$90bn on naval ships isn't enough to keep up with the neighbours

Editor's note

Last year, the Turnbull government announced a $90 billion shipbuilding plan intended to modernise Australia’s Navy and prepare us for an uncertain future in a volatile region. But as Chris Barrie writes, it may not be enough. Compared with a rising China, Australia looks slow-moving and complacent, and lacks the agility to keep up with the times.

And last night in Canberra, the winners of the 2018 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science were announced, with Kurt Lambeck taking the top gong for his 50-year career in geodesy – the science of monitoring how Earth’s shape and physical properties change over time. If you used a GPS system today, you were relying on his work. Lee Burger won Life Scientist of the Year for identifying a skin fungus as the cause of devastating frog deaths across Australia and the world.

Justin Bergman

Deputy Editor: Politics + Society

Top story

As part of Australia’s naval upgrade, construction of 12 future submarines will start around 2022-23. Brendan Esposito/AAP

Australia’s naval upgrade may not be enough to keep pace in a fast-changing region

Chris Barrie, Australian National University

Compared to China's naval ambitions, we seem slow-moving and complacent and lack the agility to keep up with the times.

Kurt Lambeck’s work has been vital for developing GPS systems we all rely on for navigation. Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science/WildBear

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science 2018 goes to ‘Earth-watcher’ Kurt Lambeck

Sarah Keenihan, The Conversation

The 2018 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science were awarded at Canberra's Parliament House on October 17. Along with the top prize, life science, physics, innovation and teaching were recognised.

In 1998 Lee Berger identified a skin fungus as the cause of unexplained mass frog deaths. Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science/WildBear

Fighting frog fungus: Lee Berger wins PM’s Life Scientist 2018 award

Lee Berger, University of Melbourne; Lee Francis Skerratt, University of Melbourne

Lee's research identified the cause of mysterious and devastating mass frog extinctions that spread across the world starting in the 1970s: it was a skin fungus.

Health + Medicine

Planning for death must happen long before the last few days of life

Imogen Mitchell, Australian National University

In the final days of life, it may be too late to choose how you want to die, who you want to be cared by, and how you'd like your symptoms managed.
Curious Kids: Why do we need food?

Amanda Devine, Edith Cowan University

Just like a mobile phone, your body needs to be recharged every day. You need to eat food and drink water every day to keep your body going. Some foods are better than others at helping you stay well.

Arts + Culture
True blue picks: a snapshot of Australia's favourite adult videos Paul J. Maginn, University of Western Australia A snapshot of what Australians are viewing around the country.

Business + Economy

Bringing in backpackers is not the right way to get more workers onto farms

Stephen Howes, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University

Making it easier for holidaying backpackers to work on Australian farms will make it harder for Pacific Islanders, and increase exploitation on farms.
The Modern Slavery Bill is a start, but it won’t guarantee us sweeter chocolate

John Dumay, Macquarie University; James Guthrie, Macquarie University

The Modern Slavery Bill before the Senate is touted as 'smart legislation', because it asks for information rather than imposes penalties, but it mightn't be enough.

Environment + Energy

How huge floods and complex infrastructure could have triggered ancient Angkor’s demise

Dan Penny, University of Sydney

A new study reveals that the demise of the ancient city of Angkor was related to the fragmentation of critical infrastructure during a period of climatic instability.
Why a wetland might not be wet

Deborah Bower, University of New England; Ben Vincent, University of New England; Darren Ryder, University of New England; John Thomas Hunter, University of New England; Lindsey Frost, University of New England; Manu Saunders, University of New England; Sarah Mika, University of New England

Wetlands in Australia are often dry. They may look unassuming but it's a vital part of their vibrant lifecycle.

Cities
Re-imagining Sydney with 3 CBDs: how far off is a Parramatta CBD? Tooran Alizadeh, University of Sydney The Greater Sydney metropolis is envisaged as having three CBDs by mid-century, but an assessment of the proposed Central City around Parramatta shows how much work is needed to make that a reality.

Politics + Society

View from The Hill: Barnaby Joyce stalks Deputy Prime Minister McCormack

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

There's a fine line between being out and about and canvassing. Just being visible is all that's needed at this stage of a bid. And Joyce doesn't hide his ambitions for a return.
Politics Podcast: Peter Jennings on Morrison’s Jerusalem move

Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra

Jennings says it would be "silly" to claim there is no connection between this week's announcement about the possible relocation of Australia's embassy to Jerusalem and the Wentworth byelection.
Moving the Australian embassy to Jerusalem makes sense: here’s why

Ran Porat, Monash University

Moving the Australian embassy to Jerusalem may cause controversy but is in line with Australia’s foreign policy interests.
Shifting the Australian embassy in Israel to Jerusalem would be a big, cynical mistake

Tony Walker, La Trobe University

Australia should focus on playing a positive role in the ongoing Middle East process, rather than auctioning off its foreign policy for the sake of winning the Wentworth byelection.

Science + Technology
Senate inquiry calls for tougher rules on pet food in Australia Bronwyn Orr, University of Sydney; Richard Malik, University of Sydney Another review into the safety of pet food leads to another review into pet food. It's been a decade since this issue was brought to the government's attention, so what needs to happen now?

Education
Why legislation should ban schools from discriminating against LGBTIQ+ students and teachers Emily Gray, RMIT University The current loophole for religious schools does not reflect what the majority of Australia thinks about education, religion and LGBTIQ+ people.