims – aged approximately between seven and 17 years old – were successfully identified.

The suspect has been charged with multiple offences, including human trafficking; production, distribution and possession of child sexual exploitation material; sexual exploitation in the context of travel and tourism; and drug possession.

In the last financial year, Argos investigators have contributed to the identification of 271 children in circumstances of sexual harm in Australia and around the world.

That painstaking and confronting work has led to the arrest of 54 child sex offenders on 410 criminal charges, and the referral of 690 cases to global law enforcement agencies.

Argos investigators have forged a world-leading reputation in hunting for the tiniest of clues in Interpol's International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database.

The database uses image and video comparison software to help investigators worldwide in the daunting task of identifying the victims, abusers and places that appear in child abuse material.

To date, the ICSE database has allowed investigators to identify over 26,000 victims around the world, as well as nearly 12,000 offenders.

https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-taskforce-argos-hunts-down-suspected-dark-net-pedophile-in-guatemala/07d59cc1-8aa4-4ff0-9f38-a0b2bdeecf63

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311596

File: cad97e65bbb3d57⋯.jpg (35.3 KB, 720x406, 360:203, _There_s_only_one_of_us_te….jpg)

File: a0d5fc2ff600b95⋯.jpg (172.28 KB, 1368x1027, 1368:1027, Virginia_Giuffre_Epstein_a….jpg)

File: daeb836f91ba79c⋯.jpg (132.43 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0001.jpg)

File: 73aec7d501df3df⋯.jpg (430.69 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0002.jpg)

File: 5c2e935895740b2⋯.jpg (408.87 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0003.jpg)

>>14296376

Virginia Giuffre: Epstein accuser sues Prince Andrew for alleged sexual abuse

New York lawsuit accuses Andrew of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress

Graeme Massie - 10 August 2021

1/4

An alleged victim of Jeffrey Epstein has sued Prince Andrew in a US court for alleged sexual abuse.

Virginia Giuffre claims that the Queen’s 61-year-old son sexually abused her at Epstein’s New York mansion and two other places when she was under the age of 18.

Ms Giuffre filed her case in New York federal court just days before the expiration date of a state law that allows alleged victims of childhood sexual abuse to file claims that would otherwise be prevented by statutes of limitations.

Her lawyer said that his client was determined to take action against Prince Andrew.

“If she doesn’t do it now, she would be allowing him to escape any accountability for his actions,” Ms Giuffre’s attorney, David Boies told ABC News.

“And Virginia is committed to trying to avoid situations where rich and powerful people escape any accountability for their actions.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311602

File: 2c8f61626197833⋯.jpg (390.77 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0004.jpg)

File: af01ae668a647ac⋯.jpg (435.47 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0005.jpg)

File: a6261a149b8ad68⋯.jpg (448.76 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0006.jpg)

File: ec0140a59b27349⋯.jpg (460.71 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0007.jpg)

File: f7aaf1a4856c54e⋯.jpg (382.19 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0008.jpg)

>>14311596

2/4

The lawsuit accuses Prince Andrew of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.

“Twenty years ago, Prince Andrew’s wealth, power, position, and connections enabled him to abuse a frightened, vulnerable child with no one there to protect her,” court papers state.

“It is long past the time for him to be held to account.”

Ms Giuffre, 38, now lives in Australia and first made her accusations against Andrew in 2014 court filings in a case brought by Epstein’s victims against the Department of Justice.

“I was trafficked to him and sexually abused by him,” Ms Giuffre said in a statement.

“I am holding Prince Andrew accountable for what he did to me. The powerful and the rich are not exempt from being held responsible for their actions.

“I hope that other victims will see that it is possible not to live in silence and fear, but one can reclaim her life by speaking out and demanding justice.

“I did not come to this decision lightly. As a mother and a wife, my family comes first. I know that this action will subject me to further attacks by Prince Andrew and his surrogates.

“But I knew that if I did not pursue this action, I would be letting them and victims everywhere down.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311607

File: 8ed19fcf5ae8bfe⋯.jpg (390.46 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0009.jpg)

File: 14004d0b50e64a6⋯.jpg (387.77 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0010.jpg)

File: 1f910d3901edd42⋯.jpg (441.35 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0011.jpg)

File: c5a72c911962b6e⋯.jpg (469.15 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0012.jpg)

File: da940dc19f7fc98⋯.jpg (403.54 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0013.jpg)

>>14311602

3/4

In her previous court statements, filed in a case to challenge Epstein’s 2008 deal with federal prosecutors, Ms Giuffre alleged that Epstein and his former lover Ghislaine Maxwell directed her to have sex with Prince Andrew on three occasions in 2001.

She claimed that this took place in London, New York and the US Virgin Islands, where Epstein owned a private island.

Those claims were strongly denied by Buckingham Palace.

“It is emphatically denied that [Prince Andrew] had any form of sexual contact or relationship with [Giuffre]. The allegations made are false and without any foundation,” the Palace statement said.

Mr Boies said that Ms Giuffre’s legal team has been trying to discuss the case with prince Andrew since 2015 but had received no response.

“We have given him every opportunity to provide any explanation or context that he might have. We’ve tried to reach a resolution without the necessity of litigation. Prince Andrew and his lawyers have been totally non-responsive,” he said.

The lawsuit states that Ms Giuffre’s lawyers sent Prince Andrew’s legal team a letter last month, in which they warned that they would file a lawsuit unless he entered into discussions for an alternative resolution.

“If she had simply failed to sue now, it would have validated the stonewalling tactics that Andrew and his advisers have employed,” added Mr Boies.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311614

File: b87a4d071e8da2a⋯.jpg (378.65 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0014.jpg)

File: 8b6caa70831397b⋯.jpg (254.27 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0015.jpg)

File: 0280f76775f2c14⋯.pdf (407.96 KB, Prince_Phillip_sexual_assa….pdf)

File: 53a9f784f5bd311⋯.jpg (322.52 KB, 852x725, 852:725, Q_4568.jpg)

File: ed58d0c0c5a3c90⋯.jpg (173.15 KB, 852x376, 213:94, Q_4923.jpg)

>>14311607

4/4

Ms Giuffre’s lawsuit comes nearly two years after Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail while he was awaiting trial on conspiracy and child sex-trafficking charges.

Prince Andrew gave an interview to the BBC in November 2019 in which he denied Ms Giuffre’s allegations.

In it he claimed that a 2001 photograph, in which he had his arm around the then-17-year-old’s waist, might have been doctored.

“I don’t believe that photograph was taken in the way that has been suggested,” he said.

“I think it’s, from the investigations that we’ve done, you can’t prove whether or not that photograph is faked or not, because it is a photograph of a photograph of a photograph. So it’s very difficult to be able to prove it, but I don’t remember that photograph ever being taken.”

He also said that he had an alibi for the date in question, when the photo was allegedly taken by Epstein at the London home of Ms Maxwell.

“I was at home. I was with the children, and I’d taken Beatrice to a Pizza Express in Woking for a party at, I suppose, sort of 4 or 5 in the afternoon,” he said.

“And then, because the Duchess was away, we have a simple rule in the family that when one is away the other one is there. I was on terminal leave at the time from the Royal Navy, so therefore I was at home.”

The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/prince-andrew-lawsuit-epstein-giuffre-b1899778.html

https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Prince-Phillip-sexual-assault-lawsuit.pdf

https://qanon.pub/#4568

https://qanon.pub/?q=Dearest%20Virginia

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311655

File: 9a2e578fede4508⋯.jpg (76.48 KB, 862x485, 862:485, George_Christensen_was_rem….jpg)

File: 6bda17a2d585dff⋯.jpg (79.43 KB, 862x575, 862:575, George_Christensen_was_con….jpg)

File: 5724fac573b8478⋯.png (849.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, George_Christensen_spoke_a….png)

>>14206587

George Christensen condemned by Parliament for spreading COVID-19 misinformation

Jade Macmillan - 10 August 2021

Federal government MP George Christensen has been condemned by the federal Parliament after describing COVID-19 restrictions as "madness".

In a brief speech to Parliament just before Question Time, Mr Christensen called for an end to measures such as masks and lockdowns, arguing they did not work.

"Our posturing politicians, many over there, the sensationalist media elite and the dictatorial medical bureaucrats need to recognise these facts and stop spreading fear," he said.

"COVID-19 is going to be with us forever, just like the flu. And just like the flu, we will have to live with it, not in constant fear of it. Some people will catch it, some people will tragically die from it. That's inevitable and we have to accept it.

"Open society back up, restore our freedoms, end this madness."

Labor leader Anthony Albanese successfully moved a motion condemning Mr Christensen's comments, arguing they were aimed at spreading misinformation and undermining Australia's COVID-19 response.

"I'll tell you what madness is. Madness is saying let this disease rip, let people die, let whole economies be shut down. Let's stop us being able to return to our way of life," he told the chamber.

Mr Christensen has announced he is retiring at the next election. But Mr Albanese argued the Coalition should expel him before then.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Parliament his government "does not support misinformation in any way, shape or form".

"That is not the position of the government and my government will not support those statements where there is misinformation that is out and about in the community, whether it's posted on Facebook or it's posted on social media, or it's written in articles or made statements, whether in this chamber or anywhere else," he said.

Mr Morrison also defended his government's handling of the pandemic amid criticism of his previous statements that the vaccine rollout was "not a race".

"It doesn't matter how you start the race, Mr Speaker, it's how you finish the race," he said.

"We're going to run that race all the way to the finish line but we're going to do it as team Australia. We're not going to do it in a way which seeks to divide Australians and set Australians one against the other."

Mr Christensen has previously been criticised for appearing at an anti-lockdown rally in Mackay, Queensland, in his electorate.

Last week, he was reminded to keep his mask on while in the House of Representatives chamber, after the opposition pointed out Mr Christensen had taken his mask off.

Mr Christensen said he took his mask off in preparation to speak to the chamber.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-10/george-christensen-mp-condemned-parliament-covid-misinformation/100365856

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311676

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14119998

The Final Assault - Talisman Sabre 2021

Department of Defence Australia

Aug 9, 2021

We’ve put together the best of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 (TS21). If you enjoyed the action-packed scenes of amphibious landings, urban assaults, and parachute drops – all set against the backdrop of Queensland’s coastline and regional towns – our final video is one to watch.

Held every two years, TS21 is the largest bilateral training activity between Australia and the United States. In addition, TS21 involves participating forces from Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The story of TS21 is one of mate-ship and resilience where partnering nations learn to work together in all situations, across all warfighting domains, but doesn’t end here. We’ll continue to train together, and look forward to seeing you again for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHWkgda0SkE

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311723

File: 6fa4e114a650179⋯.jpg (276.41 KB, 938x442, 469:221, MRF_D_22.jpg)

File: 73d500a2a92c095⋯.jpg (280.25 KB, 1645x1057, 235:151, 230556237_189819193180572_….jpg)

File: b50b421952ee885⋯.jpg (532.19 KB, 1651x1101, 1651:1101, 231147355_189819276513897_….jpg)

File: 9004034cb32c140⋯.jpg (550.85 KB, 2048x1365, 2048:1365, 231905152_189819336513891_….jpg)

>>14304266

Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post

9 August 2021

Walk and Talk

U.S. Marines with MRF-D and Australian soldiers reviewed the scheme of maneuver and training events during the rehearsal of concept for Exercises #Loobye and #Koolendong 2021. A rehearsal of concept brief, also known as a "ROC Walk" is a form of practice for intensive military operations to establish clear objectives and communication between all personnel and their respective units.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Micha Pierce)

https://www.facebook.com/MRFDarwin/posts/189821069847051

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14311736

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

>>14311596

Prince Andrew sued over alleged sexual assault

9 News Australia

Aug 10, 2021

Prince Andrew is being sued by Virginia Roberts Giuffre for an alleged sexual assault.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGG4YF82vKY

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322129

File: 5494f26c04a150f⋯.jpg (312.12 KB, 2208x1112, 276:139, Ruqia_Haidari_left_and_Abb….jpg)

‘I don’t want to do this’: Forced into marriage, Ruqia Haidari was dead two months later

Ruqia Haidari was married off to an older man she didn’t know for $15,000 and taken to live thousands of kilometres away from home. Two months later she was brutally murdered by the man she was forced to marry.

Marta Pascual Juanola - AUGUST 9, 2021

1/2

“Abbey, I don’t want to do this,” Ruqia Haidari cried. The worry in her best friend’s voice filled Abbey Gawne with concern. The pair had become inseparable in high school years earlier. It only took a glance for one to see right through the other, and that day Haidari looked troubled.

“Do what? What do you mean? Speak to me,” Gawne pleaded.

It was November 18, 2019, three days before their graduation from McGuire College in the Victorian city of Shepparton, and the memories of their year 12 camp in Melbourne were still fresh on their minds. The deep conversations over Uber Eats in the hotel room, the sneaky trips to Bourke Street at midnight.

Gawne remembered her friend’s joy as she glued her face to the fish tanks at Sea Life, on the banks of the Yarra River. “Oh my God, this is what life actually is,” she said. Haidari was in love with life and felt unstoppable.

But now, the light had extinguished from Haidari’s brown eyes.

“I don’t want to marry someone I don’t know,” she muttered.

Haidari had secretly told the Australian Federal Police’s human-trafficking team she was being threatened and coerced into the union in August but months later in November, the 21-year-old was married against her will to 25-year-old Uber driver and abattoir worker Mohammad Ali Halimi in a private religious ceremony in Victoria.

Two months later, she was murdered in her new home in Perth.

Details of the couple’s dysfunctional and loveless marriage were revealed in Western Australia’s Supreme Court this week as Halimi was sentenced to a minimum of 19 years behind bars.

Haidari’s brutal death at the hands of her husband sent shockwaves through Shepparton and thrust the grim reality of forced marriages into the spotlight.

Although forced marriage is considered a form of slavery and is criminalised under Australian law, every year dozens of women like Haidari are coerced into marrying strangers. Some do so under the threat of physical violence, others for fear of dishonouring their family and being ostracised.

In the past financial year alone, the AFP received more than 220 human-trafficking reports, about 80 of which related to forced marriages.

Unlike an arranged marriage in which both parties agree to marry each other, a forced marriage takes place when those involved do not consent to the union. Instances where a person agrees to marry under pressure or threats are also considered forced marriages.

Gawne knew Haidari had been set up with an older man from Perth by her family, but her friend rarely opened up about the wedding plans.

Other students in Shepparton were also expected to enter arranged marriages. Shepparton is among the state’s most diverse communities and home to a large number of migrants from Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, where arranged marriages are common practice.

Haidari had fled Afghanistan with her family just five years earlier, seeking a better life in Australia, and had been raised in a strict Afghan household.

Halimi, too, fled Afghanistan and went to Pakistan as a boy after the brutal murder of his father by the Taliban. He had made the perilous journey to Australia by boat aged 17, leaving his family behind in Quetta, and settled in Perth after his release from detention in 2011.

Haidari and Halimi had been paired by a mutual friend, Shukria Muqadas, at the request of Halimi’s sister. Halimi, who had previously been engaged to another woman overseas but broke it off after she was unable to move to Australia, paid a dowry of $15,000 for his new bride.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322136

File: 50b55b9688a83ea⋯.jpg (58.59 KB, 516x516, 1:1, Mohammad_Ali_Halimi_middle….jpg)

File: f99f152859074f5⋯.jpg (128.68 KB, 1024x683, 1024:683, Ruqia_Haidari_inset_and_Mo….jpg)

>>14322129

2/2

Photos of the wedding, taken just days before the young bride was put on a plane and flown 3400 kilometres away from home to Perth, show Haidari dressed in a long silver gown standing awkwardly next to her new husband.

The pair settled in Halimi’s home in the northern Perth suburb of Balcatta but their relationship quickly became strained. Haidari repeatedly rebuffed Halimi’s attempts at intimacy, telling her husband to “go away” and “f-ck off” as pressure on Halimi to consummate the marriage mounted, the court heard.

Neighbours told of heated arguments and the sound of doors slamming coming from the couple’s unit as Halimi’s attitude towards his new wife soured.

The day before he killed Haidari, the 25-year-old sent a video to her family in Victoria venting his frustration about the marriage. He complained Haidari slept late into the morning and did not cook or clean while he was at work.

On the morning of January 18, 2020, the pair were arguing about their relationship when Halimi made a series of heated phone calls to Haidari’s brother in Victoria to complain about his wife’s lack of love.

Muhammad Taqi Haidari helplessly listened from the other end of the line as the argument turned physical. He could hear his sister crying “don’t touch me, don’t hit me” as Halimi told her to keep quiet.

After he hung up the phone, Halimi grabbed a stainless-steel kitchen knife and slit Haidari’s throat twice, severing her carotid and thyroid arteries.

As she lay in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor, he picked up the phone and called Muhammad Taqi.

“If you’re a man, come get your sister’s dead body.”

In a letter to the court, Halimi later described how he reached breaking point after what he called a “long period of rejection, emotional heartache and confusion”. He claimed he was unaware Haidari had been forced to marry him despite previously admitting to police she had told him she opposed the union.

The extent of forced marriage in Australia is largely unknown because many victims are too scared to contact authorities and weddings are unregistered.

Victims are reluctant to speak up for fear of getting their relatives in trouble, and are often faced with a heart-wrenching choice between their freedom and keeping a relationship with their family and community.

To date, no one has been convicted in Australia for their role in orchestrating a forced marriage.

Advocacy groups like My Blue Sky and Anti-Slavery Australia want forced marriage protection orders to be included in legislation, so courts can step in to stop weddings and suspend passports if they suspect a victim is likely to be taken overseas for marriage.

They also want a national compensation scheme for the victims of forced marriages, so they can exit their situation without the worry of financial ruin.

It is unclear whether any of those measures would have helped Haidari make the difficult choice to walk away from her engagement.

Halimi will spend a minimum of 19 years behind bars before he is eligible for release, but for Haidari’s friends and family, who are still grappling with the 21-year-old’s painful absence, it is of little consolation.

“Every day, I’ll go and sit out at her grave for about two hours and cry. It’s hard to see her go. I just want to ask why,” Gawne says.

“I’ve lost my best friend for the rest of my life. She won’t see my 21st, she won’t see me walk down the aisle, she won’t see me do all this stuff.”

If you, or someone you know, is at risk of a forced marriage please see:

https://mybluesky.org.au/

or contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or email NOSSC-Client-Liaison@afp.gov.au (National Operations State Service Centre)

Australian Federal Police - Human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices (including forced marriage) information report form

https://forms.afp.gov.au/online_forms/human_trafficking_form

https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/i-don-t-want-to-do-this-forced-into-marriage-ruqia-haidari-was-dead-two-months-later-20210803-p58fed.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322190

File: 4b67f3505a65a46⋯.jpg (51.08 KB, 800x534, 400:267, Healthcare_workers_adminis….jpg)

>>14020199

Melbourne extends COVID lockdown; 'no jab, no job' in Sydney

Colin Packham and Renju Jose - August 11, 2021

CANBERRA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Australia's second-biggest city Melbourne will stay locked down for a second week after reporting 20 new COVID-19 cases as it struggles to stamp out infections caused by the highly infectious Delta variant of the pandemic.

Melbourne had been due to exit the lockdown on Thursday, the sixth for its five million people in stop-start battles against the coronavirus also seen elsewhere across the country have triggered frustration and discord. In Sydney police are stepping up lockdown enforcement, while some labourers are being allowed to return to construction sites - if vaccinated.

Victoria state Premier Dan Andrews confirmed strict stay-at-home orders for Melbourne will remain in place until at least Aug. 19 after authorities were unable to trace how several of the 20 people confirmed as new cases on Wednesday contracted COVID-19.

"If we were to open, then we would see cases akin to what is happening, tragically, in Sydney right now," Andrews told reporters in Melbourne, referring to an outbreak in Australia's most populous city that has spread to thousands despite Sydney being in week seven of its own lockdown.

"We have seen a surge in the number of cases and (that is) expected to continue," New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney, reporting another 344 new infections in the past 24 hours, close to the city's single-day record.

Berejiklian said the Sydney lockdown, which has grown to include several areas north of the city, will also be expanded to include Dubbo, a small city about 400 kilometres (248 miles) northwest of Sydney.

The latter is scheduled to remain in lockdown until the end of August. Most expect the restrictions to be extended, despite a recent surge in people seeking vaccinations.

Byron Bay, a popular tourist spot near the New South Wales border with Queensland and nearly 500 miles north of Sydney, was this week plunged into lockdown when a man allegedly drove there with his two teenage children.

Authorities said the man, now hospitalised with the virus, has not cooperated with officials when asked about his movements, and on Wednesday police said they have charged the unidentified man with contravening lockdown orders to stay at home.

'NO JAB, NO JOB'

Desperate to restart some major employment industries, New South Wales has allowed some in the most-affected Sydney suburbs to return to construction jobs around the city, but they must first be vaccinated.

"I didn't want to get the vaccine … but I needed to get the jab or I don't have a job," said Nick, a 31-year-old man who drives for an engineering company. He declined to give his surname.

Australia has so far fared much better than many other countries in the developed world during the pandemic, with just under 37,000 COVID-19 cases. The death toll rose to 944 on Wednesday after two people, including a man in his 30s, died in Sydney.

But with fewer than 25% of the country fully vaccinated, Australia is struggling to avoid stop-start lockdowns that some warn could tip Australia's economy, the world's 13th biggest according to the International Monetary Fund, into a second recession in as many years.

Federal and state governments have committed to ending lockdowns when 70% of the country's near 26 million population is vaccinated.

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last month said the country's economy would contract in the current quarter as a result, and a recession would depend on how long the lockdowns last.

On Wednesday Matt Comyn, the Chief Executive of Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA.AX) - the country's largest lender - said he expects Australia would avoid a recession

"While Australia faces near-term challenges due to the lockdowns we expect growth will simply be pushed back by six months, with the economy rebounding in late 2021 and growing strongly in 2022," Comyn told analysts.

The curbs have already dented consumer sentiment, which slid to a one-year trough in August, data published on Wednesday showed.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-victoria-reports-20-locally-acquired-covid-19-cases-2021-08-10/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322225

File: 442a7e3c09fc989⋯.jpg (98.49 KB, 990x660, 3:2, Julian_Assange_s_partner_a….jpg)

File: 7f2498a96aa2088⋯.jpg (967.1 KB, 3135x2229, 1045:743, Julian_Assange_is_being_de….jpg)

Julian Assange’s partner pleads for Biden to drop espionage case

Stella Moris visited Assange at HMP Belmarsh and says US ‘can’t defend press freedom at the same time as pursue this case’.

Chay Quinn - 10 August 2021

The partner of Julian Assange has urged Joe Biden to reverse the Trump administration’s decision to charge the WikiLeaks founder with espionage.

Stella Moris, who gave birth to two children by Assange during the time he sought asylum in London’s Ecuadorian embassy, spoke to the PA news agency outside HMP Belmarsh, where the Australian is being held.

Assange is involved in a court battle as the United States appeals a decision by a district judge which blocked his extradition to the US on grounds that it would be oppressive to his mental health.

A preliminary hearing is due to take place at the High Court on Wednesday.

Ms Moris said: “It’s very clear that the US administration should drop the case.

“The Biden administration can’t defend press freedom at the same time as pursue this case.

“The chilling effect its having already is diminishing our freedoms and the right of the press to be able to publish without fear of being imprisoned.

“It’s worse than hypocrisy. It’s a frontal attack on the cornerstone of what makes a country free and open and that’s something you don’t turn on and off with a switch.

“This is a dark legacy that Biden is making his own unless he reverses course and that has to be done.”

Ms Moris said despite looking noticeably dishevelled when he was removed from the Ecuadorian embassy two years ago and fears about his mental health, Assange was a “fighter” and has battled through “some very dark moments” during his time in prison.

Assange was indicted on 17 charges of espionage by a United States grand jury in 2019 after his asylum was terminated by Ecuador and he was arrested by the Metropolitan Police.

If extradited and found guilty of these charges, he faces a sentence of up to 175 years in prison.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/julian-assange-hmp-belmarsh-joe-biden-wikileaks-trump-b950032.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322311

File: 2e97ab11a503f61⋯.jpg (148.77 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Conspiracy_theorist_QAnon_….jpg)

File: b02179c55b7eebc⋯.jpg (154.96 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Riot_police_push_back_prot….jpg)

File: 0174b038b15722f⋯.jpg (883.51 KB, 1237x1788, 1237:1788, Decoding_Conspiracy.jpg)

How the Covid pandemic saw the rise of QAnon in Australia

QAnon was fading - then the pandemic hit. Here’s how the internet conspiracy took over Australia’s underground fringe movements.

Perry Duffin - August 10, 2021

QAnon went from internet fantasy to mind-poisoning Covid conspir­acy in Australia in just three years with the global virus effectively resuscitating the failing fringe group.

The birthplace of QAnon, 4Chan, is an online backwater full of loners, racists and angry men.

But the forum has had an outsized impact on internet culture – most internet users’ favourite memes were either born on 4Chan or inspired by the nihilistic comedy it set down.

The users are well aware their work filters into the broader internet through social media, and that’s exactly what happened with QAnon in 2017.

BOARDING CALL

One of 4Chan’s subgroups, the political board, became infatuated with libertarianism and then helped ­define the alt-right in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s victory in 2016.

Many users would post on the forum pretending they were members of secretive government agencies – Blackwater, the CIA, the FBI – and claim there were big things “happening” out of sight.

One user claimed he was a government insider with “Q-level ­clearance” and began posting familiar predictions about a shadowy deep state.

QAnon, either an individual or group of people using the name, gradually created an elaborate story of Satan-worshipping, blood drinking paedophiles facing destruction by Trump and the godly US ­military.

PILL POPPERS

The day of reckoning never came but many Australians had already been “pilled” – a 4Chan term for being “awakened” to the conspiracy.

Localised theories proliferated online: Australian politicians were accused of operating child abuse rings and every major event from bushfires to trade disputes with China provided fodder for the amorphous conspiracy.

Social media giants Facebook and Twitter stepped in last year and banned major accounts spreading Q’s disinformation.

But the grave allegations made by the Q movement, that paedophiles are running the government, was already inspiring multiple serious incidents in the real world.

CAPITOL OFFENCE

In January this year QAnon was widely referenced by the rioters who stormed the US capitol building while Q’s logo appeared on T-shirts and posters every time a group protested against the US election result.

Trump’s defeat was definitive proof Q’s predictions were badly off but believers held out hope saying Joe Biden would be arrested on ­inauguration day in January. Their holy war never started.

With Biden elected and Q ejected from all major social media platforms it seemed a weird period in the internet’s culture was ending.

COVID COMEBACK

But the pandemic, with its enforced lockdowns, mass vaccines and worldwide disruption, was breathing new life into QAnon, particularly in Australia.

In Melbourne the lockdowns spawned QAnon theories that the military was evacuating children through underground tunnels.

In Sydney Q believers made nonsensical claims Prime Minister Scott Morrison was about to be arrested.

Q began joining with anti-vax, anti-lockdown, anti-government crews across the political spectrum.

Again the conspiracy groups started acting out offline. Sovereign Citizens, an older conspiracy movement, rushed across locked down state borders claiming all laws were illegal.

Supporters would film their ­arrests and scream that police had no authority, the videos firing up other conspiracy-minded allies.

In September a “Freedom Day” rally attracted numerous protesters to Sydney who brandished signs about the New World Order or QAnon’s global paedophile rings.

As it stands now at least two fringe political movements, who have contested elections in NSW and Queensland, have courted QAnon beliefs in some form.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/how-the-covid-pandemic-saw-the-rise-of-qanon-in-australia/news-story/cd07eeed04c4e42a7b9d2c5d74fe1bc2

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322314

File: 3b32bd29e2ea1ca⋯.jpg (70.5 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Frontline_worker_Emma_says….jpg)

File: b7a0518e4ff2490⋯.jpg (139.82 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, A_Sydney_Freedom_Day_prote….jpg)

>>14322311

How QAnon became a Covid conspiracy cult in Australia

The families of our frontline medical heroes are being torn apart by conspiracy theories that began in the US and have mutated in Australia.

Perry Duffin - August 10, 2021

1/2

QAnon burst from the sewers of the internet to infect the minds of countless Australians — now the conspiracy theory has mutated and is tearing apart families of our pandemic first responders.

QAnon is a cult conspiracy that believes Donald Trump and the US military are fighting a holy war against paedophiles in the satanic ‘deep state’.

President Trump’s defeat and a mass ban on outspoken accounts put QAnon on the ropes, but in Australia the fading fringe thinkers found a new captive audience thanks to Covid-19.

NSW surgical and emergency nurse, Emma, said her father is among those now lost to the broadening anti-government, Covid-denying conspiracy.

“Dad started out saying the Chinese deliberately released the virus and no one should wear masks — he said he heard it on podcasts with American doctors,” Emma told The Daily Telegraph.

“Now he says none of it’s true — it’s just fear mongering and population control. And he keeps talking about celebrities being paedophiles.”

Emma was one of numerous healthcare workers who spoke under a pseudonym about losing a loved one to the disinformation pandemic.

Her father will not speak to her, calling the virus a lie even as she works in Covid-19 wards.

The final straw in their relationship was Emma’s decision to get vaccinated.

“It just feels like everything you do is for nothing. It’s all completely disregarded,” Emma said.

Her story is not unique.

Dr Sarah works in a Sydney hospital witnessing the worst of the pandemic.

But her mother has gone down an anti-vax rabbit hole after becoming interested in alternative health.

“We had to lay down an ultimatum that we wouldn’t be seeing my parents until they are vaccinated,” Dr Sarah said.

“That’s where it’s come to. It’s caused a rift that I hope will be bridged but we don’t see or talk to my parents much right now.”

As with Nurse Emma, Dr Sarah’s mother trusts obscure podcasts, books and online figures over her own medically trained child.

“People don’t want to believe experts,” Dr Sarah said.

“What you saw on Facebook is not the same as 20 years of study.“

Dr Sarah’s mother does not have social media so has not been exposed to QAnon’s global paedophile theory.

But “alternative health”, fears of “big pharma”, anti-vaccination and scepticism around official health advice has become a major entry ramp for the conspiracy community, researchers warn.

“The anti vaxxers and holistic medicine groups out there are often associated with the hippie movement,” Queensland University of Technology disinformation researcher Axel Bruns said.

“They’re now wrapped up in QAnon which has connected them with far right groups that heavily promote white supremacy.”

Professor Bruns called it a “meta-conspiracy theory” that has few borders and many entry points. It’s acting as a “glue” between the normally disparate groups.

ASIO has warned far right groups, which it considers a major domestic terror threat, are seizing on the pandemic conspiracy movement to recruit new members.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322315

File: 3fe38767a151b0c⋯.jpg (215.11 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, A_protester_in_June_holdin….jpg)

>>14322314

2/2

Both left and right-wing conspiracy networks have gone into overdrive alleging “elites” are using the military, police and lockdowns to control people for nefarious purposes in Sydney’s latest lockdown.

Last month thousands descended on Sydney claiming they were marching against lockdowns before clashing with police.

Among the crowd were slogans about the “new world order”, vaccine microchips, Sovereign Citizens — and of course QAnon symbols.

The protest was so large, in part, because QAnon conspiracy peddling “influencers” had urged their frenetic followers to attend.

Professor Bruns said it was difficult to combat disinformation shared by these powerful figures because banning them makes them “martyrs” in conspiracy movements.

“They can turn around and say ‘the establishment is against me, I’m trying to give you information and I’m being cancelled and silenced by the woke brigade’,” Professor Bruns said.

Experts also agree the algorithms of websites like YouTube and Facebook push people down these rabbit holes by suggesting emotionally charged content.

“If you click anti 5G videos they show you more and they get more and more extreme,” Professor Bruns said.

Josh said that happened to his mate who became convinced an anti parasite drug — which has not been proven effective against the virus — was being “covered up” by the government.

“He writes to people things like ‘don’t worry I’ve got the lawyers on this, we‘re about to file in the High Court so everything will be exposed’,” Josh said.

“He says it like he’s in control of something and I just think mate, you’re the one being controlled here.”

Josh describes the process as “radicalisation” and compared it to radical religious groups like al-Qaeda.

“I’m so upset, he’s brainwashed,” Josh said.

“And the metadata, the algorithms just push him further into it.”

Surveys find 10 to 15 per cent of Australians are anti-vax. Up to 30 per cent are hesitant.

Politicians insist 70 to 80 per cent of the population must be vaccinated to return to normal.

What’s unclear is the impact the new broad church of QAnon-Covid conspiracy will have on final vaccination rates.

What is known is Q’s believers are virulent and constant spreaders of vaccine disinformation.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro has slammed QAnon “keyboard warriors” and Covid denying conspiracy theorists warning their “negligence” will see the Delta death toll continue to rise.

Mr Barilaro told The Daily Telegraph anyone with questions about vaccines should be speaking only to a doctor “and not listen to Covid-denying keyboard warriors.”

“Those Covid deniers who are spreading misinformation are putting our most vulnerable at risk and their continued negligence will see more suffering and the death toll continue to rise,” he said.

There have been 29 deaths as a result of the latest outbreak which, this week, took hold across regional NSW.

“I encourage everyone to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family and their community, and those saying anything to the contrary should be ashamed of themselves,” Mr Barilaro said.

The latest Newspoll data shows more than 10 per cent of Australians will refuse vaccinations and one third of the population would rather “wait for Pfizer”.

Significant numbers of older Australians are among those waiting - despite being at the most risk from Covid-19 and at least risk from already extremely unlikely AstraZeneca complications.

“Don’t get caught up in the ‘vaccination brand war’,” the Deputy Premier urged.

“When we get a flu shot, nobody ever asks what brand it is. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get jabbed.”

Professor Bruns said and the most hardcore members are effectively in a “cult” and may never be deradicalised.

“Some (believers) will remain extreme and will spread what we now see are potentially deadly messages,” Professor Bruns said.

He has called for a response to disinformation that is familiar; “lockdown” disinformation spreaders by banning their accounts before they reach vulnerable Australians.

Then “vaccinate” by rolling out deradicalisation programs that would treat the most ardent conspiracy theorists like religious extremists who need help readjusting to normality.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/coronavirus/how-qanon-became-a-covid-conspiracy-cult-in-australia/news-story/a178a2ef4c9039c6e9b8a098025da509

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322318

File: 74edca3892ce07a⋯.jpg (90.22 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, QAnon_conspiracists_in_an_….jpg)

File: 4ac6458eb196701⋯.jpg (153.68 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, QAnon_adherents_in_a_consp….jpg)

File: ca4134b48de7e2d⋯.jpg (137.95 KB, 1899x814, 1899:814, A_follower_of_a_fringe_pol….jpg)

File: b01894c2ccf20f1⋯.jpg (63.79 KB, 650x1000, 13:20, QAnon_adherents_discuss_ob….jpg)

>>14322311

Encrypted chats offer final refuge for QAnon conspiracy in Australia

The final stronghold for QAnon and the most strident conspiracy spreaders are encrypted chats - here’s how they operate.

Perry Duffin - August 11, 2021

This is the deepest trench of the nation’s QAnon-Covid conspiracy - encrypted chats where believers are instructed to “build an army” for a war that will end with the execution of “treasonous Australians”.

Those who spend long enough posting anti-vax and New World Order conspiracies end up banned from social media by fact checkers and AI.

Last year both Facebook and Twitter clamped down and banned QAnon theories and influencers leading to what followers called “the purge”.

Now Australia’s conspiracy thinkers start encrypted chats before their group is banned - knowing they will eventually be forced to organise in harder to penetrate spaces.

They are often invitation only chat rooms that do not answer to moderators unlike Facebook and Twitter.

Alt-right figures, last week, used the apps to organise snap protests against Melbourne’s sixth lockdown and urged followers not to get vaccines.

Some take it much further, proclaiming a global conspiracy to kill people using the vaccines is putting them in mortal danger.

“We are at war for our very survival”, one politician said in a video posted to an encrypted chat.

“(The war) has been directed by those who remain hidden in the shadows… It is a traitor‘s war because those enforcing this foreign agenda upon us are our very own treasonous politicians, bureaucrats, judges, senior military and senior police.”

A global web of political elites and hidden agendas are theories embraced by QAnon acolytes.

High profile lockdown protesters in Sydney last month, called on the crowds to vote for that politician.

His fledgling organisation, which The Daily Telegraph has chosen not to name, used mainstream and social media to court Q believers with hashtags while publicly denying any affiliation.

His followers are under no apprehension - they talk openly in the encrypted chat about the conspiracy theory.

“#WWG1WGA… the support of the cabals will be lost,” one follower wrote.

“We the people should be awake and will not be dissuaded no matter what.”

That hashtag is the rallying cry of QAnon worldwide.

It’s unclear which member of the political organisation is running the encrypted chats.

But one senior member uses his own social media to call masks and social distancing “satanic rituals” and believes the government is protecting ”VIP paedophiles”

“We are building an army to give the sovereign power back to you… and to rid this country - once and for all - of the sick gutless paedophiles, the cowards, that govern us,” he told his followers in a video.

The QAnon WWG1WGA hashtag emerges again from his followers.

He said it will be a “great day” when the media gets their ”karma” and posted a picture of public hangings. His followers ask for advice on how to arrest health officials.

Not all encrypted conspiracy groups are calling for violent uprisings - many are just terrified residents entirely distrustful of the media and government.

The NSW Government says the state will need to reach 70 to 80 per cent vaccinated to even begin walking a path back to normal life.

That caused mass panic among the hardcore conspiracy chats where all the facts were stripped out of the announcement.

One woman in Sydney’s west wrote that she had heard the military were forcefully vaccinating people and she was considering self harm if they knocked on her door.

Some users asked the woman to speak to Lifeline and urged the man who started the unfounded rumour to retract his comment about the military.

“A personal friend of mine lives in Lakemba…. They are of honest character,” he responded.

“They told me this is happening.”

The group then returned to sharing videos from QAnon groups and suggested hanging politicians behind the “plandemic”.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/encrypted-chats-offer-final-refuge-for-qanon-conspiracy-in-australia/news-story/778bb3c0da54695db06280a0c092fc93

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322319

File: db44102c482e8ea⋯.jpg (79.8 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, A_Qanon_photo_posted_by_an….jpg)

>>14322311

Experts reveal how to spot QAnon, anti-vaxxer fake news

Disinformation is everywhere online, some of it is hard to even detect, here’s the expert guide to recognising the gateways to QAnon and conspiracy land.

Perry Duffin - August 11, 2021

Conspiracists believe their “research” has led them to a secret truth – but the path to QAnon’s communities in Australia is just a few clicks away.

If you search Facebook for information about Sydney’s Delta outbreak you’ll be shown official health advice from Facebook on the dangers of Covid-19, as well as articles from reputable news sources.

Among the next results are pages and groups posting about lockdown rallies and the vaccine – these are the gateways to rabbit holes.

A popular page on Facebook has spent months sharing articles from a dinky website that claims everyone taking the vaccine is a “guinea pig”.

The page also shares badly photoshopped images purporting that Covid was planned or is “a hoax by the global elites”.

Monash University said fringe groups were using pandemic conspiracy theories to recruit new members.

Photoshopped news reports or unfamiliar news websites are a major warning sign, experts say, that you’ve wandered into tinfoil hat land, as well as pixelated ­images, mismatched fonts or unknown sources.

If you search for more information about any of the claims made in this QAnon-lite territory you will likely be introduced to private Facebook groups where reality is a long lost memory.

The groups are full of Australians reciting anti-­Semitic conspiracies, QAnon believers and anti-vaxxers.

The University of Western Sydney found only 39 per cent of Australians were confident they could identify fake news.

Researchers warn misinformation could divide Australia’s society and threaten its democracy and called for training in school and adult life.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/experts-reveal-how-to-spot-qanon-antivaxxer-fake-news/news-story/819c435aaf5ab8b6f6f3831316165e1b

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322373

File: cb2baa262fe600d⋯.jpg (63.47 KB, 862x485, 862:485, Foreign_Affairs_Minister_M….jpg)

File: 988ceaf6cd9f0b1⋯.jpg (151.21 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Senator_Payne_met_with_Afg….jpg)

File: 1fc8494fd06517a⋯.jpg (118.72 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Mr_Dutton_s_office_decline….jpg)

Marise Payne, Peter Dutton planning diplomatic visits to US, India and Indonesia

Stephen Dziedzic and Andrew Greene - 11 August 2021

Australian officials are working on an ambitious diplomatic plan which would see Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton travel to three countries — the United States, India and Indonesia – for meetings with their counterparts.

Senator Payne and Mr Dutton are likely to head to Washington next month for annual talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

But the ABC has been told officials are also working on a broader itinerary that would see the two frontbenchers visit New Delhi and Jakarta for "2+2" meetings of foreign and defence ministers.

The meetings are not locked in and could yet be derailed by the pandemic or other events, but Australian diplomats in all three countries have been working on the plan.

The overseas trip would be Mr Dutton's first since becoming Defence Minister in March.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison may also visit the United States in September for a possible in-person meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue leaders, with US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The ABC has been told this is not a certainty.

The United Nations General Assembly is also sitting in New York in September, which would offer Mr Morrison a chance to speak to senior diplomats and world leaders.

The extensive travel plans being drawn up for Mr Dutton and Senator Payne signal the federal government is keen to re-engage in face-to-face meetings with key Asian partners.

Senator Payne has kept up a relentless schedule of virtual meetings since the pandemic hit, but has only made three overseas trips.

Last year, she travelled to the US in July before heading to Japan and Singapore in October.

In May this year she also travelled to the United Kingdom for a G7+ Foreign Ministers meeting, as well as to Geneva, Washington and Kabul.

Meeting in person better for thorny discussions

The director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, Ben Bland, said Australia had been "conspicuous by its absence" from major South-East Asian nations, particularly Indonesia, and it was good to see the government planning high-level visits to the region.

"No Australian minister had visited Indonesia since the start of the pandemic and in that time there has been a very long list of ministers visiting from China, Japan, the US, Russia, Iran, the European Union and the United Kingdom," he said.

"It would be great to correct that. In the midst of this terrible pandemic, Indonesia values the partners that show up, as well as the assistance they give."

Mr Bland said politicians in South-East Asian nations such as Indonesia put a high premium on face-to-face meetings.

"It's hard to have frank discussions about thorny regional issues like China's assertive behaviour, or the response to the coup in Myanmar, over Zoom," he said.

"Ministers and other senior officials need to meet in person to have the confidence to speak openly."

Senator Payne and Mr Dutton are expected to tackle a broad array of issues during the meetings, should they be confirmed.

The Australia-United States Ministerial (AUSMIN) talks are expected to focus heavily on defence cooperation, including moves to expand joint military training exercises in Australia.

The US and Australian ministers are likely to discuss joint efforts to roll out COVID-19 vaccines around the Indo-Pacific region, the direction of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, securing supply chains and regional security.

In India, Mr Dutton is likely to again encourage India to join the next Talisman Sabre exercises in Queensland which already involve Japan, South Korea and the US.

The pandemic and regional security are likely to also dominate talks in Indonesia, a country that has been grappling with Chinese-flagged fishing vessels in its territorial waters.

Mr Dutton's office declined to comment on the planned trip, saying it would announce any plans once finalised.

Senator Payne's office also did not comment.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-11/cph-peter-dutton-and-marise-payne-travel-plans/100366330

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14322440

File: 4770031d978a7b9⋯.jpg (123.29 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Speaking_at_the_Australian….jpg)

File: 620017f4057644d⋯.jpg (97.79 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

File: 966c7cb4b567895⋯.jpg (146.73 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, The_PM_applauded_the_recen….jpg)

Scott Morrison urges for ‘upgrade’ to US-Australian alliance as China’s tariffs hit hard

Scott Morrison has insisted Australia and the US need to drastically ramp-up their economic and military partnership as the two countries move forward.

Helena Burke - AUGUST 11, 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has insisted Australia and the US need to drastically ramp-up their economic and military partnership as the two countries move forward.

Speaking at the Australian American leadership dialogue on Wednesday, Mr Morrison declared the US had “no stronger partner” than Australia in preserving the liberal world order amid China’s rising influence.

“In Australia, the US has no stronger partner today in defending the values and its institutional pillars of what was created by a remarkable generation of American leaders,” Mr Morrison said.

The Prime Minister’s comments come amid increasingly tense relations with the world's other major power, China, which recently slapped tariffs on several key Aussie industries.

“Unlike the Cold War, geostrategic competition in the coming decades will be engaged in the economic realm,” Mr Morrison told the leadership dialogue meeting.

“Our recent experience with economic coercion underlines that.”

Mr Morrison emphasised the strength and importance of the Australian-US alliance, stating Australia was “deeply committed” to the partnership as the “foundation of our security and our prosperity.”

Moving forward, the Prime Minister insisted Australia and the US needed to strengthen and increase their economic and military partnership.

Mr Morrison urged the US to “upgrade” its trade partnership with Australia, telling Mr Biden to consider regular strategic economic dialogues between the two countries, and to work alongside Australia “to deal with the reform of the World Trade Organisation.”

The Australia-United States Free Trade Agreement is one of the strongest trade partnerships in the world, with 96 per cent of all Australian exports to the US being tariff-free.

However, the US currently makes up just 5.3 per cent of Australian exports. Meanwhile, China makes up approximately 30.6 per cent.

Mr Morrison also implored the US to continue to build on the recent surge in US-Australian joint military activities.

“Our defence co-operation is strengthened and accelerated, as has Australia‘s own defence rebuild”, he said

“We are undertaking the biggest regeneration of our navy since the Second World War.”

The PM applauded the recent Talisman Sabre military exercise, in which almost 14,000 personnel from the US and Australia along with contingents from Japan and Korea, New Zealand, Canada and the UK trained together across Queensland.

And Mr Morrison was not shy about disclosing the true strategic objective of the military exercise.

“There were a few spectators out there not too far away looking on,” the PM said.

“We’re investing our wealth and treasure to make Australia stronger so we can be ready to defend our nation and a rules-based order in our region – a world that favours freedom and to be able to do so alongside who share our values and beliefs: most significantly, the United States.”

https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/world-economy/scott-morrison-urges-for-upgrade-to-usaustralian-alliance-as-chinas-tariffs-hit-hard/news-story/b1370e7e35e7c9fca85a9cfbe836bb09

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

6f7fa1  No.14328543

>>14322440

Two frauds together. Hard logins!!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332215

File: d176a35d8e8d26d⋯.mp4 (8.37 MB, 640x360, 16:9, Assange_s_situation_increa….mp4)

File: 51a30454eabe8f9⋯.jpg (152.21 KB, 960x640, 3:2, A_sketch_of_Julian_Assange….jpg)

File: 89c30c17cb75157⋯.jpg (135.05 KB, 958x640, 479:320, Supporters_gathered_outsid….jpg)

US government wins first appeal battle in fight to extradite Julian Assange

Latika Bourke - August 12, 2021

London: The US government has won the right to appeal against key evidence that had successfully claimed Julian Assange should not be extradited to the US because he was a “very high” suicide risk.

The written evidence was given by Professor Michael Kopelman, who appeared for Assange during an extradition hearing last year which the WikiLeaks founder won.

A judge ruled in January that Assange should not be extradited to the US to face criminal charges including breaking a spying law, accepting testimony that his mental health combined with Asperger’s syndrome made him a suicide risk.

The US had already been given permission to appeal against the January ruling on three grounds, but on Wednesday asked that the scope of it be expanded to include a reassessment of Kopelman’s expert evidence used to evaluate Assange’s risk of suicide.

In an appeal hearing before the High Court on Wednesday, the US government singled out the fact that Kopelman, despite giving his opinion on the risk of Assange dying by suicide, had omitted the fact that Assange had secretly fathered two children with his fiancee Stella Moris, with whom he formed a relationship while holed up in the Ecuadorian embassy.

“It is in my view arguable that Professor Kopelman did not act in accordance with his declaration and that the DJ [District Judge] erred in not taking that into account,” Lord Justice Timothy Holroyde, the judge in Wednesday’s ruling, said.

He said more “detailed and critical consideration” should have been given to the serving of a report that contained “misleading information” and “significant omissions”.

“To my mind, this goes more to the weight given to the evidence than to its admissibility,” he said.

The US government is arguing that Assange is capable of resisting suicide and, in the High Court, repeated its offer for the Australian to serve out any sentence in his home country rather than the US.

The full appeal will be heard on October 27 and 28.

Edward Fitzgerald, QC, representing Assange, sought to comfort the Australian, whom he spoke to from the courtroom via a video link, after the decision.

“It’s only a preliminary ruling, it’s not the end of the line at all, just saying it’s arguable and we’ve at least got a clear idea of the case we’ve got to meet for the full hearing,” Fitzgerald told Assange.

The conversation was streamed to journalists reporting remotely and was supposed to have been private, but Fitzgerald repeatedly warned Assange that it was likely their discussion was being broadcast.

“I won’t say any more, Julian, or invite you to say too much because people might be listening in,” he said.

But Assange said he could not comprehend the reasoning behind the decision. “I just don’t understand how … an expert has a legal obligation to protect people from harm, my children in particular,” he said, an apparent reference to Kopelman’s decision to omit referring to Moris and their two children.

The 50-year-old had been expected to appear in person at the Royal Courts of Justice but instead appeared via a video link, seated on a sofa in a room at Belmarsh Prison where he has been imprisoned for almost two years.

He appeared dishevelled, his white hair straggly and grown out to the base of his neck. He wore a white shirt with the collar unbuttoned and a burgundy tie undone and hanging around his neck. His face mask covered only his mouth, leaving his nose exposed.

The US government is pursuing Assange for espionage, arguing he conspired with Chelsea Manning, then an army intelligence officer, to hack into government systems to steal three-quarters of a million secret and classified cables that WikiLeaks dumped, unredacted, online.

Assange says he is a whistleblower and journalist, but this was rejected by the judge overseeing his extradition hearing who said his actions went beyond that of a whistleblower.

If you or anyone you know needs support call Lifeline on 131 114.

https://www.lifeline.org.au

https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/us-government-wins-first-appeal-battle-in-fight-to-extradite-julian-assange-20210811-p58hzn.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332246

File: d2fe9490bb8adbf⋯.jpg (81.22 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

File: 325ee8a2bee0848⋯.jpg (89.88 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Dawson_MP_George_Christens….jpg)

File: a2cb52102cd2df8⋯.jpg (71.48 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Nationals_leader_Barnaby_J….jpg)

>>14311655

Scott Morrison criticises 'crazy' COVID-19 conspiracy theories, George Christensen defends comments on restrictions

Jade Macmillan - 11 August 2021

The Prime Minister criticised what he described as "crazy, rubbish" conspiracy theories about COVID-19 a day after the views of one of his backbenchers were formally condemned by Parliament.

The House of Representatives took the unusual step of condemning comments made by Queensland MP George Christensen on Tuesday, after he used a speech to argue masks and lockdowns do not work.

Asked in Question Time about QAnon conspiracy theories being spread online, Scott Morrison said no form of misinformation would be tolerated.

"Crazy, rubbish conspiracies have no place when it comes to the public health of this country and this government will have no association with it as we demonstrated yesterday in this House," he said.

"Ensuring that we take all steps we can to deal with misinformation is what this government is doing.

"And it is up to all of us as members to seek to do everything we can to ensure that we are countering that in our own communities."

A video of Mr Christensen's speech was removed from his Facebook page by the social media giant, which argued it breached its misinformation policies.

"We don't allow anyone, including elected officials or public figures, to share misinformation about COVID-19 that could lead to imminent physical harm or misinformation that could lead to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy," Facebook said in a statement.

Mr Christensen has since posted a "censored" version of the video, in which the audio of his comments about masks has been removed.

He told Nine Radio that he did not regret making the speech.

"I now know what it's like to be slapped with a wet lettuce leaf," he said.

"My email has been flooded with people from all over the country since I made those comments congratulating me and saying it's about time that some politician actually just said it as it is."

'He can say what he likes,' says Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce

Mr Christensen will not not be re-contesting his seat of Dawson at the next election but Labor argues he should be kicked out of the Coalition before then.

"If Scott Morrison can't pull George Christensen into line, he needs to push him onto the crossbench," Shadow Health Minister Mark Butler said.

"We can't have this disinformation coming from a member of the national government."

Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce said he had spoken to Mr Christensen but could not stop him from expressing his views.

"What you're asking is to say, 'Barnaby, go out there and muzzle George Christensen'. Well, first of all, I'm not allowed to, I'm in lockdown," he said.

"And tell him never to speak again? Well, he's a free individual, he can say what he likes."

Nationals MP David Gillespie, who is the Minister for Regional Health and a doctor, said he had told Mr Christensen that masks were effective.

But Mr Gillespie argued the formal condemnation of the Parliament was an adequate response to the speech.

"He's faced the consequences," he said.

"Inside this building, for people that understand parliamentary processes, that is an exceptional rebuke."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-11/cph-pm-criticises-crazy-covid-conspiracies/100369488

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332326

File: 82d7e7594a12873⋯.jpg (61.25 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

File: eafb9edbcb53b8e⋯.png (1.36 MB, 1024x768, 4:3, QAnon_conspiracy_theories_….png)

>>14322311

>>14332246

Scott Morrison vows to snuff out QAnon ‘rubbish’, Covid conspiracies

Authorities say they are intercepting pandemic conspiracy ‘extremists’ as the Prime Minister vows to stamp out QAnon ‘rubbish’ and misinformation spreading online.

Perry Duffin - August 12, 2021

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has vowed to fight the ­insidious spread of QAnon and Covid-19 conspiracy theorists after The Daily Telegraph’s revelations that families are being torn apart by dangerous misinformation.

It comes as NSW and Federal authorities warn they are witnessing growing “online extremism” leading to the ­arrests and charging of multiple people in recent weeks.

This week doctors and nurses spoke emotionally of internet conspiracy theory QAnon brainwashing their loved ones.

The pandemic frontline heroes are now returning home from Covid-filled wards to friends and family who ­believe Covid is a hoax or the pandemic is a plot by evil ­global “elites”.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison, on Wednesday, was asked what his government was doing to stop the online conspiracy theories that are threatening the crucial vaccine rollout.

“Crazy rubbish conspiracy theories have no place when it comes to the public health of this country and this government will have no association with it,” Mr Morrison told Question Time.

“Countering misinformation is a task for all of us, it is certainly a task for the government and one we are acting on.”

NSW Police said Covid-19 had “enlivened extremist views and conspiracy theories” which exploit the internet’s capacity to connect.

“This has seen an increase in online extremist commentary with mixed and often complementary ideologies,” a spokeswoman said, noting it was almost entirely online.

“The risk associated with this activity is a concern and the NSW Police Force closely monitors online activity and assesses online sentiment.”

The Fixated Persons Unit, which monitors the ideologically motivated potential threats inside the state, has charged three people for online threats since the start of July.

The Australian Federal Police said it had observed nationalist, racially motivated and religious extremists among those “exploiting public fear” during the pandemic.

“Ideologically motivated violent extremism (IVME) propaganda, and increased time spent online, has seen extremist narratives influencing a broad mainstream audience,” an AFP spokesman said.

“This comes in many forms including by spreading disinformation, conspiracy theories, and in some cases to incite violence.”

“Extremists do this for a range of reasons including to promote their ideology and recruit new members.”

Last week the AFP arrested a group for allegedly starting their own “strain of the AFP” using a fake video they circulated online.

In the video a man, masquerading as AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw, allegedly urges people to join them as they work to overthrow the Commonwealth Government.

The fake AFP had allegedly established its own commissioners and was issuing “arrest warrants” for high profile Australians as it planned to “dissolve” the government.

Such expressions are commonplace among the QAnon, Sovereign Citizen, anti-lockdown and other conspiracy movements.

Investigators allege the group is IVME motivated.

Joint Counter Terrorism Teams, the AFP’s specialist squads, say they have disrupted multiple IVME plots this year — and say they will continue to disrupt others.

“Our community and our families are going through some very testing and trying times right now,” the AFP spokesman said.

“Many Australians are doing it tough because of the pandemic and are being targeted while they are vulnerable. The Covid pandemic will not stop the work of JCTTs in ensuring the safety of the community.”

Since 2014 there have been nine terror attacks and 21 major disruptions, the AFP said — of these two were IVME plots.

The AFP spokesman urged the community to only get their information from trusted sources.

The Prime Minister said he was working with multicultural and faith leaders, particularly in South West Sydney, to have the trusted community figures encourage vaccines.

Regional neighbours Papua New Guinea, he said, were also fighting against a tide of misinformation and Australia was working to increase vaccine uptake there.

Health Minister Greg Hunt told Question Time his department was “mythbusting” across multiple languages.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-nsw/cops-reveal-battle-with-extremists-as-pm-pledges-to-snuff-out-qanon-rubbish/news-story/e4e3a98d51ddfb8e02a580a9576b6f72

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332362

File: a4e686b2a1c23d4⋯.jpg (144.76 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Australia_and_the_US_have_….jpg)

File: ec446e962b0d9e7⋯.jpg (94.87 KB, 1024x769, 1024:769, The_new_missiles_will_be_a….jpg)

File: da657ba473ab5d0⋯.png (737.8 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….png)

>>14322440

New military weapons deal confirmed between US and Australia

A new weapons deal between the US and Australia has been confirmed as tensions with China continue to rise.

Helena Burke - AUGUST 12, 2021

Australia has announced a new partnership with the US to develop precision strike missile technology capable of hitting targets at ranges of more than 400km in an effort to bolster Australia’s military capabilities.

In a recent memorandum of understanding between the Australian Army and the US military, the two countries pledge to increase the lethality, range and target engagement of the missile under development.

The US Army’s Defence Exports and Co-operation deputy assistant secretary Elizabeth Wilson said the new missile agreement “complements the US presence in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility”.

“(The agreement) reinforces our dedication to allies in the Indo-Pacific and sets a path forward for US Army long-range precision fires in the region,” Ms Wilson said.

It comes as China’s mouthpiece, The Global Times warned about the US’s increasing closeness to its allies in the Pacific region.

“The US is eager to unite allies and partners, which reflects its strategic anxiety,” it wrote.

“Washington aims to strengthen maritime co-operation with allies and strategic partners, flexing muscles against China and demonstrating its deterrence capabilities and determination.”

As part of the new $907m precision strike missile program, the Australian government will contribute more than $70m to advance long-range precision fire capabilities.

Head of the Australian Army’s land capability Simon Stuart said the precision strike guided missile would provide the ADF with “long range and deep strike capability from (Australian) land”.

“The surface-to-surface, all-weather, precision-strike guided missile will be capable of destroying, neutralising and suppressing diverse targets at ranges from 70 to over 400km,” Defence Minister Peter Dutton said in a media release on Thursday.

Earlier this week, one of Australia’s most respected think tanks the Lowy Institute warned that China could already strike Australian land from the South China Sea if it chose to do so.

“Absent assistance from allies and partners, China already possesses the capability to strike Australia from existing bases with bomber aircraft and long-range missiles,” its report said.

The think tank cautioned that while the possibility of an Australian-China war remained “remote”, policy makers needed to remain vigilant about the implications of China’s rapidly increasingly military capabilities.

https://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/military/new-military-weapons-deal-confirmed-between-us-and-australia/news-story/f326c67f6c2731d6d148e5bc55eff791

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332404

File: 9d80055f4599f29⋯.jpg (351.97 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Upgrading_Quad_and_Malabar….jpg)

>>14332362

Upgrading Quad and Malabar exercise shows US anxiety about China

Zuo Xiying - Aug 11, 2021

The four Quad countries - India, the US, Japan, and Australia - will conduct the Malabar 2021 exercises off Guam in the Western Pacific later this month. The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan has been participating in this drill annually since 2015. In 2020, India invited Australia to take part in the annual exercise, making it a drill among the Quad navies.

As a routine joint military exercise mechanism led by the US, the Malabar drill has actively undergone transformation in recent years. This indeed reflects some new trends in the current US maritime strategy. Washington aims to strengthen maritime cooperation with allies and strategic partners, flexing muscles against China and demonstrating its deterrence capabilities and determination. This also reflects Washington's consistent strategic intention in recent years - to enhance its conventional deterrence capability against China by uniting allies and strategic partners.

On April 30, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed the change of command ceremony for the US Indo-Pacific Command. At this event, he proposed a new approach as an "integrated deterrence." "We'll use existing capabilities, and build new ones, and use all of them in networked ways - hand in hand with our allies and partners," he said.

The US is eager to unite allies and partners, which reflects its strategic anxiety. After the 1995-96 Taiwan Straits crisis, China tried to develop key weapons to deter the US. At that time, the US was still able to deter China through its powerful conventional military forces. But with the advancement of China's military modernization over the past two decades, China has fully caught up with the US in terms of conventional military forces. However, the US' conventional deterrence capability in the Western Pacific has relatively declined. It has been critically questioned by US allies and partners, China, and even by many within the US.

Therefore, Washington is eager to find a solution. It believes a decline in its conventional deterrence capabilities will encourage Beijing to take adventurous actions. Based on such a judgment, Washington thinks it must strengthen its conventional deterrence capabilities. To achieve this goal, the US has no other choice but to unite and rope in its allies and strategic partners, as well as to strengthen security cooperation among key allies and strategic partners. Against this backdrop, the US has chosen to strengthen the Quad mechanism by transforming and upgrading the original US-India bilateral naval drill into a quadrilateral joint military exercise.

As the US keeps promoting its Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Quad mechanism has continued to deepen cooperation in the security field and made great progress in joint military exercises and intelligence sharing. This has indeed brought some strategic pressure to China.

However, the cooperation between Washington and its allies and partners in the security field should not be exaggerated, and it would be inaccurate to claim that the quadrilateral mechanism is becoming NATO-like. The US will undoubtedly continue to strengthen its security cooperation with India, Australia, and Japan to counterbalance China, but we need to see the limitations of the US strategy.

On the one hand, the strengthening of the Quad mechanism reflects the fact that China's military growth is for sure putting enormous external pressure on the US in the Indo-Pacific region. This has worried the US strategic community. As a result, Washington has taken aggressive defensive measures to counterbalance Beijing. On the other hand, India, Australia, and Japan have their own interests in security issues. Washington cannot have a monopoly on the Quad mechanism, even though it is led by the US.

As for China, there is definitely a need for it to counter the US' strengthening of the security cooperation among the Quad countries. However, we should also look at it in a normal way, and not be overly nervous. It is expected that China's military power will grow steadily. The Quad countries need to take such a reality into account as a constant factor. For China, it is crucial to seek a balance between controlling external pressure and responding to it.

The author is a research fellow at the National Academy of Development and Strategy, Renmin University of China. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202108/1231167.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332463

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

==>>14311486

Australian journalist fans flames of conspiracy theory

China Daily

Aug 3, 2021

Australian journalist Sharri Markson actively fans the flames of the Wuhan lab leak conspiracy theory and politicizes the Covid origins investigations with the rightwing circle in the US. She achieved big money and fame, but helped to poison the international community's rhetoric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrevSxpH0P8

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332475

File: fb6c54e0cc0b9e3⋯.jpg (117.36 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Japanese_Defence_Minister_….jpg)

Japan calls on Australia to lead resistance to China’s regional sway

Eryk Bagshaw - August 12, 2021

1/2

Japan’s Defence Minister has warned China is trying to change the status quo in the region by force and has called on Australia and other allies to step up to ensure Beijing’s dominance is not inevitable.

In some of his strongest comments on the deteriorating security situation across the Indo-Pacific, Nobuo Kishi said the shifting power balance between the US and China “has become very conspicuous” while a military battle over Taiwan had “skewed greatly in favour of China”.

“Japan’s defence policy is not targeted at any specific nation. But given that the security environment surrounding Japan is getting even harsher, we must build a structure where we can protect ourselves,” Kishi told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age in an interview in his office at the Defence Ministry in Tokyo.

“[China] is trying to change the status quo unilaterally backed by force and coercion. And they’re trying to make it into a fait accompli.”

The 62-year-old younger brother of former prime minister Shinzo Abe said it was up to the Japanese Parliament to decide if the country needed to change its pacifist constitution to meet its security needs.

“For us to be able to respond to those challenges, what we must do is enhance our defence capabilities on our own,” he said.

“There could be a constitutional debate in [autumn] this year in the national Diet, but this is a matter for the Diet. I will refrain from making such comments.”

Liberal Democratic Party MPs have spent decades arguing for changes to the constitution that would give its self-defence forces greater power to join conflicts in which there is a collective interest. A legislative reinterpretation in 2014 allowed Japan’s military to defend other allies if war was declared upon them, but Abe left office last year without a constitutional legacy and the debate has since been overshadowed by the coronavirus and the Olympics.

Kishi said Tokyo had been paying particularly close attention to the South China Sea and the East China Sea where it has disputed territories with China. He welcomed the arrival of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and a German frigate in the region but said the military gap between China and Taiwan was growing “year by year”.

China regards the democratic island of Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be united with the mainland by 2049. In a show of force, Beijing has flown more than 300 warplanes towards its neighbour over the past 12 months.

“The defence stability of Taiwan is very important, not just for Japan’s security, but for the stability of the world as well,” said Kishi.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332483

File: 86da0dabd7c0057⋯.jpg (104.13 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Japanese_Defence_Minister_….jpg)

>>14332475

2/2

The former executive at Japanese corporate giant Sumitomo, who lived in Melbourne in the early 2000s, said he was counting on Australia to take a leadership role in south-east Asia and the Pacific to counter the influence of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

The Free and Open Indo-Pacific is the Japan-led alternative to the Belt and Road. It has struggled since 2016 to get global traction for its program of quality infrastructure including ports, railways, roads, energy and technology, but got a boost when it was embraced by US President Joe Biden in March.

So far, Japan has done most of the spending and invested more than $258 billion across Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Tokyo was concerned by a lack of funding for south-east Asia in last year’s Australian federal budget as China escalated its vaccine, infrastructure and economic diplomacy across the region. Canberra has since committed $500 million to ASEAN and a $1.5 billion budget support loan to Indonesia.

“South-east Asia is an area where we have critical feelings,” said Kishi. “Australia is quite influential in the south-east Asian region as well as over the Pacific Islands.

“So, I would like to expect leadership to be demonstrated by Australia in promoting this vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” he said, referring to the Japan-led scheme.

Australia has not had any ministerial contact with Beijing for more than 18 months after a series of public disputes over national security, human rights and the coronavirus.

Kishi said the best way to have an honest dialogue with Beijing was to do so directly in private meetings.

“We make use of summit meetings as well as ministerial-level meetings to convey to them frankly what our concerns are one by one and ask them to take concrete action,” he said.

“We have conveyed to them our strong concerns about their behaviour. But at the same time we have a long-standing economic relationship as well as a cultural one on top of military developments.”

Japan’s opposition leader Yukio Edano reaffirmed his bipartisan approach support for Australia in its ongoing dispute with China in a separate interview with this masthead last week.

Kishi said his older brother Abe, Japan’s longest serving prime minister, had returned to full health after resigning from the top job last year to seek treatment for ulcerative colitis.

“He was convalescing, and now has no particular health problems,” he said. “He is currently back in his political activities.”

The comments are likely to fuel speculation over the future of current prime minister Yoshihide Suga who faces approval ratings in the low 30s despite Japan delivering an Olympics in the middle of a pandemic and a record gold medal haul.

“The number one priority or the challenge for the Suga government now is COVID-19 and restoring the economy back,” said Kishi.

A federal election is due by October and the country is grappling to get more than 15,000 coronavirus cases a day under control, despite having less than 500 cases within the Olympic bubble.

“There have been a variety of views in Japan. With this increase in the number of infection cases, there are many people who are critical of the Olympic Games being hosted in Japan,” said Kishi.

“But by organising a safe Olympic Games, we hope that this could lead to people giving credit to the Japanese government.“

https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/japan-calls-on-australia-to-lead-resistance-to-china-s-regional-sway-20210811-p58hrr.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14332513

File: 69ba7697c044f00⋯.jpg (99.22 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Prince_Andrew_denies_havin….jpg)

File: 6b3ef0bd05b850f⋯.jpg (77.15 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Prince_Andrew_pictured_wit….jpg)

>>14311596

‘Additional evidence’: Other women to testify against Prince Andrew, says lawyer

Josie Ensor and Victoria Ward - August 12, 2021

New York: New evidence that links Prince Andrew with his alleged victim is set to emerge after other women indicated that they were prepared to testify against him, a lawyer claimed.

Australian-based Virginia Roberts Giuffre, an accuser of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, filed a lawsuit in New York this week accusing Andrew, the Duke of York, of “rape in the first degree”.

Her lawyer, David Boies, said his team was preparing to present fresh testimony that would throw further doubt on the prince’s account.

“You will see additional evidence,” he said. “You’ve heard testimony about other girls who saw Andrew with Virginia, and there will be additional testimony about that from the same woman, but from some other women, too.”

Boies was referring to Johanna Sjoberg, the only other accuser to have come forward publicly to allege sexual contact with the royal.

Sjoberg, 41, accused Andrew of groping her by taking a “Spitting Image” puppet of himself and placing its hand on her breast in London in 2001.

Andrew’s spokesman declined to comment on the claim.

Andrew, 61, is at Balmoral with the Queen, having left for Scotland with his former wife Sarah, the Duchess of York, on Tuesday, just hours before a US summons was approved by a court clerk and sent to Royal Lodge, his Windsor home.

He is said to have 21 days to respond or face “judgement by default”.

Giuffre has not put a figure on the compensation she is seeking for “significant emotional and psychological harm” but is asking for both compensatory and punitive damages.

Boies said: “Both categories will be substantial. A person’s declared wealth does come into consideration with respect to punitive damages.”

Albert D’Aquino, a New York lawyer, said that while punitive damages were discretionary for a jury, they were generally limited to no more than 20 to 25 per cent of a defendant’s net worth, and were “more typically less than that”.

David McClure, a royal finances expert and author of The Queen’s True Worth said the duke’s finances were “shrouded in a pea-soup fog of impenetrability”.

“Judging by the fact that the Queen is known to bankroll less well-off members of her family, it’s logical to assume that if he was short of funds and had a big outlay in terms of legal bills that she would help,” he added.

Andrew’s legal team has been locked in discussions about how to deal with the lawsuit and has so far refused to comment publicly.

A lawyer suggested that the team would want to delay proceedings until they knew the outcome of a civil case Giuffre brought against lawyer Alan Dershowitz, whom she has accused of sexual assault, as well as the criminal trial of socialite Ghislaine Maxwell on sex trafficking charges.

“They will want to see how the Dershowitz case goes to establish whether Ms Giuffre is deemed a credible witness,” the lawyer told the London Telegraph.

Boies said: “They could be stalling but delay does not help him because nothing that’s going to happen in either the Maxwell or Dershowitz case is going to help him. The more that is exposed, the more information we find out. Time is not on their side.”

Giuffre has alleged she was trafficked to the duke and sexually abused on three separate occasions, when she was 17 in London, New York and the US Virgin Islands. The duke has said he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre, now 38, and denies sleeping with her.

“You’re not going to find anybody who was present in the room when they [are alleged to have] had sex,” Boies said. “What you will have is more evidence that refutes his [Prince Andrew’s] assertion that he never knew her, or as his most modification has it, that he doesn’t recall meeting her.

“He’s going to have a very difficult time when his deposition is taken because now he’s got to answer questions under oath, subject to cross-examination and there will be lots of difficult questions.”

Boies, 80, a litigator known for his successful prosecution of Microsoft, said his team had tried to make contact with the Andrew’s representatives for five years, but never received a reply.

https://www.theage.com.au/world/europe/additional-evidence-other-women-to-testify-against-prince-andrew-says-lawyer-20210812-p58i4y.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342413

File: 883bd9636e8da8b⋯.jpg (67.51 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, Cheng_Lei_Cheng_is_engulfe….jpg)

File: f59f63c17bdf5c0⋯.jpg (74.02 KB, 768x1025, 768:1025, Tadek_Markowski.jpg)

>>14092455

`How China ‘disappeared’ Australian journalist Cheng Lei

WILL GLASGOW - AUGUST 12, 2021

1/2

Cheng Lei’s colleagues were horrified.

The single mother of two children — one of the highest-profile Australians living in China — had been nabbed by secret police in Beijing. That was August 13 — a year ago, this Friday.

Her co-workers in the headquarters of the China Global Television Network, China’s English-language state broadcaster, only found out when someone on the Beijing breaking news desk saw a report in international media.

Staff in the futuristic office, which looms over Beijing’s CBD, were stunned. None of their bosses had mentioned that the anchor and face of CGTN’s business coverage had “disappeared”.

Eight days earlier, management had made them sign a strange legal document, called a nondisclosure undertaking.

“Everyone — all the foreign staff — were given one to sign,” Tadek Markowski tells The Australian. “You can draw your own conclusions from that.”

When the news broke, Markowski immediately wrote an email to his duty manager.

“Make no mistake, this will send shockwaves through the entirety of the foreign staff,” he wrote, in correspondence shared with The Australian.

“Cheng Lei has children back in Australia, as do myself and others. Her kids must be worried sick … Imagine what all of our families must now be thinking.”

Within weeks, Markowski quit the network and joined his family in Queensland, ending a seven-year career at CGTN.

“I found it very difficult to be at my desk, in the building, and pretend that it was business as usual,” he says, speaking publicly for the first time about his friend and colleague’s ordeal.

The horrific plight of Cheng has coincided with the most profound breakdown in Australia’s political relationship with China in 50 years. Along with two Canadians, Michael Spavor and ­Michael ­Kovrig, hers is the most notorious detention of a foreign national in China. On Wednesday, Spavor was given an 11-year sentence for “spying and illegally providing state ­secrets to other countries”. But this is much more than a bilateral story.

A different time

Cheng — who turned 46 in a Beijing prison cell in June — has been engulfed in a political crackdown overseen by President Xi Jinping. It has spread across business, education and all of Chinese society.

State media was never going to escape it.

Xi took over as the Communist Party’s leader in November 2012, weeks before Cheng started at China’s English-language broadcaster. Back then, talented journalists were joining the expanding network from all around the world. It was an optimistic time, back when engagement with China was still America’s — and Australia’s — foreign policy.

Now many are leaving, disturbed by Beijing’s increasing editorial intrusion.

Christine Schiffner left her job as the director of news gathering at CGTN’s Washington DC bureau weeks before Cheng was detained. Schiffner, who previously worked for Germany’s public broadcaster, ARD, said the network’s coverage of Xinjiang made her increasingly uncomfortable.

“It was just a line I couldn’t cross,” she tells The Australian in her first interview since leaving the state broadcaster.

The interference ramped up in her last six months after a new Chinese manager was installed to oversee the American operations.

As the coronavirus spread around the world, things only got worse. “Beijing wanted us to follow up on these stories and find these people to prove that the virus did not originate in Wuhan but originated somewhere else,” says Schiffner.

On a visit in 2016 to CGTN’s parent network, China Central Television — with which it shares its Beijing office — Xi could not have been clearer about his media philosophy: “Media run by the party and the government are the propaganda fronts and must have the party as their family name.”

That sort of editorial intrusion took a while to reach CGTN, at least in America.

“I can only imagine what Cheng Lei went through in Beijing. I had a little bit more freedom living in the States — but in Beijing, what do you do?”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342421

File: 076943c0948e474⋯.jpg (104.07 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Sky_News_reporter_Annelise….jpg)

File: 581642116609b29⋯.jpg (47.88 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Clint_DeLoatch.jpg)

>>14342413

2/2

A Facebook diary entry Cheng posted in February, during the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, suggests her news sense was bumping into the tightening state media strictures.

“Last night I had dinner with my friend Haze who’s also in TV, we are both lobbying our bosses to let us go to Wuhan to report, and not succeeding,” she wrote. By December that friend — Haze Fan, a Chinese journalist working at Bloomberg — had been detained as well on “suspicion of endangering national security”.

‘See the difference’

Cheng joined the state broadcaster from America’s CNBC, where she had worked for almost a decade. Her star rose fast. So did her fan base.

Annelise Nielsen, now Sky News’s Washington correspondent, worked at CGTN’s Beijing headquarters for a year in 2016.

“When I got there everyone said, ‘You’ve got to meet Cheng Lei!’,” Nielsen recalls. “They just loved her. She was adored.”

The University of Queensland commerce graduate was hugely respected in the Beijing journalism community.

Management liked her too. She regularly won the station’s quarterly excellence awards.

And — incredibly — to this day, CGTN’s official slogan, “See the difference”, was the three-word entry Cheng made in an all-staff competition in 2017 when the network was rebranding.

Cheng’s videos and profile page were purged from CGTN’s websites in the days after her sudden disappearance. But “See the difference” remains the network’s slogan, emblazoned around its Beijing headquarters and still running across the channel. It is part of the reason former colleagues are in disbelief at what has happened to her.

“I am so sorry and disheartened that the Chinese authorities would accuse her of anything subversive,” says Clint DeLoatch, a veteran of CNN who worked with Cheng for three years.

“It’s a catastrophe,” says Daryl Guppy, a board member of the Australia China Business Council, who still writes a weekly column for CGTN.

For the first six months after her arrest, the Australian was held in what China’s authorities euphemistically call “residential surveillance at a designated location” in a secret facility in Beijing.

That involved sleep deprivation, intimidation by multiple interrogators and other abuse, as China’s Ministry of State Security tried to gain evidence to build a case against her.

In February, Cheng was moved into a different prison cell, with two other inmates, after she was accused of “unlawfully supplying or intending to supply state secrets or intelligence to an overseas organisation or individual”.

No further details have been made public. No trial date has been set. She has not been allowed to speak to her children — now 12 and 10 — who are living with her elderly mother in Melbourne.

Australian diplomats, including ambassador Graham Fletcher, have been given access to monthly consular meetings over video. The summaries are nightmarish. April’s visit began with Cheng being brought into the communication room blindfolded, masked and handcuffed, accompanied by four guards.

At her July visit, friends report Cheng somehow kept her sense of humour, as the guards oversaw her stilted exchange with Australia’s diplomats.

“She’s a tough person. She has a big well, I think you’d say, of toughness,” says Markowski.

“It’s just so shocking,” says Schiffner. “What’s the advantage for the Chinese of keeping her in prison? I just don’t understand.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/how-china-disappeared-australian-journalist-cheng-lei/news-story/be656977bc51818f3acc2dfb7e51ed54

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342555

File: 50f796c43aaccba⋯.jpg (109.96 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Police_officers_patrol_thr….jpg)

>>14020199

Sydney readies for more military support as Delta sweeps city

Renju Jose - August 13, 2021

SYDNEY, Aug 13 (Reuters) - More defence personnel could begin patrolling Sydney from next week to help ensure compliance of lockdown rules as officials on Friday warned of a surge in cases in Australia's largest city after it reported its biggest daily rise in infections yet.

"Unfortunately, this trend (in cases) will continue for at least the next few days," New South Wales (NSW) state premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney, the state capital.

As daily COVID-19 cases hover near record highs in the city, the defence department said they have received a request for extra personnel to help support state police to enforce home-quarantine orders in the worst-affected suburbs.

"Defence is preparing to deploy an additional 200 personnel commencing Monday … to assist NSW police force," a defence department spokesperson told Reuters.

More than 500 unarmed army personnel are already helping police in Sydney, including monitoring compliance activities at hotels and airports.

Despite a nearly seven-week lockdown in Sydney, NSW state reported 390 new locally acquired cases, most of the cases in the city, eclipsing the previous daily high of 356 set on Tuesday. Daily cases have topped 300 for the past four days.

Two new deaths have been recorded, taking the total number of deaths in the latest outbreak in the state to 38.

Several regional towns in NSW are also in lockdown due to people breaching the Sydney lockdown and spreading the virus. One of the most concerning is in the town of Walgett in far northwest NSW where 80% of the population is indigenous.

Australian authorities have always feared a COVID-19 outbreak in disadvantaged indigenous communities.

Berejiklian said the surge in the highly infectious Delta variant has never been "tested in this magnitude in Australia", but stopped short of announcing tougher restrictions and implored Sydney's five million residents to strictly follow the existing curbs to contain the outbreak.

"I am a bit tired of hearing people say they don't know what they are supposed to do," Berejiklian said.

The surge in cases comes as Australia's national cabinet is due to meet later on Friday amid worries the Delta outbreaks in NSW could seep through the country, where only about 25% of people above 16 are fully vaccinated.

Some states have closed their borders with NSW or enforced restricted entry to stop the spread.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, under fire for a sluggish vaccination rollout, has been calling fellow world leaders in a bid to procure immediate vaccine shipments, the Australian Financial Review reported on Friday, as the latest outbreaks have spurred a surge in people getting inoculated.

The prime minister's office did not respond to requests seeking comment.

Australia's two largest cities - Sydney and Melbourne - are in extended lockdowns while residents in the country's capital city of Canberra woke up on Friday to their first strict stay-home restrictions in more than a year.

Despite the recent outbreaks, Australia still has far lower COVID-19 numbers than many other countries in the developed world, with just over 38,100 cases and 948 deaths.

In Victoria, 15 new local cases were detected, all of them in Melbourne, down from 21 on Thursday. Of the new cases, seven have spent time outside while infectious, the state's health department said. Eleven are linked to the current outbreak.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-victoria-state-reports-15-local-covid-19-cases-2021-08-12/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342642

File: f19292a036fff91⋯.jpg (596.74 KB, 2048x1787, 2048:1787, Malka_Leifer_as_sketched_i….jpg)

>>14304044

Media suppression order in Leifer case granted

A five-day committal hearing to weigh evidence for a trial has been set to begin on September 13.

PETER KOHN - August 12, 2021

A MAGISTRATE has imposed a nationwide media suppression order on medical information relating to Dassi Erlich, an alleged sexual abuse victim of former Adass Israel School principal Malka Leifer.

At an online special mention in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, magistrate Johanna Metcalf ruled on an application made by Erlich for the suppression of her medical records.

The magistrate said the suppression order was justified due to “the nature of the information … sensitivity of it, in circumstances where there [are] allegations of sexual assault … this complainant [Erlich] has previously had proceedings in court before the Supreme Court where a finding was made, and she has indicated herself that she feels that the publication of these matters would be detrimental to her health and clearly there are some highly sensitive details contained in those records.

“I’m satisfied, due to the high interest in this case, that it’s appropriate to make an order that extends beyond Victoria,” she said, adding that the order would apply for the duration of the proceedings, including the relevant appeal period.

Metcalf also ruled that prosecutors hand over medical information from a civil case brought by Erlich in 2015, as well as a set of documents compiled “in a forensic capacity” that could determine Erlich’s credibility.

Leifer, who was extradited from Israel to Australia earlier this year, faces 74 charges relating to child sexual abuse allegedly committed between 2004-08, but claims she is innocent.

She did not appear at Monday’s online session. A five-day committal hearing to weigh evidence for a trial has been set to begin on September 13.

https://www.australianjewishnews.com/media-suppression-order-in-leifer-case-granted/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342787

File: 0b4228922c2a1ca⋯.jpg (443.93 KB, 1200x720, 5:3, Will_criticism_of_Turnbull….jpg)

Will criticism of Turnbull, Rudd make a difference on Morrison's China policy?

Chen Hong - Aug 12, 2021

It is very rare for a sitting head of state to be criticized by a predecessor, so it is exceptionally uncommon that two of Australia's former prime ministers, Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull, both spoke out at a webinar on Tuesday in unison with strong disapproval of the China policy of the current administration in Canberra under Scott Morrison.

It is a naked fact that the Morrison government has wreaked unprecedented havocs upon Australia's relations with China. The previously constructive and mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership between Australia and China has been recklessly ravaged to an almost irreparable point. Constant accusatory tones set with megaphone diplomacy have replaced mutual respect and trust. High-level officials in Canberra have even been preposterously instigating military confrontation with China, alleging that "drums of war" are beating for the Australian Defence Force to fight with the China's People's Liberation Army.

There are certainly domestic politics at play. Morrison and his government have been putting up, in Turnbull's words, an "Antipodean Trump performance, flinging abuse left, right and center" for their own partisan interests. There seems to be a championship contest of hairy-chested bellicose Aussie politicians. This is creating a toxic culture for Australia's political arena. It is misleading and deluding the public with the discreditable creation of a demonized image of China.

When sentiments of fear have been stoked up, self-interested politicians shamelessly profit from their crafty moves by ramping up the China threat theory. Australia's long term national interest has simply been cast aside for petty and ephemeral political gains.

What makes matter even worse is Canberra's obsessive attachment to Washington's anti-China strategy. It is indeed spearheading the scare and smear campaign with what Rudd called "the rhetorical overdrive stick." On a number of issues, Canberra has outdone Washington and many of its other allies to frame and blame China. This has entailed imposing discriminatory regimes to thwart China's lawful business initiatives, interfering with China's cooperation and investment projects with other countries, especially in the South Pacific, and challenging a series of guardrail "bottom-line issues," in particular those related to Xinjiang, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Such perverse hostilities seem to have become interminable and customary with Morrison, along with the right wing in his administration. In his recent response to the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report on global climate change, Morrison once again imprudently attempted to shift the public focus by maliciously accusing and making unreasonable demands to Beijing in order not to set a net zero target for Australia's carbon emission. There is a very aggressive tone of antagonism in his mind-set about China, a kind of belligerence without any regard of the likely costs to the bilateral relations.

One egregious aftermath is that the Chinese community in Australia has been seriously impacted in such a toxic atmosphere of hate and rancor. A Lowy Institute survey conducted earlier this year revealed an outrageous fact: Almost one-in-five respondents say they have been physically threatened or attacked because of their heritage and about a third said they had been verbally abused. Australia prides itself of being a nation of cultural and social tolerance and diversity. But the current prevailing political animosity toward China has clearly undermined "the success of our (Australia's) multicultural society" with a resurgence of bellicose racism and White supremacism.

Both Rudd and Turnbull rightly criticized Canberra's "grossly irresponsible and reckless language" as "absolutely contrary to Australia's national interests." On a separate occasion, Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce also urged his government to exert caution in its China policy.

"Talk less, do more," this is what Rudd counseled Morrison when dealing with China. However, it is not merely Canberra's incendiary words, but injurious deeds, that have propelled the bilateral relations into the downward spiral. Australia has its own national interest to prioritize rather than serving Washington's strategy to preserve its global hegemony. It therefore takes prudence and wisdom for the Morrison government to think wisely before it leaps into the anti-China trap set up by Washington.

The author is president of the Chinese Association of Australian Studies, and professor and Director of the Australian Studies Centre, East China Normal University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202108/1231335.shtml

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342833

File: 59d50a5fe72d76d⋯.jpg (22.27 KB, 283x271, 283:271, Ms_Guiffre_s_father_has_sl….jpg)

File: 59b999076e0b9e5⋯.jpg (149.43 KB, 960x677, 960:677, Prince_Andrew_has_always_d….jpg)

File: 91a6f01fd0d3a88⋯.jpg (145.23 KB, 912x891, 304:297, Ms_Giuffre_s_lawyers_claim….jpg)

File: b16c994cfa0cd12⋯.jpg (74.64 KB, 960x540, 16:9, She_also_claimed_the_Duke_….jpg)

>>14311596

ROYAL RAGE: Furious dad of Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Roberts tells Royal ‘you should be ashamed of yourself’ over rape lawsuit

James Beal and Mat Sanchez - 12 Aug 2021

VIRGINIA Giuffre’s dad says he is “proud” of his daughter for her lawsuit against Prince Andrew and has told the royal: “You should be ashamed of yourself.”

Sky Roberts, 65, let rip after Virginia, 38, filed a civil suit against the duke in New York, claiming he sexually abused her three times when she was 17.

Andrew has fiercely denied any allegations, says he has no memory of even meeting alleged victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre, and he had no suspicions of Epstein's wrongdoing during their friendship.

Speaking at his home in Summerfield, Florida, Sky – in his first comments on Virginia’s lawsuit – told The Sun: “I support my daughter 100 per cent.

“The royals are not above the law. That’s not the way it works. They can’t just do what they want. People fight back. That’s what Virginia is doing, she is fighting back.

“She has to do what she thinks is right.

“If Prince Andrew puts himself in my position, if this was happening to his daughter, how would he feel? He should be ashamed.

“Even though they have photos of them together, he pretends like he never met her. It makes me angry about the whole thing.

“I’m sure it was a hard decision for Virginia, but she has done it because it’s the right thing to do. Even though he has money, power, friends and lawyers.

“He has the money and the power, but I hope Virginia comes out ahead. She is persistent when she gets her mind set on something, so I think she will win. She will get her day in court.

“It’s brave and I’m proud of her.”

'VINDICATION'

The retired mechanical engineer believes the lawsuit will be “vindication” for his daughter over what happened to her.

She was just a teenager when he got her a job at the Mar-a-Lago resort, in Florida, where she was procured for Jeffrey Epstein by British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

Virginia, who now lives in Australia, claims the pair lent her out to a string of powerful men, including Prince Andrew.

Her dad has now joined the chorus of calls for Andrew to be held to account.

Sky added: “He gets to go about his life, he is not prosecuted for anything. He should face up to these charges. I think he is not cooperating because he knows he is guilty.

“I’m hoping this can set the record straight. I don’t think this is about money, it’s about doing the right thing. It’s about vindication.”

Giuffre's lawyers filed a lawsuit with a New York court claiming she was "lent out for sexual purposes" and "compelled" to have sex with Andrew.

She also claimed the Duke was aware she was 17 and knew she had been "trafficked" - claiming she was abused by him three times in London, New York and on Epstein's island in the Caribbean.

Ms Giuffre’s lawyers claim that they have made multiple attempts to contact the Duke and his legal team but have been ignored.

According to her lawyer the latest letter sent to Prince Andrew was sent last month, and warned that a lawsuit could be filed.

Espstein hanged himself in his prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking offences.

Andrew faces civil litigation with the 15-page suit for the first time after he allegedly abused Ms Giuffre when she was 17 at Ghislaine Maxwell's house in London.

Maxwell and Epstein are alleged to have run a global sex trafficking ring of young and underage girls who they lured in using their wealth and power before offering them to their pals.

Her legal team argue she was a "frightened, vulnerable child with no one there to protect her" when she was allegedly abused by Andrew, saying "no person, whether President or Prince, is above the law".

It is believed that the Duke of York will not be able to invoke the special royal diplomatic immunity which is enjoyed by his mum, The Queen.

The Sun has contacted a spokesman for Prince Andrew.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15853945/prince-andrew-dad-virginia-robert-royal-should-be-ashamed/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342860

File: 72da4dc7fb8a61b⋯.jpg (118.56 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Britain_s_Prince_Andrew_Du….jpg)

File: 624a6dd6f579e07⋯.jpg (75.4 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Prince_Andrew_and_Virginia….jpg)

File: 509d121fd62b849⋯.jpg (123.58 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Metropolitan_Police_Commis….jpg)

File: 897a677e16a28dd⋯.jpg (65.22 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, Paedophile_Jeffrey_Epstein.jpg)

>>14311596

Police review Andrew claims as ‘no one is above the law’

FIONA HAMILTON - AUGUST 13, 2021

Britain’s most senior police officer said yesterday “no one is above the law” as she revealed that detectives will review allegations of sexual abuse made against the Duke of York.

Scotland Yard has previously said it would not open a criminal investigation into claims by Virginia Giuffre that she was trafficked to London and forced to have sex with Prince Andrew.

Giuffre filed a civil suit in New York this week seeking damages. She is suing the duke for allegedly sexually assaulting her when she was 17, claiming that she was brought to the UK by the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to have sex with Andrew.

The duke has categorically denied having sex with Giuffre and said he has no recollection of meeting her.

Dame Cressida Dick, commissioner of the Metropolitan police, said a review of the case was under way. No investigation is taking place. She told LBC radio: “No one is above the law. It’s been reviewed twice before, we’ve worked closely with the CPS [Crown Prosecution Service].”

Dick indicated that the force would co-operate with the FBI, if asked. Detectives are studying the civil claim for any new information.

She added: “We are of course open to working with authorities from overseas, we will give them every assistance if they ask us for anything, within the law obviously. As a result of what’s going on I’ve asked my team to have another look at the material.”

The Met decided in 2016 that it was not the appropriate authority to carry out an investigation into the human trafficking allegation because it “would be largely focused on activities and relationships outside the UK”.

After Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died, aged 66, in a New York jail in August 2019, the force carried out a second review. Commander Alex Murray said then that its decision remained unchanged. Dick said yesterday that police had considered “is there evidence of a crime … is this the right jurisdiction for this to be dealt with and is the person against whom the crime is alleged still alive?” She believed the previous decisions not to open an investigation were right, but said: “We will of course review our position.”

David Boies, a lawyer acting for Giuffre, said this week that Andrew risked a default judgment if he did not engage in the civil process, adding: “You cannot hide behind wealth and power and palace walls”.

The Times reported yesterday that a source close to the Prince of Wales said the duke would never return to public life because of the lawsuit. Prince Charles believes that even if it fails the reputational risk is too great because of the reminder of Andrew’s friendship with Epstein.

Andrew is at Balmoral with the Queen, accompanied by his former wife, Sarah, and is holding long-distance talks with his lawyers.

Yesterday Charles was seen driving in Aberdeenshire with the Duchess of Cornwall. He had been touring Scotland to fulfil royal engagements.

The Met has previously said it had not received a formal request from US authorities asking for help in the case.

During her interview Dick reiterated how much she loved her job amid questions about her future when her contract expires next April. The Times revealed last month that she hopes for an extension. Dick said she had not yet had talks about her future with Priti Patel, the home secretary, and Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London.

Dick said plans for two weeks of climate protests by Extinction Rebellion over the August bank holiday were “extremely frustrating”. She added: “I don’t think London supports hugely disruptive protests.”

She defended the Met’s policing of the Euro 2020 final last month when ticketless England fans stormed Wembley. Dick said officers responded with courage and bravery.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/the-times/police-review-andrew-claims-as-no-one-is-above-the-law/news-story/80a91d9613bb1b9cdac28cc40504bec0

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342881

File: 89befad4533e060⋯.jpg (21.66 KB, 828x466, 414:233, Peter_Dutton_says_the_gove….jpg)

>>14064462

Allies to help Australia on Afghan rescues

Matt Coughlan - August 13, 2021

Australia will work with allied forces to extract citizens and visa holders from Afghanistan where the Taliban is making rapid battlefield gains.

Insurgents have taken control of 12 of Afghanistan's 34 provincial capitals with the United States and Australia ending a 20-year presence in the war-torn country.

The UK is deploying about 600 troops to help British citizens leave the country, while the US plans to send in 3000 to help evacuate some personnel from its embassy in Kabul.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia was working closely with the US and other nations engaged in getting people out of Afghanistan.

"We'll be working closely with them including when necessary using Australian Defence Force personnel to assist in securing that outcome," he told reporters in Canberra on Friday.

"Both for the safe passage of people who we are taking out of Afghanistan to Australia and also the remaining people who may still be there.

"It is a very serious issue and it is one the government has been progressing very carefully now for many, many months."

Since April about 400 Afghans who helped Australia's military efforts have been resettled through a special visa program for locally engaged employees.

"We have made a lot of ground on this issue in the last few months. We'll continue to do that," Mr Morrison said.

The prime minister described the Taliban's advances as upsetting and concerning but not surprising.

Asked what his message to Australians who served in Afghanistan only to see the enemy make rapid inroads, Mr Morrison said: "Fighting for what you believe in is always worth it."

Defence Minister Peter Dutton said the time frame for getting the remaining people out would depend on individual circumstances.

"Some people don't want to come out because they're performing work for an NGO or they're involved in some business still. That will be an issue for them," he told the Nine Network.

"But for those that want to come out, DFAT will be working with those people now."

Mr Dutton said nobody was suggesting Australia should have stayed for another 20 years to ward off the Taliban.

"Once the United States and other Allied partners there pulled out it was impossible for us with such a small force to stay."

https://www.perthnow.com.au/politics/remaining-aussies-could-leave-afghanistan-c-3670876

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342961

File: 58af51f07aedb49⋯.jpg (71.54 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Wuhan_mission_leader_Peter….jpg)

File: e670b01e897f45e⋯.jpg (201.06 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, The_P4_laboratory_left_on_….jpg)

Head of WHO Team Investigating Origins of Covid-19 Calls For Closer Look at China Lab

DREW HINSHAW, JEREMY PAGE and SUNE ENGEL RASMUSSEN - AUGUST 13, 2021

1/2

The Danish head of a World Health Organisation-led team that travelled to China earlier this year to probe the origins of Covid-19 called for closer scrutiny of a laboratory near the site of the first known cluster of cases at a market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

In comments broadcast by Denmark’s state-owned TV 2 and confirmed to The Wall Street Journal, Peter Ben Embarek, a food-safety specialist, said investigators should seek more information about the lab, a research facility run by the Wuhan Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr Ben Embarek’s remarks mark the biggest departure by a member of the WHO’s team from their view, expressed at a news conference in February, that a laboratory incident was too unlikely to merit further studies.

“It’s interesting that the lab relocated on the 2nd of December 2019: That’s the period where it all started,” Dr Ben Embarek said in the TV interview. “We know that when you move a lab, it disturbs everything…That entire procedure is always a disruptive element in the daily work routine of a lab.” The Wuhan CDC couldn’t be immediately reached for comment. In February, lab workers told the WHO-led team that there were no incidents or mishaps that could have unleashed a virus.

“The Wuhan CDC lab which moved on 2nd December 2019 reported no disruptions or incidents caused by the move,” the WHO’s joint report said. “They also reported no storage nor laboratory activities on CoVs [coronaviruses] or other bat viruses preceding the outbreak.” The debate over whether the coronavirus pandemic could have begun with a laboratory mishap has pitted the U.S. against China, and caused deep ruptures between virologists who reach difference conclusions on how likely the idea seems.

Chinese authorities, who say the virus couldn’t have come from a local lab, have suggested the pandemic could have started outside its borders.

The WHO team sent to study evidence on where the coronavirus came from was sharply constrained during its four-week trip — with two of those weeks spent in quarantine — and was mostly limited to listening through presentations from Chinese scientists and government officials who declined to provide raw data behind their conclusions.

China says it co-operated fully with the probe, and has encouraged the WHO to study whether the virus first began spreading elsewhere.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for further scrutiny of labs in Wuhan, and has offered to send experts as part of a second phase of studies. But diplomatic negotiations to conduct that work have stalled in recent weeks in the face of objections by Beijing.

“Searching for the origins of any novel pathogen is a difficult process, which is based on science, and takes collaboration, dedication and time, ” the WHO said in a statement. “In order to address the ‘lab hypothesis, ’ it is important to have access to all data and consider scientific best practice.” The Biden administration has ordered U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct a 90-day review of the available evidence. That review is set to wrap up at the end of this month. U.S. officials have warned that it is unlikely to reach a firm determination of whether the virus began with a lab accident, or in nature.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14342970

File: 99419e64972dd95⋯.jpg (249.46 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Volunteers_scan_codes_at_t….jpg)

>>14342961

2/2

In his televised remarks, Dr Ben Embarek focused on the Wuhan CDC lab. The lab is classified BSL-2, a safety level at which air ventilation controls aren’t particularly strict, as they are in more secure labs. At that level, lab workers are usually dealing with pathogens that either cause mild disease in humans or which don’t typically spread through small particles that linger in the air. Researchers at that level don’t necessarily wear masks.

The Wuhan CDC lab tested all of its staff for Covid-19 antibodies, it told the WHO in February. All staff tested negative, except one who tested positive, it said. That person was infected “due to family cluster transmission,” the WHO-led team’s report’s annex says.

There is no mention of whether the tests were carried out early enough to detect antibodies, which can fade over time, and no blood samples were preserved.

But Dr Ben Embarek is the first to so explicitly question the team’s conclusion, published in a joint report with Chinese counterparts, that a lab accident was an “extremely unlikely” hypothesis.

That wording was only reached after a 48 hour period of intense negotiations with Chinese counterparts said Dr Ben Embarek, who said he would have preferred to designate an accident inside a lab as merely “unlikely.” Beyond that, he said he considered it a stronger possibility that a lab worker interacting with bats in nature could have been the pandemic’s patient zero.

“An employee who was infected in the field while collecting samples falls under one of the likely hypotheses,” he said. “That is where the virus jumps directly from a bat to a human. In this case, it would be a lab employee instead of a random villager or another person or some other person who is regularly in contact with bats.” He said he was intrigued by the fact that the lab relocated just as the pandemic was beginning, and said he only learned about the move after it came up in conversation with Chinese researchers.

The lab hadn’t published any work with bats since 2013, he said. “That doesn’t mean they haven’t worked with bats since,” he said, in the interview, which he said was conducted around April but held while TV2 awaited clarity on whether future studies will be conducted. “As far as we understand, they work mostly with parasites, not as much with viruses, so they have worked on parasites from bats.” “It’s also possible that someone is trying to hide something,” he added. “Who knows?”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/the-wall-street-journal/head-of-who-team-investigating-origins-of-covid19-calls-for-closer-look-at-china-lab/news-story/7d07fa106afca54faa7387bf792a036a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14343347

File: b2dd93494293930⋯.jpg (449.59 KB, 1440x1080, 4:3, The_Wuhan_Institute_of_Vir….jpg)

>>14342961

Wuhan lab door slammed on Covid inquiry by China

WILL GLASGOW - AUGUST 13, 2021

China is refusing to allow inter­national scientists access to a laboratory in Wuhan in a hardball attempt to shape the terms of the World Health Organisation’s ­investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

Peter Ben Embarek, the Danish head of a WHO-led team that travelled to China earlier this year, said investigators needed more information about the ­research facility in Wuhan.

The WHO added further pressure on Beijing after Professor Ben Embarek’s comments were broadcast. “Searching for the origins of any novel pathogen is a difficult process, which is based on science, and takes collaboration, dedication and time,” the WHO said in a statement.

“In order to address the ‘lab hypothesis’ it is important to have access to all data and consider scientific best practice.”

Speaking in Beijing, Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu on Friday said China would not allow the WHO’s proposed second phase of investigation to go ahead because it was “political”.

“This is negotiation and diplomacy,” said Dominic Dwyer, the Australian member of the expert team that conducted the first stage of investigation. “The Chinese do feel the laboratory leak is highly unlikely. They are not keen for people to come and ­investigate in the absence of any evidence – and that’s the diplomacy part.”

Beijing launched a sweeping trade coercion campaign on Australia after the Morrison government in April led calls for an independent inquiry into the origins of the pandemic, which has killed more than four million ­people. Bans have been imposed on Australian exports to China worth more than $20bn a year.

A spokesman for Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade called on Beijing to co-operate, so the world could prevent future pandemics. “We believe that further studies must have access to all relevant data,” the spokesman said.

“Australia has consistently called for a transparent, independent, scientific review into the origins of the virus and for work to progress with momentum, ­including in China.”

Beijing has further ramped up its disinformation campaign ahead of the late August deadline of a report US President Joe Biden has ordered from his intelligence agencies into the origins of the coronavirus.

Chinese state-controlled media published articles this week citing comments by a fabricated Swiss biologist called “Wilson Edwards”, who claimed WHO sources had told him that Washington was politicising the Covid investigation. Staff at Switzerland’s embassy in Beijing later confirmed that no such scientist existed.

The majority of scientists on the WHO team have said that the coronavirus most likely jumped to humans from a bat or other wild animal.

Banks of donated blood in Wuhan and other Chinese cities, along with further study of China’s wild animals trade, are key focuses of the proposed second phase of investigation.

But in an interview with Denmark’s state-owned TV 2, Dr Ben Embarek said the lab run by the Wuhan Centre for Disease Control could be linked to hypotheses the WHO team thought were much more likely.

“An employee who was infected in the field while collecting samples falls under one of the likely hypotheses,” he said. “That is where the virus jumps directly from a bat to a human. In this case, it would be a lab employee instead of a random villager.”

Dr Ben Embarek said he would have preferred to class a lab accident as “unlikely” rather than “extremely unlikely”, as was published in the official report.

The Danish food-safety specialist said that form of words was reached after a 48-hour ­period of intense negotiations with Chinese counterparts.

Despite Beijing’s refusals, Professor Dwyer said he was optimistic the WHO inquiry would continue. “It’s too important not to go ahead,” he said.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/world/head-of-who-team-investigating-origins-of-covid19-calls-for-closer-look-at-china-lab/news-story/7d07fa106afca54faa7387bf792a036a

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

212be5  No.14345780

testtest

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14346911

File: 4070aee8742399c⋯.jpg (74.08 KB, 704x430, 352:215, Durham_considering_prosecu….jpg)

Durham considering prosecutions and scrutinizing Trump-Russia tipsters: Report

Jerry Dunleavy - August 13, 2021

1/2

Special counsel John Durham is reportedly considering criminal prosecutions of FBI agents and others as he investigates information provided to the FBI in 2016 that spurred on the Trump-Russia investigation, with the federal prosecutor reportedly scrutinizing whether the tipsters knew their claims were false.

Former Attorney General William Barr quietly appointed Durham to be special counsel in October after assigning him the task as a prosecutor in May 2019, and a report from the Wall Street Journal says it has continued, presenting information to a grand jury and looking into possible prosecutions beyond the single guilty plea from ex-FBI lawyer Kevin Clinesmith.

Durham “has been examining potential criminal charges against several lower-level FBI employees, and people who aren’t in government,” according to the outlet, citing "people familiar with the matter." Durham prosecutors “have focused on people outside the FBI who provided information that helped to fuel the 2016 investigation.” Durham’s team is reportedly “examining whether those who provided the information knew it was false at the time, and what the FBI subsequently did with it.”

Department of Justice Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report in December 2019 that concluded Christopher Steele's Democratic-funded dossier played a "central and essential" role in the FBI's effort to obtain wiretap orders against Trump campaign associate Carter Page. The DOJ watchdog criticized the bureau for at least 17 “significant errors and omissions."

Robert Mueller’s special counsel report in 2019 concluded the Russians interfered in the 2016 election in a “sweeping and systematic fashion" but "did not establish that members of the Trump campaign conspired or coordinated with the Russian government."

The new report said, “Durham has asked questions about evidence related to allegations that a Trump Organization server was secretly communicating with Russian bank Alfa Bank.”

Horowitz’s report shows Steele pushed the claim Alfa Bank was a secret conduit between Trump and the Kremlin during discussions with State Department DOJ officials in 2016.

Horowitz said, “The FBI investigated whether there were cyber links between the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank, but had concluded by early February 2017 that there were no such links.”

Steele testified in a British court that Democratic lawyer Michael Sussman provided him with claims about Alfa Bank’s purported ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a late July meeting. These allegations made their way into a mid-September 2016 memo that became part of Steele’s dossier. Shortly after writing that memo, Steele met with Democratic lawyer Marc Elias, who was the general counsel for Clinton’s campaign and had personally hired the opposition research firm Fusion GPS on the campaign’s behalf.

Sussman is reportedly the source for news stories in 2016 about alleged secretive server claims. Former FBI General Counsel James Baker testified in 2018 that Sussman shared the Alfa Bank claims with him during a September 2016 meeting.

Hillary Clinton tweeted on Halloween 2016 that “computer scientists have apparently uncovered a covert server linking the Trump Organization to a Russian-based bank.” She shared a statement from her campaign foreign policy adviser, Jake Sullivan, who is now Biden’s national security adviser, who said that “the secret hotline may be the key to unlocking the mystery of Trump’s ties to Russia.”

The new report also said, “Durham has focused on other sources of information to the FBI.”

Steele reportedly refused to hand notes over to Durham that the former MI6 agent took during meetings with the FBI in July and October 2016, as the now-special counsel scrutinizes whether the bureau improperly disclosed classified information to the former MI6 agent.

The FBI revealed to Steele that Trump foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos was under investigation after a "Friendly Foreign Government," then-Australian envoy Alexander Downer, relayed a conversation about Papadopoulos being told about alleged Russian dirt on Clinton, and Steele told Fusion GPS. The FBI also told Steele about Page, Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, and Trump campaign adviser Michael Flynn.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14346925

File: ae2fdebf410cfcf⋯.jpg (410.32 KB, 841x1119, 841:1119, Q_3674_Durham.jpg)

>>14346911

2/2

Horowitz said Steele's main source, Igor Danchenko, “contradicted the allegations of a ‘well-developed conspiracy’ in” Steele’s dossier. Durham is reportedly scrutinizing Danchenko’s prior work at the Brookings Institution.

Stefan Halper, a Cambridge professor, worked as an FBI informant in 2016 and recorded discussions with at least three Trump 2016 campaign members: Page, Papadopoulos, and campaign co-Chairman Sam Clovis. Collusion denials by the Trump campaign associates were not provided to the FISA court.

William Barnett, the FBI agent who handled Flynn's case in 2016 and 2017, called the Trump-Russia investigation “Collusion Clue" and argued many investigators were out to “get Trump.” The DOJ said Barnett said a claim Halper made about Flynn was not accurate.

The new report also said that “beyond the role of outside tipsters,” Durham has also “examined how the FBI first came to open the investigation."

Former FBI agent Peter Strzok admitted last year he got a key element about the genesis of the Trump-Russia investigation wrong in his book following a question from the Washington Examiner.

The “opening electronic communication” was authored by Strzok and authorized by FBI counterintelligence official Bill Priestap at the end of July 2016. The investigation looked into ties between the Trump campaign and Russia after Downer informed the United States about the claims from Papadopoulos, whom the FBI didn’t interview until January 2017. It was then that Papadopoulos revealed his April 2016 conversations with mysterious Maltese professor Joseph Mifsud, whom he claimed told him the Russians had damaging information on Clinton.

Horowitz found the FBI’s Trump-Russia investigation had “sufficient factual predication.” Barr and Durham disagreed, with the special counsel saying "we advised the inspector general that we do not agree with some of the report’s conclusions as to predication and how the FBI case was opened."

The new report also said Durham scrutinized a "2017 U.S. intelligence report” on Russian election interference, adding Durham “isn’t expected to bring any criminal charges in connection with that intelligence assessment.”

The January 2017 assessment from the CIA, the National Security Agency, and the FBI concluded with "high confidence" that Putin “ordered an influence campaign in 2016” and that Russia worked to “undermine public faith in the U.S. democratic process, denigrate former Secretary of State Clinton, and harm her electability and potential presidency” and “developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump.”

Adm. Mike Rogers of the NSA diverged from CIA Director John Brennan and FBI Director James Comey on one key aspect, expressing only “moderate confidence” rather than "high confidence" that Putin “aspired to help” Trump’s election chances by “discrediting” Clinton “and publicly contrasting her unfavorably to him.”

The Senate Intelligence Committee released a bipartisan report in April defending the 2017 assessment, saying it “presents a coherent and well-constructed intelligence basis for the case of unprecedented Russian interference.”

But a report from the Republicans leading the House Intelligence Committee in 2018 concluded that "judgments on Putin's strategic intentions did not … employ proper analytic tradecraft."

Durham is looking into whether the CIA director took politicized actions to pressure the rest of the intelligence community to match his conclusions about Putin’s motivations.

The new report said Durham “is presenting evidence to a grand jury and preparing a lengthy report expected to be completed in the coming months.” Durham’s report was supposedly supposed to be finished “by the end of this summer, though that target is likely to be pushed back.” The report “is expected to be long and detailed, with few sweeping conclusions.”

The Biden Justice Department said last month it agrees that “in addition to the confidential report” Durham is required to submit to DOJ, he should also submit his final report “in a form that will permit public dissemination.”

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/durham-considering-prosecutions-scrutinizing-trump-russia-tipsters

https://qanon.pub/#3674

https://qanon.pub/?q=Durham

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347185

File: aae6285827757f7⋯.jpg (126.52 KB, 1280x721, 1280:721, The_site_where_Ben_Roberts….jpg)

File: c37dfc3586ee98c⋯.jpg (212.84 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Emma_Roberts_according_to_….jpg)

File: d07a552029ebdd8⋯.jpg (148.15 KB, 768x1023, 256:341, The_site_where_Ben_Roberts….jpg)

File: 484eeb0d7f450ef⋯.jpg (139.41 KB, 768x1024, 3:4, Another_photo_taken_of_the….jpg)

File: eaa4e5dfbb08ba5⋯.jpg (145.84 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_says_he_….jpg)

>>14035776

Ben Roberts-Smith’s alleged USB backyard burial revealed in pictures taken by his ex wife

PERRY DUFFIN - AUGUST 13, 2021

Ben Roberts-Smith denies burying any military files in his backyard – but his wife photographed the patch of dirt where she allegedly unearthed a box of USBs filled with sensitive information.

Mr Roberts-Smith is suing Nine for defamation over allegations he committed war crimes in Afghanistan.

Nine, earlier this year, claimed Mr Roberts-Smith buried USBs containing photographs from his tours in Afghanistan and mission information in his backyard.

The Federal Court, on Friday, released black and white grainy photos of a hose reel, next to an airconditioning unit, on top of what appears to be dirt and rocks.

The images were taken by Mr Roberts-Smith’s ex wife, Emma Roberts, and included in court documents related to her best friend – Danielle Scott.

Both women will testify against Mr Roberts-Smith saying he pressured his ex-wife to lie about the final months of their marriage.

Ms Scott’s court documents claim Ms Roberts suspected her husband had buried something in the backyard.

When Ms Scott was visiting, on March 16 2020, she and Ms Roberts began searching the property to see if they could find anything.

They found a rock beneath a hose reel and used a pitchfork to dig, court documents state.

“About 10-15cm down they found a lunch box which contained six USBs that had been placed in a plastic snap lock bag,” the documents say.

Ms Scott claims she copied the documents and the USBs were returned to their underground hiding spot.

Three months later, Ms Scott’s documents claim, Ms Roberts took photographs of the hiding spot as Mr Roberts-Smith came to the home to “collect documents”.

Mr Roberts-Smith’s wife ultimately provided copies of the USBs to authorities, the court documents claim.

The court previously heard the USBs contained information and documents relevant to the decorated soldier’s time in Afghanistan.

Ms Scott, in her court documents, claims she had a conversation with the Roberts-Smiths in late 2018 in which the soldier said “the boys are sending me photos” or something similar, the court documents state.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court in June that four or five USBs arrived at his home from mid-2019 until early 2021 but he didn’t know who had sent them.

“In the main, the photos (on the drives) were simply photos of the SAS operators themselves – the guys out in Afghanistan it was quite benign,” he said.

“There were lots of photos of the Fat Ladies Arms and parties.”

The Fat Ladies Arms is the SAS’s unofficial bar and the location where soldiers were pictured drinking from a prosthetic leg.

Nine alleges Mr Roberts-Smith murdered an arrested Taliban fighter with a prosthetic leg.

Mr Roberts-Smith denied that, saying he’d lawfully gunned down the armed insurgent and another SAS operator had taken the leg back to the base against his wishes.

Mr Roberts-Smith said he never drank from the leg himself but appears in photos with other men using the prosthesis in the bar.

The USBs also contained aerial surveillance images of the mission where the one-legged Taliban insurgent was shot.

Mr Roberts-Smith has launched a separate lawsuit against his former wife to try and ascertain if she or Ms Scott accessed his emails and leaked them to Nine in his defamation lawsuit.

The soldier’s barrister, Arthur Moses SC, said WhatsApp messages between Ms Scott and Ms Roberts showed they had access.

“Boom there it is,” Ms Scott wrote to Ms Roberts on WhatsApp last year.

Her message included an address for one of Mr Roberts-Smith’s lawyers.

“Holy f*cking god I love you” Ms Roberts responded.

Mr Moses, reading the messages to the court, said the women could only get the address through Mr Roberts-Smith’s emails.

The main trial is delayed until November.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/ben-robertssmiths-alleged-usb-backyard-burial-revealed-in-pictures-taken-by-his-ex-wife/news-story/c9ad25ac05598662c04528fb41965461

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347246

File: 36b99d804c677d5⋯.jpg (68.26 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Mr_Roberts_Smith_denies_he….jpg)

File: 629350f88f4edf9⋯.jpg (121.8 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Court_documents_have_claim….jpg)

>>14035776

‘Not that f*cking stupid’: How ‘threats’ ruined Roberts-Smith’s friendship with private investigator

PERRY DUFFIN - AUGUST 13, 2021

1/2

Court documents have claimed a veteran private eye cut ties with Victoria-Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith over “threatening letters”.

It comes as the Federal Court hears the high profile investigator will give evidence about “surveilling” the soldier’s girlfriend at an abortion clinic.

John McLeod, a former policeman, has long made headlines as a fixer helping high-profile Australians stranded in foreign prisons.

The security provider helped with the recent rescue of academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert from Iran.

He also helped to bring back his friend Adam Whittington after he became stranded in Lebanon as part of the bungled 60 Minutes child recovery story.

Mr McLeod met Mr Roberts-Smith in Brisbane in 2011, his evidence outline released by the Federal Court on Friday said, and he became “relatively close” to the soldier’s family.

It was early 2018, Mr McLeod’s outline says, that Mr Roberts-Smith reached out and asked him to conduct “surveillance” on a woman.

Mr Roberts-Smith did not tell his fixer the name of the woman, the document says.

“She was going to the Greenslopes day hospital or day surgery. (Mr Roberts-Smith) said to McLeod something like, ‘All I want is video of her arriving, entering and leaving’.”

“(Mr Roberts-Smith) told McLeod it was for an executive at Channel 7.”

But the court has heard, from Mr Roberts-Smith himself, that the surveillance was not related to the media network where he works.

Instead, he told the court in June, the woman was his girlfriend who had flown into Brisbane for an abortion.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court he thought the woman was lying about carrying his child and he wanted Mr McLeod to film her after the procedure she was expected to have at Greenslopes.

Mr Roberts-Smith told the court the woman, known only as Person 17, looked fit and fine after leaving the surgery - but when he met her a short time later she seemed frail and weak.

The soldier said he showed Person 17 the video Mr McLeod filmed of her leaving the surgery and she changed her story to say she’d had the abortion earlier.

Mr Roberts-Smith concluded she was not being truthful, he told the court.

He has denied he had an affair with the woman, insisting he was separated from his wife during their relationship.

He also denies striking her after she drunkenly fell down a staircase in Canberra.

Greenslopes has told the court it has no medical records related to Person 17.

The court has previously heard it’s been hard to serve documents on Mr McLeod - he has not been answering his door.

However Nine’s witness list shows he is expected to give evidence for the newspapers along with Mr Roberts-Smith’s former wife, Emma Roberts.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347256

File: a07a667429be227⋯.jpg (48.37 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Sara_Connor_the_Australian….jpg)

File: 77eb9855b7a9897⋯.jpg (236.05 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Ben_Roberts_Smith_denies_s….jpg)

>>14347246

2/2

Some weeks after the Greenslopes surveillance Mr McLeod says he was approached again by Mr Roberts-Smith.

The pair met at a Bunnings outside Brisbane where the war hero handed his fixer a plastic folder.

“I‘m under the pump, I’m flat out, can you post for me,” Mr Roberts-Smith said, according to Mr McLeod.

The plastic folder contained sealed envelopes, blank except for stamps and slips of paper bearing names.

“You‘re not that f*cking stupid to send anything silly in the mail,” Mr McLeod claims he responded.

Mr McLeod said Mr Roberts-Smith indicated it was nothing to worry about but something related to “watches” which the fixer understood to be SAS related.

What Mr McLeod did with one of the envelopes is not explained in the documents - the fixer has indicated he will seek a protection of the court before he divulges that in evidence.

Nine claims Mr Roberts-Smith was sending threats to another SAS veteran who was willing to testify against him on allegations of war crimes.

Mr Roberts-Smith flatly denies those allegations.

Another former close family friend, Danielle Scott, is expected to lend weight to the accusation Mr Roberts-Smith was having threats sent via Mr McLeod.

In her own outline of evidence Ms Scott said she spoke with her best friend, Mr Roberts-Smith’s ex wife, about Mr McLeod.

“Ben got John to send the threatening letters (as reported by Nine newspapers),” Ms Scott said, recalling the words of her friend.

“Once John realised that Ben had used him to send those letters, John approached Ben about it and they had a falling out.”

Mr Roberts-Smith directed Mr McLeod to throw the other two envelopes out, the fixer said, but he kept them in his office.

“McLeod retained the two remaining envelopes and the pieces of paper with the names of the intended recipients and he has caused them to be provided to the AFP,” the documents state.

The SAS veteran on the receiving end of the letters, the court has heard, is known only as Person 18.

“You and others have worked together to spread lies and rumours to the media and (Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force) inquiry,” the June 2018 letter reads.

The IGADF, at that time, was hearing evidence from the SAS veterans about war crime allegations in Afghanistan - including Mr Roberts-Smith, his friends and those he disliked.

“You have one chance to save yourself,” the letters said.

“You must approach the inquiry and admit that you have colluded with others to spread lies.”

The letter warned that the people being lied about would shift their focus to Person 18 if he did not retract his statements to the investigators.

Mr Roberts-Smith denied he sent those letters or had Mr McLeod send them on his behalf.

He also denied a heated conversation with his former wife about his fingerprints on the letters and denied burning the envelopes at his home.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national/courts-law/not-that-fing-stupid-how-threats-ruined-robertssmiths-friendship-with-private-investigator/news-story/aad944e29eb33a3e8bceb70f7f76fcd3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347502

File: 370cb19ae2f67d5⋯.jpg (87.24 KB, 862x485, 862:485, It_s_estimated_there_are_1….jpg)

File: 42f15ffd056a930⋯.jpg (61.56 KB, 862x575, 862:575, For_her_safety_Aranya_can_….jpg)

Slavery still exists in Australia today. These are the people fighting back

Rachel Clayton - 14 August 2021

1/4

Aranya didn't think her life could get any worse after she found herself paying $100 a week to sleep on the floor of someone else's kitchen, forced to cook, do laundry and clean for a family she barely knew.

Then she was recruited to work in a massage parlour that doubled as a brothel, for at least 10 hours a day, only paid per client, with no idea how to escape.

Aranya didn't think slavery existed in modern Australia. She now knows better.

The 'friends' who said they would help

Aranya is the youngest of three and no stranger to hardship.

She was an orphan by age 12 and scratched a living cleaning rich people's houses in her home country in South-East Asia. Her brother started a lunch service for the teachers at their school, taking orders and rushing to fill them before recess ended.

The summer heat was smothering and its winters icy, but it was home and Aranya never wanted to leave.

The Australian man she met online, who would later become her husband, had agreed to move overseas to be with her when he retired. But he changed his mind, so Aranya left everything she knew and came to Australia.

At first, her married life in Geelong was normal.

She was settling in and even met some people in the local South-East Asian community who took her to temple, showed her where to shop, and where to get food that tasted like home.

Aranya thought of them as friends.

Then, while taking a holiday back in Asia, her husband demanded a divorce. And those same friends swooped in.

They offered her a place to stay in Geelong while she sorted out her affairs. They said they would help her find a home and a job and that she could continue the life she had come to love.

Aranya, a small, shy woman with a contagious smile when she's brave enough to share it, believed them.

She was deceived, and the room she was promised was the kitchen floor of a stranger's home.

She was charged $100 a week and was expected to scrub, dust, and mop the house, cook meals for the family and care for their children. She was paid for none of it.

Then, while travelling on a bus, another woman she had never met approached her promising safety. It was another deception, and Aranya found herself in the brothel.

Aranya doesn't want her real name used.

She says there are people who still want to do her harm. They claim she owes them at least $9,000 in unpaid rent.

But she does want to speak out to help those who could be just like her — a little too trusting, a little too unsure of what's right and wrong in a new country.

Aranya wants people to know what happens to migrants who fall through the cracks. Who want nothing more than a good life, to work hard and raise a family but end up enslaved by those who see them as a means of making a profit.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347506

File: 74e20e065b38bee⋯.jpg (56.36 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Aranya_still_finds_it_diff….jpg)

File: e946f339fd23575⋯.jpg (67.36 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Ms_Raby_says_authorities_a….jpg)

>>14347502

2/4

Preying on religion

It took months for Aranya to tell someone what was happening to her, because she never thought she was being cheated.

Aranya says her diligent upbringing as a Buddhist taught her the art of silent atonement, and she felt the people who took advantage of her should be forgiven and not be made to feel bad for their actions, however inhuman.

"We tend to not do that because we don't want bad karma to come after us," Aranya says.

"If you hurt someone it means you will see them again in the next lifetime.

"It's almost like you need to not say anything to become a good person."

This was reinforced by her captors, who she says were also of South-East Asian heritage and used the knowledge of her traditions to convince her she should be grateful and that they were doing her a favour by providing her work and a roof over her head.

But she couldn't let go of her disappointment and one question: Why was this happening to her?

"I was lost and vulnerable. I was shocked and I didn't know what to do so I just accepted it," she said.

Those around her said they held deep connections with the police, so reporting what was happening felt out of the question.

Two other women Aranya stayed with at the brothel seemed content to live in the system.

They had boyfriends connected to the business and easy access to booze and parties.

She kept expecting something to change, for her life to pick up.

And then one day it did.

Difficult to find, even harder to prove

Modern slavery can be extremely difficult to prove, says detective sergeant Trevor Russell.

He is the team leader for the Australian Federal Police modern slavery team for Victoria and Tasmania.

Victims, he said, were often unable to see the offending occurring against them.

"They might think their situation is normal," he said.

Debt bondage is one of the most common forms of modern slavery worldwide.

There is often no paper trail; instead, everything is agreed upon verbally.

The debt can be tied to a person's family who remain in their home country.

Victims are warned to do what they're told or their family will be harmed.

Whether true or not, few take that chance.

Aranya's enslavers had no connection to her older brother and sister in Asia; her last remaining family.

So they employed brainwashing and debt bondage.

It's a very common strategy, says Kyla Raby, the national program coordinator at the Red Cross Support for Trafficked People Program.

"It draws on that feeling of comfort and safety and it allows for greater coercion and control," she said.

It also makes it harder for victims to come forward.

"Some people don't even identify what's being done to them is wrong," she said.

"They often blame themselves or think they chose to be in that situation."

It's hard to estimate the extent of the problem. The Red Cross has about 130 people in its program at the moment, but Ms Raby says that's "scratching the surface".

According to the Global Slavery Index, more than 40 million people around the world are living in modern slavery conditions, with up to 15,000 victims living in Australia.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347516

File: 2b6978a5531b183⋯.jpg (69.36 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Issara_says_many_people_sh….jpg)

File: 12e2dff762f85ae⋯.jpg (122.51 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Issara_is_dedicated_to_hel….jpg)

>>14347506

3/4

In a 2019 report, the Australian Institute of Criminology said for every one person identified as a victim of modern slavery, there were another four who were not identified.

Sallie Yea, from the Department of Social Inquiry at La Trobe University, said modern slavery in Australia was so "clandestine and hidden" it's "very difficult to get precise numbers".

Adding to the silence is often a cultural fear of authority.

Initially, people experiencing modern slavery only have to speak informally with the AFP to access the Red Cross program, but after three months (or six months for victims of forced marriage), they have to make a formal police report to access long-term support.

"The help is time-limited," Ms Raby said.

"I have seen people drop off the program because they don't want to refer it to the police for an investigation."

Sergeant Russell said he recognised the barriers preventing people from coming forward but wanted to reassure victims they would not be "cut off at the knees" if, for some reason, their case did not qualify for assistance.

"That would be counterproductive. We are really awake to the fear of police and for people to come forward and tell their story to a stranger, let alone a police officer, is really confronting so we make sure everyone we deal with is treated sensitively," he said.

"We are victim led in getting good outcomes, we aren't all about prosecution."

'People should be equal in Australia'

Aranya met Issara Saeyim at a local community centre in Geelong a bit over a year ago.

She had been allowed to go on the proviso the classes could improve her English.

She almost fell in love with Issara. Who was this woman? So confident, so buoyant, always laughing at her own jokes.

At the time, Aranya had no idea how similar their lives were.

Years ago, Issara had been forced to work illegally for meagre dollars in a Geelong restaurant, moved between women's refuges before the violence within some of them was enough to make her leave.

She found a cheap place to rent and slept on the floor with her young son, unable to afford a bed.

"In Thailand, you feel like an animal, so I came here with hope. It's a first-world country where people should be equal," Issara says.

She fell into a deep depression when she realised that wasn't true.

Though Issara contemplated suicide, small steps empowered her to keep going.

She was approved for Centrelink, granted a visa that allowed her to study and learn English, which led her to the local community centre; an unassuming, single-story neighbourhood house that through Issara's relentless pursuits, has become a refuge for victims who are terrified of their modern-day enslaver and equally terrified of telling authorities.

Issara receives calls and texts almost every day from people around regional Victoria needing help: a woman trapped in a relationship with a man in Ballarat fearing for the safety of her teenage daughter; a couple living in a caravan on a vegetable farm who aren't allowed to leave the property and need help sending money back home to their family in Asia.

When Issara watched Aranya walk into the community centre, she saw herself from years earlier: a hunched demeanour, meek voice, and deliberate movements as if at any moment the room could swallow her whole.

She carefully coaxed Aranya into talking about her situation. Then, she came up with a plan.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14347522

File: 5eb434b0ad90d0a⋯.jpg (65.49 KB, 862x575, 862:575, Creating_phuang_malai_has_….jpg)

File: 21b21b82dee7d59⋯.jpg (310.75 KB, 1108x683, 1108:683, If_you_or_anyone_you_know_….jpg)

>>14347516

4/4

'They're not here to get you'

Aranya's escape wasn't easy.

It had to be coordinated between seven people but completely directed by her.

On a cold, dry Saturday morning, the manager of the community house, Liz Bonner, got the text: no-one was home except Aranya and the two other women who also wanted out.

They threw all their belongings into black garbage bags and had them ready and waiting in the living room and on the porch for easy access.

The truck arrived, parked, and a roller door thrown up.

No-one knew if this would work; it was broad daylight and they worked with speed.

Then it was done. Aranya and two other women moved into a house in the hope of peace and safety.

Aranya was the only one who stuck it out, the other two women went back, preferring the security of the known.

But it took consistent persuading before Aranya even contemplated going to the police.

Her captors, she said, knew the police in Geelong. It was said that a powerful woman in the community used to be married to a policeman and would ensure anyone who spoke out was punished.

No-one knows how much truth there is to this story, Issara says, but the fear it perpetuated in Aranya couldn't be questioned.

The AFP travelled to the community centre from Melbourne to explain what they did and how they did it. Issara translated everything to Aranya who was sceptical, but listened.

It took courage for Aranya to believe there would be no negative consequences for speaking out, not even for the people who trapped her.

"They're not here to get you," Liz would tell her.

Almost a year after leaving the house, Aranya told her story to two federal agents through a translator over four hours.

She still hasn't pressed charges, and even if she does, there's no guarantee of justice. It's difficult to collect a body of evidence based on verbal agreements.

"The wheels turn as fast as they turn," Liz said.

"But we took her power back that day."

Down the cold hallway of a sharehouse, past a bedroom with scattered sheets and another with discarded pistachio shells littered across the floor, is Aranya's room.

The curtains are open, letting in the grey light of a typical mid-winter day in Geelong.

She doesn't love it here, but it's a safe place and she can go to the community centre where she has true friends.

Laid out along a bookshelf is an array of intricately woven flowers made from perlaceous yellow ribbon.

Two more are hanging from a metal coat hanger above her bed, another six are stored in a felt box on the floor.

It takes two days of delicately folding and twisting the strands of ribbon to make just one phuang malai.

They're a good luck charm, Aranya says, something beautiful to soothe the storm still raging in her head that has, for a long time now, distracted her from prayer.

"I used to pray an hour a day, every day, but I can't concentrate anymore," she said.

Her prayers used to be for one day having children, but as the years ticked over she says it's too late.

Instead, when she can focus, she prays for wisdom, a job to pay rent, maybe one day even a car.

"My dream is to help people, like Issara does. I want to help people who have experienced the same experience like me to get out," she says.

"If that's possible."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-08-14/modern-slavery-in-austalia-as-police-community-fight-back/100198972

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14349090

File: 99c141e5c92c7a1⋯.jpg (421.34 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0001.jpg)

File: 58834749cfe2cac⋯.jpg (553.54 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0002.jpg)

File: bcd2c757bcc2746⋯.jpg (484.08 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0003.jpg)

File: b656e5cb9c68f25⋯.jpg (470.32 KB, 1275x1650, 17:22, 0004.jpg)

File: d2d38f00d60bec6⋯.pdf (299.96 KB, gov_uscourts_nysd_539612_3….pdf)

>>14035892

>>14235240

Ghislaine Maxwell loses bid to dismiss sex trafficking indictment, despite Cosby claim

Jonathan Stempel - August 14, 2021

NEW YORK, Aug 13 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge on Friday rejected Ghislaine Maxwell's bid to dismiss her sex-trafficking indictment, which the longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein claimed was justified by the recent overturning of Bill Cosby's 2018 sexual assault conviction.

U.S. District Judge Alison Nathan in Manhattan said she was not bound by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's June 30 decision to free Cosby, and that Maxwell had not been promised she would not be prosecuted, as the Pennsylvania court said Cosby had.

Nathan also rejected Maxwell's arguments that prosecutors waited too long to charge her with sex trafficking between 2001 and 2004, saying Congress's 2006 elimination of the statute of limitations applied retroactively.

Lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The 59-year-old British socialite has pleaded not guilty to the eight-count indictment, which concerns her alleged efforts to find and groom underage girls for Epstein to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004.

Maxwell is being held in a Brooklyn jail, and could face 80 years in prison if convicted.

Her trial could begin in November. Epstein, a financier, killed himself in August 2019 in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Cosby was freed from prison after Pennsylvania's highest court said a 2005 agreement not to charge him with drugging and assaulting Andrea Constand meant he should not have been criminally charged a decade later.

The agreement freed Cosby to testify in Constand's subsequent civil lawsuit against him, which ended in a $3.36 million settlement.

Lawyers for Maxwell said her case was similar because she had been immunized under Epstein's 2007 nonprosecution agreement (NPA) with federal prosecutors in Florida, in exchange for pleading guilty to Florida state prostitution charges.

Maxwell had testified in a since-settled $50 million civil lawsuit against her by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, and the lawyers said it was unfair for prosecutors to use that testimony to build their criminal case.

But Nathan said the cases weren't the same, and adhered to her April ruling that Epstein's agreement did not bind the Manhattan prosecutors or cover accused co-conspirators.

Cosby's case "focused on whether prosecutors were required to honor a promise that the court found to be clear in the absence of a formal plea agreement," Nathan wrote.

"Even if this Court agreed with the analysis in [Cosby's case], that opinion sheds no light on the proper interpretation of the NPA in this case," she added.

Cosby was freed after serving more than two years of a possible 10-year sentence.

Giuffre on Monday filed a separate civil lawsuit against Britain's Prince Andrew, accusing him of sexually assaulting her two decades ago, when she was 17. The prince has previously denied her accusations of sexual abuse.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/ghislaine-maxwell-loses-bid-dismiss-sex-trafficking-indictment-despite-cosby-2021-08-13/

https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/17318376/united-states-v-maxwell/?filed_after=&filed_before=&entry_gte=&entry_lte=&order_by=desc

https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612/gov.uscourts.nysd.539612.317.0.pdf

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14356359

YouTube embed. Click thumbnail to play.

Australian government secures 1 million extra Covid-19 Pfizer doses

ANTHONY PIOVESAN - AUGUST 15, 2021

One million extra doses of the Covid-19 Pfizer vaccine will arrive in Australia on Sunday night from Poland after the commonwealth secured a deal with the pharmaceutical giant and Polish government.

They will be rolled out through Sydney’s vaccination hubs after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the doses would be targeted towards the NSW capital as it’s Covid-19 outbreak worsens.

It followed the state’s “most concerning day” as 466 local coronavirus cases were recorded in NSW on Saturday, along with four more deaths.

About 530,000 of the doses would be prioritised for express delivery to the 12 city local government areas.

Those council areas are Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta and Strathfield.

Penrith is also included for the following suburbs – Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys.

“These 1 million doses of hope, which will give people right across the country, particularly in NSW, where they are fighting this Delta strain in the most significant battle we have had in this country during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic up until now,” he told reporters on Sunday.

“A key factor in being able to secure these doses from our Polish friends has been that we have had a significant outbreak in our largest city.”

Australians aged between 20 and 39 would be targeted in the rollout of the extra Pfizer doses as the Delta variant continues to infect a large majority of the country’s younger population.

“This will greatly assist, particularly the effort in NSW, to assist them as they go into this harder lockdown, and those lockdown measures must be adhered to,” Mr Morrison said.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the extra doses would bring the country’s national vaccine rollout forward.

“Much of the burden of the fourth quarter as being brought forward to the third quarter,” he said.

“We are vaccinating more people than we had planned and anticipated was possible at this time and that is a tribute to both the supply, logistics and above all else, the Australian people that are coming forward and those doing the vaccinations.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the doses were on a plane that left Warsaw on Saturday and then Dubai on Sunday morning, and would arrive in the country late on Sunday evening.

While addressing the media following 415 new local cases of Covid-19 on Sunday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was “thankful” to the commonwealth for securing the extra doses.

While Cumberland City Council Mayor Steve Christou – one of the LGA’s of concern in Sydney – said he had been calling for more vaccines “for months”.

“This new roll out of vaccines in western Sydney will help us to move out of lockdown faster and get on the road to recovery,” he said.

“Thank you for hearing our pleas and sourcing additional vaccines that are so desperately needed.”

About 20.45 per cent of Australia’s population is fully vaccinated and 26.54 per cent of the eligible population in NSW is fully inoculated.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/australian-government-secures-1-million-extra-covid19-pfizer-doses/news-story/29240c3a58d1a92d19669aade7b2f711

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMpepeEdX2c

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14356371

File: d3be5f9d6cdd81f⋯.jpg (270.62 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Taliban_fighters_patrol_th….jpg)

File: 24b7a75f927ce5b⋯.jpg (97.46 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

>>14064462

Scott Morrison flags rescue mission for Afghan angels

ADESHOLA ORE - AUGUST 15, 2021

Scott Morrison has flagged Australia will dispatch military flights to rescue Afghan locals who helped Australian troops during the two-decade conflict, as the Taliban sweeps further towards Kabul.

Taliban insurgents are inching closer to the troubled nation’s capital, with civilians who worked with Australian forces warning they will be killed when the city falls. The Prime Minister on Friday said the government was in talks with the US and Britain about rescuing Australians and local backers in Afghanistan. He also flagged that Australian Defence Force personnel could be used if necessary. The ABC has reported the Royal Australian Air Force flights could land in Kabul as early as this week.

On Sunday, the Prime Minister refused to discuss the upcoming operation, citing security risks, but said Australia was in “constant engagement” with its allies about the mission.

“I can assure you that this task has the utmost urgency and priority of the government and has been considered at the highest levels of government,” he said.

He noted that the government had already settled 400 Afghans and their families who faced death from the Taliban because they had worked for Australia.

Australia shut its Kabul embassy in May and withdrew the last of its troops in June, as US and NATO forces pulled out of Afghanistan. The US is sending 3000 troops to conduct evacuations of its embassy staff from Kabul‘s green zone. Britain is also sending about 600 troops for a similar mission.

Mr Morrison acknowledged it was a “heartbreaking” and “very troubling time” for Afghanistan.

“The world is a complex place and there is no more complex place than Afghanistan,” he said.

He reiterated that the primary purpose of Australia’s deployment was to “hunt down” Osama bin Laden and prevent Al-Qaeda using Afghanistan as a global terrorism base.

“That was achieved but the challenge for the people of Afghanistan, sadly, remain an unresolved issue and we hope for the best for them but the situation is very dire,” he said.

Mr Morrison said Australia’s top priority was to support those that had aided the nation’s troops and diplomats.

“We are receiving regular updates on our operations and we will continue to do that when I am in a position to provide further updates securely, I will,” he said.

“If we are unable to provide any further details on that, it is for their safety that we are doing that.”

More than 39,000 Australian troops served in Afghanistan since 2001 and 41 were killed.

Asked what his message was to families who lost a loved one in the conflict, Mr Morrison said “we are forever in their debt.”

“They have fallen under our flag, under our name, wearing our uniform,” he said.

“I don’t believe any Australian who falls in that service dies in vain because what we always seek to fight for, which is freedom, is always important in whatever course, regardless of the outcome.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/scott-morrison-flags-rescue-mission-for-afghan-angels/news-story/bf5b94fff1e2f1e557c0c233257bc5aa

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14356386

File: 51cbeb73d66b7fd⋯.jpg (294.19 KB, 1440x1079, 1440:1079, Prince_Andrew_the_Duke_of_….jpg)

File: cb1ef4f545058a3⋯.jpg (54.3 KB, 1024x768, 4:3, A_photograph_tendered_to_t….jpg)

File: 9257a529a22a4ea⋯.jpg (44.47 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Virginia_Giuffre_speaks_in….jpg)

File: 47c55d8c4a8f12c⋯.jpg (119.28 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Britain_s_Prince_Andrew_Du….jpg)

>>14311596

‘Inconsistencies’ in Prince Andrew’s story, royal aides admit

‘Doubts’ about Prince Andrew’s account of his dealings with Virginia Giuffre as it’s revealed his legal bills are being underwritten by the Queen.

DIPESH GADHER and TIM SHIPMAN - August 15, 2021

Aides to the British royal family believe there are “inconsistencies” in Prince Andrew’s account of his dealings with Virginia Giuffre, who has accused him in a US lawsuit of underage rape, as it emerged that his legal bills are being underwritten by Queen Elizabeth.

Lawyers for Prince Andrew are desperate to prevent the case from going to trial in America because they fear jurors may not believe him over an alleged victim of sexual abuse.

Although the prince strenuously denies Giuffre’s claims, palace insiders believe there are “credibility” problems with his version of events.

Andrew, 61, has said he has “no recollection” of meeting Giuffre, despite the existence of a photograph that shows him smiling with his arm around her waist.

Giuffre, who was previously known by her maiden name, Roberts, filed a civil lawsuit in New York last week, accusing the prince of abusing her on three occasions in 2001 when she was 17, including an assault at the London home of the British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell.

Giuffre alleges that the duke knew at the time that she was a minor under US law and had been trafficked for sex by Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein, the paedophile financier and former friend of Andrew, who died in jail two years ago. Maxwell, who is facing separate child sex trafficking charges in New York, denies wrongdoing.

Giuffre, now 38, is suing the prince for “punitive damages”, which could amount to millions of pounds if she wins her case. She has requested a jury trial.

Andrew’s defence is understood to be funded by payments he receives from his mother’s private Duchy of Lancaster estate after he was forced to step down from his royal duties and stopped receiving British taxpayers’ money.

His supporters point out that Giuffre’s story has changed and that in an interview with a British newspaper in 2011 she never accused the prince of rape or sexual assault.

“However, there are inconsistencies in his own account and in the credibility of his own account,” a royal source said. “If it goes to trial in the MeToo era, it’s going to be challenging to swing a jury behind the duke.”

Giuffre alleges in her lawsuit that she was first made to “have sexual intercourse with Prince Andrew against her will” on March 10, 2001 at Maxwell’s mews home near Knightsbridge.

The duke is accused of later abusing her at Epstein’s New York mansion and on the financier’s private island in the Caribbean.

In a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight in 2019, Andrew denied that anything untoward had happened in London. He sought to use a trip to Pizza Express in Woking as his alibi.

However, an analysis of the day’s events does not rule out the possibility of the prince meeting Giuffre in the evening, when the infamous image of Andrew and the teenager is said to have been taken. Friends of the duke have questioned the authenticity of the photograph, but no evidence has been produced to prove it is a fake.

A source close to the royal household said: “No one at the palace knows what to believe about what Prince Andrew is telling them. Some of it doesn’t stack up. The basic problem is that he’s a massive embarrassment, but you can’t sack him. There are also questions over some of the legal advice he has been getting.”

The duke’s solicitor is Gary Bloxsome, a partner at Blackfords law firm. He also retains Clare Montgomery, a QC at Matrix, the chambers co-founded by Cherie Blair.

Bloxsome is said to have advised Andrew to remain silent on the lawsuit and failed to respond to Giuffre’s lawyers when they wrote to the duke last month threatening legal action.

Andrew’s legal team may now attempt to get the case thrown out, arguing that the New York court has no jurisdiction in the UK.

Spokeswomen for the duke and the Queen declined to comment.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/inconsistencies-in-prince-andrews-story-royal-aides-admit/news-story/23f6a90a9159093dfee3a55781288db2

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14356560

File: 2b9d03a5d684a01⋯.jpg (56.8 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Prime_Minister_Scott_Morri….jpg)

File: c2f6cdb994173c8⋯.png (1.2 MB, 1280x720, 16:9, Senior_Republican_Michael_….png)

>>14286727

>>14356359

US President Joe Biden’s refusal on Oz Pfizer plea shows gulf between him and Donald Trump

MIRANDA DEVINE - AUGUST 15, 2021

Joe Biden is a disgrace. In Australia’s hour of need, the US President has betrayed its stalwart ally.

Australia has fought alongside America in every godforsaken war — including Afghanistan — but has been deemed not worthy of receiving a small portion of the 26 million spare doses of vaccine Biden and his administration is sitting on.

Instead, it’s left to Poland to come to Australia’s rescue with the extra one million Pfizer doses we sorely need.

According to the Weekend Australian, the Morrison government has begged the Biden administration for access to its stockpile of spare Pfizer doses that are about to expire — and has been rebuffed.

Why?

Senior Republicans have been advocating in Australia’s behalf, to no avail.

Michael McCaul, the senior Republican on the House foreign affairs committee, told Sharri Markson’s Sky News that Australia should be prioritised for the doses.

“Australia is not only an ally but a Five Eyes ally,” Mr McCaul said.

“I’ve been pressuring this ­administration through the Covax program to give more of these ­vaccines that are just sitting in warehouses in the US.

“They will expire if we don’t get them out the door.”

You can bet that if Donald Trump were still president, Australia would have all the vaccine it needed.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/us-president-joe-bidens-refusal-on-oz-pfizer-plea-shows-gulf-between-him-and-donald-trump/news-story/7bb2a0b3b2628152f17bb51600b9dc0e

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14357216

File: 7f70fd0b613780e⋯.jpg (85.13 KB, 634x657, 634:657, The_property_is_said_to_be….jpg)

File: a34858899d3d95f⋯.jpg (165.84 KB, 634x845, 634:845, The_Mail_on_Sunday_has_lea….jpg)

File: 0204e09bb93de88⋯.jpg (40.37 KB, 634x448, 317:224, Ghislaine_Maxwell_sells_me….jpg)

>>14311596

Ghislaine Maxwell sells mews house in Belgravia - for £1.75m - where Prince Andrew allegedly had sex with his then 17-year-old accuser Virginia Roberts

IAN GALLAGHER - 15 August 2021

Ghislaine Maxwell has sold the London home where Prince Andrew allegedly had sex with his accuser.

The Mail on Sunday has learned the British socialite’s mews house in Belgravia was bought by a property developer for £1.75 million.

It is said to be where the Duke of York was photographed with his arm around the bare waist of then 17-year-old Virginia Roberts, one of convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s victims, now known as Virginia Giuffre.

Last week Ms Giuffre filed a bombshell lawsuit in a US court claiming Andrew had sexually abused her when she was 17.

She alleges she was forced to have sex with Andrew three times – once at the Belgravia address in 2001 – on the orders of Epstein, Ms Maxwell’s former boyfriend.

Andrew has always strongly denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he has never even met Ms Giuffre, now a mother-of-three living in Australia.

Ms Maxwell, 59, sold the house, a short walk from Hyde Park, to fund legal fees for her own court battle in the States. She remains in a New York jail facing allegations she procured girls for the disgraced financier, which she denies. Her spokesman said she would be sad about the sale because the house – which he called her London ‘refuge’ – held happy memories.

Land Registry documents show it was bought by Hampshire-based property developer Stuart Robinson. Disgraced solicitor Malcolm Grumbridge’s name also appears in the documents.

A long-time friend of the Maxwell family, he was granted power of attorney by the socialite several months before the sale.

Earlier this month it was revealed Mr Grumbridge, who agreed to quit the legal profession last year after admitting ‘reckless’ conduct, set up multiple companies for the Maxwell family from a health club in Chiswick, West London. Many of the businesses showed little or no trading activity. Several are linked to Ms Maxwell’s brothers Kevin and Ian.

Mr Grumbridge agreed to have his name removed from the roll of solicitors in December after admitting failings, including breaches of anti-money-laundering and terrorism-financing rules.

The house sale reportedly ran into complications with Ms Maxwell’s bank after it closed her account in February, the day after lawyers deposited £130,000 as an initial payment from the buyer.

Ms Maxwell’s family has insisted she is innocent of all charges, branding the US legal system ‘bizarre and cruel’.

Ian Maxwell said his sister was being subjected to ‘brutal and degrading’ treatment and called for her release from jail while she awaited trial on child sex trafficking charges.

‘On evidence that can be shown to be false, given just a little exploration and digging, Ghislaine has been accused of being a procurer and a heartless woman and far more beside,’ said Mr Maxwell. ‘In fact, she is none of these things.’

Last month, reports surfaced that Ms Maxwell had been ‘physically abused’ by prison guards, was losing her hair and was ‘withering to a shell of her former self’.

There have been repeated attempts to get her released on bail, with most revolving around claims of mistreatment at the Metropolitan Detention Centre in Brooklyn.

Court documents allege that Ms Maxwell ordered a ‘room full of underage girls’ to dance, sexually, in front of Epstein.

It was alleged that 100 ‘massage therapists’ had visited Epstein’s mansion while Ms Maxwell was present and that she stole a 15-year-old’s passport when the girl refused to have sex with him.

Epstein was found dead in his jail cell on August 10, 2019, having killed himself after being charged with sex trafficking

Ms Maxwell denies helping to recruit and groom girls for sex with Epstein.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9894181/Ghislaine-Maxwell-sells-mews-house-Belgravia-1-75m.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14357230

File: c35920b4b929c54⋯.jpg (89.68 KB, 640x960, 2:3, A_witness_is_prepared_to_s….jpg)

File: 0b81ad24ff7d23d⋯.jpg (128.34 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Steve_Scully_Epstein_s_for….jpg)

File: ef67e376502ab86⋯.jpg (97.58 KB, 960x652, 240:163, Prince_Andrew_Virginia_Rob….jpg)

File: 63f2225dde080d2⋯.jpg (140.82 KB, 638x960, 319:480, Virginia_s_lawyer_David_Bo….jpg)

File: b0ed7d34aac72bc⋯.jpg (161.18 KB, 960x540, 16:9, Drone_footage_captures_a_b….jpg)

>>14311596

'I SAW HIM' - Witness prepared to testify that he saw Prince Andrew groping Virginia Roberts

James Beal - 14 Aug 2021

A WITNESS is prepared to swear on oath that he saw Prince Andrew groping Virginia Giuffre on Jeffrey Epstein’s “paedo island”.

Steve Scully, Epstein’s former telecoms specialist, says he spotted the Duke kissing and grinding against a bikini-clad blonde by a pool “between 2001 and 2004”.

He insists the woman was Virginia — and is willing to give evidence in court for the first time.

Earlier this week 38-year-old Virginia filed a civil lawsuit in the US claiming Andrew assaulted her in New York, London and the Caribbean when she was 17.

Her lawyers were understood to want to speak to Steve, 71.

He told The Sun on Sunday: “I was working on the phone and he (Andrew) was by the pool with Virginia. As soon as I saw him, I recognised him.

“I thought, ‘If I had a camera in my bag right now, I’d have a $50,000 picture’.”

Steve says they were “bumping and grinding” for several minutes before lying on lounge chairs by the pool.

In 2015 court papers, Virginia described an “orgy” on Little St James in the Caribbean with the prince.

Steve, whose story was first revealed by The Sun on Sunday last year, says he later met Andrew, now 61, as the royal held hands with the woman on a pathway.

He is convinced it was Virginia and was struck by how young she was, saying: “She stood like a kid would stand behind a parent.”

Steve added: “Andrew’s protecting himself and his family.

“If Virginia’s lawyers call, I will definitely speak to them and I would give a deposition under oath telling them what I saw.

"The nice thing about the truth is that it doesn’t change!

"There’s no question in my mind that I saw Prince Andrew and Virginia together and no question that he would remember the incident either.

"He should come clean.”

Lawyers are also thought to be keen to trace mystery Epstein associate “Banu”, believed to be investment worker Refia Banu Kucukkoylu, 49.

Andrew is alleged to have forced Virginia to “engage in sex acts against her will” at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion in 2001, the lawsuit claims.

It followed an alleged incident in which he sat with her and Johanna Sjoberg on his lap and groped her with his Spitting Image puppet.

PROVIDE TESTIMONY

Virginia’s lawyer David Boies hinted this week that hairstylist Johanna, who lives in Florida, would provide testimony.

Flight records show that Banu, under the initials BK, was on the same plane as Epstein, Virginia and Johanna which landed in New York before Andrew’s visit.

Banu is thought to have fled her LA base for Turkey, where she has family connections.

There is no suggestion she was involved in illegal activity or knew of Epstein’s sex trafficking operation.

Voiceover artist Emmy Tayler, 46 — a former assistant of Epstein’s lover Ghislaine Maxwell — is also likely to be the focus of Virginia’s lawyers.

Emmy, of Oxford, was on Epstein and Maxwell’s March 2001 trip to London — where Virginia says Andrew sexually abused her at Maxwell’s home.

Andrew denies all Virginia’s allegations.

He has remained silent since she filed her lawsuit in New York on Monday.

His representatives were approached for comment.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/15871925/witness-prince-andrew-virginia-roberts-epstein/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1f2bc3  No.14364688

File: 1c2d5c9dc10eb31⋯.png (95.59 KB, 664x338, 332:169, ClipboardImage.png)

File: eb9f84c9686b5eb⋯.png (100.16 KB, 525x398, 525:398, ClipboardImage.png)

China insurgency

Chinese tech company Huawei has sponsored more politicians' overseas travel than any other

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-26/chinese-tech-company-huawei-sponsors-politicians-trips/9907064

U.K. Parliamentary Committee Alleges ‘Collusion’ Between Huawei And Chinese Communist Party

https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2020/10/08/uk-parliamentary-committee-alleges-collusion-between-huawei-and-chinese-communist-party/?sh=d2150b53e59

Daniel Andrews and China

Victorian Labor MPs have gone to China at least 25 times over the past four years, racking up close to $1 million in travel bills as part of Premier Daniel Andrews’s pursuit of closer ties with the communist nation.

Since Labor’s 2014 election victor­y, Mr Andrews has made no secret of his desire to court China as a trade, education and cultural partner, and has personally led four delegations there at a cost of almost $300,000 to taxpayers.

https://www.riteon.org.au/daniel-andrews-and-china/

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/victorian-election-labor-mps-clock-up-25plus-visits-to-china/news-story/9da6379be6d216b66df71f502743eda6?utm_source=TheAustralia

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/state-election/victorian-state-election-2018-andrews-governments-second-secret-belt-and-road-deal-revealed/news-story/c07f170d2299e4d1b5e53cec61dafed1

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/victorian-election-andrews-plays-a-dangerous-game-with-beijing/news-story/dc953861864a60209c02c41c6ea0eeca

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/opinion/columnists/the-mocker/daniel-andrews-china-mou-has-serious-implications/news-story/3a8daac8d8ecfce15125d26c8c4b8f2f?utm_content=SocialFlow&utm_campaign=EditorialSF&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_source=TheAustralian

https://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2018/11/victorias-andrews-government-releases-mou-with-china.html

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/andrews-staffer-link-to-china-foreign-influencers/news-story/04426a3e19bc0954885aa7d14c5d43e1

Chinese Communist member data leak shows thousands in US government, companies and more: report

A leaked database of 2 million Chinese Communist Party (CCP) members revealed that thousands of Chinese communist members infiltrated U.S., U.K., and Australian government agencies and companies, new reports revealed over the weekend.

No. of CCP members identified at:

AstraZeneca: 54

Pfizer: 69

https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/12/chinese-communist-member-data-leak-shows-thousands-in-us-government-companies-and-more-report/

https://www.riteon.org.au/confucius-institutes-beijings-control-in-australian-universities/

1/3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1f2bc3  No.14364704

File: f342333942f4b92⋯.png (367.08 KB, 795x494, 795:494, ClipboardImage.png)

>>14364688

China’s Overseas United Front Work

https://www.uscc.gov/sites/default/files/Research/China%27s%20Overseas%20United%20Front%20Work%20-%20Background%20and%20Implications%20for%20US_final_0.pdf

Confucius Institutes – the international propaganda arm of the Chinese Communist Party deemed national security threats by various U.S. government agencies

These suggested materials are all written by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council (OCAO), an entity funded and controlled exclusively by the CCP.

Reorganizing the United Front Work Department: New Structures for a New Era of Diaspora and Religious Affairs Work

https://jamestown.org/program/reorganizing-the-united-front-work-department-new-structures-for-a-new-era-of-diaspora-and-religious-affairs-work/

OCAO is part of the regime’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), described by the U.S. government’s China Economic and Security Review Commission as “working to co-opt and neutralize sources of potential opposition to the policies and authority of its ruling Chinese Communist Party.”

The report asserts:

“It is precisely the nature of United Front work to seek influence through connections that are difficult to publically [sic] prove and to gain influence that is interwoven with sensitive issues such as ethnic, political, and national identity. […] The goal of “overseas Chinese work” is to use ethnic, cultural, economic, or political ties to mobilize sympathetic overseas Chinese communities—ideally of their own accord—to advocate for the interests of the CCP and marginalize its opponents. The UFWD teaching manual directs operatives to win overseas Chinese over to the CCP’s side by emphasizing “flesh and blood” ties to China with the goal of securing political, moral, and financial support for the CCP.”

https://thenationalpulse.com/politics/confucius-institute-schools/

Western Australia Govt Criticized for Appointing CCP Affiliates to Advisory Council

Western Australian CCP influence expert Tshung Chang called out the WA Government for choosing CCP-linked individuals Ting Chen and Edward Zhang over other leaders in the Chinese community, despite a wealth of available nominees.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/western-australia-govt-criticized-for-appointing-ccp-affiliates-to-advisory-council_3877909.html

Beijing-Linked Firms to Control Islands Off East, West Coasts of Australia

The Western Australia Labor government approved the lease on Cockatoo Island for a Hong Kong firm with ties to Beijing last year. This comes after the Queensland Labor government on the opposite east coast approved a lease to another Hong Kong firm for Keswick Island.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/beijing-linked-firms-to-control-islands-off-east-west-coasts-of-australia_3730420.html

WHO Insider Blows Whistle on Gates and GAVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSRgPkO3abY

Gates still pulls a lot of strings at the WHO. He negotiates and signs contracts on behalf of different countries, acting as the unelected middle man in deciding which vaccines or pharmaceuticals will be purchased by them.

In October 2019 The WHO, Gates Foundation, Johns Hopkins ran a simulation of an SARS outbreak - they literally game planned the pandemic.

The Event 201 scenario

October 2019 in China - Event 201 simulates an outbreak of a novel zoonotic coronavirus transmitted from bats to pigs to people that eventually becomes efficiently transmissible from person to person, leading to a severe pandemic. The pathogen and the disease it causes are modeled largely on SARS, but it is more transmissible in the community setting by people with mild symptoms.

https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/event201/scenario.html

https://www.centerforhealthsecurity.org/event201/event201-resources/event201-model-desc.pdf

2/3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

1f2bc3  No.14364721

File: 5609cb33e6214f8⋯.png (326.16 KB, 720x630, 8:7, ClipboardImage.png)

File: f6b1da13f08b353⋯.png (84.15 KB, 409x398, 409:398, ClipboardImage.png)

>>14364704

And Scott Morrison pushes to give these un-elected foreign entities unchecked power.

Coronavirus: PM’s push to give WHO new powers

Australia wants the World Health Organisation to have the powers of an international “weapons inspector” to enter countries without permission to assess their response to any future health crises.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/coronavirus/coronavirus-scott-morrison-meets-bill-gates-as-uk-death-toll-soars/news-story/3d8bdfc54027eec195a75f6f51596860

Coronavirus: PM Scott Morrison talks with Bill Gates over World Health Organisation's future amid pandemic

https://www.9news.com.au/national/coronavirus-australia-scott-morrison-bill-gates-who-world-health-organization-discussion-donor-funding-covid-19/7c72c208-4bd6-4195-be35-6418ae2c96ca

Bill Gates: Vaccines are phenomenal profit makers -

https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/gates-vaccines-phenomenal-profit-makers/

Two Chinese scientists from Wuhan — who Western intelligence agencies are looking into as part of their probe into the origins of the global coronavirus contagion — studied live bats in Australia in research jointly funded by the Australian and Chinese governments.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/two-chinese-scientists-from-a-wuhan-lab-found-to-be-studying-bats-in-australia/video/f3a2fd3128a1719763f4bf7fbac92e99

China 'recruits as many as 600 top scholars and scientists in Australia' - sounding alarm bells that Beijing could be using them to get clandestine access to the latest technology

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9163543/China-recruits-600-scholars-scientists-Australia.html

Methods for producing recombinant coronavirus

https://patents.google.com/patent/US7279327B2/en

More death and injury from the shots:

More language changes to hide deaths from the shots - shameful.

https://www.tga.gov.au/periodic/covid-19-vaccine-weekly-safety-report-12-08-2021

3/3

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

b86e4d  No.14365956

>>14356371

I wonder when he will get the Seven Gun Salute??

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366022

File: a0267e3943d9a45⋯.jpg (123.73 KB, 1200x800, 3:2, Commuters_wear_protective_….jpg)

>>14020199

Sydney records deadliest day of COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne lockdown extended

Colin Packham and Renju Jose - August 16, 2021

CANBERRA/SYDNEY, Aug 16 (Reuters) - Australia's biggest city of Sydney recorded its deadliest day of the COVID-19 pandemic on Monday as troops and police set up roadblocks to limit the movement of people, while Melbourne faced a nightly curfew and a further two weeks of lockdown.

Sydney, which is in its eighth week of lockdown, is the epicentre of Australia's third COVID-19 wave that threatens to push the country's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy into its second recession in as many years.

New South Wales state Premier Gladys Berejiklian said seven people in Sydney had died from COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, surpassing the state's previous record daily toll from earlier this month.

Berejiklian said New South Wales had detected 478 infections, the highest one-day rise since the pandemic began.

"Our community transmission numbers are disturbingly high," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

"Every death is a person who has loved ones, who has died in tragic circumstances," she added.

Authorities also confirmed the death of a 15-year-old boy from Sydney, who had pneumococcal meningitis and COVID-19.

Australia has confirmed 55 deaths since July 11, breaking a run of more than three months without any fatalities. In total, Australia has recorded 966 COVID-19 deaths.

The toll rose as 200 military personnel were deployed across Sydney to set up roadblocks in the hardest-hit areas, amid persistent reports of people flouting lockdown rules. The latest deployment comes on top of 500 troops deployed last month.

LOCKDOWNS

With only 26% of people above 16 years of age fully vaccinated, Australia is vulnerable to the highly infectious Delta variant that has steadily spread across the country.

While Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Darwin - which entered into lockdown on Monday - are all under tight restrictions, cases have steadily risen.

Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said Melbourne's 5 million residents would be subjected to a nightly curfew and the city would remain in a lockdown until Sept. 2 after recording 22 new COVID-19 cases.

"We are at a tipping point. There is simply no option today but to further strengthen this lockdown," Andrews told reporters in Melbourne.

A spike in cases had been driven by people breaking lockdown rules, he said. In one instance, police fined 69 people A$5,500 ($4,034) each for attending an engagement party in breach of the lockdown.

National capital Canberra recorded 19 new cases as it extended its lockdown for a further two weeks.

Australia's economy rebounded strongly from the initial wave of the pandemic, with unemployment hitting its lowest levels in more than a decade at 4.9% in June.

But with its two most populated cities Sydney and Melbourne in lockdown, economists expect a heavy toll.

"Unemployment may spike back up to 5.5% in the months ahead, mainly driven by (New South Wales)," said Shane Oliver, Chief Economist at AMP.

VACCINES

The outbreak and sluggish vaccine rollout has fuelled pressure on Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who must call an election before May next year. A poll last week showed his approval rating at its lowest level since the pandemic began.

Morrison said on Sunday that Australia had bought about 1 million doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine from Poland, but declined to specify how much had been paid. The government has already ordered 40 million doses from Pfizer.

He said more than half of the doses from Poland would be rushed to inoculate 20- to 39-year-olds in the worst-affected suburbs of Sydney.

($1 = 1.3633 Australian dollars)

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/roadblocks-erected-sydney-australia-battles-delta-outbreak-2021-08-15/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366085

File: 53137ee140f158b⋯.jpg (543.92 KB, 2000x1333, 2000:1333, Taliban_fighters_patrol_in….jpg)

File: b399b4532e6d15a⋯.jpg (260.47 KB, 1535x1023, 1535:1023, Former_US_president_Donald….jpg)

OPINION: Joe Biden’s defeat will echo for eternity: Devine

Miranda Devine - August 15, 2021

1/2

The scenes out of Afghanistan are infuriating and tragically predictable.

It shouldn’t really come as a surprise that President Biden and the geniuses surrounding him have made such an almighty hash of the withdrawal from that godforsaken country.

Look at everything else he has messed up.

His first act in office was to dismantle hard-won Trump-era border protection measures. The inevitable illegal migrant surge at the southern border has turned into an unchecked invasion, with national security and public health risks that will ricochet through history.

At this stage we can confidently say that Joe Biden has the reverse Midas touch.

In Afghanistan it didn’t have to be like this.

The humiliating scenes of Americans evacuating from Kabul’s airport were avoidable, as is the specter of American helicopters, planes, Humvees, weapons and ammunition in the hands of our enemies.

But Biden was caught unawares.

Then he had the gall on Saturday to blame Donald Trump: “When I came to office, I inherited a deal cut by my predecessor.”

Since Secretary of State Antony Blinken doubled down over the weekend on this dishonest spin, it’s time for some home truths.

I asked President Trump Sunday about the plan his administration had to get out of Afghanistan —which ultimately was obstructed by the same US generals who gave Biden a green light.

“We were going to not let people get slaughtered,” Trump said flatly. “I wanted to get out. But you have to get out safely and you have to get out with respect …

“We had all sorts of conditions … All civilians were going to come out before the military. Everyone should have been out before they took our military out …

“I was going to close this ridiculous embassy they spent a billion dollars on and move everybody out …

“I was going to blow up every military base [before we left]. I was going to take out every single piece of equipment. I said I don’t want anything left [apart from] leave each soldier a gun …

“Plus, I had a relationship with the Taliban where they knew they weren’t allowed to do this. They understood they were going to get hit very hard … What I had was conversations with the [Taliban] leadership where I said if you do anything we were going to hit them like they haven’t been hit before.”

Trump said the Taliban “no longer has fear or respect for America …

“It’s a terrible, terrible black eye for this country.

“We’re a laughingstock. The whole world can’t believe it.

“And there was no reason for it.”

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366088

File: dc2d67ac965a838⋯.jpg (403.75 KB, 1535x1023, 1535:1023, President_Joe_Biden_is_see….jpg)

File: 67cded75785e491⋯.jpg (333.8 KB, 915x1024, 915:1024, KABUL_FALLS.jpg)

>>14366085

2/2

Trump’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who began negotiating with the Taliban in February 2020 to lay down conditions for a US withdrawal, has corroborated Trump’s version of events.

Pompeo was in the room when Trump warned the Taliban’s senior negotiator, Mullah Baradar, that if a single American was hurt or threatened the entire wrath of American power would rain down on them.

“We never trusted the Taliban,” he told Fox News Sunday. “We made abundantly clear … we weren’t going to allow them to just walk away from any deal that they had struck. We were going to go crush them, we were going to impose real costs on them. We weren’t going to let them take these provincial capitals. They understood that American power was going to come to their village, to their community, to their friends and family.”

You can bet the Taliban believed Trump would make good on his threat.

Meanwhile, where was President Biden while Kabul fell? Silent. Having another holiday at Camp David. The White House tweeted out a still photo of him taking notes while watching a video conference of his national security team. Very reassuring.

The American people wanted out of the 20-year war in Afghanistan, but they had a right to expect the exit would be managed competently.

CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Blinken Sunday why the Biden administration didn’t evacuate people before withdrawing the military.

It’s a question, said Tapper, “of how poorly this was done. The idea that President Biden ordered 2,500 service members out and now is sending up to 5,000 service members back in [to evacuate people left behind], does that not on its face show that the exit was inadequately planned?”

Blinken simply had no answer. He kept trying either to blame Trump or pretend that the only alternative to this self-inflicted debacle was a forever war.

How inane Biden’s conceit looks now, when he was wandering around the G-7 in June telling anyone who would listen that “America is back” and that he had single-handedly restored America’s global leadership and credibility after Trump had ruined it.

He has just been busy making us less safe. He is wokifying the military, injecting the poison of critical race theory and transgender ideology to divide the troops, while launching a witch hunt to identify some mythical “enemy within.”

It seems like only yesterday that Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was barking at a Republican member of Congress about “white rage.”

This lawless, feckless administration has wreaked untold damage at warp speed in seven months. These aren’t mistakes that you can bounce back from. They will have ramifications well into the future.

https://nypost.com/2021/08/15/joe-bidens-defeat-will-echo-for-eternity-devine/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366141

File: 480b0af354c7cb3⋯.jpg (76.07 KB, 960x640, 3:2, ASIO_director_general_Mike….jpg)

File: 823f1c6ddb8e1b7⋯.jpg (119.52 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Members_of_the_National_So….jpg)

Threat of white-power race war ‘grave concern’ to ASIO, says chief

Nick McKenzie and Joel Tozer - August 15, 2021

1/2

Australia’s counter-terror intelligence chief has warned that Australians as young as 16 are being radicalised to support a white-power race war, and that half of ASIO’s most important domestic anti-terrorism cases now involve neo-Nazi cells and other ideologically motivated groups.

ASIO director-general Mike Burgess has told The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes that this unprecedented shift in the national security threat away from religiously motivated terrorism is being fuelled by disinformation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and other global events. Encrypted platforms offered by tech companies are allowing them to communicate securely.

“What they [neo-Nazi cells] are prepared to do, or some of them are prepared to do, to make [a race war] happen … is of grave concern to us, and should be of grave concern to all Australians,” Mr Burgess said.

“This is spread across every state and territory, and it’s regional and rural, as well as capital cities … It’s currently 50 per cent of our priority onshore counter-terrorism caseload, so it is of concern to us.”

Mr Burgess’ comments come as The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes release part one of an eight-month investigation, including an unprecedented infiltration of Australia’s largest neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network.

The investigation has exposed the network’s secret membership lists and its leaders’ support for the Christchurch terrorist and terror suspects facing trial in NSW and South Australia.

Leader Tom Sewell has been recorded comparing Australia’s most notorious white supremacist, terrorist Brenton Tarrant, to Nelson Mandela and telling network members that Tarrant will stay in jail “until we win the revolution”, a reference to the race war or societal collapse the group is in training for.

Video and audio records also capture National Socialist Network leaders instructing their followers to destroy evidence to thwart ASIO and counter-terrorism investigations, as well as their networking with outlaw bikie gang associates, a prison skinhead gang and members of international neo-Nazi terror groups, including Combat 18.

Mr Burgess said ASIO had assessed that a lone wolf or small cell would be the most likely culprit behind a terror attack, but warned these actors could be inspired by a neo-Nazi or similar group and their violent race war rhetoric.

“Whilst we might conclude these groups in these online forums are just talking a good game, it could unfortunately spur someone on who is on the fringe of that group,” he said.

(continued)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366145

File: 7ba12b8ef693b13⋯.jpg (157.67 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Graffiti_in_suburban_Melbo….jpg)

>>14366141

2/2

Mr Burgess’ comments highlight how the face of domestic extremism has shifted since the September 11 attacks in 2001, when Islamic extremism became ASIO’s primary focus.

While stressing neo-Nazi groups were not as dangerous as groups such as Islamic State, Mr Burgess said “nonetheless, their views and where it goes to promoting acts of violence are of grave concern”.

The concern is growing: in 2016, neo-Nazi and like groups accounted for only 10 to 15 per cent of ASIO’s counter-terror caseload.

Mr Burgess said Australian neo-Nazis no longer simply fitted the skinhead cliche.

“We’re seeing people as young as 16 and 17 in these groups,” he said. “That concerns us. They’re middle-class, well educated, they understand the ideology. They look like everyday Australians, and they’re not openly showing their true ideology and not openly showing their violent beliefs or their use of violence, which they believe is justified.”

The ASIO chief urged greater public awareness and understanding of the threat, labelling neo-Nazi groups a whole-of-society problem.

“It is a big deal if you truly understand their ideology and what they believe, and actually what they’re inspired by, of past events in history, and how they would like to see the world corrected … and what they’re prepared to do, or some of them are prepared to do to make that happen,” he said.

The internet and encrypted applications, along with a range of issues from COVID-19 lockdowns and conspiracies to a reaction to the Black Lives Matter movement, were supercharging domestic and international white supremacist networking, rhetoric and recruiting.

“There’s no doubt the impact of COVID reinforces their beliefs that there’s a collapse of society, there will be a race war. All of that just feeds it,” Mr Burgess said.

“People don’t like the lockdowns. They will protest against that, they can use that to fuel economic problems, or that brings hardship on people. It can make them susceptible to these ideologies, and people can be drawn in, and they know that, and they will use that to their advantage.”

Mr Burgess said the “very smart” use of encrypted communication platforms by neo-Nazi and other hate groups, as well as the refusal of certain tech firms to co-operate with law enforcement, was casting a protective cloak over them.

He said 97 per cent of important investigations run by ASIO were hitting encryption walls put up by suspects and tech companies who were resistant to lawful requests for assistance from agencies such as ASIO.

That some firms were not co-operative with investigators “defies belief to any normal person”, he said.

“They are tech companies, they’re not governments, and … they should respect the laws of the land in which their products are used.”

https://www.theage.com.au/national/threat-of-white-power-race-war-grave-concern-to-asio-says-chief-20210812-p58i9u.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366215

File: 539a4cd5ca99db9⋯.png (1.27 MB, 1620x2880, 9:16, cem.png)

myPolice Queensland Police News

Child exploitation investigation, Brisbane

Aug 16, 2021

Inner West Child Protection and Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information following an ongoing child exploitation investigation.

Operation Tango Thread was launched after investigations revealed a man in his mid-20s allegedly used a social media application to contact more than 3,500 account holders.

The following usernames have allegedly been used by the man:

• jordan_hornz

• damien_verlic21

• dylan_kosovic

• jab2289mynameis

• tombombadil001

• blake_bennet21

• thomthebomb001

• jay_h2200

• blake.estephan

• connorchilder21

• cameronbelmont

• jordandibley

Anyone who has received intimate images, or been asked to meet the account holder, is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.

The man was arrested earlier this month, is currently in custody and will re-appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court next month.

The following picture has also been sent to affected accounts.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at:

https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at:

https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au

https://mypolice.qld.gov.au/news/2021/08/16/child-exploitation-investigation-brisbane/

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366217

File: 64685dc71516f49⋯.jpg (535.29 KB, 825x1048, 825:1048, ACCCE_6.jpg)

File: 27dc80ca5839660⋯.webm (10.74 MB, 640x360, 16:9, rvTjHdI6_dC9HX0s.webm)

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweet

Victim Identification is one of the most important elements of #ChildProtection. It takes a special person to dedicate their career to this field, and we are eternally proud of these specialists and the work they do in the @AusFedPolice and ACCCE.

https://twitter.com/ACCCE_AUS/status/1427048173197950976

10 News First @10NewsFirst

A small team of women make up the Victim Identification Unit in the Australian Federal Police. They identify and save children from exploitation material | @ChloeBouras

https://twitter.com/10NewsFirst/status/1426808096400281601

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14366220

File: 95c0fd0783ade66⋯.jpg (194.28 KB, 750x750, 1:1, 10_News_First_Person.jpg)

>>14366217

10 News First Person Podcast

Australian Federal Police Victim Identification Team

15/08/2021

We Persevere

The Australian Federal Police's Victim Identification Team is worthy of a lot of praise, but not a lot of people know about it or consider the fact that the work they do is extremely traumatic work done by real people.

Kirsty Clarke and Kate Laidler are both a part of the team, and they talk to 10 News First's Chloe Bouras about this unenviable but vital job.

This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse. If this causes any issues for you, please contact ReachOut at https://au.reachout.com or Lifeline at https://www.lifeline.org.au or by calling 13 11 14.

https://shows.acast.com/10-news-first-person/episodes/we-persevere

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

2f32e0  No.14366286

>>14366215

Forwarded from Craig Roy. NSW Police Chief Served On Live News Broadcast. https://t.me/s/Whiplash347

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

f96bb0  No.14366747

>>14366734

something you should know

can be a little 'forceful'

7356017

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14375620

File: ed4986ee2f89da2⋯.jpg (24.28 KB, 306x380, 153:190, Scott_Morrison_thanked_Aus….jpg)

File: 6b08d6b50f4432d⋯.jpg (94.05 KB, 634x418, 317:209, Afghans_climb_on_top_of_a_….jpg)

File: f2f14efe02c8d0f⋯.jpg (225.52 KB, 634x803, 634:803, A_C_17_jet_carrying_640_Af….jpg)

File: eca75623b6514ea⋯.jpg (82.99 KB, 634x423, 634:423, French_soldiers_stand_guar….jpg)

File: 0f38042902959da⋯.jpg (124.36 KB, 632x411, 632:411, Australia_joined_the_war_i….jpg)

Scott Morrison delivers heartfelt message to diggers who fought in Afghanistan and asks them to do 'one more thing for us' - as he admits not all locals who fought alongside them will be evacuated

CHARLIE MOORE - 17 August 2021

Scott Morrison has thanked Australian soldiers for their service in Afghanistan as the war-torn nation falls to the Taliban.

The Prime Minister insisted that 41 diggers who died during Australia's longest war were not killed in vain.

'There is no more decent and good purpose than being willing to serve the country that you love.

'It doesn't mean history's currents always run our way. I wish it did. But, sadly, it doesn't,' he said.

In a press conference in Canberra, the Prime Minister asked servicemen and women to 'do one more thing for us'.

'And that is to please talk with people each and everyday in the weeks and months ahead.

'To your comrades, to your fellow veterans, to your friends, to your family to your counsellors,' he said.

Mr Morrison urged veterans to call Open Arms for mental health help.

'Talk to someone. Take up those services. It will help you see through the fog of these very, very difficult times,' he said.

The Prime Minister also admitted that not all locals who fought with Australians - such as interpreters - will be rescued from the capital Kabul.

Australia is sending three cargo planes to a secure base in the UAE before they will land at Kabul Airport to collect Australian citizens still in the country.

'I want you to know that we will continue to do everything we can for those who have with us, as we have to this day,' Mr Morrison said.

'But I want to talk openly to veterans that despite our best efforts, I know that support won't reach all that it should.

'On the ground events have overtaken many efforts. We wish it were different.'

Mr Morrison started evacuating all Australian officials from Afghanistan in May but has faced criticism for not helping hundreds of locals who fought with Australians.

He said 1,800 have already been brought to Australia, 430 just since April of this year.

Afghans in Australia on temporary visas will have their right to stay extended to avoid sending them back to a war-torn nation, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has announced.

Defence Minister Peter Dutton earlier told Sky News he was concerned that some of them had changed sides and fought for the Taliban.

'I'm not bringing people to Australia that pose a threat to us or that have done us harm in Afghanistan,' he told Sky News.

It comes after thousands of Afghans stormed Kabul Airport in a desperate bid to escape the country.

A video showed desperate Afghans clinging to the sides of a U.S. military plane as it tried to leave the city's airport.

Another showed people plunging to their deaths from a C-17 transport aircraft.

Australia joined the war in Afghanistan in November 2001 after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York, the worst terror attack in history.

The US-led coalition swiftly deposed the Taliban government before year's end, but western troops had stayed for 20 years since, dealing with lingering pockets of resistance and trying to train the local army.

At the peak of the war, Australia had 1,500 troops in Afghanistan and in total 39,000 Australian Defence Force personnel have been deployed on Operations SLIPPER and HIGHROAD.

Since the end of 2013, Australia has only maintained a small training force in Afghanistan rather than active combat troops.

In February the US said it would withdraw by May. The Taliban reclaimed control from the Afghan government over the weekend.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9900205/Scott-Morrison-delivers-heartfelt-message-diggers-fought-Afghanistan.html

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling

https://www.openarms.gov.au

1800 011 046 - 24 Hours

Lifeline

13 11 14 - 24 Hours

https://www.lifeline.org.au

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14375655

File: 0b974cdcc7801f3⋯.jpg (164.89 KB, 634x942, 317:471, Australia_s_most_decorated….jpg)

File: 682a9e37f60991c⋯.jpg (115.14 KB, 634x422, 317:211, Members_of_the_Special_Ope….jpg)

File: 4ef2049c21d2860⋯.jpg (143.14 KB, 634x524, 317:262, Ben_Roberts_Smith_says_The….jpg)

>>14035776

Why we lost Afghanistan: War hero BEN ROBERTS-SMITH says the West never understood the Taliban were more than a 'rag-tag group of bogey men' - and remembers the sacrifice of the 41 Aussies who died in combat and 500 who took their lives back home

BEN ROBERTS-SMITH VC - 16 August 2021

I feel a great sense of sadness that Afghanistan is back in the hands of the Taliban.

I feel for the people of Afghanistan and the horrors they now face; I feel for the families of our fallen who will question the purpose of their sacrifice and I feel for the men and women who served their country with distinction throughout the Afghanistan War.

Only two months ago the current Chief of the Defence Force stated to a senate committee that he 'did not believe the former Islamist extremist rulers of Afghanistan would overrun the entire country once NATO and its allies leave'.

Such a comment reinforces how far removed the leadership is and was from the realities of the situation in Afghanistan.

It also serves as a reminder of why our senior leadership was unable to provide a successful strategy for Afghanistan or to ever fully understand our enemy.

What is happening in Afghanistan today is not a surprise to the men and women who served there. It is just one of the reasons why today’s veterans are so disenfranchised with our senior military leadership.

Not because the withdrawal was ordered but for not giving us a chance to win.

The Taliban were never a rag-tag group of bogey men. They were a political entity with vast networks and resources who ruthlessly killed innocent men, women, and children.

The sad reality is that 41 Australians died serving their country in Afghanistan. More than 500 veterans have taken their lives since returning home.

We can never forget their sacrifice or the sacrifice of all Australian Afghan veterans who will continue to carry this war inside them.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9897211/Ben-Roberts-Smith-reveals-devastation-Taliban-takes-Afghanistan.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14375704

File: 546d9ef65458297⋯.jpg (138.81 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, If_convicted_the_charged_m….jpg)

File: 7b2b14158e0ef18⋯.jpg (86.03 KB, 1279x720, 1279:720, It_is_alleged_Mr_Jensen_pr….jpg)

File: b8b1d3828907cb5⋯.jpg (173.1 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, Mr_Jensen_faced_Perth_Magi….jpg)

>>14249699

Man faces court charged with impersonating federal police officer

ANGIE RAPHAEL - AUGUST 16, 2021

A man has faced court charged with impersonating a federal police officer as part of an alleged operation to bring down the government.

It is alleged Marcus Jensen, 49, claimed to be an Australian Federal Police official during an unsuccessful bid to obtain stamps and identification badges bearing the AFP logo.

The Tuart Hill man faced Perth Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with impersonating Commonwealth public officials, but was not represented by a lawyer.

He is yet to enter a plea and is due back in court on September 24.

If convicted, he faces up to two years in prison.

Six search warrants were executed across Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia earlier this month as part of a Joint Counter Terrorism Team investigation into a group allegedly impersonating government officials and holding anti-government sentiment.

In a statement at the time, police said they had not found an impending threat to community safety or evidence the group had the ability to carry out acts discussed.

Police allege group members are responsible for a video on social media that falsely claims to be a recording of AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw detailing anti-government sentiment and encouraging others to join.

The man speaking in the recording was identified and found to be part of a group who regularly met online and discussed taking over the federal government, police said.

That allegedly included the creation of “arrest warrants” for some high profile politicians and public servants.

Police also said they learnt about a shipment of three boxes of replica AFP badges consigned to a Cairns house and found them dumped in a creek.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Scott Lee said it was concerning a group of people had allegedly arranged the manufacture of AFP replica badges and a fake video.

“We have found no evidence this group has the ability – or has actually attempted – to carry out specific violent acts in support of statements made by members of this group,” he said.

“The general public needs to know that a video purporting to be of the AFP commissioner, calling for people to join in a plan to create a new government, is complete and utter nonsense.

“It is not from the commissioner, it is not from the AFP and has absolutely no credibility.”

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/man-faces-court-charged-with-impersonating-federal-police-officer/news-story/4bdb2aeac30e8294955d91e341837733

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14375751

File: 476665ee8b44184⋯.jpg (117 KB, 960x640, 3:2, Linktree_co_founders_Alex_….jpg)

Social media startup Linktree battles anti-vaccine misinformation, conspiracy theorists

Cara Waters - August 17, 2021

High-flying social media startup Linktree is scrambling to deal with anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists using the platform to spread misinformation.

The Melbourne-based startup is used by 16 million people around the world to link their social media accounts and websites links in one stack and is one of Australia’s rising tech stars. It raised $US45 million ($59 million) earlier this year from investors including billionaire Afterpay co-founder Nick Molnar.

However, as the platform has grown it is increasingly having to deal with misinformation.

Some Linktree users are posting links on the platform to spread baseless QAnon conspiracy theories about child sex trafficking rings, misinformation about the coronavirus pandemic or anti-vaccination information.

A sample of QAnon and anti-vaccination influencers on Instagram analysed by Dr Rachel Moran at the University of Washington’s Centre for an Informed Public (UWCIP), found much of the misinformation was being directed through Linktree’s “link in bio” feature.

Dr Moran researches trust in information environments and misinformation and highlighted one Linktree user who linked to misinformation about COVID-19, vaccines, masks, voter fraud, aliens, UFOs, 9/11 conspiracy theories and a claim linking the sinking of the Titanic to a CIA program.

The problem is not unique to Linktree with all social media companies battling the spread of misinformation.

However, Linktree’s platform is particularly appealing to anti-vaccination and conspiracy theorists as it allows users to direct people away from mainstream platforms like Instagram or TikTok on which misinformation is policed.

In research published on Virality Project entitled ‘Content Moderation Avoidance Strategies’ Dr Moran and other researchers at UWCIP highlighted how users direct their followers away from Instagram through Linktree.

“By taking users outside of Instagram’s ‘walled garden,’ Linktree allows users to draw their audiences to content beyond the reach of Instagram’s community guidelines or moderation systems,” the research states. “Consequently, using Linktree (and linking to vaccine-hesitant content in Instagram bios) has become a popular content-moderation avoidance strategy for anti-vaccine communities.”

Elise Thomas, a researcher based in Australia for London think tank the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, said while she had not studied Linktree specifically, the platform came up “all the time” when researching extremism, anti-vaccination and conspiracy theorists.

“The purpose of Linktree is really for anyone who gets deplatformed on a regular basis to use it,” she said. “It is a useful way for followers to find where your next account is.”

Linktree co-founder and chief executive Alex Zaccaria said the platform was alert to the problem.

“Misinformation is certainly something we take extremely seriously and is against our terms of service and community guidelines,” he said.

Linktree’s user terms explicitly require users not to post content which is “misleading or deceptive” which is defined as “intended or designed to misinform, would be likely to misinform a reasonable person, and that you will not represent as fact something which is false”.

Linktree spokesman Nadav Avidan said the platform asked users to flag and report content which was misinformation and was also using artificial intelligence tools to identify misinformation.

“Probably the biggest epidemic on the internet right now is misinformation,” he said. “The dangers of misinformation spreading risk just as many lives (as COVID) and this is something we take very, very seriously.”

Linktree has hired a head of trust and safety to build its moderation team but Mr Avidan did not provide details of whether Linktree had banned any of its users for peddling misinformation.

“It’s best if we share as little as possible about the specifics of what we’re doing to block them because it’s a constant game of cat and mouse,” Mr Avidan said. “As they keep trying to come up with ways to bypass our procedures, we keep coming up with ways to block them I think this is something that both sides are learning.”

https://www.theage.com.au/business/entrepreneurship/social-media-startup-linktree-battles-anti-vaccine-misinformation-conspiracy-theorists-20210816-p58j69.html

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

933c2a  No.14375927

>>14375704

I have yet to hear a denial from AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385625

Notables

are not endorsements

#17 - Part 1

Australian Politics and Society - Part 1

>>14030823 Final Australian troops leave Afghanistan as 20-year mission draws to a close

>>14035759 Labor leader Anthony Albanese backs Biden's approach on China

>>14036004 Arlington National Cemetery Tweet: Earlier today, Australian Ambassador to the U.S. @A_Sinodinos viewed the Changing of the Guard and participated in a Public Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

>>14036009 Arthur Sinodinos Tweet: Today, Elizabeth & I; and Maj. Gen Andrew Freeman and Jane Freeman had the great honour of laying a wreath on behalf of Australia in remembrance of US fallen service men & women at @ArlingtonNatl. This year (Australia) & (United States) commemorate 70 years of our unbreakable #ANZUS alliance

>>14036029 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: Last week, U.S. Marines, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers conduct a rehearsal of concept before their final training event during #SouthernJackaroo. The event exercised their combined capabilities to give mounted and dismounted support to small unit ground maneuvers, while utilizing multiple weapons systems, at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia.

>>14042216 Dutch court approves alleged drug syndicate leader Tse Chi Lop for extradition to Australia

>>14042873 Chief of Navy Australia Tweet: I have just conducted my inaugural call with incoming Japanese Defence Attache, CAPT Reona Aso & his predecessor COL Shigehiro Noshita - #AusNavy's partnership w @ModJapan_en is founded on shared strategic interests & building a secure, prosperous & inclusive Indo-Pacific

>>14042879 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet: #Marines Posted during #ExerciseDarrandarra - Sharpening our embassy reinforcement skills with #yourADF

>>14042885 III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet: “It was important for us to interact with the community so we could show our appreciation for the opportunity to train in Nhulunbuy. .” -Australian Army Lt. Col. Daniel Gosling - Read about @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy’s training in Nhulunbym, Aus. https://dvidshub.net/r/89la9z

>>14042898 U.S. Marines in Australia complete embassy reinforcement and noncombatant evacuation operations exercise

>>14042906 Department of Defence Tweet: Exercise Southern Jackaroo. #YourADF, @USMC & @Japan_GSDF participated in the combined exercise recently, which included more than seven live-fire traces open simultaneously and the first Javelin fired in the Mount Bundey Training Area.

>>14042912 Tactical capability focus of Exercise Southern Jackaroo - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au

>>14042986 Video: 'The Alliance' | Episode 1 - How a shared sacrifice in both WW1 & WW2 established a close bond between Australia and the United States - Sky News Australia

>>14049526 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: Here comes the guns - U.S. Marines participate in support to ground maneuvers training during Exercise #SouthernJackaroo at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia, June 23, 2021

>>14050787 Court documents shed new light on man behind moniker 'Witness K' and how he met lawyer Bernard Collaery

>>14051007 Department of Defence Tweet: Allies unite! #YourADF is taking part in the multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment in USA, practising fighting against a notional enemy alongside the @USArmy, @canadianarmy and @BritishArmy

>>14051012 Allies unite for exercise in US - Personnel from Brisbane’s 7th Combat Brigade and supporting elements from the 6th Brigade take part in multi-national Joint Warfighting Assessment 2021 (JWA 21) at Fort Carson in the United States

>>14057971 Department of Defence Tweet: #AusNavy's HMAS Brisbane sailed into Sydney Harbour on 3 July with (Japan) @jmsdf_pao_eng destroyer JS Makinami, (South Korea) Navy destroyer ROKS Wang Geon and (United States) #USSRafaelPeralta. The contactless, COVIDSafe port visit is ahead of Exercise PACIFIC VANGUARD.

>>14057972 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Exercise Pacific Vanguard is the Air Maritime Integration Exercise workup activity, prior to Exercise #TalismanSabre!

>>14064316 PDF: Australian Security Intelligence Organisation - ASIO Corporate Plan 2021-2025 - Mike Burgess, Director-General of Security, 1 July 2021

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385628

#17 - Part 2

Australian Politics and Society - Part 2

>>14064462 Hundreds of Afghans linked to Australian-funded “hearts and minds” projects left vulnerable to advancing Taliban after being denied access to special visa program for those who supported Australia’s two-decade presence in the country

>>14071862 Talisman Sabre Tweet: VideoL A message from Air Commodore Stuart Bellingham, ADF Director for Exercise #TalismanSabre2021. Since 2005, #YourADF and the @DeptofDefense forces have been welcomed into the @QldGov communities, and we are grateful for your ongoing patience and support!

>>14071867 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet: We ride at dawn during #SouthernJackaroo trilateral support by fire training with #yourADF, and @Japan_GSDF

>>14079317 Spectacular delivery of extra Chinooks, as ADF's MRH-90 Taipan helicopters remain dogged by safety issues

>>14079345 Video: Heavy-lift aviation capability bolstered with arrival of new Chinooks from US - Department of Defence Australia

>>14079371 Opinion: Olympic values will deepen Japan’s ties with Australia - Yamagami Shingo, Japanese ambassador to Australia

>>14086073 Tony Podesta turned to art dealing after becoming ensnared in the Trump-Russia scandal. With his friends running Washington, he is eying a return to lobbying

>>14086076 Q Post #1918 - https://wikileaks.org/podesta-emails/emailid/50428 - Nothing to see here. Q

>>14098466 National ay of commemoration to honour Australia’s Afghanistan and Iraq troops

>>14098496 Video: Three international warships docked in Sydney Harbour tonight after a week of joint missile exercises, Exercise Pacific Vanguard - 7NEWS Australia

>>14119991 Talisman Sabre Tweet: 1 more sleep until #TalismanSabre! The opening ceremony will be held tomorrow & #TS21 activities will ramp up over the coming days

>>14119998 Talisman Sabre Tweet: We are on! Australia’s largest joint exercise with the US #TalismanSabre is now underway with the opening ceremony held at #AusAirForce Base Amberley

>>14120003 Show of strength for Talisman Sabre - Major Cameron Jamieson - defence.gov.au

>>14120011 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Some shots from todays ceremony! #YourADF and @DeptofDefense marked the commencement of Exercise #TalismanSabre at #AusAirForce Base Amberley today

>>14120016 Royal Marines Tweet: Down Under… #RoyalMarines of @40commando have returned to Australia for @TalismanSabre. Commandos began their deployment acting as a 'pre-landing force' to pave the way for larger amphibious forces to land ashore

>>14120020 Royal Marines head on training raids in Australia - royalnavy.mod.uk

>>14120147 Australia ‘very wary’ of Chinese spy ship sitting off Queensland coast

>>14126998 Video: Talisman Sabre 2021 Opening Ceremony - Department of Defence Australia

>>14127001 Video: We are ready - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14127057 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Attended opening ceremony of Exercise @TalismanSabre 2021. Japanese warship and 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment of #JGSDF @ModJapan_en are participating. Looking forward to many more exercises with Australia to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385634

#17 - Part 3

Australian Politics and Society - Part 3

>>14127067 Department of Defence Tweet: The Talisman 'Sabre' has been drawn in Townsville, Queensland! #AusArmy troops have hit the ground running, ready to train alongside their United States counterparts.

>>14127077 Sabre drawn, troops ready for action - Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - defence.gov.au

>>14127084 Talisman Sabre Tweet: A #TS21 first - The @USArmy will fire a Patriot missile for first time in Australia during #TalismanSabre.

>>14127095 US Army to fire Patriot missile for first time in Australia during Talisman Sabre - Seth Robson - stripes.com

>>14127263 Defence Minister Peter Dutton wary of Taliban turncoats in considering Afghanistan visa applications

>>14134744 Video: ‘Why I Spy’: ASIO’s new social media campaign to attract a more diverse group of recruits

>>14134789 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Here's a sneak peek of the US military rehearsing the first ever Patriot surface-to-air missile firing in Australia yesterday, with the actual firing taking place this morning at Shoalwater Bay. Stay tuned for the real footage

>>14134793 Patriot missile firing will be a first - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au

>>14141586 Talisman Sabre Tweet: An Australian first! The @USArmy MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile has been successfully fired on Australian soil for the first time during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021. Great job to all involved

>>14141592 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video: HERE IT IS - Check out the footage from the first Patriot surface-to-air missile firing on Australian soil yesterday, improving the combat readiness of Australian and US forces

>>14141604 Video: First Patriot Missile launch in Australia - Department of Defence Australia

>>14141624 U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Tweet: U.S. @PacificMarines with @3dMarineDivision train during #TalismanSabre 2021; a large-scale, bilateral military exercise that enhances the (United States-Australia) alliance & provides peace and stability in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

>>14141653 Department of Defence Tweet: Working in partnership - #AusArmy Private Louii Hornibrook will be taking part in Exercise Sea Raider, the amphibious element of Exercise #TalismanSabre. Standing with Private Hornibrook is (Japan) Seargent Kotaro Tsuda, (United States) Lance Corporal Christopher Hren & (United Kingdom) Lieutenant Jones

>>14141676 United States Pacific Fleet - Expeditionary Strike Group 7 arrives for exercise Talisman Sabre - Lt. Cmdr. Sherrie A. Flippin - cpf.navy.mil

>>14145027 Video: Second Chinese spy ship en route to Australia ahead of US military exercises - Sky News Australia

>>14153505 Defence Minister Peter Dutton Facebook Post: Talisman Sabre is Australia's largest military exercise with the United States. Some 17,000 personnel, including 8,000 from the ADF are engaging in multiple warfighting training scenarios…They are working hard together, strengthening the Australian-US Alliance, and improving combat readiness.

>>14153524 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Shots of yesterday's #LiveFire - Australian and American have fired on Shoalwater Bay in a combined strike during #TalismanSabre2021. Stay tuned for the footage!

>>14153531 Weapons unleashed in powerful demonstration - Warrant Officer Class 2 Max Bree - defence.gov.au

>>14153541 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Thank you, Townsville! The city and people of Townsville received a show of gratitude on behalf of #TS21 with a special flypast from @AusAirForce.

>>14153560 United States Department of Defense Tweet: During exercise #TalismanSabre, @3d_Marine_Div and @AustralianArmy are training together to support a peaceful, stable and #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385635

#17 - Part 4

Australian Politics and Society - Part 4

>>14153573 United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Tweet: Deterrence through partnerships and alliances is critical to America's defense. The @TalismanSabre exercise in the @INDOPACOM theater is a perfect example of that–with 17,000 personnel from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the ROK, and the U.K. participating.

>>14155417 Video: Talisman Sabre 21, Queensland, Australia, 07/19/2021 #KnowYourMil - GEORGEnews

>>14159692 Video: Talisman Sabre 21 live fire mission - Department of Defence Australia

>>14159708 Talisman Sabre Tweet: An Australian and US first - #TS21 jump training combined @USAirForce, @USArmy & #YourADF parachutists to conduct military free-fall operations from a U.S. aircraft using Australian parachutes for the first time.

>>14159731 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Building sea combat power - #HMASBallarat, #HMASBrisbane & #HMASParramatta are building navy-to-navy skills by conducting maritime manoeuvres with Republic of Korea Ship Wang Geon, USS Rafael Peralta & @jmsdf_pao_eng Japanese Ship Makinami during #TS21.

>>14159754 U.S. Marines Tweet: HIMARS w/ @3d_Marine_Div fire missiles during exercise @TalismanSabre at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, #Australia. #TS21 allows US, AUS and other partners to enhance interoperability by training in complex scenarios that address the full range of Indo-Pacific security concerns.

>>14159794 General James C. McConville Tweet: Soldiers assigned to @38thADA, @94thArmyAMDC fire a patriot missile during bilateral Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 at Camp Growl located in Queensland, Australia.

>>14166108 Australia and the US in talks to deepen military co­operation, plans for new exercises on Australian soil including joint training with American army soldiers

>>14166302 Video: Brisbane announced as 2032 Olympic Games host city at IOC meeting in Tokyo

>>14172466 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: So long, farewell, to you my friends - U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force – Darwin, Australian Army soldiers and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force soldiers commemorated the completion of Exercise Southern Jackaroo with a closing ceremony at Mount Bundey Training Area, NT, Australia

>>14172485 Talisman Sabre Tweet: That #TS21 partnership - Troops from #AusArmy's 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery & the @USArmy's @38thADA, at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, during Exercise #TalismanSabre2021.

>>14172502 Video: Gunfire exercise on board HMAS Ballarat - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14172510 Video: RBS 70 anti-aircraft missile live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14172637 Repatriation flights considered for Afghan translators who worked with Australian troops

>>14180668 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Delighted to welcome to my Residence Mr Matt Anderson PSM, Director of @AWMemorial. Very much enjoyed our conversation on a wide range of topics as we both have diplomatic backgrounds. (Japan) and (Australia) fought alongside one another in WWI and the Cold War, followed by cooperation in Iraq

>>14180741 Video: Artillery joint-coalition live fire - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14185225 U.S. Navy Tweet: Taking a (photo) with friends! Partner nations sail in formation as part of @TalismanSabre. The exercise consists of a series of training events that reinforce the strong U.S./Australian alliance and demonstrate the U.S. Military’s unwavering commitment to a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.

>>14185244 Talisman Sabre Tweet: 11 ships, 5 nations - #USNSRappahannock, #ROKSWang Geon, #HMASParramatta, #USSAmerica, #USSRafaelPeralta, #JSMakinami, #USNSAlanShepard, #HMCSCalgary, #USSNewOrleans, #HMASBrisbane, and #USSGermantown sail in formation during #TalismanSabre2021.

>>14187021 President Joe Biden poised to nominate Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to Australia

>>14187077 United States military invites Australia to join development of top secret missile strike program - Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385637

#17 - Part 5

Australian Politics and Society - Part 5

>>14187200 Huawei hiring former Democratic super lobbyist Tony Podesta - Back in business after a Mueller-induced hiatus

>>14187418 The Mehdi Hasan Show Tweet: Do Fox and the Murdochs have blood on their hands for all the disinformation they’ve propagated? @TurnbullMalcolm: “They certainly have contributed to blood being shed.”

>>14187427 Video: Former Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull Slams Rupert Murdoch Over Fox’s Involvement in 1/6 Insurrection and Vaccine Hesitancy Push

>>14187430 Video: Rupert Murdoch’s Disinformation Media Empire | The Mehdi Hasan Show - The Choice

>>14187446 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Getting to the mission - #Marines with @MrfDarwin departed Townsville in several MV-22B Osprey aircraft last night to conduct night operations during #TS21.

>>14201082 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Our nations training together - Troops from #TS21 have descended on the town of Bowen in Queensland, as part of military drills to enhance their war fighting skills in an urban environment

>>14201083 War games begin in Bowen - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au

>>14206825 Video: 3rd Brigade's Battle Group Eagle conducts a firepower demonstration of the capabilities it can provide to the joint force during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14206828 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet: Today marks 68 years since the cessation of hostilities in the Korean War. On this day, we pause to remember those Marines who served in legendary battles from the breakout at Chosin Reservoir to the amphibious landings at Inchon.

>>14206840 Pacific Marines Tweet: @USMC with 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, @MrfDarwin, execute airfield assault training as part of Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 (TS21) in Bowen, Queensland, Australia

>>14206859 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video: Check it out - @usairforce defenders are flying in! The Deployed Aircraft Ground Response Element team complete training after exiting from an MC-130J during #TS21 at #AusAirForce Base Tindal

>>14213706 Video: Trilateral activity Exercise Southern Jackaroo involved soldiers from the ADF's 1st Brigade - Darwin, Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, and United States Marine Rotational Force - Darwin - Department of Defence Australia

>>14213739 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Magnificent to see (Japan, Australia) and partners with shared strategic interests gathering in our region. @Japan_GSDF troops participating in Exercise @TalismanSabre had the honour of meeting with the Commander of 1st Division, MAJGEN Jake Ellwood

>>14213787 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force - Ground Component Command Tweet: [ #Talisman Saber 21 ] Photo: #Ground Component Command #Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade and Australian Army Combat Training (Urban Warfare ) Bowen City Alert

>>14213840 Video: Rosa Maria Maione, the so-called carer of Annie Smith, pleads guilty to her manslaughter in the disability neglect case that horrified Australia

>>14220773 Worldwide hacking warning issued on how businesses are being compromised during COVID-19

>>14220789 U.S., U.K., and Australia Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory - Australian Cyber Security Centre - July 2021

>>14220833 Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw says AFP has ‘another ingenious plan’ to further dismantle organised crime networks after pulling off Operation Ironside sting

>>14220859 Australian Bar Association calls for Attorney-General Michaelia Cash to reconsider controversial prosecution of Canberra lawyer Bernard Collaery

>>14220897 ADF, U.S. and Japanese joint amphibious assault - Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385640

#17 - Part 6

Australian Politics and Society - Part 6

>>14220927 Defence Minister Peter Dutton Tweets: Earlier this week I visited some of our Australian and multinational troops participating in Talisman Sabre…Our troops are doing great work; we all should be so incredibly proud

>>14228351 Department of Defence Tweet: Yesterday, @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers jumped out of an #AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise #TalismanSabre

>>14228354 Paratroopers in the skies over Queensland - Flight Lieutenant Chloe Stevenson - defence.gov.au

>>14228362 U.S. Army Pacific Tweet: Video: 'Spartan Brigade’ paratroopers jump over Queensland, Australia - 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) paratroopers with the jump onto the Kangaroo Drop Zone as part of a simulated Joint Forcible Entry Operation during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 in Australia

>>14228622 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Strengthening our alliances - Check it out - #YourADF's integration with international partners is on show at #TS21 in the form of a multi-domain strike

>>14228626 Striking in a new way: Multi-domain strike - Synchronisation of traditional operating domains of Maritime, Land and Air with newer domains of Space and Information/Cyberspace - Petty Officer Jake Badior - defence.gov.au

>>14228786 Video: Prime Minister Scott Morrison says lockdowns to end once 80 per cent of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19

>>14228864 Australian Defence Force and anti-abortion organisations banned from Australian National University Induction Day by ANU Student Association - Education Minister Alan Tudge considers cutting off funding to student organisations that attempt to stop the airing of views they oppose on campus

>>14233997 ‘Freedom’ activists aim to harness anger for new political party - Monica Smit and Reignite Democracy Australia

>>14235604 Video: Talisman Sabre 21: US Marines, British Royal Marines, ADF & JGSDF Conducting Amphibious Landing - GEORGEnews

>>14235614 Video: A Multi-National Amphibious Assault was conducted as part of Talisman Sabre 2021. Coalition forces consisting of Royal Marine Commandos, United States Army, United States Marine Corps, the Japanese Ground Self Defence Force, and the Australian Defence Force landed at Forrest Beach near Ingham, Queensland - Department of Defence Australia

>>14235682 Video: Joint amphibious landing and air assault - Talisman Sabre 2021 - The troops took to the beaches and streets of Bowen, Queensland as part of simulated battles between two opposing forces. Scenarios included a beach landing, securing of airfields and strategic areas and storming of positions at various locations - Department of Defence Australia

>>14235711 Troops come ashore on quiet beach in final push - Private Jacob Joseph - defence.gov.au

>>14235784 Talisman Sabre Tweet: A picture can tell a thousand words - The calm before the storm is the perfect epitome for the @USArmyAlaska #paratroopers onboard an @AusAirForce C-17A Globemaster III, patiently waiting to step out into the open Queensland sky.

>>14235784 https://qanon.pub/?q=calm

>>14235790 Video: From Alaska to Queensland - U.S. paratroopers drop in on Talisman Sabre 2021 - United States Army troops from the 3rd Batallion, 509th Infantry Airbourne conducted an airborne assault dropping into 'Kangaroo Dropzone' near Charters Towers, Queensland for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14236056 U.S. Navy Tweet: Teamwork makes the dream work for a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific - @31stMeu and Sailors aboard USS America (LHA 6) conduct an underway replenishment with the Australian Navy's HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) in the Coral Sea, July 27, 2021, as part of @TalismanSabre

>>14236063 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Hidden beneath the deep blue sea lurks an unseen threat, keeping sailors alert during #TS21 - @Australian_Navy & @USNavy submarines are disrupting operations during a series of sub-surface training scenarios

>>14236071 Submarines add extra layer of realism on Talisman Sabre - Warrant Officer Class Two Max Bree - defence.gov.au

>>14236107 Talisman Sabre Tweet: How fitting that today is the #InternationalDayOfFriendship?! We celebrate all the new mates we have made on #TS21

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385642

#17 - Part 7

Australian Politics and Society - Part 7

>>14236111 Making new mates on exercise Talisman Sabre: Australian-Japanese soldier Private Louii Hornibrook, 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment - Captain Dan Mazurek - defence.gov.au

>>14236173 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet: Come out, come out, wherever you are #SouthernJackaroo #YourADF #MRFD #ADF #australianarmy #Australia #Darwin #IIIMEF #Marines #MarineCorps #freeandopenindopacific #JGSDF

>>14236208 Department of Defence Tweet: Ready for action - Preparations are underway for high-end warfighting Exercise #Koolendong, which is set to take place during August and September between elements of #AusArmy's 1 Brigade and the @MrfDarwin

>>14236219 Communications ready for Koolendong - The live-fire exercise will be held during August and September at the Bradshaw Field Training Area, NT - Captain Peter March - defence.gov.au

>>14243180 YouTube restricts Sky News Australia channel over ‘COVID misinformation’

>>14245420 Vaccination the gold medal we aspire to - Prime Minister Scott Morrison - theaustralian.com.au

>>14248043 "Thought my Aussie's might enjoy this…. - QClock August 1, 2021 - Australia 5:5" - U.S. Marines Tweet - G'day, mates! @Australian_Navy

>>14249439 U.S. Marines Tweet: G'day, mates! @Australian_Navy - #Marines and Sailors of the America Expeditionary Strike Group greet the crew of HMAS Ballarat (FFH 155) during an underway replenishment of the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) in the Coral Sea

>>14249699 Fake video purports to show Australian Federal Police boss Reece Kershaw plotting to overthrow government

>>14249700 Plot to oust government, replace AFP thwarted by counter-terrorism police

>>14249732 Man charged with impersonating Commonwealth official as search warrants executed in three states - Australian Federal Police - 2 August 2021

>>14249774 Man charged over fake video of AFP chief Kershaw ‘plotting coup’

>>14249933 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video - What's it like training with your Australian comrades? Hear from U.S. Special Operations personnel as they complete jump training with #YourADF from an MC-130J Air Commando II during #TS21

>>14249965 Talisman Sabre Tweet: - The end of #TS21 - #YourADF and International Military personnel who participated in #TalismanSabre this year marked the end of the exercise during a closing ceremony yesterday. But it's not the end of us! We still have lots to show you so stay tuned

>>14249989 U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia - Chargé d’Affaires Doug Sonnek Speech: Talisman Sabre Closing Ceremony - August 01, 2021

>>14250019 Defence Minister Peter Dutton flags participation of India in Australia’s biggest wargames with the US, saying he’d like to see the nation’s Quad partner at Exercise Talisman Sabre in two years’ time

>>14257419 Talisman Sabre’s theatre of war - Australia’s biggest defence exercise with the US has grown into a significant multinational training event

>>14257474 Local, national and calls to mobiles will now be free from Telstra payphones

>>14257486 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Tweet: (Australia) is working with our closest partners on global health security, equitable vaccine access & promoting shared values of democracy & human rights. Today I met with Five Eyes counterparts…on Indo-Pacific priorities & challenges

>>14265858 Video: SkyNews Australia anchor slams YouTube for 'most extreme cancelation of free speech imaginable' - Fox News / Tucker Carlson Tonight

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385645

#17 - Part 8

Australian Politics and Society - Part 8

>>14265940 PDF: Diggers to fight on digital front - Australian Defence Force adopts new digital battle space strategy and modern warfare posture

>>14265963 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Exercise @TalismanSabre 21 has concluded, but (Japan and Australia's) journey to maintain and strengthen a #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific steadily and resolutely continues

>>14265971 Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz Tweet: I had an excellent call with my Australian counterpart @peterdutton_MP, emphasizing the strong bond between our countries based on shared values

>>14274251, >>14274255 Academic papers from the 1960s reveal how a CIA-funded 'mind control' program came to Australia - MK-Ultra and Operation Midnight Climax

>>14274481 Talisman Sabre Tweet: Video - And that's a wrap! Seven nations worked, trained & fought side by side in some of the most realistic & challenging training activities yet. Thank you to all involved in #TalismanSabre2021 & thank you Australia. See you in 2023

>>14274492 Talisman Sabre wraps up - Nearly 17,000 personnel from Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand and the United Kingdom worked, trained and fought side by side

>>14282328 Proposed AFP dark web powers get cautious tick - Australian Federal Police and Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission would be given powers to hunt paedophile rings, terrorists and drug traffickers operating on the “dark web” under planned laws

>>14282642 Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Delighted to welcome to my Residence AFP @AusFedPolice Commissioner Reece Kershaw APM

>>14289308 US Consulate Perth Tweets: A new memorial has been unveiled at WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle in honor of American World War II submarine USS Bullhead - departed Fremantle on July 31, 1945…sunk in an attack by a Japanese army aircraft on August 6 in the Java Sea

>>14289327 U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Australia - New U.S. Submarine Memorial Unveiled in Perth - 6 August, 2021

>>14289709 Department of Defence Tweet: HMA Ships Canberra and Ballarat have arrived in the Western Pacific Ocean for the opening phase of the US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21

>>14289712 Australian ships join US-led Large Scale Global Exercise 21 - defence.gov.au

>>14289723 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Tweet: Today we honor those wounded in action, understanding that some gave their last full measure of devotion. We thank those at @WWRUSMC for taking care of Marines on the road to recovery. Semper Fidelis

>>14303677 Video: Rationalist Society of Australia President Meredith Doig, leading voice behind 2021 Census ‘No Religion’ campaign praises Satanism

>>14303690 RSA Webinar: Michael Dove on ‘The census and religion–Giving more Australians the freedom to choose’ - Rationalists Australia

>>14303709 Q Post #1646 - NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY BEEN THIS EXPOSED. NEVER IN OUR HISTORY HAVE THEY COME OUT FROM THE SHADOWS TO FIGHT.

>>14303709 Q Post #4461 - Only when evil is forced into the light can we defeat it. Only when they can no longer operate in the [shadows] can people see the truth for themselves.

>>14303709 Q Post #4396 - God wins.

>>14304238 Japanese Ambassador YAMAGAMI Shingo Tweet: Solemnly attended the bell ringing ceremony to remember the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki hosted by Rotary Club of Canberra Burley Griffin. Expressed my sincere condolences and renewed my determination to work hard with (Australia) for peace and stability of this region.

>>14304266 III Marine Expeditionary Force Tweet: Marines with @MrfDarwin and @AustralianArmy soldiers reviewed a terrain model during a concept rehearsal. Leaders review schemes of maneuver during rehearsals to seamlessly complete the mission.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385648

#17 - Part 9

Australian Politics and Society - Part 9

>>14311676 Video: The Final Assault - The best of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2021 - We’ll continue to train together, and look forward to seeing you again for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2023 - Department of Defence Australia

>>14311723 Marine Rotational Force – Darwin Facebook Post: .S. Marines with MRF-D and Australian soldiers reviewed the scheme of maneuver and training events during the rehearsal of concept for Exercises #Loobye and #Koolendong 2021

>>14322373 Marise Payne, Peter Dutton planning diplomatic visits to US, India and Indonesia

>>14342881 Australia will work with allied forces to extract citizens and visa holders from Afghanistan - Taliban making rapid battlefield gains

>>14346911 Special Counsel John Durham considering prosecutions and scrutinizing Trump-Russia tipsters: Report

>>14346925 https://qanon.pub/?q=Durham

>>14356371 Scott Morrison flags rescue mission for Afghan angels - locals who helped Australian troops during the two-decade conflict

>>14366085 OPINION: Joe Biden’s defeat will echo for eternity - Miranda Devine - nypost.com

>>14366141 Threat of white-power race war ‘grave concern’ to ASIO, says chief

>>14375620 Scott Morrison delivers heartfelt message to diggers who fought in Afghanistan and asks them to do 'one more thing for us' - as he admits not all locals who fought alongside them will be evacuated

>>14375704 Marcus Jensen faces Perth Magistrates Court charged with impersonating Federal Police officer as part of an alleged operation to bring down the government

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385652

#17 - Part 10

Australian Government Sexual Assault Allegations

>>14079305 Australian Federal Police decision on Brittany Higgins charges will be made in coming weeks

>>14282340 26-year-old man summonsed to appear in court over Brittany Higgins rape allegation

#17 - Part 11

Australian and Regional Resignations

>>14050847 Tasmanian Labor leader David O'Byrne resigns amid sexual harassment allegations investigation

>>14079271 Family Law judge Joe Harman resigns after independent investigation found he had engaged in behaviour that was “sexualised in nature and otherwise inappropriate” towards two women

#17 - Part 12

Malka Leifer Extradition and Prosecution

>>14234802 Malka Leifer wants to watch key court hearing via video link rather than attend court in person, lawyer says

>>14273984 Malka Leifer asks to be physically absent from key hearing - faces 74 charges relating to child sexual abuse at the Adass Israel school between 2004-08

>>14304044 Dassi Erlich - Alleged Malka Leifer victim’s medical records released

>>14342642 Media suppression order in Leifer case granted - nationwide media suppression order on medical information relating to Dassi Erlich

#17 - Part 13

George Papadopoulos Tweets, Alexander Downer and SPYGATE Revelations

>>14098427 Glenn Ray @GlennInTassie Tweet: I hope you hate George Papadopoulos as much as I do for lying about our Country

>>14098427 Alexander Downer Tweet: Honestly, I never give him a thought!

>>14134725 George Papadopoulos Tweet: Alexander Downer accused of spying by US Republicans in Mueller probe | 7NEWS

>>14134725 (2019) Alexander Downer accused of spying by US Republicans in Mueller probe

>>14296485 JVP @jv_payne Tweet: How much money did (Alexander Downer) give to the Clinton’s?

>>14296485 Alexander Downer Tweet: Billions!! Are you sober??

>>14296485 TDS_Sufferer @SuffererTds Tweet: Who tasked (Alexander Downer) with eliciting from Papadopoulos what mifsud had said to him?

>>14296485 Alexander Downer Tweet: No one. I’d never heard of Mifsud!

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385654

#17 - Part 14

Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry and Ben Roberts-Smith Defamation Trial

>>14035776 Allegations of serious criminal conduct exposed in Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case

>>14050829 Ben Roberts-Smith's long wait to face accusers - landmark trial adjourned for at least a month after Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak

>>14071758 Ben Roberts-Smith secures hospital records after claim ‘mistress’ faked pregnancy

>>14079290 Taliban circle as Afghan witnesses in Ben Roberts-Smith case wait in a safe house

>>14092203 The Untouchables: Top detectives to investigate ‘disgraceful’ Afghanistan kill squad

>>14120285 Media seeks urgent hearing for Afghan witnesses in Roberts-Smith case

>>14153436 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial to resume to hear from four Afghan witnesses

>>14159595 ‘Anguished’ Ben Roberts-Smith calls for trial to resume

>>14166231 No medical record of Roberts-Smith ‘mistress’ abortion, court told

>>14200983 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial told radio device was planted on body of dead Afghan farmer

>>14206696 Afghan farmer tells Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial Australian soldiers who raided villages are 'infidels'

>>14206700 ‘Wrong morally’: Official photo of Ben Roberts-Smith was altered to hide Crusader’s cross

>>14213699 Afghan villager tells Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial he'll tell truth even if it gets him killed

>>14220805 Foreign soldiers killed ‘innocent’ Afghans, Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial told

>>14228975 Ben Roberts-Smith trial hears from Afghan witness who says 'big soldier' kicked man into creek

>>14249826 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case adjourned due to Sydney COVID outbreak

>>14257322 Barrister acting for Ben Roberts-Smith urges Federal Court to admit into evidence WhatsApp messages that allegedly show key witness for Nine newspapers, Afghan villager Mohammed Hanifa, gave “inconsistent statement” while under cross-examination

>>14257358 PDF: ‘Serious failings’: Defence quietly releases war crimes inquiry response plan

>>14347185 Ben Roberts-Smith’s alleged USB backyard burial revealed in pictures taken by his ex wife

>>14347246 ‘Not that f*cking stupid’: How ‘threats’ ruined Roberts-Smith’s friendship with private investigator John McLeod

>>14375655 Why we lost Afghanistan: War hero BEN ROBERTS-SMITH says the West never understood the Taliban were more than a 'rag-tag group of bogey men'

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385656

#17 - Part 15

Cardinal George Pell and Vatican Financial Scandal Allegations

>>14041638 George Pell’s $3m legal bill to battle the sex crime charges and convictions that were eventually thrown out by the High Court

>>14041647 Video: EWTN Bookmark with George Cardinal Pell - Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)

>>14050764 Vatican indicts Cardinal Giovanni Becciu, nine other people in London realestate deal

>>14050768 PDF: Holy See Press Office Communiqué - Saturday 03.07.2021 - Ddefendants in the case related to the financial investments of the Secretariat of State in London

>>14206683 Landmark Vatican fraud trial of 10 including Cardinal Angelo Becciu set to start

>>14213619 Accused Cardinal Angelo Becciu in court as Vatican fraud trial opens and is adjourned

>>14228943 Cardinal George Pell - Prison Journal, Volume 2 Book Review: Televangelists, Christ’s Passion and solitary confinement - Michael E Daniel - catholicweekly.com.au

#17 - Part 16

Julian Assange Indictment and Extradition

>>14028446 Australian MPs call on US President Biden to drop charges against Assange

>>14028447 Video: Message to President Biden from Australian Parliamentarians - Consortium News

>>14042069 Julian Assange’s 50th birthday marked with Parliament Square picnic - 3 July 2021

>>14042069 Q Post #3341 - Q What can you tell us about Assange?? Under protection. Threat is real. Key to DNC 'source' 'hack' '187'. Q

>>14078813 US granted permission to appeal UK court's Assange extradition decision

>>14078818 Video: US wins bid to appeal Assange extradition ruling - ABC News Australia

>>14085626 U.S. offers that Assange could serve sentence in Australia in extradition appeal

>>14090614 US pledge that Julian Assange could serve any jail sentence in Australia is ‘grossly misleading’, partner says

>>14112163 Saving Julian Assange: Meet the people closest to the Wikileaks founder

>>14213207 Julian Assange's Ecuadorian citizenship revoked

>>14322225 Julian Assange’s partner Stella Moris pleads for Biden to drop espionage case

>>14332215 US government wins first appeal battle in fight to extradite Julian Assange

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385658

#17 - Part 17

Australia / China Tensions - Part 1

>>14020059 Human Rights Watch reveals harassment, surveillance of Chinese students studying in Australia

>>14020145 Environment Minister Sussan Ley invites China-chaired UNESCO World Heri­tage Committee to inspect Great Barrier Reef

>>14020149 Australia shouldn’t be poster boy for climate change perils: Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley

>>14020238 Chinese rail firm refutes 'forced labor' claims in Australia - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14035922 Exclusive: Planting 'consultants,' blocking vaccine approval, threatening officials – Australia sabotages China-PNG cooperation by all means - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14042279 50 years after Whitlam’s China visit, it’s imperative for Canberra politicians to learn his political sagacity - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn

>>14053439 Japan boosts military links with Australia to fend off China - Japanese ambassador Yamagami Shingo says Australia will not resist Chinese economic coercion alone

>>14064520 Australia backed by 11 countries after calling foul play over China’s reef ‘in danger’ push

>>14064525 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 5, 2021

>>14064545 Chinese ties ‘vital’ to trade survival, say resource states Queensland and Western Australia

>>14064583 China accuses Australia of COVID-19 vaccine sabotage in the Pacific

>>14064590 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 5, 2021

>>14064624 Exclusive: Western scientists face government probe, death threats for opposing COVID-19 lab-leak theory: source - GT staff reporters - globaltimes.cn

>>14064631 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 2, 2021

>>14071638 Video: ‘Settle in for the long haul’: White House’s Indo-Pacific co-ordinator Kurt Campbell's China warning for Australia

>>14071644 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 6, 2021

>>14089200 China criticises Australia's human rights record at the United Nations

>>14089209 Video: United Nations Human Rights Council - Adoption of reports by the Universal Periodic Review Working Group of Australia, 8 July 2021 - Mr. Jiang Duan, China

>>14089243 China urges Australia to face up to severe human rights violations at UN body - Liu Xin - globaltimes.cn

>>14089310 China is the ‘big international bully at the moment’: Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Peter Jennings - Sky News Australia

>>14089317 Australia browbeating China as a ‘bully’ only reveals the true oppressors - Li Haidong - globaltimes.cn

>>14092455 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on July 9, 2021

>>14092493 Australia has shown great resilience in the face of China’s aggression - Paul Kelly - theaustralian.com.au

>>14098440 Time to abandon One China policy, says Independent senator Rex Patrick

>>14105608 Assertive China has misunderstood Australia’s toughness - Alexander Downer - afr.com

>>14112475 China-Australia tensions flare over South China Sea

>>14112479 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Statement - Marking the 5th Anniversary of the South China Sea Arbitral Award

>>14112485 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia - Spokesperson's Remarks - We deplore the recent statement by the Australian side on the South China Sea issue

>>14112489 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 12, 2021

>>14112492 Video: Australia needs to do some soul-searching and put its own house in order - SpokespersonCHN

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385660

#17 - Part 18

Australia / China Tensions - Part 2

>>14119986 Chinese spy ship returns to waters off Queensland ahead of Defence's largest war-fighting exercise

>>14120147 Australia ‘very wary’ of Chinese spy ship sitting off Queensland coast

>>14120179 Murdoch and his press empire fuel anti-China feelings using media as a political weapon - GT staff reporters - globaltimes.cn

>>14120210 Chinese Consulate General in Sydney Tweet: Papua New Guinea(#PNG) is the third pacific island country to administer Chinese #vaccines across the country

>>14120228 Australian exports to China surge to new high

>>14120237 GT Voice: Surging iron ore prices fuel China’s diversification efforts - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14120266 US vows to work with Australia to oppose China’s ‘unfair’ trade practices

>>14127248 Western Australian government's venue policy and China link an arts-breaker in Western Australia - Event linked to Taiwan or Tibet prohibited from hiring most of Perth’s major performance venues

>>14141341 Australian scientists, environment groups urge UN to put Great Barrier Reef on ‘in danger’ list, criticize govt’s short-sightedness, incompetence - Huang Lanlan and Zhao Juecheng - globaltimes.cn

>>14145027 Video: Second Chinese spy ship en route to Australia ahead of US military exercises - Sky News Australia

>>14147666 Peter Dutton 'surprised' China has sent a second spy ship to monitor Australian operations - China has "obviously made a decision to have a greater presence"

>>14153450 WA Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman announces review into Perth Theatre Trust’s contentious pro-China venue-hire policy

>>14153456 Coral repair raises hopes for Great Barrier Reef as UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee vote looms

>>14153576 Magnifying legal Chinese ship presence near US-Australian military drill unreasonable: experts - Liu Xuanzun - globaltimes.cn

>>14159509 Video: Australia prepares for China retaliation after blaming Beijing for Microsoft hack

>>14159551 Video: China accuses Australia of hypocrisy over Microsoft server hack accusation

>>14159554 Foreign Minister Marise Payne Statement - Australia joins international partners in attribution of malicious cyber activity to China

>>14159568 Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Responding to the Australian Side's Remarks on Cyber Issues - 2021/07/20 - China firmly rejects the groundless accusations made by the Australian government on cyber issues, following the steps and parroting the rhetoric of the US.

>>14159586 GT Voice: Australia’s role to the Chinese economy should not be overestimated - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14166016 ‘Active threat’: China’s cyber-intrusion on British MPs exposed

>>14166025 The US and its allies may not stop China's 'web of hackers', but it can 'deeply embarrass' Beijing

>>14166032 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 20, 2021

>>14166041 US enlisting allies to smear China only exposes diffidence: Global Times editorial - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14166079 US and Australia move to block China buying Digicel mobile phone networks in the Pacific and Caribbean

>>14166089 GT Voice: Will Australia meet Pacific nations’ need for telecom upgrade? - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14166101 Japanese Ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami says Tokyo ‘struggles every day’ with China

>>14180628 Liberal Party Senator Jim Molan friendly fire over China military threat - warns the Australian Defence Force would be defeated within days in the event of a Chinese attack

>>14180641 US Trade Representative Katherine Tai backs Australia in trade disputes with China

>>14180648 Transcript - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian's Regular Press Conference on July 22, 2021

>>14180656 Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying Tweet: It’s high time the Australian government stepped up efforts to protect & promote the human rights of #AustralianMuslims

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385662

#17 - Part 19

Australia / China Tensions - Part 3

>>14187052 Australia avoids Great Barrier Reef global embarrassment, but the dangers of climate change remain for the reef

>>14187200 Huawei hiring former Democratic super lobbyist Tony Podesta - Back in business after a Mueller-induced hiatus

>>14200948 World Heritage Committee Great Barrier Reef 'in-danger' vote - Bigger agenda in play to reduce Paris Agreement warming target

>>14213610 Tony Abbott: I wouldn’t sign a China trade deal now

>>14213613 NZ trade growth with China should give Australia pause for thought - Yu Lei - globaltimes.cn

>>14220869 China Discovers the Limits of Its Power: Beijing’s confrontation with Australia should have been an unequal contest - That’s not how it worked out in practice

>>14220962 Video: TikTok: Data mining, discrimination and dangerous content on the wildly popular app - Four Corners / ABC News In-depth

>>14229018 The US is the super spreader of coronavirus and political virus - Xin Ping - globaltimes.cn

>>14229033 UK shouldn’t tempt own fate in South China Sea: Global Times editorial - "We should also give such advice to Australia and Japan" - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14235081 Defence Minister Peter Dutton's warning: China’s rise means Australia cannot afford further delays in construction of navy's new frigates and submarines

>>14235136 Samoa's new leader Fiame Naomi Mataafa confirms scrapping of China-funded port

>>14243226 How foreign spies are infiltrating Australia - Intelligence experts say a “dormant presence” is lurking in Australia’s critical networks amid a rise in espionage efforts by foreign governments

>>14243230 Victorian Liberal Senator James Paterson lifts lid on China’s "wolf-warrior diplomacy" and the “shocking” level of Chinese subterfuge in Australia

>>14257305 Military lockdown gambit exposes Canberra's double standards - Lu Xue - globaltimes.cn

>>14265795 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia - Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks, 2021/07/22 - "Recently, the Japanese ambassador to Australia has made some nasty remarks regarding China."

>>14265799 Chinese embassy in Canberra accuses Japanese ambassador of 'nasty remarks'

>>14265811 Australia all alone on anti-China path despite Japan envoy's empty talks - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn

>>14276698 Marise Payne dismisses China talk terms - Australia will not be cowered into accepting Beijing’s preconditions for the recommencement of high-level dialogue with China

>>14282357 Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Commonwealth of Australia: Chinese Embassy Spokesperson's Remarks, 2021/08/06 - "The recent remarks by Foreign Minister Payne at the Australia China Business Council, as reported by The Australian, mischaracterized the current problem in China-Australia relations."

>>14282364 GT Voice: Enhanced response to Delta variant may affect China-Australia trade - Global Times - globaltimes.cn

>>14289530 Why the Quad Alarms China - Its Success Poses a Major Threat to Beijing’s Ambitions - Kevin Rudd - August 2021

>>14303931 India the foil to China threat: Australia’s special envoy to India, Tony Abbott

>>14303953 India the sensible substitute for belligerent Beijing - Tony Abbott - theaustralian.com.au

>>14311486 Source refutes Aussie journalist’s rumor that researcher at Beijing lab infected with coronavirus at work - Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi - globaltimes.cn

>>14322440 Scott Morrison urges for ‘upgrade’ to US-Australian alliance as China’s tariffs hit hard

>>14332362 New weapons deal between US and Australia confirmed as tensions with China continue to rise

>>14332404 Upgrading Quad and Malabar exercise shows US anxiety about China - Zuo Xiying - globaltimes.cn

>>14332463 Video: Australian journalist fans flames of conspiracy theory - China Daily

>>14332475 Japan calls on Australia to lead resistance to China’s regional sway

>>14342413 `How China ‘disappeared’ Australian journalist Cheng Lei - nabbed by secret police in Beijing, August 13 2020

>>14342787 Will criticism of Turnbull, Rudd make a difference on Morrison's China policy? - Chen Hong - globaltimes.cn

>>14342961 Peter Ben Embarek, Head of World Health Organisation Team Investigating Origins of Covid-19 Calls For Closer Look at China Lab

>>14343347 Wuhan lab door slammed on Covid inquiry by China - China refusing to allow international scientists access to a laboratory in Wuhan

>>14364688, >>14364704, >>14364721 "China insurgency" Bun

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385666

#17 - Part 20

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Australia and Worldwide - Part 1

>>14020199 Lockdown measures extended in Australia amid COVID-19 outbreak - June 2021

>>14020312 Video: Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young rejects Prime Minister's comments on AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine for under-40s

>>14020328 ‘A personal choice’: NSW clinics will not give AstraZeneca to under-40s

>>14021844 Video: "Lone woman on train harassed by police who then absconded with her property."

>>14035752 Australia to slash traveller intake, PM announces four-phase pathway out of COVID-19

>>14041172 Covid-19 vaccine targets to unlock the path to freedom - National cabinet agrees to four-step blueprint for phased easing of restrictions once Australians have met new vaccine thresholds

>>14041436 Lockdowns ‘can stop in two months’ when Covid-19 vaccines hit 30pc: Deakin University chair in epidemiology Catherine Bennett

>>14050812 ‘Eat a bat and die’: Vile threats against Wuhan lab conspiracy-buster, Australian virologist Danielle Anderson

>>14050829 Ben Roberts-Smith's long wait to face accusers - landmark trial adjourned for at least a month after Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak

>>14057811 OPINION: Greg Hunt has failed to vaccinate the nation and must go - Kevin Rudd - brisbanetimes.com.au

>>14085663 Covid-19: Australia ‘talks softly and carries a big ­vaccine’ in Pacific

>>14098337 Australia reports first 2021 COVID-19 death, highest case number

>>14105467 Senior business figures turned to former PM Kevin Rudd to intervene in bringing forward Australia's Pfizer vaccine supply

>>14105480 Malcolm Turnbull Tweet: Thank you @MrKRudd for speaking to the Chairman of Pfizer to secure an earlier delivery of vaccines. Staggered the vaccination of Australians was apparently not important enough to warrant a call from @ScottMorrisonMP or @GregHuntMP to the Pfizer boss.

>>14105482 Pfizer denies Kevin Rudd helped Australia gain earlier access to COVID-19 vaccines

>>14105484 Defence Minister Peter Dutton tears into Rudd's talks with Pfizer

>>14105492 Peter Dutton Tweet: @MrKRudd - Pfizer statement: Recent media reports suggesting that any third party or individual has had any role in contractual agreements reached between Pfizer and the Australian government are inaccurate. The only two parties involved in these agreements are Pfizer and the Australian government.

>>14110865 Australian Vax push isn't supported by the data

>>14127170 Melbourne joins Sydney in lockdown as COVID-19 spreads in Australia

>>14141277 Sydney tightens lockdown as Australia's COVID-19 cases rise

>>14141315 Scott Morrison demands answers over COVID origins after WHO Wuhan lab leak concession

>>14141320 Video: Premature to rule out lab leak: World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom - Sky News Australia

>>14141323 Video: PM says world 'deserves answers' over COVID origins - Sky News Australia

>>14159491 Australia's COVID-19 lockdowns cover more than half the 25 million population

>>14172626 Video: Prime Minister says 'sorry' for problems with COVID-19 vaccine rollout program

>>14174776 SA-Best Party MP Frank Pangallo Says Unvaccinated People "Need To Be Controlled And Restricted"

>>14180599 Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak throws harsh spotlight on Australia vaccine rollout

>>14180610 Australia's TGA finds Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe for children aged 12 to 15

>>14194970 Australians may face longer lockdown after "reckless" mass protests

>>14200877 Lockdown protesters plotted on social media - Anthony Khallouf and "Australians vs The Agenda" - Rhiannon Down - theaustralian.com.au

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385668

#17 - Part 21

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Australia and Worldwide - Part 2

>>14200915 Anti-lockdown protests a coalition of the alienated and the far-right: Nationalists, so-called “sovereign citizens”, anti-vaccination groups, QAnon and Trump followers - Miki Perkins - brisbanetimes.com.au

>>14200931 Revealed: the fringe groups where Sydney’s lockdown protest began - Fergus Hunter and Laura Chung - smh.com.au

>>14200941 Inside Telegram fringe groups behind protests where conspiracy theories spread - Rohan Smith - news.com.au

>>14206587 George Christensen appears at anti-lockdown rally alongside QAnon supporters - Tobi Loftus - abc.net.au

>>14206651 Who’s behind Australia’s anti-lockdown protests? The German conspiracy group "Worldwide Demonstration" driving marches - Christopher Knaus and Michael McGowan - theguardian.com

>>14206760 Hotel quarantine raid for child abuse material; Border Force seize childlike sex dolls

>>14213333 PM: Lockdowns a 'thing of the past' by Christmas as vaccine rollout ramps up - Sky News Australia

>>14213379 Australian Federal Police investigators offer help to state counterparts dealing with online organisers of violent anti-lockdown protests

>>14213414 Coronavirus Australia: Protests show we may be in for a rude shock - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>14213655 Suicidal, stressed Aussie kids flood emergency wards - Lockdowns and online learning fuelling anxiety, some too scared to breathe outdoors due to virus fears

>>14220726 Australia's Sydney posts record daily rise in COVID-19 cases, seeks military help

>>14220773 Worldwide hacking warning issued on how businesses are being compromised during COVID-19

>>14220789 U.S., U.K., and Australia Issue Joint Cybersecurity Advisory - Australian Cyber Security Centre - July 2021

>>14228786 Video: Prime Minister Scott Morrison says lockdowns to end once 80 per cent of the Australian population is vaccinated against COVID-19

>>14228831 Covid case linked to Sydney’s anti-lockdown protest investigated for breaching self-isolation rules

>>14228845 Intelligence officials looking at the role of foreign actors in stirring up Australian anti-lockdown rallies

>>14243099 Australia's east coast battles rising COVID-19 cases

>>14243113 Sydney anti-lockdown protest never arrived, but the movement is just getting started

>>14243136 Covid cocktail given to Trump now recommended for Aussies - casirivimab plus imdevimab, or REGEN-COV, made by US company Regeneron

>>14243180 YouTube restricts Sky News Australia channel over ‘COVID misinformation’

>>14245410 Our resilience has silenced Covid prophets of doom - "You are more resilient than you think…The Covid pandemic has done its worst and humanity has survived"

>>14245420 Vaccination the gold medal we aspire to - Prime Minister Scott Morrison - theaustralian.com.au

>>14245938 "Forcing qr checkin is illegal. - PRIVACY ACT 1988 - SECT 94H - Requiring the use of COVIDSafe"

>>14249450 Video: YouTube’s Murdoch ban over COVID lies - Kevin Rudd

>>14249826 Ben Roberts-Smith defamation case adjourned due to Sydney COVID outbreak

>>14257276 Australia can 'realistically' reach COVID-19 vaccine targets by end of year, infectious disease experts say

>>14265549 Covid-19 returns to Wuhan, China - Wuhan is in a “wartime state”, local officials say

>>14273935 Sydney suffers worst day of pandemic, Victoria state to enter sixth lockdown

>>14282319 Delta spreads in Sydney as Australia widens COVID-19 restrictions

>>14282778 Video: Bill gates praises Australia’s Covid response, plays down relevance of virus origins investigations

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385669

#17 - Part 22

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Australia and Worldwide - Part 3

>>14286727 Morrison government plea to US for excess Covid-19 vaccine doses going to waste

>>14286750 PM asks Biden to share vaccine supply - Sky News Australia

>>14287270 Beijing laboratory director infected with Covid-19 in lab accident in early 2020, explosive emails have revealed - inadvertent leak of the highly contagious coronavirus is far from a conspiracy theory

>>14287286 PDF: Senior Chinese scientist acquired SARS-CoV-2 in lab infection accident, virologist says

>>14288823 Australia daily COVID-19 at 2021 record high with millions in lockdown

>>14289377 Greg Norman blasts Joe Biden for failing to provide Australia with excess vaccine doses

>>14295282 Video: Dr Anthony Fauci discusses how the US is dealing with the Delta variant differently - 7.30 / ABC News (Australia)

>>14296273 In an avalanche of misinformation, who decides what’s too dangerous to hear? - Sky News Australia returns to YouTube

>>14296407 Moderna vaccine to be approved by Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration within a fortnight, doses rolling out in mid-September

>>14304027 Video: Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine approved with first million doses arriving next month

>>14304081 Vaccination is now a race to the federal election - Alexander Downer - afr.com

>>14311655 George Christensen condemned by Parliament for spreading COVID-19 misinformation

>>14322190 Melbourne extends COVID lockdown; 'no jab, no job' in Sydney

>>14322311 How the Covid pandemic saw the rise of QAnon in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322314 How QAnon became a Covid conspiracy cult in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322318 Encrypted chats offer final refuge for QAnon-Covid conspiracy in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322319 Experts reveal how to spot QAnon, anti-vaxxer fake news - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14332246 Scott Morrison criticises 'crazy' COVID-19 conspiracy theories, George Christensen defends comments on restrictions - Jade Macmillan - abc.net.au

>>14332326 Scott Morrison vows to snuff out QAnon ‘rubbish’, Covid conspiracies - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14342555 Sydney readies for more military support as COVID-19 Delta variant sweeps city

>>14356359 Video: Australian government secures 1 million extra Covid-19 Pfizer doses - Sky News Australia

>>14356560 US President Joe Biden’s refusal on Oz Pfizer plea shows gulf between him and Donald Trump - Miranda Devine - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14366022 Sydney records deadliest day of COVID-19 pandemic, Melbourne lockdown extended

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385670

#17 - Part 23

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell

>>14020221 Video: Prince Andrew’s ex, Lady Victoria Hervey, believes Ghislaine Maxwell was ‘brainwashed’ by Jeffrey Epstein

>>14035867 Judge rules to unseal dozens of documents about Ghislaine Maxwell's personal affairs, including those that reveal her and Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with the Clintons

>>14035892 Bill Cosby is free; Ghislaine Maxwell should be, too - David Oscar Markus, Ghislaine Maxwell’s appellate counsel

>>14092368 Video: The venomous Epstein tapes: When VICKY WARD investigated Jeffrey Epstein, he tried to charm her… then threatened to get her sacked and put a curse on her unborn children. But she recorded it all - and what she reveals about Ghislaine Maxwell is shocking

>>14141506 Ghislaine Maxwell accused of having ‘near-total amnesia’ over alleged abuse - could not recall a single flight with victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre on Jeffrey Epstein's jet, despite logs showing they made 23 trips

>>14141528 Virginia Roberts Giuffre Tweet: Judge Orders Ghislaine Maxwell's Private Documents To Be Unsealed. Finally we are getting some transparency.There is hope.We must maintain vigilant in order for the truth to see the light of day

>>14141528 Judge Orders Ghislaine Maxwell's Private Documents To Be Unsealed, Set To Expose Juicy Details About Jeffrey Epstein & Bill Clinton

>>14147712 Accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre says Maxwell was in love with Epstein and could be a 'tyrant' with his victims: new book, "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story" by Miami Herald investigative reporter Julie K. Brown

>>14147749 Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story - Book excerpt: Herald reporter Julie Brown’s excavation of Jeffrey Epstein’s sordid past

>>14147756 (2019) Video: How Miami Herald's investigation & Jeffrey Epstein survivors helped blow up a sweetheart deal - Miami Herald

>>14166262 Virginia Roberts Giuffre Tweet: Jean Luc Brunel- Epstein’s right hand man for sex trafficking is appealing to be released from jail in Paris. Let’s make some noise & help the Parisians keep this dangerous man off the streets

>>14201006 Julie K. Brown, reporter who broke Epstein case isn’t convinced the accused sex trafficker took his own life, says a rumored Mossad link is worth digging into

>>14229001 Epstein’s Shadow: How Ghislaine Maxwell went from socialite to inmate

>>14235240 PDF: U.S. judge tells lawyers in Ghislaine Maxwell case to watch what they say - "extrajudicial statements" could taint the jury pool

>>14235322 Jeffrey Epstein stalks his shadowy network of plutocrats from the grave - Why did so many rich and powerful men seek out his advice?

>>14235380 Sarah Ferguson’s Own History With Jeffrey Epstein May Explain Why She’s So Quick to Defend Prince Andrew

>>14296376 Virginia Roberts is set to sue Prince Andrew in a New York court over her claims that Jeffrey Epstein forced her to have sex with the Duke aged 17

>>14304166 A Tight Spot: What Prince Andrew Faces If Virginia Roberts Guiffre Files Her Civil Suit Against Him This Week

>>14311596 PDF: Virginia Giuffre: Epstein accuser sues Prince Andrew for alleged sexual abuse - lawsuit accuses Andrew of sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress

>>14311736 Video: Prince Andrew sued by Virginia Roberts Giuffre for an alleged sexual assault - 9 News Australia

>>14332513 ‘Additional evidence’: Another women, Johanna Sjoberg, to testify against Prince Andrew, says Virginia Roberts Giuffre's lawyer David Boies

>>14342833 ROYAL RAGE: Furious dad of Prince Andrew accuser Virginia Roberts tells Royal ‘you should be ashamed of yourself’ over rape lawsuit

>>14342860 UK Scotland Yard Police review Prince Andrew claims - Dame Cressida Dick, Commissioner of Metropolitan Police: ‘No one is above the law’

>>14349090 PDF: Ghislaine Maxwell loses bid to dismiss sex trafficking indictment, despite Cosby claim

>>14356386 ‘Inconsistencies’, ‘Doubts’ about Prince Andrew’s account of his dealings with Virginia Giuffre as it’s revealed his legal bills are being underwritten by the Queen

>>14357216 Ghislaine Maxwell sells mews house in Belgravia - for £1.75m - where Prince Andrew allegedly had sex with his then 17-year-old accuser Virginia Roberts

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385674

#17 - Part 24

Child Exploitation, Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Investigations - Part 1

>>14020172 South Australian DPP drops two charges in case against HIV+ pedophile Jadd William Brooker but says he is guilty of two more sex crimes

>>14020337 Tasmanian Labor leader David O'Byrne to stand aside during investigation into allegations of sexual harassment

>>14042244 Top South Australian arts identity Timothy Sexton’s spectacular fall from grace revealed after sentencing for teen sex offending in the 1980s

>>14050941 Heather Wynands was sexually assaulted by her chiropractor when she was a teenager, but took decades to report it - pressures of living in a small community meant she did not feel safe or supported reporting her abuse

>>14057769 At 27, Claire's husband forced her to join a cult. They were preparing for the world's end - The Order of St Charbel led by convicted pedophile William Kamm

>>14064810 Queensland Police’s Task Force Argos has compiled the largest database of child exploitation images in the southern hemisphere - a horrid collection that has helped rescue children and take abusers off the streets

>>14064818 Queensland Police's Taskforce Argos - Crack Aussie unit joins international hunt for pedophiles and victims

>>14064827Video: THE CHILDREN IN THE PICTURES - 2021 DOCUMENTARY TRAILER - Inside Task Force Argos, the world’s best investigative team dedicated to rescuing the children being sexually abused by highly organised dark web networks.

>>14064827 The Children In the Pictures will carry the message of hope and promote citizen activism. Audiences will learn how we can all make a profound contribution to keeping our children safe.

>>14071715 New South Wales man charged with sexually abusing children overseas and possessing child abuse material

>>14071789 South Australian James David Ryan Sharp imported a child-like sex doll, Mount Gambier court hears

>>14071821 From fresh produce to seafood, supermarkets are under pressure to stamp out modern slavery

>>14071884 Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweet: Thank you for all of your support helping spread the word of the #TraceAnObjectAUS initiative, but the fight continues! Can you identify any of these objects that have been taken from the background of child sexual abuse images and videos? Report at http://accce.gov.au/trace

>>14079124 South Australia’s Court of Appeal almost doubles sentence handed to pedophile Christopher Stain and calls for better education for judges about the long-term effects of sex crimes on children

>>14085854 Pedophile tradie Bryan Michael Grange jailed for 30 years over ‘depraved’ child sexual abuse

>>14085857 Q Post #925 - This is not about religions or party affiliation. EVIL is everywhere. There are no drawn lines. No boundaries. Good vs Evil. Q

>>14085909 Victims of serial rapist Daniel Hanson tell court of 'monstrous impact' on them

>>14086036 The Queensland government paid child-sex predator Bob Montgomery to help 'protect' children

>>14089665 The net is closing on child sexual abuse images - UK's Internet Watch Foundation and Intelligrade metadata software helping Five Eyes countries and tech companies prioritise the most serious images and videos of abuse

>>14090039 Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) - CLOSING THE NET: A podcast about online child sexual exploitation

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385694

#17 - Part 25

Child Exploitation, Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Investigations - Part 2

>>14090048 Video: Closing The Net - Official Podcast Trailer - Australian Centre To Counter Child Exploitation

>>14090918 Incest survivor Tanya Lee on how shame is hiding cries for help

>>14090954 GoFundMe campaign - No Laughing Matter needs your help to ensure the very important podcast project of incest awareness can continue - Hayley Blease, victim/survivor of child sexual abuse from a family member

>>14090954 NO LAUGHING MATTER - Raising public awareness on intra-familial child sexual abuse

>>14090973 NO LAUGHING MATTER - Meet Our Podcast Narrators - Series One

>>14105569 Former SA Labor political adviser Ben Waters pleads guilty to child abuse crimes

>>14120280 Pedophile NSW priest Anthony William Peter Caruana found guilty of 26 sexual abuse charges, awaits sentencing behind bars

>>14127190 Daniel “Jimmy” Hanson sentenced to 28 years’ prison for child rape and sexual assault of girls as young as 12 that he lured using his status as a band front man

>>14127207 HIV-positive SA pedophile Jadd William Brooker admits to 38 crimes against children

>>14127230 Video: Andrew William Richards pleads guilty to paying child abusers $65,000 to watch kids get victimised

>>14134711 Commonwealth prosecutors drop charge against Geraldton man relating to importing child-like sex doll

>>14141365 Web of depravity: How a South Australian pedophile ring was busted - a fast-spreading child abuse probe that toppled a political spin doctor

>>14153439 Changi POW hero, Army chaplain Kenley Saunders named as serial child abuser in Supreme Court case against the Anglican Church

>>14159631 Leon Ronald Scarffe faces court accused of child abuse and blackmail arising from investigation into Jadd William Brooker

>>14159654 Joe and Alan were childhood mates — they never realised they shared a secret - Children sexually assaulted during bushwalks in Tasmania

>>14166280 Kandasamy and Kumuthini Kannan - Melbourne couple who kept a grandmother as slave for eight years jailed for 'crime against humanity'

>>14172675 Paedophile Justin Kenneth Radford: NSW Central Coast who man filmed himself sexually abusing a young boy before he was caught with thousands of “horrific and depraved” child abuse images sentenced to 18 years jail

>>14172682 Q Post #1735 - There is nothing more precious than our children. Evil has no boundaries…The choice to know will ultimately be yours…These people are SICK! To those who are courageous enough to speak out - we stand with you! You are not alone in this fight. God bless. Q

>>14180674 Operation Tango Rosetta: Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit arrest three people over child sex ring allegedly operated by Kelso man Stephen Lane

>>14180678 Operation Tango Rosetta: Lawyer claims woman with mild intellectual disability manipulated into committing child sex crimes by Stephen Lane

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385698

#17 - Part 26

Child Exploitation, Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking Investigations - Part 3

>>14187041 Scores of pedophiles across Australia caught using chat app Kik over the past five years, authorities warn the service’s anonymous nature makes children easy prey

>>14200962 $1.375 million legal payout brings hope for other victims of paedophile priest Kevin O’Donnell

>>14200974 Sexual abuse victim Jesse Elmer - One man’s endless crusade to keep Launceston paedophile from other kids

>>14206760 Hotel quarantine raid for child abuse material; Border Force seize childlike sex dolls

>>14213684 Video: Moreton Bay man charged by AFP for allegedly using Twitter to watch child exploitation material

>>14213689 Tasmanian eBay vendor Xinzhe Lin receives 11-month suspended sentence, avoids jail for importing "vile" childlike sex doll parts from China

>>14233531 PDF: ABF & AFP stand with victims for World Day Against Trafficking In Persons - Australian Border Force - July 2021

>>14233549 Video: Victims’ voices lead the way on World Day against Trafficking in Persons - Australian Federal Police - July 2021

>>14233633 Queensland mayor issues historic apology over blackbirding slavery of Pacific Islanders

>>14233699 Video: Bundaberg's Mayor Jack Dempsey makes historic apology to South Sea Islanders for their mistreatment in the early 1900s - 7NEWS Facebook

>>14234951 Former monk Denis Alexander to be deported to Australia after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse in Scotland

>>14249467 Former NSW MP Michael Johnsen not charged over alleged rape of Blue Mountains sex worker

>>14257458 Chrissie Foster and families of tragic sex assault victims no longer silenced after Victorian state government backflip

>>14265541 Olivia Simmons, sister of Australian basketballer Ben Simmons, claims she was victim of child sex-trafficking ring

>>14266051 Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweet: Can you help @Europol Stop Child Abuse and #TraceAnObject? #ChildProtection

>>14266051 Europol Tweet: Did you know that you can help us to trace an object and stop child abuse? Yes, it is as simple as checking this object and letting us know if you recognise it - Remember that every clue can assist in solving a case

>>14266051 STOP CHILD ABUSE – TRACE AN OBJECT - EUROPOL - You can help us to trace an object and stop child abuse - The most innocent clues can sometimes help crack a case

>>14273956 Hillsong founder Brian Houston to face court over allegedly concealing child sex abuse

>>14282402 Video: ‘God is in control’: Hillsong comforts the flock after founder Brian Houston charged by police

>>14311519 Taskforce Argos : How Australian detectives spent years on the trail of darknet paedophile suspect

>>14322129 ‘I don’t want to do this’: Forced into marriage to an older man she didn’t know for $15,000, taken to live thousands of kilometres away from home - Two months later Ruqia Haidari was brutally murdered by the man she was forced to marry

>>14347502 Slavery still exists in Australia today - These are the people fighting back - Issara Saeyim and Cloverdale Community Centre

>>14366215 Queensland Police - Child exploitation investigation, Brisbane - Operation Tango Thread - Appeal for information - social media usernames list

>>14366217 Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation Tweet: Victim Identification is one of the most important elements of #ChildProtection. It takes a special person to dedicate their career to this field, and we are eternally proud of these specialists and the work they do in the @AusFedPolice and ACCCE.

>>14366217 10 News First Tweet: Video: A small team of women make up the Victim Identification Unit in the Australian Federal Police. They identify and save children from exploitation material

>>14366220 10 News First Person Podcast: Australian Federal Police Victim Identification Unit - We Persevere - The Australian Federal Police's Victim Identification Team is worthy of a lot of praise, but not a lot of people know about it or consider the fact that the work they do is extremely traumatic work done by real people.

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385711

#17 - Part 27

Qanon / Conspiracy Theory Hit Pieces, Australia and Worldwide

>>14180690 Aaron Rupar Tweet: Video - Biden highlights the absurdity of QAnon: "The idea that the Democrats or Biden, [are] hiding people and sucking the blood of children … we've got to get beyond this … this is not who we are."

>>14185017 Mike Lindell set August 13 as the date in his bonkers theory that Trump will be reinstated as president - Mia Jankowicz - businessinsider.com.au

>>14185017 PatriotTakes Tweet: Video - Mike Lindell says by August 13, the talk of the world will be to overturn the election and get the communists out. He also said there will be many down ticket senators that will have different election results.

>>14200877 Lockdown protesters plotted on social media - Anthony Khallouf and "Australians vs The Agenda" - Rhiannon Down - theaustralian.com.au

>>14200915 Anti-lockdown protests a coalition of the alienated and the far-right: Nationalists, so-called “sovereign citizens”, anti-vaccination groups, QAnon and Trump followers - Miki Perkins - brisbanetimes.com.au

>>14200931 Revealed: the fringe groups where Sydney’s lockdown protest began - Fergus Hunter and Laura Chung - smh.com.au

>>14200941 Inside Telegram fringe groups behind protests where conspiracy theories spread - Rohan Smith - news.com.au

>>14206587 George Christensen appears at anti-lockdown rally alongside QAnon supporters - Tobi Loftus - abc.net.au

>>14206651 Who’s behind Australia’s anti-lockdown protests? The German conspiracy group "Worldwide Demonstration" driving marches - Christopher Knaus and Michael McGowan - theguardian.com

>>14213414 Coronavirus Australia: Protests show we may be in for a rude shock - Jack The Insider (Peter Hoysted) - theaustralian.com.au

>>14233997 ‘Freedom’ activists aim to harness anger for new political party - Monica Smit and Reignite Democracy Australia

>>14235474 Foreign powers amplified QAnon content to sow discord that led to Jan. 6 Capitol riots, extremism expert Mia Bloom says

>>14235501 Excerpt - Pastels and Pedophiles: Inside the Mind of QAnon - Mia Bloom and Sophia Moskalenko

>>14265919 What’s Become of QAnon Since Trump’s Defeat? - Laurence Arnold and Daniel Zuidijk -

>>14296462 Homeland Security warns of 'increasing but modest' threat of violence from Trump conspiracy - Luke Barr - abcnews.go.com

>>14322311 How the Covid pandemic saw the rise of QAnon in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322314 How QAnon became a Covid conspiracy cult in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322318 Encrypted chats offer final refuge for QAnon conspiracy in Australia - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14322319 Experts reveal how to spot QAnon, anti-vaxxer fake news - Perry Duffin - dailytelegraph.com.au

>>14332246 Scott Morrison criticises 'crazy' COVID-19 conspiracy theories, George Christensen defends comments on restrictions - Jade Macmillan - abc.net.au

>>14375751 Social media startup Linktree battles anti-vaccine misinformation, conspiracy theorists - Cara Waters - theage.com.au

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385861

File: 881a419cd129df2⋯.jpg (520.89 KB, 1024x682, 512:341, OZ_Damper.jpg)

NEW OZ BREAD

Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>14385792

>14385792

>14385792

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385867

File: 3197e40022693e4⋯.jpg (153.01 KB, 1280x853, 1280:853, OZ_Damper.jpg)

NEW OZ BREAD

Q Research AUSTRALIA #18 - Talisman Sabre: MAGIC SWORD Edition

>>14385792

>>14385792

>>14385792

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385884

File: b81a06987f09698⋯.jpg (1.5 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E7mmNt4WUAQzmts.jpg)

Filling #17…..

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385889

File: d5242443800eb5c⋯.jpg (1.79 MB, 4096x2730, 2048:1365, E7mmOR0WYAUMDRc.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385891

File: 5a9a1cbf58001d3⋯.jpg (1.12 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7mmOxhX0AQWNhE.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385893

File: 0e5998de20319c5⋯.jpg (937.12 KB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E7mmPPEWQAQSNiZ.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385896

File: c0076b4c4bb98ef⋯.jpg (1.36 MB, 4096x2304, 16:9, E7mRrd5XsAEml4d.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385897

File: 69c675fbaa6144b⋯.jpg (969.2 KB, 4096x2304, 16:9, E7mRtJMXoAEz33b.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385900

File: 1492ea33134c261⋯.jpg (290.63 KB, 1379x921, 1379:921, E7wzAO8UcAcAxAo.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385901

File: c15a6e8f0c2c7a1⋯.jpg (677.17 KB, 1327x885, 1327:885, E7wzAO9VIAE5VTG.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385902

File: 09113506b7b482f⋯.jpg (294.91 KB, 1361x908, 1361:908, E7wzAO_UUAIwLnq.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385903

File: ce8108b97295486⋯.jpg (2.74 MB, 4096x2734, 2048:1367, E73HpeFXoAMq3HT.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385904

File: 89ec8de1f82b3e8⋯.jpg (1.73 MB, 4096x3140, 1024:785, E73Hq50XIAE6cK6.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385905

File: e8d40902574bf01⋯.jpg (1.49 MB, 4096x2734, 2048:1367, E73HqTcXMAIy2Dt.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385906

File: e47829bafde4435⋯.jpg (1.56 MB, 4096x2632, 512:329, E73HrcSXIAYpsYk.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385908

File: e4ae0fd0b97cc5d⋯.jpg (1.14 MB, 3600x2400, 3:2, E76jY1DWUAMO87I.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385909

File: bb5eaa6bfcf9776⋯.jpg (1.95 MB, 3223x1812, 3223:1812, E76jYS4WQAIznzU.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385912

File: f70f0ae00a115dc⋯.jpg (1.36 MB, 4096x2730, 2048:1365, E76jZRvWQAAGMMz.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385914

File: 832f7331b73ba71⋯.jpg (665.26 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E77MlpXWYAIzmN1.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385915

File: 6a4428ef144fe1e⋯.jpg (1.39 MB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E77Mm86XIAIRZtg.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385917

File: 504a06386d3c784⋯.jpg (1.08 MB, 3878x4096, 1939:2048, E77ModRWQAUao73.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385918

File: a55871ea532ca15⋯.jpg (886.89 KB, 4096x2560, 8:5, E77MpraXsAI_gbG.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385919

File: 04ef05d8aabdd1a⋯.jpg (1.07 MB, 4096x2273, 4096:2273, E7595FcXMAcjZxn.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385922

File: 1670fd374cba79f⋯.jpg (1.04 MB, 4096x2560, 8:5, E7595hHXoAMocTs.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385923

File: d1eb101e1c8bdb9⋯.jpg (1.19 MB, 4096x2560, 8:5, E7596MuX0AEoWWy.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385925

File: edf9a0c350c7917⋯.jpg (828.32 KB, 4096x2731, 4096:2731, E75934xXEAcmgBE.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385927

File: 2243d58d418c3c4⋯.jpg (1.48 MB, 2105x1275, 421:255, enlarged.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385929

File: 603e677c3ed62c0⋯.jpg (441.85 KB, 1000x667, 1000:667, Talisman_Sabre_2019_comman….jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385932

File: 5f55c7f80d02328⋯.jpg (291.78 KB, 1280x720, 16:9, TS21.jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.

fb6445  No.14385936

File: 9f9b4417d1078b5⋯.jpg (3.16 MB, 2800x2000, 7:5, Chairman_of_the_Joint_Chie….jpg)

Disclaimer: this post and the subject matter and contents thereof - text, media, or otherwise - do not necessarily reflect the views of the 8kun administration.



[Return][Go to top][Catalog][Nerve Center][Random][Post a Reply]
[]
[ / / / / / / / / / / / / / ] [ dir / random / cuteboys / desu / lewd / mde / s / tech / warroom / wx ]