NEWS HEADLINES

Introduction of the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill 2023

Introduction of the Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill 2023

The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets (SAMS) Bill 2023 (the SAMS Bill) was introduced into Parliament in September 2023 to amend the Defence Act 1903. Submissions were invited, and closed on 16 November 2023. The Bill passed through the Senate on 27 March, and will take effect 28 days after the Royal Assent process and it being signed into law by the Governor General. The purpose of the new legislation is to establish a framework to regulate the work that certain former Defence staff members can perform without a ‘foreign work authorisation’; and the training that Australians, may provide without a ‘foreign work authorisation’.

read more
Bravery with a golden touch

Bravery with a golden touch

When ‘Albatross 04’, a RAAF 9 Squadron Iroquois helicopter, flew out of Vung Tau, Vietnam, on September 8, 1967, Corporal (retd) Anton Kretschmann couldn’t have known that his actions on that day would earn him a Chief of Air Force Gold Commendation 57 years later.

read more

MORE NEWS 

RAAF’s Role in Operation Babylift – 50th Anniversary Spotlight

As the 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift nears on 30 April 2025, the Air Force Association (AFA) remembers the Royal Australian Air Force’s vital contribution to this historic humanitarian effort. In April 1975, as Saigon faced imminent collapse under Viet Cong...

Historical RAAF Baltimore Bomber Discovered Underwater In Greece

A Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Baltimore bomber aircraft, which was lost while on an operational mission during the Second World War, has been discovered off the island of Antikythera in Greece. The discovery of the wreck of Baltimore FW282 brings to an end 82...

Have Your Say: Shape DVA’s Communication with Veterans

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is seeking input from veterans to improve how it communicates with you and the broader veteran community. A short survey, conducted by independent consultancy 89 Degrees East, invites you to share your preferences on receiving...

Access to Veterans’ Review Board extended

The Veteran Employment Program has opened registrations for its 2025 Veteran Employer Webinar Series, aimed at equipping employers with actionable strategies to recruit and retain veterans while fostering inclusive workplaces. The series promises expert insights from...

AFA-SA Celebrates WW2 Veterans 100th Birthday at RAAF Edinburgh

Mr Bruce Townsend, one of South Australia’s few remaining World War 2 veterans, has celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event at the RAAF Base Edinburgh Officers Mess in Adelaide. Born on 1 February 1925 in Peterborough, South Australia, Bruce was just 14...

Townsville’s Ted Mildren Honoured as 2025 Citizen of the Year

Townsville has proudly recognised the tireless dedication and leadership of Edmund ‘Ted’ Mildren during the 2025 Australia Day Awards, where he was named Citizen of the Year. Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney, in the presence of Queensland Governor Janette Young and...