Defence

In the past month, the emerging ‘Abbott doctrine’ has put Australia on a war footing.

The attorney-general is exploiting fear of returning holy fighters to push through ASIO’s long-sought powers.

For a time, it seemed he would be, like Nixon, remembered for a single sensational act. But Malcolm Fraser’s rebirth as a passionate libertarian now sees him back in public life.

The government plans to buy a fleet of unproven unmanned aerial vehicles to patrol for asylum seekers and illegal fishing boats. Basing it in Adelaide suggests a political agenda.

The government’s zeal to turn back asylum seekers is pushing our patrol boats beyond their limits. Six of seven are out of action.