Defence
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Federal budget
Veterans’ claims add $1.8 billion, driving budget further into red
After being left with a huge backlog in veterans’ financial assistance claims, the government is facing another $3.5 billion in payments.
- by Shane Wright
Latest
Sex offenders to be booted from Defence Force in sweeping overhaul
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was time to act to combat an “epidemic” of suicide among former and current military personnel.
- by Matthew Knott and Alyssa Talakovski
Japan and Germany battle for edge in lucrative war ship deal
Japan is seeking to capitalise on its rapidly deepening “quasi alliance” with Australia as it competes with Germany for a $10 billion shipbuilding deal.
- by Matthew Knott
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Investigations
‘Absolutely gutted’: Cases dropped against soldiers over notorious war crimes allegations
Former Australian troops accused of killing civilians in Afghanistan will not face prosecution over two notorious alleged war crimes.
- by Nick McKenzie
Meet Australia’s best friend in Washington... no, not Kevin Rudd
A man known as “Two Sub Joe” has become Canberra’s can-do contact with Washington’s powerbrokers.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Exclusive
Property development
The Paris-inspired proposal to transform an inner-Sydney barracks
City of Sydney councillors want Victoria Barracks converted into residential housing should the federal government sell it off, with a French transformation a possible blueprint.
- by Matthew Knott and Anthony Segaert
What are ATACMS, the weapons Ukraine can now use against Russia?
The Biden administration has authorised Ukraine to use US-supplied ballistic missiles known as Army Tactical Missile Systems.
- by John Ismay and Ephrat Livni
Japanese troops in Top End sends clear message to China
Australia, the US and Japan have sent a defiant message to China by putting their increasingly close partnership on an alliance-style footing.
- by Matthew Knott
Who is Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s pick as secretary of defence?
The former infantry captain is a co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Weekend, and became friends with Trump.
Reconsider AUKUS, say former Labor foreign ministers
The government is insisting Kevin Rudd will stay on as Australia’s ambassador to Washington despite his past criticism of Donald Trump.
- by David Crowe
Exclusive
ADF
Defence real estate sell-off put on ice
The Coalition and Greens leapt upon the delay to accuse the Albanese government of dithering when required to make tough decisions about the defence portfolio.
- by Matthew Knott