During the darkest days of World War II, when the world teetered on the edge of chaos, it was the incredible loyalty and alliance between nations that turned the tide of history. For Australia and Britain, the unwavering support of the United States was not just a matter of strategic necessity...it was a real wave to the spirit of unity and shared purpose that defines our relationships to this day.
Here was a big brother who was there to lend a helping hand when things were looking pretty grim.
Now, as our big brother is set to go on and become better and braver and more successful, we are sitting here subjected to the domineering bully that is George Orwell's " Big Brother. "
So let's just have a trip down memory lane and remember when our big brother stepped in - let us cast our minds back to World War II.
Before the United States formally entered the war in December 1941, it had already extended a crucial lifeline to its allies through the Lend-Lease Act. Signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in March 1941, this programme provided Britain, Australia, and other Allied nations with vital military supplies, equipment, and resources. For Australia, facing the looming threat of Japanese expansion in the Pacific, American support was indispensable.
Fast forward to today, and the legacy of that cooperation is embodied in installations like Pine Gap, the joint U.S.-Australia intelligence facility in the Northern Territory. Pine Gap plays a critical role in global security, contributing to satellite surveillance, missile detection, and intelligence sharing - an indispensable asset in the fight against modern threats like terrorism and cyber warfare.
This partnership, however, is not a one-way street. Just as America stood by Australia during WWII, Australia has consistently supported U.S. efforts in conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. From the Korean War to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Australia has proven itself a reliable ally, committed to the principles of democracy and shared security.
Of course, like any long-standing relationship, there are moments of tension. Just like family squabbles. Yet as global dynamics shift and new administrations bring different priorities, Australia and Britain are finding their policies at odds with Washington's under Trump.
We need to remember that our alliances are built on mutual respect, shared values, and common goals. We need our big brother to be there for us when the chips are down.
Which is why I feel so much concern about what is happening in Australia and Great Britain and the " falling out " that our countries are experiencing over such key issues as Israel, Gaza, Climate Change, Net Zero and identity politics.
Our greatest ally, America, is now embarking on a bold new future that seems so vastly different to our own left wing governments. Even Canada and New Zealand are still trapped in the era of abandoning sovereign interests in favour of global interests.
Are we strong enough or willing enough to go it alone? I fear that this is a dangerous pipe dream that will only further our dependence on China.... hardly an upgrade from the loyalty and friendship that America has shown.
Let us not forget the debt of gratitude that we owe to the United States. It is not just a relic of the past - it is a living reminder of what can be achieved when nations stand together in the face of adversity. But more than gratitude, it is our shared history and common values that should guide us.