The very model of a modern major linguist

March 24, 2025

Paddy Gourley’s incisive article, of course, teases the memory of us old lags: Beazley was nick-named “Bomber” in his time as defence minister. It was a rather good fit; just as “Biggles” was for Nelson and “Poodles” for Pyne.

All of them have gone on to bigger and better things, one way or another.

Paddy is absolutely en pointe that Beazley’s defence (see what I did there??) of his attachment to several armament manufacturers is somehow linked to a safer defence of Australia, is irrelevant to the matter at hand – and it is irrelevant to the purpose of the Memorial. We sleep no better at night knowing Beazley is not discombobulated.

But that was not the piece de resistance to come from the 4 Corners expose. That came from Army Reserve Major-General Mellick, whose contribution did little to convince viewers who may feel that perhaps Army Reserve Major-Generals have in recent times done little to demonstrate a capability that such an imposing title might suggest.

It was Mellick’s contention that donations from “reputable armament manufacturers” were fine and dandy.

“Reputable armament manufacturers” now enters our lexicon as an oxymoron easily as distinguished as “military intelligence”.

Enter the pirates…