‘Cowards’: Albanese government has ‘no backbone’

Key Concepts

• Australia-China Relations: The transcript discusses the strained relationship between Australia and China, particularly concerning economic coercion and Australia's perceived lack of support for its allies.
• Japan-China Relations: The video highlights the recent tensions between Japan and China, including China's aggressive rhetoric and economic sanctions against Japan.
• Albanese Government's Foreign Policy: The transcript criticizes the Albanese government's approach to foreign policy, particularly its perceived timidity in confronting China and its perceived lack of solidarity with Japan.
• Renewable Energy Policy: The discussion touches upon Australia's renewable energy investment scheme and concerns about Chinese government-owned entities benefiting from these subsidies.
• Defense Department Restructure: The transcript analyzes a recent restructuring of the Australian Defence Department, questioning its effectiveness and impact.
• Media Credulity: The speaker expresses concern about the media's uncritical acceptance of government announcements, particularly regarding defense reforms.

Australia's Stance on China and Japan

The former Japanese ambassador to Australia, Shingo Yamagami, has criticized the Albanese government for failing to confront China in international forums. Yamagami points out that when Australia faced economic coercion from China, Japan publicly supported Australia, stating that "Australia was not walking alone." He questions whether Australia can reciprocate this support for Japan when it faces similar pressure.

Greg Sheridan, Foreign Editor at The Australian, agrees with Yamagami's assessment, labeling the Albanese government's actions as "disgraceful," "cowardice," "fatuousness," and "vacuousness." He recalls Australia's call for an inquiry into the origins of COVID-19, which led to Chinese trade bans, and Japan's solidarity during that time.

Case Study: Japan's Response to Chinese Aggression

The transcript details a recent incident where China's Consul General in Osaka, Japan, made aggressive and threatening remarks towards the Japanese Prime Minister. The Consul General allegedly stated that the Prime Minister's "dirty neck would be cut off." Japan, showing "great forbearance," has not expelled the diplomat but has requested China to recall him. Simultaneously, China has imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including discouraging tourism.

Sheridan highlights the stark contrast between Japan's firm stance and the Albanese government's silence. Despite Australia and Japan being "closest and most important partner[s] in Asia," the Australian government has offered "absolutely nothing" in solidarity with Japan. Sheridan attributes this inaction to the government's lack of courage and principles, stating they "do nothing. They stand for nothing. They've got no backbone."

Concerns Regarding Renewable Energy Investment and Chinese Influence

The discussion shifts to Australia's Capacity Investment Scheme, a program allocating approximately $70 billion for renewable energy projects. A key concern raised is that the scheme is not permitted to fund fossil fuels like gas, which are deemed necessary for the energy transition. More significantly, there are confirmed "serious money flows" to entities partially owned by the Chinese government.

Argument: Chinese State-Owned Entities as Potential Threats

The transcript argues that under Chinese law, Chinese companies can be utilized as "weapons" by the Chinese government if needed. This raises concerns about the potential for these entities, funded by Australian taxpayers, to interfere with Australia's energy supply in the future.

Sheridan elaborates on this point, calling the situation "absurd." He notes that Australia has inadvertently provided more financial support to Russia (through refined Russian oil purchased from India) than to Ukraine. He contrasts this with the government's failure to support Japan while simultaneously subsidizing "Chinese energy conglomerates."

Illogicality and Strategic Dependence

The speaker criticizes the policy's illogic:

• Exclusion of Gas: Despite the desperate need for gas in a renewables-led rollout, it is excluded from the scheme.
• Subsidies for Renewables: The government claims renewables are the cheapest energy, yet massive subsidies are provided.
• Disproportionate Benefit: The policy appears to "take money from poor people and give it to rich people," with ordinary Australians taxed to subsidize "Chinese state-influenced energy companies pursuing strategic domination of the renewable energy sector."

This approach, according to the transcript, contradicts the government's stated aim of diversifying trade away from China, instead increasing Australia's dependence on it. The speaker warns that assuming Chinese-supplied infrastructure will not have "back doors" for government control is "ignoring all the security evidence." The situation is described as "madness" and "incomprehensible," indicative of "deranged" politics.

Critique of Defense Department Restructure

The conversation then turns to a recent restructure of the Australian Defence Department, described by some media outlets as the "biggest defense overhaul in 50 years." Sheridan dismisses this as "folderol and much to do about nothing."

Methodology: Reverting to Past Structures

He explains that the restructure essentially recreates a structure that existed 10-15 years ago under the Defense Material Organization. Previously, agencies were merged, then spun out for greater focus (like naval shipbuilding and guided weapons), and are now being merged back in.

Key Arguments and Evidence: Lack of Substance and Accountability

Sheridan's critique focuses on several points:

• Lack of Real Change: Richard Miles assures that job roles will remain the same, and the implementation is not scheduled until the second half of 2027, suggesting a slow and potentially meaningless reform.
• Failure to Acquire Capabilities: While reforms are debated, the crucial task of acquiring necessary defense capabilities is neglected.
• Absence of Accountability: A significant issue is the lack of accountability within the defense establishment. Sheridan argues that if a company performed as poorly as the defense sector, leadership would be replaced, not merely shuffled. He notes that "nobody gets the sack" and that 20 individuals earn more than the Defense Minister.
• Lack of Transparency: The claimed "biggest change in 50 years" is supported by only a one-and-a-half-page press release and a press conference where the minister struggled with details.

Sheridan expresses shock at the media's "utter credulity" in accepting these announcements at face value, calling it "beyond any satire." He concludes by emphasizing the importance of outlets like "The Australian" and "Sky News" for "speaking truth to government."