A Must Read. Mike Gilligan on just how much of a scam the AUKUS lemon is cc @AlboMP @RichardMarlesMP and why it is an unprecedented disgrace and betrayal of the people of Australia. The PM should take this opportunity to WITHDRAW. The Public Enquiry will be excoriating. You dont give away public money in this way. ‘The Virginia class submarine is not a general-purpose vessel such as our Collins class. It is designed for supreme acoustic invisibility for a specific purpose – to find, track and attack submarines seen as a nuclear threat to the US mainland. That is the job which the US expects Australia’s submarines to do – effectively embedded into US military command – against China’s growing capacity to annihilate continental US from under the sea, anytime. Why this role is of utmost priority for the US requires some explanation. Nuclear armed submarines, such as China possesses, present a uniquely difficult threat to the US homeland. Unlike the readily discernible launch locations of hostile land-based missiles, or from aircraft or sea-surface vessels, the submarine’s habitat and mobility make it largely invisible and impregnable across the vast ocean approaches to the US. The US attempts to deal with this risk using specialised attack submarines (ie the Virginia), which can locate, track and destroy China’s nuclear submarines as they move into and around Pacific waters. This is one critical part of a mosaic of US self-protection measures, the effectiveness of which is eroding as China’s submarine production expands. So, the hefty sacrifice which Australia’s taxpayers make to acquire new submarines is not for Australia’s benefit, but for defending continental US. Australia’s submarine needs are quite specialised and different, but simply ignored by Minister Marles… the evidence is incontrovertible this government has forsaken independence in protecting Australia. And deceives its people on how it lets the United States controls our priorities to its own benefit, damaging our own defence capacity. The implications of such betrayal are profound.’ We are just vassals to a fading hegemon who wants to be able to keep goading our biggest trading partner because its economic growth presents a threat to the US lording it over the world. FFS time to grow up and stop supporting a bully. pearlsandirritations.com/pos…

Joining a big crowd here outside Bisalloy in the Illawarra to picket this site and stop steel exports that are being used to facilitate land theft and genocide - come down for an AUKUS teach in at 9pm ✊

Very good! #Greens hold the appalling @SenatorWong to account for attending a $5,500 per head party celebrating the 25% gas tax NOT going ahead. Yes Wong represents the Zionist fossil fuel loving Albanese gov - we can't get rid of these traitorous people fast enough!

Penny Wong says she believes Israeli soldiers sexually assaulted and abused Australian women after Gaza flotilla THAT'S NICE MS WONG. SO WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? theguardian.com/australia-ne… #auspol #FreePalestine

Of course the goal of these men: Charlie Pickering Avi Yemeni James Massola Barnaby Joyce is to push the @ABCaustralia into never hiring someone like Grace Tame again, someone they consider too "controversial" to work with because of their personal view on Gaza and Israel.

Bit of a pattern developing around Grace Tame. Powerful white Establishment men attack her using code words like "difficult" and "problematic", then run for cover when there's pushback and plead they've been misunderstood.

It appears Senator Wong was aghast Senate Estimates had the audacity to question her on anything. Not a good look Penny & the snide remarks didn't go unnoticed🤔 michaelwest.com.au/foreign-m…

An "internal Israel led investigation" will not be 'swift', nor 'transparent' and Wong know this! Fuck I hate how our government condones Israels crimes and atrocities, it is utterly sickening 😡

Watching Penny Wong at Senate Estimates today, you could be forgiven for thinking parliamentary scrutiny was an unreasonable burden rather than a core part of her job. The arrogance, hostility & refusal to engage with straightforward questions reflected poorly on her & the govt.

Avi Yemini, who this week interviewed Charlie Pickering over Grace Tame's ABC podcast series, has previously mounted campaigns against the former Aust of the Year — including using a website domain that bears her name and redirects users to a petition ettemedia.com/grace-tame-avi…

Richard Marles went to Singapore to meet the US and UK about AUKUS and came back with a slap in the face - then pretends it’s good - he was told that if we ever get any Virginia class submarines they will ALL be second hand, none will be new. If that’s the good news … end AUKUS!

I am so tired of these public servants. They're employed BY the public to service to serve the public. NOT provide cover for compromised politicians. #auspol

Australia sanctioned Russia for violations of international law. So why is Israel still protected? After almost three years of genocide in Gaza, illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, and now shocking testimonies from Australians aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, the Albanese Government continues to refuse meaningful action. “Beaten profusely.” “Unable to walk.” “We could hear his screams.” These are the testimonies from Australians intercepted while attempting to deliver aid to Gaza. Palestinians have endured this violence, imprisonment and Israel's impunity for decades. We are demanding Australia sanction Israel now. We’ve prepared a letter you can send directly to your MP demanding sanctions, an end to military ties and accountability for war crimes. Send the letter now. Link in bio.

Dear @SenatorWong, citizen sexually assaulted in abduction and torture of flotilla activists. What is Australia's position? #auspol

Asking the Royal Commission into Social Cohesion and Antisemitism if Muslim communities can't give evidence and false claims of antisemitism which conflate a bake sale or wearing a keffiyeh with antisemitism go unchallenged, what exactly is this royal commission for?

Ignoring the on-camera abuse of Global Sumud Flotilla detainees (including 11 Australians), ambassador Hillel Newman lied on ABC’s 7.30: “No one, out of the 400 plus people that were on the flotilla, no one was harmed” Why does our government still host this propagandist?

Nice try, ambassador. But Ben-Gvir is your Minister For National Security. A senior cabinet position. His vile behaviour is, by definition, government policy. He is a mass murderer and a wanted war criminal. Your devious diplomatic weaselling does not change or excuse that.

Essential viewing 👇👇

When food banks are unfunded and everyday Aussies are going without, the need for a 25% tax on gas exports is crystal clear. Australian gas belongs to the Australian people, and they deserve to get a fair return. @DavidPocock #auspol