How would you feel about mandatory military service?

Published

3 years ago

November 7, 2022

One former Australian prime minister thinks it’s a good idea and believes it could help bridge the gap between the government and citizens.

Former prime minister Tony Abbott has unveiled a bold new plan for Australian school-levers.

He wants to see these citizens spend a “significant period of time” giving back to their country, through methods which may include military service.

Speaking to the Institute of Public Affairs, the former PM says this move could help improve the “two-way street” between the Australian Government and the general public.

Mandatory military service isn’t unheard of – in South Korea men between the ages of 18 to 35 are expected to serve.

Recently we even saw South Korean pop sensations BTS announce they will be stepping away from the limelight until 2025 so they can all serve their country.

Austria, Cambodia, Norway, Israel and Finland also have a similar schemes.

One can only assume such a mandatory conscription programme would be hard to sell down under.

Military service is just one part of Abbott’s plan – what else has he suggested?

The former PM says there’s a lot of talk about what the government has to do for the people and not much discussion of how the general public can give back.

His bold plan could see school-leavers above the age of 18 spending six to 12 months in service.

Aside from being involved in the military, it could also include working in aged-care homes, Indigenous communities, or the Australian Peace Corps in the South Pacific.

He says there’s all sorts of things which people could do, and it’s all about chipping in.

Will this plan ever go ahead? Probably not so there’s nothing to worry about at this stage.

Australia’s last incident of compulsory military training was back in 1972 during the Vietnam War.

And it’s important to note despite this suggestion, the former PM has not himself ever served in the country’s armed forces.

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

8 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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News

U.S. to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine under new security commitments

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

Published

9 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

The United States has pledged to lead a continuous and reliable ceasefire monitoring system in Ukraine, following new binding security commitments finalised at a Paris summit.

Under the plan, Washington would coordinate international monitoring efforts after any peace agreement, ensuring compliance while providing intelligence and logistical support to European forces on the ground.

The US has also committed to backing European troops if they come under attack, signalling a deeper security role without deploying American combat forces directly into Ukraine.

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News

Albanese open to royal commission into Bondi attack

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

Published

1 day ago

January 6, 2026

Ahron Young

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese has not ruled out a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
– He prioritises a review of intelligence agencies while facing pressure for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of a royal commission regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

He faces pressure from former Labor MPs and senators advocating for a Commonwealth-level inquiry.The prime minister indicated that his immediate focus is a review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. During a visit to flood-affected north Queensland, Albanese acknowledged discussions with NSW regarding the inquiry’s operation.

He has resisted calls for a federal inquiry into the attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah event last month. Albanese prioritised the review of intelligence responses and stated discussions were ongoing to address community needs.

He outlined intentions to recall parliament once new legislation focused on hate speech and gun control is prepared. Consultations are planned over the coming days to ensure proper legislative formulation.

Albanese rejected opposition claims that parliament could have swiftly passed the necessary laws post-attack. Currently, MPs are scheduled to reconvene in February, but a session may be convened sooner to pass new laws and honour Bondi victims.

Ongoing Discussions

Former Labor figures have publicly called for a national royal commission, expressing concern over the limitations of a NSW-led inquiry. Mike Kelly suggested a “rolling” approach for the royal commission to address wider implications for security and democracy, highlighting the necessity of thorough examination given the unprecedented nature of the attack.

He asserted the need for this inquiry to explore broader social issues and assist the Jewish community in the healing process, urging the government to remain responsive to public sentiments.