There are too many jellyfish in Moreton Bay for a Submarine Base. Submarines would “inevitably” be forced into an emergency reactor shutdown by swarms of jellyfish – Lisa-ann Gershwin, leading marine biologist and Jellyfish expert.
Dutton on Defensive – too many jellyfish!
On Friday 18 March 2022 Brisbane chamber of commerce members and their guests were treated to a rare look inside Australia’s defence posture amidst rising global tensions and dynamic activity in Europe and Asia. Dutton outlined opportunities for businesses to enter the national security supply chain or enhance their engagement across key areas including cyber, space, AI, and quantum.
On the other side of the street, both figuratively and physically, was the ETU’s Media Officer, Kristin Perissinotto. Let’s have a listen to what Kristin had to say before we go to the interview with Peter Dutton. Kristin spoke to a crowd of about 50 people on both sides of the road. Is this the beginning of a new peace movement in Brisbane? The rally was organised by Just Peace and supported by Refugee Action Collective, Student Action, Socialist Alternative, Socialist Alliance, the Quakers, St Mary’s and various anarchist groups (please add anyone I have left out).
Like all bullies, Dutton is as spineless as a jellyfish and entered by the back door. The corporate attendees of the $2,000 luncheon were very blokey … no doubt on generous expenses allowances from their firms seeking defence contracts. The Boeing Building was just down the road.
As the Quakers told the crowd outside … in matters of war, look for who makes the profit.
Why Ukraine?
What if Russian invasion of Ukraine has little to do with Europe or the United States, or even NATO? What if this war can best be understood if you belong to Russian culture and history and speak the language? Google can’t even translate Russian properly let alone Ukrainian. According to Google (so full of algorithmic bias) Jacobin that opposes the mainstream narrative that the cause of the war is that Putin is evil, is also ‘the leading voice of the American left’.
So where does it leave people in the West using Google search? Liking Russell Brand?
The Minister was in conversation with 4PR Voice of the People to cover all of the essential topics of the day and answer the questions workers want asked.
4PR – Voice of the People
Can you please introduce yourself?
Peter Dutton
My name is Peter Dutton, Minister for defense
4PR – Voice of the People
Why are you speaking at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon today?
Peter Dutton
There are opportunities for businesses to enter the national security supply chain or enhance their engagement across key areas, including cyber, space. AI and Quantum.
4PR – Voice of the People
Why is that important right now?
Peter Dutton
Well, I will be talking with AmCham national strategy director, Sarah James and we’ll attempt to cover all of the essential topics of the day and to answer questions. I’m urging people not to miss this opportunity to engage with a person who matters.
4PR – Voice of the People
What areas do you wish to speak about?
Peter Dutton
Well, Ukraine, of course, and what Australia can bring to the table to defeat Putin who has broken all rules of sovereignty by invading Ukraine.
4PR – Voice of the People
But Putin was here in Brisbane during the G12 and he was just standing by himself at the conference Why didn’t you approach him then?
Peter Dutton
Well, the guy put Russian destroyers off Cape Moreton. We’re not going to talk to someone who behaves like that.
4PR – Voice of the People
I understand you’re a big fan of James Taylor. Is that true?
Peter Dutton
Well, yes, I actually I am. I really liked James Taylor. And whenever I get a chance to go to his concerts, I do so.
4PR – Voice of the People
What is your favorite song by James Taylor?
Peter Dutton
Well, it has to be Fire and Rain that’s that it’s a fantastic song. You know, “I’ve seen fire i’ve seen rain. I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end. It’s I’ve seen lonely times when I couldn’t find a friend.” Somehow those lyrics really speak to me.
4PR – Voice of the People
Yes, but what about the next verse? “You look down upon me, Jesus. You’ve got to help me make a stand.” Scott Morrison’s Christian sentiments are well known. Do you see him as the sort of a Jesus that can help you?
Peter Dutton
Well, as you know, Scotty and I have a interesting relationship. He has … we’ve contested the leadership of the party, and he won that ballot and and now made me that Minister for Defence which I’m thoroughly enjoying. Really his religious views don’t really concern me.
4PR – Voice of the People
But the Christian Right does run the Liberal Party and what say Morrison doesn’t win the election. What what happens then in the Liberal Party?
Peter Dutton
Well, I become leader. That’s a given. It is a matter for the party, of course.
4PR – Voice of the People
But, yes, you don’t seem to have been able to cut through with the Australian people. And you know, we’re not really the kind of people that would rush headlong into a conflict so far away and in which we have no stake.
Peter Dutton
Well, everyone has a stake in that conflict because it could be world war three. And we’ve got to get ready. We’ve got to make sure that people understand … that they understand just what an important period in history this is.
4PR – Voice of the People
Yeah, but Australia’s got other problems like old people are dying the Covid, and you know, there seems to be a connection between global conflict and and pandemics like Covid. So you know, to hype that up is not … wouldn’t really be a good idea, would it?
Peter Dutton
Well, we just got to be ready. We have to look for all the help we can get because we’re only a medium sized power and we could easily become the target of both Russia and China.
4PR – Voice of the People
Aren’t we enhancing that possibility by having a submarine base, another American base right here at the Port of Brisbane.?
Peter Dutton
Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Brisbane is ideally situated to really provide adequate defence for Australia should we be under attack.
4PR – Voice of the People
Four submarines delivered in 2040? What difference does that make?
Peter Dutton
Well, it makes one hell of a different difference because we’re effectively covering our future by entering into an agreement with the US and the UK. That they will come to our aid should we come under attack.
4PR – Voice of the People
I think we should leave it there.