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
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...
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...
Defence Minister Richard Marles has lauded as a ‘very unique’ arrangement Australia’s $4.7bn gift to the US to bolster America’s struggling submarine output.
It sure is.
Australia has no way of recovering the $$ if the US Pres blocks transfer of the subs
undueinfluence.substack.com/p/aukus-revo...
It sure is.
Australia has no way of recovering the $$ if the US Pres blocks transfer of the subs
undueinfluence.substack.com/p/aukus-revo...
AUKUS: Revolving door, spiralling down
Ahead of the launch of a new database on the Australian military-industrial complex, we document the farce that AUKUS has become
undueinfluence.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:30 AM
Defence Minister Richard Marles has lauded as a ‘very unique’ arrangement Australia’s $4.7bn gift to the US to bolster America’s struggling submarine output.
It sure is.
Australia has no way of recovering the $$ if the US Pres blocks transfer of the subs
undueinfluence.substack.com/p/aukus-revo...
It sure is.
Australia has no way of recovering the $$ if the US Pres blocks transfer of the subs
undueinfluence.substack.com/p/aukus-revo...
A big win for Andrew and Bob Starkey against weapons-maker Saab. International significance for arms-makers whose weapons are used in breaches of international law.
See following post for the background and significance of this case, which I covered in Feb 2022.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
See following post for the background and significance of this case, which I covered in Feb 2022.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Weapons maker Saab ‘directly linked’ to human rights breach after missile found in South Australian Indigenous area
Lawyer hopes investigation for OECD into 2021 find near Australian military testing range sets precedent
www.theguardian.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:30 AM
A big win for Andrew and Bob Starkey against weapons-maker Saab. International significance for arms-makers whose weapons are used in breaches of international law.
See following post for the background and significance of this case, which I covered in Feb 2022.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
See following post for the background and significance of this case, which I covered in Feb 2022.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
Unlawfully built, now leaking through the safety liner. Enough fuel to blow Darwin Harbour to kingdom come
Groundwater is leaking through the safety liner under some of the fuel facility's 11 tanks, which were constructed unlawfully on Darwin Harbour without a building permit. It comes after the NT government approved the tanks for operation in September.
Safety liner under US military fuel tanks still failing, weeks after approval
Groundwater is leaking through the safety liner under some of the fuel facility's 11 tanks, which were constructed unlawfully on Darwin Harbour without a building permit. It comes after the NT government approved the tanks for operation in September.
www.abc.net.au
October 14, 2025 at 11:40 PM
Unlawfully built, now leaking through the safety liner. Enough fuel to blow Darwin Harbour to kingdom come
Queensland:
At least 34 taxpayer-funded executive jobs & board positions have been handed to LNP donors, former politicians, candidates, colleagues & party operatives since the party came to power <1 year ago, in a process the opposition says is "frankly outrageous"
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
At least 34 taxpayer-funded executive jobs & board positions have been handed to LNP donors, former politicians, candidates, colleagues & party operatives since the party came to power <1 year ago, in a process the opposition says is "frankly outrageous"
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
'Frankly outrageous': LNP government faces new 'jobs for mates claim'
Queensland's Crisafulli government is embroiled in a new "jobs for mates" claim after it appointed a Liberal National Party powerbroker to oversee the state's lead agency for disaster recovery.
www.abc.net.au
October 15, 2025 at 4:05 AM
Queensland:
At least 34 taxpayer-funded executive jobs & board positions have been handed to LNP donors, former politicians, candidates, colleagues & party operatives since the party came to power <1 year ago, in a process the opposition says is "frankly outrageous"
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
At least 34 taxpayer-funded executive jobs & board positions have been handed to LNP donors, former politicians, candidates, colleagues & party operatives since the party came to power <1 year ago, in a process the opposition says is "frankly outrageous"
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
But you can pay$15 and watch the live stream
October 13, 2025 at 6:57 AM
But you can pay$15 and watch the live stream
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
It's sold out! So good that people want to hear him speak
October 13, 2025 at 6:54 AM
It's sold out! So good that people want to hear him speak
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
Chris Hedges will also be talking with the good people at The Shot next Sunday
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t...
The Shot Podcast
News Commentary Podcast · Updated Weekly · A weekly podcast about Australian politics, power and corruption. Each week Jo Dyer and Dave Milner probe the myths and half-truths pushed by those in power....
podcasts.apple.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Chris Hedges will also be talking with the good people at The Shot next Sunday
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t...
podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/t...
If you were hoping to hear Chris Hedges speak at the National Press Club and were stymied by the NPC's cancellation of him...
There is this instead (in Adelaide):
events.humanitix.com/edward-said-...
There is this instead (in Adelaide):
events.humanitix.com/edward-said-...
Edward Said Memorial Lecture 'Chris Hedges'
Join the Australian Friends of Palestine Association (AFOPA) in 2025 as we host Chris Hedges at UniSA for the Edward Said Memorial Lecture.
events.humanitix.com
October 13, 2025 at 6:14 AM
If you were hoping to hear Chris Hedges speak at the National Press Club and were stymied by the NPC's cancellation of him...
There is this instead (in Adelaide):
events.humanitix.com/edward-said-...
There is this instead (in Adelaide):
events.humanitix.com/edward-said-...
Beyond Norway’s reputation for soft-power pacifism lies a contradiction
Research by @andrewfeinstein.bsky.social shows the $2tn Norwegian Oil Fund is heavily invested in weapons, with >$26bn in shares of 49 of the Top 100 weapons companies. Most supply Israel.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-nor...
Research by @andrewfeinstein.bsky.social shows the $2tn Norwegian Oil Fund is heavily invested in weapons, with >$26bn in shares of 49 of the Top 100 weapons companies. Most supply Israel.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-nor...
How Norway, home of the Nobel Peace Prize, profits from war in Gaza
Oslo has divested from some Israeli companies but its $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund remains heavily invested in arms companies supplying Israel’s military
www.middleeasteye.net
October 12, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Beyond Norway’s reputation for soft-power pacifism lies a contradiction
Research by @andrewfeinstein.bsky.social shows the $2tn Norwegian Oil Fund is heavily invested in weapons, with >$26bn in shares of 49 of the Top 100 weapons companies. Most supply Israel.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-nor...
Research by @andrewfeinstein.bsky.social shows the $2tn Norwegian Oil Fund is heavily invested in weapons, with >$26bn in shares of 49 of the Top 100 weapons companies. Most supply Israel.
www.middleeasteye.net/news/how-nor...
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee says he is facing a damages claim of 30 million euros ($54 million) from his former team Israel-Premier Tech after ending his contract over what he described as "personal beliefs".
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
'Weighed heavily on my conscience': Cyclist faces $54m 'damages' bill
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee terminates his contract with Israel-Premier Tech due to a "safety and personal-belief" standpoint, but says the team is seeking damages worth 30 million Euros ($54 million) ...
www.abc.net.au
October 11, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee says he is facing a damages claim of 30 million euros ($54 million) from his former team Israel-Premier Tech after ending his contract over what he described as "personal beliefs".
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
[NACC CEO] told the hearing Mr Brereton had not informed him he was continuing work for the IGADF in this capacity.
Asked if Mr Brereton's advice or contribution had "fed into ministers and external agencies", the Inspector General of the ADF replied: "Yes, Senator."
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Asked if Mr Brereton's advice or contribution had "fed into ministers and external agencies", the Inspector General of the ADF replied: "Yes, Senator."
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Corruption watchdog head 'consulted' for ADF inspector general 11 times
Paul Brereton and Labor politicians had previously stated he had stepped away from the body and resigned as assistant inspector-general of the ADF prior to taking on the top integrity job.
www.abc.net.au
October 11, 2025 at 5:50 AM
[NACC CEO] told the hearing Mr Brereton had not informed him he was continuing work for the IGADF in this capacity.
Asked if Mr Brereton's advice or contribution had "fed into ministers and external agencies", the Inspector General of the ADF replied: "Yes, Senator."
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Asked if Mr Brereton's advice or contribution had "fed into ministers and external agencies", the Inspector General of the ADF replied: "Yes, Senator."
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
The Albanese government lies and lies
SECRET CARGO: INSIDE AUSTRALIA’S COVERT F-35 PARTS PIPELINE TO ISRAEL
At least 68 shipments of F-35 fighter jet parts have been flown on commercial *passenger* planes to Israel from Australia as recently as last month...
declassifiedaus.org/2025/10/01/s...
SECRET CARGO: INSIDE AUSTRALIA’S COVERT F-35 PARTS PIPELINE TO ISRAEL
At least 68 shipments of F-35 fighter jet parts have been flown on commercial *passenger* planes to Israel from Australia as recently as last month...
declassifiedaus.org/2025/10/01/s...
Secret Cargo: Inside Australia’s Covert F-35 Parts Pipeline To Israel
68 shipments of F-35 fighter jet parts have been flown on commercial passenger planes to Israel from Australia, leaked documents reveal.
declassifiedaus.org
October 9, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The Albanese government lies and lies
SECRET CARGO: INSIDE AUSTRALIA’S COVERT F-35 PARTS PIPELINE TO ISRAEL
At least 68 shipments of F-35 fighter jet parts have been flown on commercial *passenger* planes to Israel from Australia as recently as last month...
declassifiedaus.org/2025/10/01/s...
SECRET CARGO: INSIDE AUSTRALIA’S COVERT F-35 PARTS PIPELINE TO ISRAEL
At least 68 shipments of F-35 fighter jet parts have been flown on commercial *passenger* planes to Israel from Australia as recently as last month...
declassifiedaus.org/2025/10/01/s...
"If you're a resident of Guam, you're thinking you're just fodder in the case of a conflict"
The US is rapidly expanding its military presence in Micronesian island nations & territories, building radar facilities, upgrading ports & reviving World War II-era airstrips
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
The US is rapidly expanding its military presence in Micronesian island nations & territories, building radar facilities, upgrading ports & reviving World War II-era airstrips
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Islands at 'tip of America's spear' fear becoming China's 'bullseye'
The United States is spending billions of dollars muscling up across its Pacific Island military outposts, but locals fear their peaceful islands will become a target.
www.abc.net.au
October 9, 2025 at 10:49 PM
"If you're a resident of Guam, you're thinking you're just fodder in the case of a conflict"
The US is rapidly expanding its military presence in Micronesian island nations & territories, building radar facilities, upgrading ports & reviving World War II-era airstrips
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
The US is rapidly expanding its military presence in Micronesian island nations & territories, building radar facilities, upgrading ports & reviving World War II-era airstrips
www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
The Saturday Paper can reveal that the prime minister and other ministers from NSW intervened in cabinet to constrain the operations of the country’s leading integrity body. Read more: satpa.pe/iH3a9VJ
October 4, 2025 at 5:00 AM
The Saturday Paper can reveal that the prime minister and other ministers from NSW intervened in cabinet to constrain the operations of the country’s leading integrity body. Read more: satpa.pe/iH3a9VJ
“They dragged little Greta (Thunberg) by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” Anadolu Agency reported Turkish activist and Sumud Flotilla participant Ersin Celik saying.
'We were treated like animals', deported Gaza flotilla activists say - https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/we-were-treated-animals-deported-gaza-flotilla-activists-say
'We were treated like animals', deported Gaza flotilla activists say
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<span class="field field-title">'We were treated like animals', deported Gaza flotilla activists say</span>
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</h2>
<div class="content">
<div class="field field-field-text"><p>International activists who arrived in Istanbul after being deported from Israel following the military's interception of their Gaza-bound flotilla said Saturday they had been subjected to violence and "treated like animals". </p>
<p>The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail last month seeking to ferry aid to war-battered Gaza but Israel blocked the boats, detaining more than 400 people whom it began deporting on Friday.</p>
<p>Of that number, 137 activists from 13 countries flew into Istanbul on Saturday, among them 36 Turkish nationals. </p>
<p>"They put us on our knees, facing down. And if we moved, they hit us. They were laughing at us, insulting us and hitting us," Paolo Romano, a regional councillor from Lombardy in Italy said. </p>
<p> “They dragged little Greta (Thunberg) by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” Anadolu Agency reported Turkish activist and Sumud Flotilla participant Ersin Celik saying.</p>
<figure role="group" class="media-block">
<div class="group-inner">
<div alt="A screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Captain Nikos, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on 2 October 2025 (Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout/Reuters)" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="20b14ace-3617-4e29-b597-139eca8c9af0" data-langcode="en" class="embedded-entity"> <img src="https://www.middleeasteye.net/sites/default/files/images-story/greta-thunberg-israel-soldier-interception-sumud-flotilla-afp.jpg" width="2000" height="1125" alt="A screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Captain Nikos, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on 2 October 2025 (Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout/Reuters)" typeof="foaf:Image" fetchpriority="high">
</div>
<figcaption>A screengrab from a live stream video shows Israeli navy forces aboard the Gaza-bound vessel Captain Nikos, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted on 2 October 2025 (Global Sumud Flotilla/Handout/Reuters)</figcaption>
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<p><span style="background: url("https://www.middleeasteye.net/modules/contrib/ckeditor/vendor/plugins/widget/images/handle.png") rgba(220, 220, 220, 0.5); top: -15px; left: 0px;"><img height="15" role="presentation" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAPABAP///wAAACH5BAEKAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==" title="Click and drag to move" width="15" loading="lazy"></span></p>
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www.middleeasteye.net
October 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
“They dragged little Greta (Thunberg) by her hair before our eyes, beat her, and forced her to kiss the Israeli flag. They did everything imaginable to her, as a warning to others,” Anadolu Agency reported Turkish activist and Sumud Flotilla participant Ersin Celik saying.
Australia a big customer of US weapons
Substantial cuts halved staff at Pentagon's independent weapons testing office & greatly reduced the no. of programs it oversees, meaning less supervision of how a new system performs before it’s given to the military
www.businessinsider.com/troops-could...
Substantial cuts halved staff at Pentagon's independent weapons testing office & greatly reduced the no. of programs it oversees, meaning less supervision of how a new system performs before it’s given to the military
www.businessinsider.com/troops-could...
The Pentagon gutted its weapons testing office. The biggest losers could be the troops.
The Pentagon's independent weapons testing office is overseeing almost 100 fewer programs after fresh cuts, raising safety and effectiveness concerns.
www.businessinsider.com
October 4, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Australia a big customer of US weapons
Substantial cuts halved staff at Pentagon's independent weapons testing office & greatly reduced the no. of programs it oversees, meaning less supervision of how a new system performs before it’s given to the military
www.businessinsider.com/troops-could...
Substantial cuts halved staff at Pentagon's independent weapons testing office & greatly reduced the no. of programs it oversees, meaning less supervision of how a new system performs before it’s given to the military
www.businessinsider.com/troops-could...
Reposted by Michelle Fahy
Exclusive: Anthony Albanese killed the push for open corruption hearings, citing reputational damage to those called to give evidence. satpa.pe/hOHtjBM
Exclusive: Anthony Albanese overruled push for public NACC hearings
The Saturday Paper can reveal that the prime minister and other ministers from NSW intervened in cabinet to constrain the operations of the country’s leading integrity body.
satpa.pe
October 4, 2025 at 6:31 AM
Exclusive: Anthony Albanese killed the push for open corruption hearings, citing reputational damage to those called to give evidence. satpa.pe/hOHtjBM
Yes, a must-watch clip as Francesca Albanese educates the ABC presenter, correcting her inaccurate language
Dog, I adore Francesca Albanese.
Dog, I despise @abcnews @ABCaustralia—the presenters and their bosses.
#auspol #GazaGenocide #GazaHolocaust #SumudFlotilla
Dog, I despise @abcnews @ABCaustralia—the presenters and their bosses.
#auspol #GazaGenocide #GazaHolocaust #SumudFlotilla
October 4, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Yes, a must-watch clip as Francesca Albanese educates the ABC presenter, correcting her inaccurate language