Uncategorized

THE FIX IS IN, THE YAMASHITA STANDARD IS OUT!

I just wasted most of a day skimming through the Brereton Travesty when I could have been doing something useful, like removing nose hairs or chewing my ear wax.  If this report is what you get from four years of investigations by a former judge and modern Major-General, then Australia is doomed.

Two things struck me as I frustratingly searched for substance, evidence and laser-like focus describing incidents.

1. The repetitiveness of statements, as if repeating them validates and gives substance to the previously vague iteration; and
2. The ability of Brereton to reinterpret ‘black-letter’ law to produce a more acceptable result.

Briefly, the following appears several times, possibly as a means of imprinting on the reader’s mind where the guilt lies:

‘It was at the patrol commander level that the criminal behaviour was conceived, committed, continued, and concealed.  It is overwhelmingly at that level that responsibility resides.’

Got that?  It was rogue soldiers whodunit – while their senior officers knew nothing.

What is of more concern is how our modern Major-General and legal eagle has been able to reinterpret the law, because as it stands, and as it is written, it would have serious adverse effects on a whole series of senior officers.  Much better and far more acceptable to throw junior officers up to the rank of LtCol under the bus.  This process has already been previously tried and tested in the travesty of the ‘Jedi Council’ affair, so we know it works.

Brereton recognises the existence of ‘The Yamashita Standard’ and covers its precepts and implications in broad terms.  He actually mentions in plain language the concept that applies (and that cost Yamashita his life) then, like the good lawyer he is, he is able to contort the ‘black letter’ law to produce something more acceptable.  This is a shamefully dishonest reinterpretation that has, of course, been accepted with enthusiasm by Prime Minister Morrison and LtGen Campbell.

The Yamashita standard is quite explicit.  Once again, here is the actual black-letter for the reader to interpret:

“The highest ranking officer is accountable for, and should be prosecuted and convicted of the crimes of every officer and soldier under his command, even if he/she is unaware of that the crime, or was aware and actually gave orders to stop it.  Ignorance of the actions of his/her subordinates and failed attempts to stop them are not a defence.”

Brereton strains his reputation in the following paragraph from his Report:

“Although the legal concept of command responsibility for the crimes of subordinates has been discussed above,

1 it is worth revisiting at this stage some key points, because they also inform wider notions of command responsibility.  The idea that commanders can be held responsible for the misdeeds of their subordinates is founded on their positions of trust and authority, and in particular their ability to control the behaviour of their subordinates.  It extends to ‘[where] there is no effective attempt by a commander to discover and control the criminal acts, such a commander maybe held responsible, even criminally liable, for the lawless acts of his troops,’

2 and where the commander ought to have known of the crimes, and failed to take steps to prevent them,

3 although it requires personal dereliction [I must have failed to read the Yamashita Standard properly as I cannot find the requirement for ‘personal dereliction’ – a behaviour that did not apply to Yamashita.  No, Paul, the YS does not require any dereliction of duty for it to be applied!]‘where the act is directly traceable to him or where his failure to properly supervise his subordinates constitutes criminal negligence on his part’. Absolute fiction, and a disgrace to professional legal standards and four years of witch.hunting.

“5 As has been explained earlier, essentially, there are three elements to establishing criminal responsibility: …”  This is new and would have been of great assistance to Yamashita.  What a pity you discovered this ‘truth’ 75 years after he was executed.  The three elements you refer to are nowhere to be found in the Standard, but good try.

6a. the existence of a superior-subordinate relationship, involving actual control, whether director indirect; …” & “Commanders are both recognised and accountable for what happens ‘on their watch’, regardless of their personal contribution or fault. Thus commanders are given credit for the achievements of their commands, notwithstanding that those achievements might be more directly attributable to the contributions of some or all of their subordinates. Commensurately, commanders are regarded as responsible for the failures of their commands and their subordinates, regardless of personal fault.

How pray tell, can Brereton reconcile ‘regardless of personal fault’ and ‘Ignorance of the actions of his/her subordinates and failed attempts to stop them are not a defence’ with the requirement that ‘… there are three elements to establishing criminal responsibility: …’?

With new truths replacing actual written truths, one thing we can be sure of: the fix is in with the junior officers, NCO’s and soldiers being sacrificed.

Fortunately, we have some good news to finish.  The Taliban are already using our self-proclaimed presumption of guilt as part of their recruiting drive to join them and avenge the ‘victims’.

Secondly, to assist in removing the ‘warrior culture’ our ‘Woke Napoleons’ have gone straight to the heart of the Defence of Australia issues by appointing a Gender Affairs Officer:

https://www.michaelsmithnews.com/2020/11/australian-taxpayers-provide-an-adf-deputy-gender-affairs-officer-for-gender-responsiveness-in-cypru.html

One has to stand in absolute wonder and ask how Patton managed to fight his battles without a Gender Affairs Officer, a Climate Change Assessor or a warlock to read the tealeaves on his 3^rd Army HQ.

 

 

 

References

Pages 473-474

INTRODUCTION

1. Major General Paul Cullen, who had commanded the 2/2ndAustralian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea in World War 2, is reported to have said that there are no bad soldiers, only bad officers. However, while it would have been much easier to report that it was poor command and leadership that was primarily to blame for the events disclosed in this Report, that would be a gross distortion. While, as will appear, commanders at troop, squadron and Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) level must bear some responsibility for the events that happened ‘on their watch’, the criminal behaviour of a few was commenced, committed, continued and concealed at the patrol commander level. Command responsibility
2. Command responsibility is both a legal and a moral concept. In the narrow sense, command responsibility is a legal doctrine by which commanders may be held legally responsible for the misdeeds of their subordinates.
3. Although the legal concept of command responsibility for the crimes of subordinates has been discussed above,

1 it is worth revisiting at this stage some key points, because they also inform wider notions of command responsibility.  The idea that commanders can be held responsible for the misdeeds of their subordinates is founded on their positions of trust and authority, and in particular their ability to control the behaviour of their subordinates.  It extends to ‘[where] there is no effective attempt by a commander to discover and control the criminal acts, such a commander maybe held responsible, even criminally liable, for the lawless acts of his troops,’

2 and where the commander ought to have known of the crimes, and failed to take steps to prevent them,

3 although it requires personal dereliction ‘where the act is directly traceable to him or where his failure to properly supervise his subordinates constitutes criminal negligence on his part’.

4 It includes failing to make proper enquiries to see whether offences were being committed, or to cause there to be a proper investigation after the event.

5 As has been explained earlier, essentially, there are three elements to establishing criminal responsibility:

6a. the existence of a superior-subordinate relationship, involving actual control, whether director indirect;

7b.knowledge, or reckless indifference, of the actual or imminent commission of the offences; and

1 Reference 1 – Chapter 1.10, Applicable Law of Armed Conflict.

2 Reference 2 – 4 Law Reports of Trials of War Criminals, trial of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, United Nations War Crimes Commission (1948) 1 at 35.

3 Reference 3 – 8 Law Reports of Trials of War Criminals, US v List 34 (1949); 11 Trials of War Criminals before the Nuremberg Military Tribunals under Control Council Law No 10 757 (1950).

4 Reference 4 – United States v Von Lee b (High Command Case), 11 Trials of War Criminals before the Nuremberg Military Tribunals under Control Council Law No 10 (1951) 462 543-544.

5 Reference 5 – Prosecutor v Strugar ICTY IT- 01-42-T.

6 Reference 6 – “Failure to Halt, Prevent or Punish: the Doctrine for Command Responsibility for War Crimes,” Andrew Mitchel, p384.

7 Reference 7 – Bemba Case ICC 01/05-01/08. OFFICIAL (redacted for security, privacy and legal reasons) 473OFFICIAL (redacted for security, privacy and legal reasons)

84. failure to act to prevent the crimes, which may be satisfied by failing to make proper inquiries, or to cause there to be a proper investigation after the event. 84. Insofar as it relates to individual incidents and issues of interest, potential legal liability on the basis of command responsibility has been addressed in the various Chapters in Part 2. This Chapter is concerned with its application at a more general and higher level, and with the moral and other aspects of command responsibility.
85. Responsibility means answerability, or accountability. At the core of the notion of command responsibility is responsibility for the effects and outcomes delivered by the unit or formation under command. Commanders are both recognised and accountable for what happens ‘on their watch’, regardless of their personal contribution or fault. Thus commanders are given credit for the achievements of their commands, notwithstanding that those achievements might be more directly attributable to the contributions of some or all of their subordinates. Commensurately, commanders are regarded as responsible for the failures of their commands and their subordinates, regardless of personal fault.
86. The fundamental reason for this is that, ultimately, commanders have direction and control of what is done under their command. Another reason is that commanders set the conditions in which their units may flourish or wither. This includes the culture which promotes, permits or prohibits certain behaviours.7.One domain in which this is apparent is that of honours and awards. Commanders are often decorated for their performance in command, on account of the commendable performance of the unit under their command

Page 499

85. … it was at the patrol commander level that the criminal behaviour was conceived, committed, continued, and concealed. But for a small number of patrol commanders, and their protégées, it would not have been thought of, it would not have begun, it would not have continued, and, in any event, it would have been discovered. It is overwhelmingly at that level that responsibility resides.

Page 500

92. Although that observation applies to SOTG Commanding Officers, it does so not because of personal fault, but because they are responsible for what happened ‘on their watch’. The observation applies much more strongly to the Commanding Officers of SASR during the period under which the ‘warrior culture’ which enabled the criminal conduct flourished, because unlike the SOTG Commanding Officers they were in a position to influence and shape the culture of their commands.  The evidence does not support a similar conclusion in respect of either Commando Regiment.
93. The Inquiry sees the command responsibility of Commander JTF 633 in a different light to that of Commanding Officer SOTG, for a number of reasons. First, JTF 633 was not positioned, organisationally or geographically, to influence and control SOTG operations: its ‘national command’ function did not include operational command. While those who had operational command are rightly held responsible and accountable for the deeds of their subordinates, the principle that informs that is that ultimately they command and control what happens under their command. Without operational command, JTF 633 did not have the degree of command and control over SOTG on which command responsibility depends. THE FIX IS IN!

Secondly, commanders and headquarters at … JTF 633, JOC and ADFHQ appear to have responded appropriately and diligently when relevant information and allegations came to their attention, and to have made persistent and genuine endeavours to find the facts through QAs, following up with further queries, and Inquiry Officer Inquiries.  Their attempts were frustrated by outright deceit by those who knew the truth, and, not infrequently, misguided resistance to inquiries and investigations by their superiors.

Page 501

95. It was at the patrol commander level that the criminal behaviour was conceived, committed, continued, and concealed. It is overwhelmingly at that level that responsibility resides.
96. The Inquiry has found no evidence that there was knowledge of, or reckless indifference to, the commission of war crimes, on the part of commanders at troop/platoon, squadron/company or task group headquarters level, let alone at higher levels such as Commander JTF 633, Joint Operations Command, or Australian Defence Headquarters. Nor is the Inquiry of the view that there was a failure at any of those levels to take reasonable steps that would have prevented or detected the commission of war crimes.

Page 502

There is no credible information that any troop/platoon, squadron/company or SOTG commander knew that,or was recklessly indifferent as to whether, subordinates were committing war crimes.

• There is no credible information of a failure by any troop/platoon, squadron/company or SOTG commander to take reasonable steps that would have prevented or discovered the commission of the war crimes referred to in this Report.
• However, SOTG troop, squadron and task group Commanders bear moral command responsibility and accountability for what happened under their command and control.
• That responsibility and accountability does not extend to higher headquarters, including in particular HQ JTF633 and HQ Joint Operations Command, because they did not have a sufficient degree of command and control to attract the principle of command responsibility, and within the constraints on their authority acted appropriately when relevant information and allegations came to their attention, were frustrated by outright deceit by those who knew the truth, and, not infrequently, misguided resistance to inquiries and investigations by their superiors.
• Commanding Officers of SASR during the relevant period bear significant responsibility for contributing to the environment in which war crimes were committed, most notably those in SASR who embraced or fostered the ‘warrior culture’ and empowered, or did not restrain, the clique of non-commissioned officer who propagated it.
• That responsibility is to some extent shared by those who, in misconceived loyalty to their Regiment, or their mates, have not been prepared to ‘call out’ criminal conduct or, even to this day, decline to accept that it occurred in the face of incontrovertible evidence, or seek to offer obscure justifications and mitigations for it

“Occidental,

From the comfort of your armchair, what would you say if the ‘murdered’ Afghan was a suspected bomb-maker?

In a remarkable piece of sang froid three CDF’s have issued a joint statement declaring their innocence!

Admiral Barrie (a warrior who never saw combat, but who sees climate change as the most serious threat to Oz),

Air Marshall Angus Houston (who flew his desk all the way to the top) & of course,

Lt. General Angus Campbell (who was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross and an Infantry Combat Badge for leadership in action, but who now claims he was ‘too remote from the operations to know what was going on’)

In fact, in a paradoxical twist, their declaration does not matter as they accept war crimes were committed while they were in charge.  This means their ‘I knew nuthink’ while I was in command’ is not a defence, but an confession of guilt.  You can delegate ‘responsibility’ to your operational teams, but you cannot delegate ‘accountability’.  Hence their spurious defence that collectively they were unaware of what was going on among a few hundred soldiers in the only war we had, or that Australia is a signatory to the Yamashita Standard – to which they are subject – is no defence at all.

Let’s joyfully sacrifice one soldier from the time of each of their commands and then apply an equal sentence to each of them.

Lest we forget the key words that cost Yamashita his life:

‘The highest ranking officer is accountable for, and should be prosecuted and convicted of the crimes of every officer and soldier under his command, even if he/she is unaware of that the crime, or was aware and actually gave orders to stop it.  Ignorance of the actions of his/her subordinates and failed attempts to stop them are not a defence.’

Perhaps they will have to apply the tried a true ‘Double Standards’ Defence?

 

Alistair Pope

AUSTRALIANS who support veterans and their families are being trained as ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ through free training offered by Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling and ex-service organisations around the country.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention training offers veterans, and the people who support them, an opportunity to ‘square away’ their own mental health so they can take care of themselves and those around them.

Whether it’s packing your kit or sorting yourself and gear in other ways, ‘squared away’ is a military concept where once you have yourself sorted, you are then able to help those around you.

“It’s not too dissimilar with mental health and I am encouraged that more than 1400 members of the veteran community have participated in mental health and suicide prevention training in the last 12 months,” Mr Chester said.

“Family members, friends and colleagues are often the first to notice subtle changes in someone’s behaviour and training in Mental Health First Aid or suicide intervention equips them with the skills and confidence to identify signs, start a conversation and encourage them to seek professional help.

“This training, initiated by the Returned and Services League (RSL), is now being delivered in partnership with ex-services organisations across Australia, highlighting the great outcomes we can achieve by working together.

“I would encourage anyone in the ex-service community to become a Mental Health First Aider and join our national network by contacting Open Arms and participating in the training.

“The recent Budget provided an additional $101.7 million to further increase mental health support services for our veterans and their families, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting the health and wellbeing of our veteran community.”

In addition to Mental Health First Aid, Open Arms provides suicide prevention training including the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Suicide alertness for everyone (safeTALK), and Suicide Prevention Start, a 60-90 minute self-paced online workshop.

Former Warrant Officer of the Air Force, and now a National Director in Open Arms, Rob Swanwick, said Open Arms is proud to provide training that can save lives.

“In the same way we are trained in physical first aid, we want to upskill people in mental health first aid. There’s a great sense of camaraderie and mutual support in the veteran community that comes from shared experiences, and being able to strengthen the ethos of covering each other’s back is incredibly important and rewarding,” Mr Swanwick said.

“It reminds me that as a Loadmaster, I gave the brief hundreds of times, and we all know it well; in an emergency, get your own oxygen on and look after yourself first so you can better assist others around you.”

In addition to providing free and confidential support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families, Open Arms offers a variety of free training opportunities to those seeking to help family, friends, co-workers or others in the veteran community: Suicide intervention and mental health literacy workshops. To find out more call 1800 011 046 or visit openarms.gov.au

VETERANS and their families will be able to participate in almost 400 events, both in person and virtually, nationwide as part of Veterans’ Health Week, which kicks off tomorrow.

Running from 24 October to 1 November 2020, the theme for this year’s Veterans’ Health Week is Social Connection, one of the most important aspects of maintaining your overall mental health and wellbeing.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester said it was fitting that this year Veterans’ Health Week focused on social connection, and encouraged all those in the ex-service community to get involved in some of the events, or at the very least to check in on a mate.

“It is remarkable to see all the diverse veteran community groups across the country come together to stay socially connected with their local communities during a time when it’s needed most,” Mr Chester said.

“Events include physical activity challenges, mental health activities, workshops, skill building opportunities, a record number of online virtual events and lots of chances to make new connections and renew old ones.

“I commend all the ex-service organisations and other veteran groups who have organised events for Veterans’ Health Week this year, making it a COVID-safe place for veterans and their families to show their support for one another.”

Through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Government provided $300,000 in funding to local veteran community groups to continue their ongoing support of veteran mental health by hosting a COVID-safe Veterans’ Health Week event this year.

For more information on Veterans’ Health Week events and information on attending, visit the Veterans’ Health Week page on the DVA website, call 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372) or email [email protected]. Attendees and event organisers must be aware of local state or territory Coronavirus restrictions that are in place and ensure their event is following all Coronavirus guidelines.

Australia will join three-way naval exercises involving the United States, Japan and India, the countries announced on Monday, in a move that could raise concerns in China, which has criticised similar joint drills as destabilising.

India, which holds the annual drills called Malabar with the U.S. and Japanese navies each year, agreed to invite Australia for next month’s exercise in the Bay of Bengal, it said, in a sign of cooperation between the “Quad” countries.

“As India seeks to increase cooperation with other countries in the maritime security domain and in the light of increased defence cooperation with Australia, Malabar 2020 will see the participation of the Australian Navy,” the defence ministry said in a statement.

Australia will be returning to the joint manoeuvres after its participation in 2007, which drew criticism from China at the time.

Australian Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the Malabar drills were a milestone opportunity for the Australian Defence Force, and that they showcased “the deep trust between four major Indo-Pacific democracies and their shared will to work together on common security interests.”

There was no immediate word from China on the Malabar exercises.

The United States has been pushing for a deeper collaboration with Japan, India and Australia as a bulwark against China’s growing regional influence.

These four have formed the Quad, a loose strategic coalition of the four leading democracies in the region. The joint drills will be the first concrete action of the grouping, analysts say.

 

Britannia waives the rules

The Royal Navy is proud to announce its new fleet of Type 45 destroyers.  Having initially named the first two ships HMS Daring and HMS Dauntless, the Naming Committee has, after intensive pressure from Brussels, renamed them HMS Cautious and HMS Prudence.  The next five ships are to be HMS Empathy, HMS Circumspect, HMS Nervous, HMS Timorous and HMS Apologist.

Costing £850 million each, they comply with the very latest employment, equality, health & safety and human rights laws.  The Royal Navy fully expects any future enemy to be jolly decent and to comply with the same high standards of behaviour.

The new user-friendly crow’s nest has excellent wheelchair access.  Live ammunition has been replaced with paintballs to reduce the risk of anyone getting hurt and to cut down on the number of compensation claims.  Stress counsellors and lawyers will be on board, as will be a full sympathetic industrial tribunal.

The crew will be 50/50 men and women and will contain the correct balance of race, gender, sexuality and disability.  Sailors will only work a maximum of 37hrs per week as per Brussels Rules on Working Hours, even in wartime.  All the vessels are equipped with a maternity ward, a crèche and a gay disco.

Tobacco will be banned throughout the ship, but recreational cannabis will be allowed in wardrooms and messes.

The Royal Navy is eager to shed its traditional reputation for; “Rum, sodomy and the lash”; so out has gone the rum ration, replaced by sparkling water.  Sodomy remains, now extended to include all ratings under 18.  The lash will still be available on request.

Saluting of officers is now considered elitist and has been replaced by the greeting “Hello Sailor”.

All information on notice boards will be in 37 different languages and Braille, with the option for more if personnel from other ethnic groups join the ship’s company.

Crew members will now no longer have to ask permission to grow beards and/or moustaches.  This applies equally to the female and transgender crew.

The MoD is inviting suggestions for a “non-specific” flag because the White Ensign may offend minorities.  The Union Jack must never be seen.

The newly re-named HMS Cautious will be commissioned shortly by Captain Hook from the Naval Group Committee of the Finsbury Park Mosque who will break a petrol bomb over the hull.  She will gently slide into the sea as the Royal Marines Band plays “In the Navy” by the Village People.  Her first deployment will be to escort boatloads of illegal immigrants to ports on England’s south coast.

The Prime Minister said, “Our ships reflect the very latest in modern thinking and they will always be able to comply with any new orders or legislation from Brussels.”

His final words were, “Britannia waives the rules.”

We Are Veterans.

We left home as teenagers or in our early twenties for an unknown adventure.

We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own lives.

We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew.

We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.

We found new friends and new family.

We became brothers and sisters regardless of colour, race or creed.

We had plenty of good times, and plenty of bad times.

We didn’t get enough sleep.

We smoked and drank too much.

We picked up both good and bad habits.

We worked hard and played harder.

We didn’t earn a great wage.

We experienced the happiness of mail call and the sadness of missing important events.

We didn’t know when, or even if, we were ever going to see home again.

We grew up fast, and yet somehow, we never grew up at all.

We fought for our freedom, as well as the freedom of others.

Some of us saw actual combat, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us saw the world, and some of us didn’t.

Some of us dealt with physical warfare, most of us dealt with psychological warfare.

We have seen and experienced and dealt with things that we can’t fully describe or explain, as not all of our sacrifices were physical.

We participated in time honoured ceremonies and rituals with each other, strengthening our bonds and camaraderie.

We counted on each other to get our job done and sometimes to survive it at all.

We have dealt with victory and tragedy.

We have celebrated and mourned.

We lost to many mates along the way.

When our adventure was over, some of us went back home, some of us started somewhere new and some of us never came home at all.

We have told amazing and hilarious stories of our exploits and adventures.

We share an unspoken bond with each other, that most people don’t experience, and few will understand.

We speak highly of our own branch of service, and poke fun at the other branches.

We know however, that, if needed, we will be there for our brothers and sisters and stand together as one, in a heartbeat.

Being a Veteran is something that had to be earned, and it can never be taken away.

It has no monetary value, but at the same time it is a priceless gift.

People see a Veteran and then thank them for their service.

When we see each other, we give that little upwards head nod, or a slight smile, knowing that we have shared and experienced things that most people have not.

So, from myself to the rest of the veterans out there, I commend and thank you for all that you have done and sacrificed for your country.

Try to remember the good times and forget the bad times.

Share your stories.

But most importantly, stand tall and proud, for you have earned the right to be called a Veteran.

The article below appeared in the Brisbane Courier Mail newspaper written by veteran reporter Mike O’Connor.

 

WITH a gun held at her stomach, the pregnant woman very likely thought that she and her unborn child were about to die.

She watched, terrified, as the gunman’s five accomplices ransacked her home looking for money and drugs. Finding neither, they fled, taking her mobile phone and wallet.

The man with the gun was George Floyd. He was later arrested and sentenced to five years in jail, adding another chapter to a lengthy criminal history, which included drug offences and armed theft.

This is the man now being hailed as a martyr to the cause of civil rights, a low-life drug-using criminal with scant regard for the lives of others, who when he died, was high on fentanyl and methamphetamine.

There is no excuse for the manner of his death, but before the hordes of local virtue signallers start organising another illegal protest march, a little perspective as provided by American black activist Candace Owens might be helpful.

“We are the only community that fights and screams and demands justice for the people in our community that are up to no good,” she says in an online posting.

“It has become fashionable for us to turn criminals into heroes. George Floyd was not an amazing person. Everyone is saying that this man lived a heroic lifestyle and he didn’t.

“I will not be part of the broken black culture that wants to martyr black criminals and make them out to be outstanding human beings.”

Owens maintains that racially motivated police brutality in the United States is a myth, saying that a violent white criminal has a 25 per cent higher chance of dying at the hands of a police officer than do violent black criminals.

“Last year a total of nine unarmed black men were killed by police officers while 19 white men were killed by police. White people represent 60 per cent of the population and black people only 13 per cent, but it doesn’t matter what percentage of the population you represent, it matters what percentage of the violent criminal community you represent and unfortunately the black community commits a disproportionate amount of crime compared to the white community.

“The 6 per cent of the population who are black men commit 44 per cent of the murders in this country, according to 2018 statistics. We commit 50 per cent of all violent offences and we are 13 per cent of the population,” Owens says.

She says that police officers have more to fear from the black community than the other way around with a police officer being 18.5 times more likely to be killed by a black person than a black person is to be killed by a police officer.

Owens dismisses the entire narrative of racially motivated violence by police as “complete smoke and mirrors”.

“It’s all made up. It’s white versus black because it’s an election year and not because black Americans are suffering at the hands of police officers more than white Americans.

“Do some police officers do the wrong things? Yes, but I am not going to stand for this bottom-feeding narrative of martyring people who have had five, six or seven stints in prison. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of having to pretend. It’s embarrassing,” she says.

Owens takes aim at what she describes as a toxic culture permeating the black community.

“That’s because nobody wants to tell the truth in black America. It’s so easy to be a victim. It’s so easy to ask white people to bow down and apologise to us. It’s crap, it’s a fake, it’s a farce. Our biggest problem is us. It’s why we don’t talk about it when black-on-black violence happens.

“We don’t talk about it when black people are being slaughtered by blacks because that would mean we’d have to be accountable. That would mean personal responsibility and we don’t do personal responsibility. We blame white people. We only point a camera at white people when they do something, even though we do it at a far higher rate to ourselves.

“How difficult is it not to spend multiple times in prison? Is that too difficult for us?” she asks.

“We have to do better. We have to teach our kids to do better,” she says.

This is not what the people who demonstrated in King George Square on the weekend want to hear.

They want to embrace the “white versus black” narrative, march and chant and then go back home and tell themselves what a great job they’ve done striking a blow for equality.

Here’s a thought. How about having a march next weekend protesting at the violence and sexual assaults perpetrated on Aboriginal children by other indigenous people?

Let’s protest about the poor or non-existent parenting in indigenous communities that sees kids fail to attend school and so get a chance at a better life. Hold that protest and I’ll march with you, but I’m not holding my breath.

That’s because nobody wants to tell the truth in black America. It’s so easy to be a victim.

By Ross Eastgate

IN a long military career one seemed to spend more time studying the profession of arms than practising it.

The old instructors’ motto was, “teach and repeat” until subjects were drummed into trainees.

Such fascinating topics as “The bayonet; they don’t like it up ‘em!” and “Mr Hand Grenade is not your friend” held a fascination beyond their droll descriptions.

“Garrotting chickens for survival” and “Chicken recipes for one” had a distinctly useful application.

Why, in the days before videos and PowerPoint there were even films on various topics, including the British classic Zulu, shown to every recruit.

In those days soldiers wore brightly coloured uniforms, went to exotic locations, met the locals and killed them. No low visibility combat uniforms then!

Like soldiers immemorial, more than a few fraternised with the local ladies, for it was an all-male environment, apart from the obligatory camp followers, and a cuddle a long way from home went a long way to boost morale.

If there was ever any cautionary advice, it was usually about incautious relationships with ladies of loose morals, and the possible consequences.

In World War I Australian troops posted to the Middle East and France suffered more casualties from sexually transmitted diseases than battle.

In that pre-COVID environment, no one thought to spray hand sanitiser wherever soldiers had been or were going, though hands weren’t the primary issue.

Sailors were a particular problem with multiple port visits, pocketsful of cash and young ladies ready to exchange it for physical entertainment.

There were similar consequences.

Loose lips sink ships if you get the drift. Now bright coloured apparel is the off duty choice for many in an ADF which is determinedly changing sexual identity rules.

The Australian Defence Force is calling for military personnel to go on a $12,000 Gender Peace and Security course that will draw on “feminist theorising” and make them “gender-sensitive, gender-inclusive and gender-responsive”.

The Monash University course is being run by two feminist professors who believe “masculinist politics” are to blame for most of the world’s political problems.

One suspects the ADF hierarchy is closely monitoring applications.

Aspirational individuals who don’t apply may be considered chicken.

All others could end up like the chickens of old.

NEW FACILITY FOR THE OASIS ONE STEP CLOSER TO COMPLETION

Veterans and their families in north Queensland are a step closer to easier access to services and support with the successful contractor to build the next stage of the Oasis Townsville announced today.

Federal Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Darren Chester and Queensland Minister for Communities and Minister for Disabilities Services and Seniors, the Hon Coralee O’Rourke MP, announced Townsville-based company Woollam Constructions would lead the major building works for the project.

“This is an important step forward in improving the support and services for veterans and their families in Townsville,” Mr Chester said.

“Once completed, The Oasis Townsville will provide a one-stop-shop for veterans and their families to access assistance from the government, health services, ex-service organisations (ESOs) and community groups.

“The Oasis Townsville will significantly expand and enhance the existing range of services it already offers, ensuring that we are putting veterans and their families first.”

The major building works for the project include partial demolition of the existing building, refurbishment of the remaining half of the building, construction of an indoor/outdoor café, five smaller buildings and other external works.

“The construction of The Oasis Townsville is a truly local project — using local construction companies and local suppliers, supporting approximately 24 full-time equivalent jobs and boosting the local economy,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Since I was first approached by The Oasis Townsville a number of years ago, I have been working with them to achieve our vision for the site and to provide a truly unique, fit-for-purpose facility to benefit our local community, veterans and their families.

“I have been determined to deliver this project for locals, and I am thankful to the Federal Government for their support and funding contribution to see it become a reality.

“With around 15,000 ex-defence force personnel living in our city and an estimated 500 transitioning into the community each year, I know how important this project is for Townsville and our local defence community.”

Federal Member for Herbert Mr Phillip Thompson OAM MP said the announcement was an important milestone for a long-awaited project.

“This facility and the services that will come with it are going to benefit not only veterans, but current serving defence members,” Mr Thompson said.

“Townsville is the largest garrison city in the country and deserves a place like this where the defence community can come together and seek the support they need without having to find their way through a maze of services.

“I look forward to construction beginning — but The Oasis will be so much more than just a building and I can’t wait to see the positive work that will go on here.”

Mr Chester said the Federal Government committed $5 million in funding for this project and thanked the Queensland Government for its contribution of $4.3 million of funding through the Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors (DCDSS).

“We are all committed to seeing this wellbeing centre open and provide services to veterans and their families in the Townsville community by the end of 2020,” Mr Chester said.

Construction of The Oasis Townsville main works is due to be completed during October 2020, with the service expected to begin operating later that month.

The Oasis Townsville is one of six Veteran Wellbeing Centres which will be operated in partnership with ESOs and state and territory governments, announced by the Federal Government as part of a $30 million commitment.

For more information about the new Veteran Wellbeing Centres, visit the DVA website www.dva.gov.au/wellbeing-centres