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Matthew Keogh

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Former navy chaplain Dr Mel Baker said she fell victim to a broken system after the ADF failed to support her through depression and PTSD.

On the submarine, Mel had no escape from her persecutor. On land, things got even worse

Mel Baker was the only female chaplain in the navy. It didn’t protect her from the horrors she endured.

  • Amber Schultz

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ADF

Ads on TikTok and online games drive 15-year surge in defence force enrolment

The ADF has been plagued by a recruitment and retention crisis but it has recently had a surge in numbers and fewer people are leaving the military.

  • Matthew Knott
Peter Curtin, wrongly drafted into the Army, is still waiting for justice 56 years later.

His birthday wasn’t picked from the barrel. He was conscripted anyway

Peter Curtin was conscripted into the army during the Vietnam War years. It upended his life. Two decades later, he learned his birthdate hadn’t even been drawn.

  • Tony Wright
Defence Minister Richard Marles said Australia was “crossing the Rubicon” by allowing non-citizens to serve with the Australian Defence Force.

‘Can’t get story straight’: Confusion over plan to allow foreigners to serve in ADF

Defence Minister Richard Marles sidestepped questions about whether permanent residents from autocracies such as China would be allowed to serve in the ADF.

  • Matthew Knott
National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Bill Shorten.

Shorten’s $310,000-a-year writer behind at least 170 speeches – but no zingers

Senate estimates revealed that Julianne Stewart, a speechwriter for former prime ministers, was hired by government on a two-year contract valued at $620,000.

  • Olivia Ireland

Who really runs the country? The secret roles of Albanese’s ministers

Anthony Albanese’s ministers have portfolios – they also have other roles: confidantes, influencers, attack dogs. And some are more equal than others.

  • James Massola
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The new look proposed for the Australian War Memorial.

Former Lendlease employee approved developer’s tender for War Memorial redevelopment

The finding is contained in the Australian National Audit Office’s review of the handling of contracts for the project, prompting Veteran Affairs Minister Matt Keogh to demand answers about the $500 million project.

  • Angus Thompson
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles (left) and Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh arrive to give evidence at the royal commission on Thursday.

Serving Defence personnel face higher suicide risks, new research claims

Defence previously suggested that serving members of the military were better protected against suicide. That may not be true.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons
The federal government is considering options to allow non-citizens to serve in the Australian Defence Force.

Government considers poaching defence talent from overseas in major shift

Longstanding defence policy states that only Australian citizens, with rare exceptions, can serve in the military. That could be about to change.

  • Matthew Knott
The Governor of NSW Sir Roden Cutler congratulates three young men after decorating them for bravery. L-R aircraftman Kevin Wickerson, Private (now Mr) Richard Norden of Gundagai and Petty Officer (now Mr.) William Young,1969.

‘What do you have to do to get the VC?’ Posthumous award in limbo 55 years after conflict

Former governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove says he was “blown away” by the bravery of Private Richard Norden.

  • Tim Barlass