Politics is a dirty word

Russian and Chinese scientists appear to be on the verge of perfecting systems to track nuclear submarines -which radically reduces their military value. Nuclear submarines are usually massive, with the largest around 200 metres long and displacing 50,000 cubic metres of water. When they cruise underwater they create gravitational ripples. A sensitive detector has been developed to analyse the invisible ripples, allowing the submarine to be tracked, targetted and destroyed. Emissions from submarine nuclear reactors are also able to be detected, providing clear identification of individual vessels.

A Russian destroyer and a naval tanker are in the Philippines in what many observers regard as preparations for war between the US and China over the South China Sea

There are reports that Russia has deployed a number of its hypersonic Zircon cruise missiles on two battlecruisers, ready for conflict with the US. When fully equipped, each battlecruiser is expected to carry 80 missiles with multiple warheads. Testing of the long range ultra-fast missiles has been going on since 2012 and versions have been developed for air and submarine launching.

The Government may be able to restore the image of the Australian of the Year Awards as there are some excellent finalists amongst this year's potential recipients. The past two winners have rather tarnished the reputation of the award.If there is another dud, It would be appropriate to discontinue the award process.It's probably too much to hope that there won't be the usual bunch of minor gongs given to a motley bunch of highly paid politicians, entertainers and sports personalities.

At least 40 landholders in North Queensland will be kicked off their land by the Federal Government in a plan to expand military training facilities at Shoalwater Bay. Prior to Christmas, the property owners received letters advising that their land was likely to be compulsorily acquired by the Department of Defence for the expanded training ground. The move is believed to be an indication that Federal politicians are preparing to back the United States in a pre-emptive strike against China. More than 14,000 troops from Singapore are expected to take part in training exercises. Singapore is said to have offered the feds $2.2 billion to use the facilities.US and other forces have used the area and other parts of Australia for joint training exercises.

A man who was said to be out on bail even though he was subject to an Apprehended Violence Order killed people today in a violent attack in Melbourne Three people are dead and at least 25 have been hospitalised after a car ploughed through pedestrians in a police chase in the middle of Melbourne's CBD. The driver was wanted for a stabbing in Windsor earlier in the morning. The bail justice who granted bail should be held liable for the carnage and the government must amend legislation to prevent subsequent abuses of our legal system.Our politicians need to grow some backbone and bring in legislation to protect the community. Bail should not be available to anyone convicted of violent crimes in the same way that parole should not be allowed for those with multiple convictions for violence.

The suspension of the search for Malaysian Airlines MH 370 demonstrates again why design flaws in black boxes used in commercial aircraft need to be fixed. Given that oceans cover most of the world's surface, the black boxes which identify aircraft should be fitted with flotation systems, and be ejected from planes in the event of a crash.

Australia's Finance Minister, Martin Bormann charged taxpayers $23,000 for five trips to Broome. Hopefully he will experience the same scrutiny and the same justice as former Health Minister, Susan Ley. if the claims for trips to Broome are within his electorate allowance and the trips involved parliamentary or ministerial work then the claims should be regarded as legitimate. If the claims exceeded the allowance then he should go.

Government Ministers still demonstrate contempt for taxpayers in this country, maintaining that they are 'entitled' to a bottomless cash pit to cover any expenses they incur. They feel they should never have to reach into their own pockets. Trade Minister Steve Ciobo's defence of the travel rorts claimed by ministers to attend football matches and other social events was nothing short of pathetic and obscene, With the rest of the population doing it hard, how can he seriously expect us to cop the drivel he spouts. Following the Bronwyn Bishop 'choppergate' fiasco, a review of politicians' expenses came up with 36 recommendations which the Government said it accepted and would implement. Nothing has been done, so the dirty money-grabbing continues. If the Government has changed its mind and doesn't want to implement those 36 changes how about simplifying the problem. In addition to their salaries, every MP receives an electorate allowance. So all spending by...

The issue about politicians making exorbitant financial claims for travel etc. is easily resolved. As well as their salary, every politicians has an electorate allowance – and that allowance should be the maximum for any expenditure they incur. There must be no spending over that limit. But, of course, that will be too logical for the bureaucrats (and the press).

US President Obamba, in the dying days of his presidency, has sent 3600 tanks and 6000 ground troops to Europe in a move designed to intimidate Russia. Good luck with that. I don't think that Putin will blink. Looks like it might be a race to see if World War 3 starts in Europe, the Middle East or Asia. Wherever, the US is likely to be the trigger. The action in Europe is designated Operation 'Atlantic Resolve' and involves all NATO countries.

Both China and Russia are reported to have test fired long range hypersonic missiles capable of flying at five times the speed of sound. The US hopes to develop its own hypersonic missiles within three or four years. The Russian RS-28 Sarmat missile has been designed to outrun anti-missile systems and reach the US within 12 minutes of launch. The missile has been designed to carry nuclear warheads of 40 megatons. The Chinese air to air missile has a range of over 300 km and probably carries thermobaric warheads.

Joint naval patrols between Indonesia and Australia in the South China Sea are unlikely now after Indonesian defence forces have withdrawn co-operation with Australia over insults during Special Services training in Perth.