Terror plots and takeovers

Parliament resumed after the summer break and ahead of a much-anticipated federal election with Prime Minister Albanese under fire over terror plots and reeling from US President Donald Trumps’ threatened takeover of Gaza. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton continued to press Prime Minister Albanese over when he was told about the explosive laden caravan linked to planned attacks on Jewish sites. While Mr Dutton had his own problems over costings for the Coalition’s post-election tax-deductible business lunch policy. The Prime Minister declined to provide a running commentary on the Gaza takeover (though the US has since walked it back a bit). Cost of living issues again dominated proceedings. However, all eyes are now on February 18 when the Reserve Bank decides on interest rates with all indicators suggesting a drop is in order. Speculation remains that the election is called for April 12, straight after the WA election or held off to May 17, the latest practical day to hold it. Many believe this sitting fortnight will be the last of the term.

China slams Australia over Deepseek AI ban

China has slammed Australia over the Albanese Labor Government’s decision to ban new artificial intelligence app Deepseek from government devices. The warning from Beijing also follows the Home Affairs Department issuing a warning to firms involved in critical infrastructure to keep the Chinese app off their networks. Cyber Security Minister Tony Burke opted to ban the app from government devices after it was found to pose national security risks. In a statement released on Wednesday night by the Chinese foreign ministry, the move was described as the “politicisation of economic, trade and technological issues”. China also strongly denied that the app was being used to collect data.

Innovation investment

The Albanese Government is backing two Canberra companies to continue developing electronic warfare technology under a program set up to produce critical capabilities for all three AUKUS nations. Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy on Thursday announced Advanced Design Technology (ADT) and Penten had entered into contracts with the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA), following successful participation in the first AUKUS Innovation Challenge. The contracts – worth more than $8 million – will provide critical financial support to the two companies to continue their groundbreaking work while also securing more than 150 local jobs. This funding will assist the development and demonstration of electronic warfare prototypes that address Australian Defence Force (ADF) operating requirements and show the important contribution that Australian industry is making in developing advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including as part of AUKUS Pillar II.

DPM Marles to meet US Defense Secretary in Washington DC.

Deputy Prime Minster (DPM) Richard Marles was to meet with his US counterpart and newly minded US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday to firm up Australia’s defence ties with the United States. Although the Minister and Secretary Hegseth shared a phone call last week in which Mr Hegseth affirmed US support for the alliance and AUKUS, DPM Marles said it was important to have a face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart to ensure continuity in the relationship. The response of leading US republicans in relation to AUKUS has been positive since the election of US president Donald Trump. Republican members and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have made positive comments about the continuity of the US-Australia alliance and the tenets of AUKUS. The affirmation comes as production concerns continue to plague the US Virginia class submarine fleet and whether the US will have enough vessels to spare for Australia. Regular rotations of UK and US submarines through SRF West begin from 2027 with the transfer of Virginia class vessels to Australia to begin from 2032.

AUKUS SA Infrastructure report out for public comment

The Albanese Government has invited public comment on the planned Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard Draft Strategic Impact Assessment Report for Osborne, South Australia. The public consultation period will run from 3 February to 17 March 2025. Australia will begin the build of its fleet of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered SSN-AUKUS submarines at Osborne by the end of this decade. The Draft Report outlines measures to be taken to mitigate potential impacts on Protected Matters, as a result of the construction and operation of the Yard and includes findings from environmental assessments undertaken as part of the process. Hard copies of the Draft Report are available for review at Port Adelaide Library (2-4 Church St, Port Adelaide) during the public consultation period. The ASA will review and consider submissions received via the ASA website, email, or in-person at community drop-in sessions as part of the Public Comment Period. The Draft Report can be viewed here: www.asa.gov.au/projects/osborne-submarine-construction-yard.

WA Defence Industry Strategy launched

The Cook Government has released its long-awaited Defence Industry Strategy aimed at enhancing WA’s role as a national defence hub. The strategy launched by WA Premier Roger Cook and Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia aims to ensure WA through AUKUS and other initiatives boosts the defence workforce by a further 10,000 by 2040. Over that time WA aims to be the homeport and sustainment location for Australia’s conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and continue to homeport and sustain Collins Class conventional submarines through to retirement. WA will continue to host Australia’s largest operational naval base and provide sustainment for the Navy’s surface fleet and deliver highly capable maritime capabilities to the Navy and Army in support of the Australian government’s continuous naval shipbuilding enterprise.