Michelle Fahy
@michellefahy.bsky.social
Independent reporting on arms industry and its dealings with Australian government. Revolving door. Conflicted interests. Undue influence. Corruption.
Signal: @undue_influence.46
Archive: https://undueinfluence.substack.com/
Signal: @undue_influence.46
Archive: https://undueinfluence.substack.com/
Pinned
We have revived our Snapshots!
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
NACC Inspector decided that information she's examined from NACC warrants agency maladministration/officer misconduct investigation
NACC boss was found to have engaged in "officer misconduct" re Robodebt conflict. Now he'll be investigated again re defence conflicts
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
NACC boss was found to have engaged in "officer misconduct" re Robodebt conflict. Now he'll be investigated again re defence conflicts
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Independent inquiry launched into NACC chief's handling of defence ties
The body responsible for holding the federal integrity watchdog to account will formally investigate it for agency maladministration and its chief, Paul Brereton, for officer misconduct.
www.abc.net.au
February 9, 2026 at 9:29 PM
NACC Inspector decided that information she's examined from NACC warrants agency maladministration/officer misconduct investigation
NACC boss was found to have engaged in "officer misconduct" re Robodebt conflict. Now he'll be investigated again re defence conflicts
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
NACC boss was found to have engaged in "officer misconduct" re Robodebt conflict. Now he'll be investigated again re defence conflicts
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus warned Paul Brereton he would need to "actively manage" or "ideally, avoid" any perceived conflicts of interest related to defence, ahead of him taking on the role of national anti-corruption commissioner.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Former attorney-general warned anti-corruption chief over conflicts
A letter from Mark Dreyfus to Paul Brereton provides new insight into the expectations set for the inaugural chief of the anti-corruption watchdog.
www.abc.net.au
February 6, 2026 at 1:48 AM
Former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus warned Paul Brereton he would need to "actively manage" or "ideally, avoid" any perceived conflicts of interest related to defence, ahead of him taking on the role of national anti-corruption commissioner.
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Chief Justice Bell said...attacks that betrayed an "ignorance" of the law and the judge's reasoning...were a form of misinformation that undermined trust in the judiciary and the rule of law...
"That is regrettable to say the least. Some might call it irresponsible."
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"That is regrettable to say the least. Some might call it irresponsible."
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Judge criticises Abbott's 'misconceived' comments over harbour bridge protest
The former prime minister said it should not be for judges to decide when a political protest was justified, which are remarks NSW's top judge called "regrettable".
www.abc.net.au
February 6, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Chief Justice Bell said...attacks that betrayed an "ignorance" of the law and the judge's reasoning...were a form of misinformation that undermined trust in the judiciary and the rule of law...
"That is regrettable to say the least. Some might call it irresponsible."
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"That is regrettable to say the least. Some might call it irresponsible."
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
Wonderful Chris Sidoti is dropping very big truth bombs all over Herzog’s visit on the ABC.
‘It’s a mistake. it’s nuts’
One of the most divisive figures in the world’ #auspol
‘It’s a mistake. it’s nuts’
One of the most divisive figures in the world’ #auspol
February 4, 2026 at 8:16 AM
Wonderful Chris Sidoti is dropping very big truth bombs all over Herzog’s visit on the ABC.
‘It’s a mistake. it’s nuts’
One of the most divisive figures in the world’ #auspol
‘It’s a mistake. it’s nuts’
One of the most divisive figures in the world’ #auspol
AG Rowland sent NACC boss Brereton 'please explain' letter
Brereton under sustained pressure over Defence links after revelations he continued consulting for Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry & did so on the NACC's time w/out the knowledge of the NACC or the government
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Brereton under sustained pressure over Defence links after revelations he continued consulting for Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry & did so on the NACC's time w/out the knowledge of the NACC or the government
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Corruption body chief asked to explain himself after Defence ties emerged
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland asked Paul Brereton to explain why his ongoing ties to Defence had not been "adequately" disclosed in a letter sent last year.
www.abc.net.au
February 4, 2026 at 9:32 PM
AG Rowland sent NACC boss Brereton 'please explain' letter
Brereton under sustained pressure over Defence links after revelations he continued consulting for Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry & did so on the NACC's time w/out the knowledge of the NACC or the government
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Brereton under sustained pressure over Defence links after revelations he continued consulting for Afghanistan War Crimes Inquiry & did so on the NACC's time w/out the knowledge of the NACC or the government
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
Unpaywalled here
archive.md/p1G2f
archive.md/p1G2f
archive.md
February 3, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Unpaywalled here
archive.md/p1G2f
archive.md/p1G2f
Gareth Evans said the New START treaty was the "last remaining legal check" on the size of US & Russian nuclear arsenals
"This is the end of 50 years of effort at nuclear arms control, and it opens the door wide to a new nuclear arms race. It's a terrifying prospect"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"This is the end of 50 years of effort at nuclear arms control, and it opens the door wide to a new nuclear arms race. It's a terrifying prospect"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Trump leaves 'door wide open' to nuclear arms race
The last remaining nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia has come to an end at a time of global instability.
www.abc.net.au
February 4, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Gareth Evans said the New START treaty was the "last remaining legal check" on the size of US & Russian nuclear arsenals
"This is the end of 50 years of effort at nuclear arms control, and it opens the door wide to a new nuclear arms race. It's a terrifying prospect"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"This is the end of 50 years of effort at nuclear arms control, and it opens the door wide to a new nuclear arms race. It's a terrifying prospect"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Tilman Ruff, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)— 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner—says the treaty's demise "will bring a definitive & alarming end to nuclear restraint between the two powers"
"It may... accelerate the global nuclear arms race, too"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"It may... accelerate the global nuclear arms race, too"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Trump leaves 'door wide open' to nuclear arms race
The last remaining nuclear arms pact between the United States and Russia has come to an end at a time of global instability.
www.abc.net.au
February 4, 2026 at 5:17 AM
Tilman Ruff, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN)— 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winner—says the treaty's demise "will bring a definitive & alarming end to nuclear restraint between the two powers"
"It may... accelerate the global nuclear arms race, too"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
"It may... accelerate the global nuclear arms race, too"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02...
Brilliant summary of the reasons why AUKUS demands an independent public review... Must read.
It's by Dr Margie Beavis, vice president of Medical Association for Prevention of War.
(Paywalled, alas)
www.smh.com.au/national/let...
It's by Dr Margie Beavis, vice president of Medical Association for Prevention of War.
(Paywalled, alas)
www.smh.com.au/national/let...
Let’s stop pretending AUKUS makes us safer
We must have a public independent review of AUKUS. It’s time to consider alternatives that are more cost-effective and in our national interest.
www.smh.com.au
February 2, 2026 at 11:40 PM
Brilliant summary of the reasons why AUKUS demands an independent public review... Must read.
It's by Dr Margie Beavis, vice president of Medical Association for Prevention of War.
(Paywalled, alas)
www.smh.com.au/national/let...
It's by Dr Margie Beavis, vice president of Medical Association for Prevention of War.
(Paywalled, alas)
www.smh.com.au/national/let...
We have revived our Snapshots!
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
January 28, 2026 at 7:21 PM
We have revived our Snapshots!
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
Lockheed’s new revolving door Aussie CEO; AUKUS 'high probability of failure', top UK expert; business booming in SIPRI Top 100 arms co's; fascinating new doco on investigative journalist Seymour Hersh; & more
CLICK: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/snapshots-...
“It is clear that Australia has shown a great deal of naivety and did not conduct sufficient due diligence on the parlous state of the UK’s nuclear submarine program before signing up to AUKUS - and parting with billions of dollars, which it has already started to do"
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
‘High probability of failure’: Former top official’s dire AUKUS warning
The shambolic state of the UK’s submarine service could destroy Australia’s plan to build a fleet of AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines, a retired rear admiral warns.
www.smh.com.au
January 13, 2026 at 10:50 PM
“It is clear that Australia has shown a great deal of naivety and did not conduct sufficient due diligence on the parlous state of the UK’s nuclear submarine program before signing up to AUKUS - and parting with billions of dollars, which it has already started to do"
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
www.smh.com.au/politics/fed...
Another flagrant flouting of the rule requiring a 12mth gap between a Defence job and a shift into the arms industry
Jeremy King headed Defence's arms buying group's Joint Aviation Systems in December. Now he's CEO of Lockheed Martin Aust #revolvingdoor
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/je...
Jeremy King headed Defence's arms buying group's Joint Aviation Systems in December. Now he's CEO of Lockheed Martin Aust #revolvingdoor
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/je...
Jeremy King to helm Lockheed Martin Australia - Australian Defence Magazine
Lockheed Martin has announced that Jeremy King, former head of Joint Aviation Systems for Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, will assume the role of chief executive for Australia an...
www.australiandefence.com.au
January 13, 2026 at 4:08 AM
Another flagrant flouting of the rule requiring a 12mth gap between a Defence job and a shift into the arms industry
Jeremy King headed Defence's arms buying group's Joint Aviation Systems in December. Now he's CEO of Lockheed Martin Aust #revolvingdoor
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/je...
Jeremy King headed Defence's arms buying group's Joint Aviation Systems in December. Now he's CEO of Lockheed Martin Aust #revolvingdoor
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/je...
Great article by Ian Verrender
Finally, a corporate regulator with an appetite for justice
[A] four-year overhaul...has transformed [ASIC] from its status as missing in action on anything to do with white-collar crime to an active investigative and prosecutorial unit
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Finally, a corporate regulator with an appetite for justice
[A] four-year overhaul...has transformed [ASIC] from its status as missing in action on anything to do with white-collar crime to an active investigative and prosecutorial unit
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
After 20 years missing in action, ASIC has found its teeth
After 20 years in the wilderness, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's rehabilitation as a law enforcement agency seems almost complete.
www.abc.net.au
December 29, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Great article by Ian Verrender
Finally, a corporate regulator with an appetite for justice
[A] four-year overhaul...has transformed [ASIC] from its status as missing in action on anything to do with white-collar crime to an active investigative and prosecutorial unit
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Finally, a corporate regulator with an appetite for justice
[A] four-year overhaul...has transformed [ASIC] from its status as missing in action on anything to do with white-collar crime to an active investigative and prosecutorial unit
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
December 22, 2025 at 3:38 AM
Petition:
Sign in solidarity with Jewish people standing against those exploiting the Bondi massacre to push a divisive agenda.
Petition asks people across Australia to unite against antisemitism, racism & gun violence in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy.
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
Sign in solidarity with Jewish people standing against those exploiting the Bondi massacre to push a divisive agenda.
Petition asks people across Australia to unite against antisemitism, racism & gun violence in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy.
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
SIGN ✍️ We will not be divided after Bondi
Add your name to the Jewish Council petition today
jewishcouncil.good.do
December 22, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Petition:
Sign in solidarity with Jewish people standing against those exploiting the Bondi massacre to push a divisive agenda.
Petition asks people across Australia to unite against antisemitism, racism & gun violence in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy.
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
Sign in solidarity with Jewish people standing against those exploiting the Bondi massacre to push a divisive agenda.
Petition asks people across Australia to unite against antisemitism, racism & gun violence in the wake of this unthinkable tragedy.
jewishcouncil.good.do/unity/jewish...
Albanese Govt approves sale of a further chunk of "sovereign" shipbuilder Austal to South Korean arms-maker Hanwha
In 2024, Hanwha made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Austal. It also opened its first overseas production base in Geelong (Richard Marles' electorate)
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
In 2024, Hanwha made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Austal. It also opened its first overseas production base in Geelong (Richard Marles' electorate)
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Treasurer approves Hanwha's double stake in Australian shipbuilder
Jim Chalmers said there will be "strict conditions" on the South Korean defence conglomerate's stake in the strategic shipbuilder, in a nod to the diplomatic and security sensitivities surrounding the...
www.abc.net.au
December 12, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Albanese Govt approves sale of a further chunk of "sovereign" shipbuilder Austal to South Korean arms-maker Hanwha
In 2024, Hanwha made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Austal. It also opened its first overseas production base in Geelong (Richard Marles' electorate)
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
In 2024, Hanwha made an unsuccessful takeover bid for Austal. It also opened its first overseas production base in Geelong (Richard Marles' electorate)
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
US review confirms US will continue with AUKUS.
The Pentagon says its review into the AUKUS pact has identified areas to put it on its "strongest possible footing" — but those recommendations have not been released and might never be made public.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
The Pentagon says its review into the AUKUS pact has identified areas to put it on its "strongest possible footing" — but those recommendations have not been released and might never be made public.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
Pentagon review finds areas to put AUKUS on 'strongest possible footing'
The review has "identified opportunities to put AUKUS on the strongest possible footing", the Pentagon says. But a congressman who has seen the report says it "fully endorses" the pact.
www.abc.net.au
December 5, 2025 at 4:48 AM
US review confirms US will continue with AUKUS.
The Pentagon says its review into the AUKUS pact has identified areas to put it on its "strongest possible footing" — but those recommendations have not been released and might never be made public.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
The Pentagon says its review into the AUKUS pact has identified areas to put it on its "strongest possible footing" — but those recommendations have not been released and might never be made public.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12...
The Aust govt will establish a new Defence Delivery Agency, commencing as the Defence Delivery Group on 1 July 2026 via the merger of the 3 existing arms acquisition divisions.
It will report directly to the Defence Minister and Defence Industry Minister.
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/go...
It will report directly to the Defence Minister and Defence Industry Minister.
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/go...
Government undertakes major shake up of Defence acquisition - Australian Defence Magazine
In what is arguably the biggest reform of the Defence Department in the last 50 years, Defence Minister Richard Marles announced the creation of a new procurement agency.
www.australiandefence.com.au
December 1, 2025 at 10:14 PM
The Aust govt will establish a new Defence Delivery Agency, commencing as the Defence Delivery Group on 1 July 2026 via the merger of the 3 existing arms acquisition divisions.
It will report directly to the Defence Minister and Defence Industry Minister.
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/go...
It will report directly to the Defence Minister and Defence Industry Minister.
www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/go...
Donald Rothwell, professor of international law at Australian National University, said the Albanese government's arguments that the US controlled F-35 parts did not absolve Australia of its legal responsibilities.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
Calls for Australia F-35 review as US approves jets for Saudi Arabia
The US approval of F-35 sales to Saudi Arabia sparks concerns among human rights groups in Australia, which provides parts and components to build and maintain the fighter jets.
www.abc.net.au
November 23, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Donald Rothwell, professor of international law at Australian National University, said the Albanese government's arguments that the US controlled F-35 parts did not absolve Australia of its legal responsibilities.
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...
FEIK: "Despite the growing number of allegations involving massive corruption in Australia’s offshore detention regime, there are still few signs that the government or any of its authorities will seriously investigate them."
nickfeik.substack.com/p/life-as-a-...
nickfeik.substack.com/p/life-as-a-...
Life as a Home Affairs whistleblower
Four years ago, Home Affairs assistant secretary Derek Elias attempted to report corruption in offshore contracts – the government's response has left him unwell and in financial turmoil.
nickfeik.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:19 AM
FEIK: "Despite the growing number of allegations involving massive corruption in Australia’s offshore detention regime, there are still few signs that the government or any of its authorities will seriously investigate them."
nickfeik.substack.com/p/life-as-a-...
nickfeik.substack.com/p/life-as-a-...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
November 1, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Almost $1m a year in salary - recused from Robodebt, now recused from ALL defence investigations (which would be amongst the most complex, long-running, and high value investigations the NACC undertakes), yet still NACC boss Paul Brereton clings on....
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
National anti-corruption chief steps away from all defence investigations
The head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission will step away from all defence-related corruption referrals following questions over his handling of perceived conflicts of interest.
www.abc.net.au
November 1, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Almost $1m a year in salary - recused from Robodebt, now recused from ALL defence investigations (which would be amongst the most complex, long-running, and high value investigations the NACC undertakes), yet still NACC boss Paul Brereton clings on....
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
This is entirely un democratic - all 81 (the 21 are extra gross)
The National Press Club of Australia, which recently cancelled Chris Hedges' address, lists 81 corporate sponsors on its website.
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...
October 31, 2025 at 8:48 PM
This is entirely un democratic - all 81 (the 21 are extra gross)
The National Press Club of Australia, which recently cancelled Chris Hedges' address, lists 81 corporate sponsors on its website.
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...
October 31, 2025 at 8:44 PM
The National Press Club of Australia, which recently cancelled Chris Hedges' address, lists 81 corporate sponsors on its website.
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...
21 of them are either part of the global arms industry or actively working on its behalf.
My latest. Click link to read: undueinfluence.substack.com/p/arms-indus...