Sydney Morning Herald
Australia’s $11 billion upgrade to keep subs afloat while navy waits for AUKUS
Australia is spending $11 billion to extend the life of its aging Collins class submarines, buying time while the country waits for nuclear-powered vessels promised under the AUKUS pact. The upgrade has been scaled back from earlier proposals but remains critical to maintaining submarine capability through the transition period. Without the investment, Australia risked a significant gap in its undersea defense capacity.
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Australians with Down’s syndrome among those to suffer most from proposed NDIS cuts government analysis says
Proposed NDIS cuts could slash funding by 50% for some of Australia's most vulnerable participants by 2027, with those living with Down's syndrome, visual impairments, and psychosocial disabilities set to bear the greatest burden. Government analysis confirms these groups would face the steepest reductions, raising serious questions about their ability to maintain independence, employment, and daily living. Advocates warn the timing is particularly cruel given soaring cost-of-living pressures already straining disabled Australians.
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Breaking: Former governor-general Peter Hollingworth dies aged 91
Peter Hollingworth, Australia's 23rd Governor-General and the only ordained minister ever to hold the vice-regal role, has died at 91. His tenure ended in 2003 when he resigned following intense public scrutiny over his handling of historical sexual abuse cases within the Anglican Church. His time in office remains one of the most controversial chapters in the history of the governor-generalship.
Read article →Guardian AU
Australian taxpayers to pay $11bn to extend lifespan of ageing Collins-class submarines amid Aukus delay
Australia is spending $11 billion to keep its aging Collins-class submarine fleet operational for an additional decade, as delays to the AUKUS nuclear submarine program push back delivery of the first new vessels to 2032. The submarines, some already 30 years into service and originally built for a 30-year lifespan, will now operate well into the mid-2030s. The extension highlights the mounting costs of the capability gap Australia faces as it transitions to its next-generation submarine force.
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$11b upgrades to Australia's existing submarines scaled back
Australia's multibillion-dollar program to extend the life of its aging Collins Class submarines is being wound back, raising fresh questions about the nation's naval readiness during a critical transition period. The upgrades were designed to keep the fleet operational for an additional decade while Australia awaits its nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement. The scaling back leaves a potential capability gap at a time of heightened regional security concerns.
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