AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER POSTHUMOUSLY RECEIVES VICTORIA CROSS – THE HIGHEST MILITARY HONOUR

AUSTRALIA NEWS

11th NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER POSTHUMOUSLY RECEIVES VICTORIA CROSS – THE HIGHEST MILITARY HONOUR

In 1968, 19-year-old Private Richard Norden bravely ran into enemy fire to help a wounded comrade and retrieve the body of another during a battle near Saigon. Although he survived the conflict, he tragically died at 24 in a traffic incident while serving as a police officer in Canberra. Over 60,000 Australians, including many conscripts, participated in the contentious Vietnam War from 1962 to 1973 as part of a U.S.-led coalition. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Norden as a true hero for his remarkable bravery and selflessness on Remembrance Day.

Private Norden’s unit was ambushed by North Vietnamese Army troops on 14 May 1968, resulting in the immediate death of a scout and severe injuries to the section commander. Displaying a complete disregard for his own safety, he charged forward under heavy fire to assist the two soldiers, successfully bringing the gravely injured commander back to safety. Despite sustaining serious injuries himself, Norden returned to search for the scout, only to find him deceased. He then went back to his unit to gather grenades before re-entering the battlefield for a third time to secure the area for the recovery of the scout’s body.

Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, declared it a historic day for the nation and a momentous occasion for Norden’s family. His widow, Robynn Freeman, expressed gratitude that His Majesty had approved the Victoria Cross for Australia in recognition of Richard’s gallant actions during the Vietnam War. A formal ceremony to present the award is set to take place, honouring his extraordinary contributions and sacrifice.

This recognition serves to commemorate the bravery displayed by Private Norden and acknowledges the sacrifices made by countless Australians during the Vietnam War. His legacy will endure as a symbol of courage and dedication to duty, inspiring future generations to remember the valour of those who served.

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TAXPAYERS TO FOOT $166,355 OF STUDENT’S HUGE UNIVERSITY LOAN UNDER LABOR’S CONTENTIOUS PLAN

Students unable to repay significant university loans will have taxpayers cover the costs, with one individual set to receive over $165,000 due to the Albanese government’s initiative to reduce student debt by 20%. Data from the Australian Tax Office shows that at least 50 students have accumulated more than $250,000 each in HELP loans.

Labor’s strategy to transfer debt from university students to taxpayers could cost Australians $16 billion while aiding only about three million individuals. The largest debts include one student owing $831,675, who will benefit by $166,355 from this policy after incurring excessive debt beyond current loan limits.

Many of these substantial loans were accrued before the caps were established in 2020. The top 50 debtors collectively owe over $15.5 million, which will result in taxpayers covering more than $3 million in loan reductions, raising concerns about whether working-class Australians should shoulder the financial relief for those who took on reckless debt.

Critics, including Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson, argue that this policy is unjust to taxpayers who either did not attend university or have diligently repaid their loans. She stated that it is absurd for 50 individuals with debts exceeding $250,000 to receive substantial relief while many young Australians struggle to afford basic necessities.

The Albanese Labor has said students unable to repay significant university loans will have taxpayers cover the costs

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QUEENSLAND POLICE ACCUSE 36-YEAR-OLD TEACHER OF CHILD SEX OFFENCES

Reports indicate that a teacher has been implicated in child sexual offences related to an alleged incident in a rural Queensland community last year. Authorities claim the 36-year-old individual engaged in inappropriate conduct while employed at a school in Dalby.

On 9 November, he faced charges for four counts of indecent treatment of a minor under 16, along with one count each of sexual assault and grooming a child under 16. He is scheduled to appear at the Dalby Magistrates Court on Monday.

Law enforcement continues to support the young victim and their family. Officers are urging anyone with information or who knows someone affected to step forward and reach out to the police.

Reports indicate that a teacher has been implicated in child sexual offenses related to an alleged incident in a rural Queensland community last year

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VICTORIAN POLICE OFFICERS TO STRIKE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 25 YEARS

In a historic move, Victorian police officers are set to strike for the first time in 25 years as they face a prolonged pay dispute with the Allan government. Officers from the police academy and Broadmeadows station will participate in a 30-minute work stoppage on Thursday, with similar actions planned at other locations across the state.

The Police Association of Victoria has struggled to negotiate a new pay agreement with the state government and Victoria Police for the past 18 months. CEO Wayne Gatt characterised the negotiation process as “excruciating,” noting that progress has consistently been thwarted by obstacles. In June, rank-and-file officers rejected a proposed pay increase of 16% over four years, which was significantly less than the 28% raise granted to nurses.

Gatt highlighted the noticeable pay disparity and the officers’ expectations for fair treatment. He expressed understanding for their demands, stating that police should receive comparable compensation to other public sector workers.

Due to the lack of engagement from Victoria Police and the state government, which have referred the matter to the Fair Work Commission, the Police Association has been compelled to intensify their industrial action. Gatt mentioned that there has been no communication for the past three months, prompting officers to escalate their demands for better pay and working conditions.

Victorian police officers are set to strike for the first time in 25 years as they face a prolonged pay dispute with the Allan government

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ONE ADULT KILLED, CHILD HURT AFTER TRUCK COLLIDES WITH PRESCHOOL IN VICTORIA’S MACEDON RANGES

A significant emergency response is underway after a truck crashed into a kindergarten in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges around 2:30 PM on Monday, resulting in the death of one adult and injuries to a child. Paramedics, police, and fire crews are currently at the scene on Main Road in Riddells Creek, approximately 60 kilometres from Melbourne’s central business district.

The water truck reportedly collided with a car before crashing into the Macedon Ranges Montessori Preschool at about 2:20 PM. Victoria Police confirmed that one adult, who has not yet been officially identified, died at the location.

A child sustained a serious but non-life-threatening upper-body injury and was transported to the Royal Children’s Hospital in stable condition. The truck driver was also taken to the hospital for observation.

Local residents reported hearing sirens from a nearby fire station before multiple ambulances rushed to the scene. Main Road in Riddells Creek is closed in both directions. Ambulance Victoria stated that their priority is the patients, and they will provide updates as information becomes available. Victoria Police are investigating the specific circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.

A truck crashed into a kindergarten in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges

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