DARK SECRETS: Defence force | Vintage Vibes

What the Australian government’s apology to LGBTQ+ Defence personnel and veterans means

Thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse and queer (LGBTQ+) veterans have served in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with honour and dignity. Yet, for the majority of Australia’s military history, their service was officially banned. Many LGBTQ+ personnel experienced persecution, witch-hunts and forcible discharge on the grounds…

The Conversation · 6h ago

Two New Zealand naval ships transit Taiwan Strait

Two New Zealand naval vessels passed through the Taiwan Strait last week, the New Zealand Defence Force said Tuesday. "The Royal New Zealand Navy has a long history of deployments in the region which includes passage along regular routes as ships sail between regional engagements," a Defence Force spokesman said.

The Economic Times · Sep 22

Search for car thief after RAAF base break in, assault

A man hunt is under way after a security vehicle was stolen from a defence force base and used in a number of crimes following an assault, police say.

AAP · Sep 15

Principles or raw power: 3 steps NZ can take to resolve its confused stance on Gaza

The Gaza crisis is a major moral and legal challenge for New Zealand’s sense of national identity, and to its worldview based on rules and principles rather than raw power.

The Conversation · Sep 13, 2024

ADF culture may put women off, defence chief admits

Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell says defence culture might deter female applicants from joining, amongst other factors.

AAP · Jun 6, 2024

India, Maldives & Sri Lanka’s ‘Dosti-16’ kicks off in Maldives

Exercise ‘Dosti’ focuses on regional cooperation in areas such as search and rescue, medical evacuations, countering piracy, pollution response, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.

The Hindu · Feb 25, 2024

Troops charge in for $50K bonus to stick with army life

About 85 per cent of eligible Defence personnel have signed on for a $50,00 bonus to stay in uniform for another three years, the minister says.

AAP · Jan 3, 2024

Dutton says Ben Roberts-Smith ruling a 'tough day for our country', while Taliban claims foreign forces carried out 'uncountable crimes'

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton says the court ruling against decorated war veteran Ben Roberts-Smith was a "tough day for the country" and believes there has been a "significant culture change" at the Australian Defence Force.

ABC News · Jun 2, 2023

New Zealand defence spending set to increase by around $472 million

New Zealand will invest a further NZ$419 million ($264.18 million) to boost the salaries of Defence Force personnel and NZ$328 million to upgrade Defence Force assets and infrastructure, Defence Minister Andrew Little said on Monday.

Reuters · May 8, 2023

Veterans want a new commemorative day in New Zealand

New Zealanders will pause and reflect on the service of armed forces in Anzac Day dawn services, marches and commemorations across the country.

AAP · Apr 24, 2023