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Rex Patrick

@mrrexpatrick.bsky.social
7.5K followers 18 following 1.9K posts

Transparency Warrior, small business owner, former Independent Senator for SA and former submariner.

PostsRepliesMedia
Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Instead of the Reserve Bank reducing inflation by increasing the amount of money we have to give to the banks, why not increase the amount of money we have to pay into our own superannuation accounts? #NewApproach #OurMoney #auspol
7news.com.au
Australia braces for second-highest interest rates in developed world
Australia faces a potential Reserve Bank interest rate hike that would give it the second-highest cash rate in the developed world, behind only Iceland.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
UK Prime Minister Burnham wants submarines and shipyards to be his country’s economic engine. Why not, especially when Australian taxpayers are helping foot the bill. #AUKUS #auspol
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Reposted by Rex Patrick
Quentin Dempster @quentindempster.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Please Senator Jane Hume don’t sell out Australia’s original content creators to US AI with your “getting the balance right” response. Our American friends will walk through our Copyright Act with Trump’s support. Time for our ALP/LNP duopoly to demand fair compensation for local AI training.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
AI isn’t a legal person so can’t be found guilty or go to jail for its criminal acts. And if it’s AI gone rogue, the developer/operator of the AI currently can’t be found guilty either - there’s no ‘guilty mind’ needed for conviction. What to do? #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Criminal bots. When AI goes rogue, who goes to jail? - Michael West
Artificial Intelligence bots do not have a legal personality and can’t go to jail. But who is to be held responsible for their criminal acts?
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
UN AI scientific panel: “There is no assurance that humans can reliably keep AI agents under control today, particularly as they become more capable, harder to monitor and better at finding loopholes or hiding their activity” #auspol
theguardian.com
OpenAI hack on Australian government reveals anxiety at heart of global artificial intelligence dilemma
As the UN warns traditional safeguards are ‘unravelling’, Donald Trump says he will encourage, not restrain, the AI race
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
In a world where our Defence Dept says we have a threat warning time of <10 years, one of our chosen #AUKUS sub build partners has just taken 13 years to build a sub. Oh, and they haven’t been able to put an SSN to sea for 120 days. 🤦‍♂️ #wrongchoice #auspol
navylookout.com
Royal Navy’s newest attack submarine HMS Agamemnon leaves shipyard after 13 years under construction - Navy Lookout
The RN's latest SSN, HMS Agamemnon, has sailed from BAE Systems' Barrow-in-Furness shipyard for the first time and is heading for her new home at HM Naval Base Clyde. The departure marks the first in ...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
First light over the Flinders Ranges. Today I’m writing submissions on why the Govt should not be keeping documents on the future of the Whyalla Steelworks secret. Coincidentally I’m in Whyalla. Whyalla, South Australia. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
As early as Oct 2024 the Federal Govt knew the #Whyalla steelworks would go into administration and were looking into its owner’s ‘shell game’ corporate structure. They said nothing, and have only reluctantly released 👇this👇 under pressure of ART #FOI proceedings 1/2 #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“There’s no avoiding the scale of our responsibility – or the cost of inaction,” says @albomp.bsky.social, the leader of a government that readily and repeatedly approves new, or extends exisiting, fossil fuel projects. 🤷‍♂️ 1/2 #duplicitous #climate #auspol
theguardian.com
No avoiding the cost of inaction on climate, Anthony Albanese says in New York
Before United Nations meeting, prime minister says Australians knows the impact of global heating as well as anyone
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
I’m slowly making my way to Adelaide for a Federal Court #FOI hearing. Such wonderful #WorkFromRoam locations along the way. Island Lagoon, Northern SA.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
There’s a real possibility nuclear weapons will be onboard the US submarines that’ll be based at HMAS Stirling south of Perth. It is being talked about, including by well-informed US Congressmen, but not by @albomp.bsky.social’s Govt. #AUKUS #auspol michaelwest.com.au/marles-schtu...
michaelwest.com.au
Marles schtum, but US congressman suggests Perth is going nuclear - Michael West
There is a real possibility nuclear weapons will be carried onboard US submarines to be based at HMAS Stirling.
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Reposted by Rex Patrick
Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I’m back in my beloved state of South Australia and about to initiate an SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal review of a Mt Barker Council #FOI. Councils can sometimes be more secretive than governments. 13 km south of Coober Pedy, Northern SA. #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
A year ago I wrote about nuclear weapons being on US subs to be based at HMAS Stirling (see 2/2). Other articles have been written since. Now a US congressman is talking about it. @albomp.bsky.social’s govt remains silent on the issue. 1/2 #AUKUS #auspol
theage.com.au
US subs in Australia could be armed with nukes, says key Republican after visit
“It’s kind of an unveiled threat to have a nuclear sub going around without any weapons,” said Michael McCaul, who chairs the Friends of Australia caucus in the US Congress.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I’m back in my beloved state of South Australia and about to initiate an SA Civil and Administrative Tribunal review of a Mt Barker Council #FOI. Councils can sometimes be more secretive than governments. 13 km south of Coober Pedy, Northern SA. #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@albomp.bsky.social’s👇answer👇 to a question today from @allegraspender.bsky.social about his willingness to proactively disclose his diary reminded me of Scott Morrison saying it was a triumph that protesters outside Parliament House weren't "met with bullets". #LostThePlot #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@albomp.bsky.social’s Govt is planning to spend >$1B on the Whyalla Steelworks👏, but is refusing to release details of its plan, in part because it would “cause concern to the Whyalla community”. I wonder how it could cause more concern than yesterday’s 500 job losses? 1/2 #FOI #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
The UK’s new Prime Minister clearly didn’t get Defence Minister Richard Marles’ memo stating “#AUKUS is full steam ahead”. Or maybe Marles was just referring to the pace at which our Treasury is sending cheques to the UK. 🤷‍♂️ #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Sunset NT style. Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
For the past 4 years Peter Malinauskas Govt has being using taxpayers’ money to pay the The Advertiser to write puff pieces on how good his govt is (see 2/2). Mali claims the arrangement is confidential. He won’t be happy with the Ombudsman’s provisional #FOI decision👇. 1/2 #saparli
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Pork-barrelling is using public money to buy votes for party and individual candidate gain. It’s corruption, but it’s here to stay because both major parties are in on the rort, putting political self-interest ahead of public interest and integrity. #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Pork barrelling is back, to stay. It's corrupt but Coalition barely calls out Labor - Michael West
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was called out by Centre for Public Integrity for spending public money for political advantage.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
#WorkFromRoam has its downsides. My crater-side breakfast would have been just that more perfect if I hadn’t forgotten to bring the yogurt. 🤦‍♂️
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
If we do not reach agreement with the IAEA that is then approved by it’s governing board, the US and UK will not transfer nuclear subs to Australia. The UK is feeling anxious - it desperately needs Australian taxpayers’s money. 1/2 #AUKUS #auspol
gov.uk
UK Right of Reply on behalf of AUKUS partners IAEA September 2026
Delivered to the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna, September 2026. Agenda item: Transfer of the nuclear materials in the context of AUKUS and its safeguards in all aspects under the NPT.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The sun pushes above the horizon, casting light on an empty outback. I share a meteorite crater with no one. I’ll get a lot of work done today! Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam #solivagant
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today I moved my office to the rim of a meteorite crater. It’s a great place to quietly ponder holes in some #FOI decisions I’m appealing. Boxhole Crater, 180 km northeast of Alice Springs, Outback, NT #WorkFromRoam #solitude
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
There's no safe space for parks in Adelaide. There's no safe space for trees in the Adelaide Park Lands. But, in response to an #FOI request, the Govt insists there's a safe space from accountability for the SA Motor Sports Board. #appealed #saparli
michaelwest.com.au
No safe space for trees but SA Motor Sports Board safe from scrutiny - Michael West
While no trees are safe from SA Premier Peter "the wrecker" Malinauskas, his minions protect the Motor Sports Board.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
A new era in the Senate? Perhaps it’s happened before, but I can’t recall the Greens ever splitting on a vote as they did today in response to National Senator Ross Cadell’s proposed disallowance of a carbon credits legislative instrument. #split #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Lacking any understanding of the concept of 'social licence' the gas lobby are at it again trying to preserve the super profits which have cost Australians and Australian manufacturing so dearly. The greed just never stops! #auspol
afr.com
Santos CEO wants gas reserve rules set, but with key changes
Kevin Gallagher will use a speech in Canberra on Wednesday to spell out the need for critical tweaks in the reservation system to clear the way for investment.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
I’ve crossed into the Territory to use #FOI to conduct some northern exposure. Plenty Highway, Tobermorey Station, NT. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Public funds should be spent on the basis of need, merit and value for money - not to benefit a political party or a member of a political party who gains or retains a well paid job. Disgracefully both major parties engage in this corruption. #auspol 👉 www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Decisions on whether Australia goes to war are made years, perhaps decades, prior to the commencement of a conflict. #SovereigntyGivenAway #NoAccountability #auspol
theguardian.com
The US now has access to more than half Australia’s military bases – could it drag the country unwillingly into war?
Exclusive: US-controlled weapons corporations and forces have control or access to more than 100 facilities across the continent, which some analysts describe as a ‘colonisation’ of Australia’s milita...
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
In a masterpiece of urban planning Colonel William Light designed Adelaide as a city inside a park. Peter ‘Chopper’ Malinauskas is using a patchwork of vanity projects to end Light’s vision, signing a death warrant for 1,400 trees along the way. #saparli
michaelwest.com.au
Peter ‘Chopper’ Malinauskas to plonk MotoGP in Adelaide's cherished Park Lands - Michael West
Premier Peter Malinauskas plans to chop down 400 trees in Adelaide's Park Lands for the MotoGP Grand Prix. Rex Patrick reports.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Despite more than $4.5B per annum being spent on DIO, ASIO, ASIS and ASD, the Govt only found out about a businessman with Chinese Communist Party links buying land next door to proposed sub-bases when it read about it in the newspaper🤦‍♂️. #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Billions spent on spooks, yet AUKUS bases in clear view of Chinese neighbours - Michael West
A businessman with links to Chinese Communist Party purchased land next to proposed sub-bases, ADF spooks read it in the paper
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Peter Garrett and I talk about #AUKUS. Will the program keep us safe, and can we afford the cost? #auspol
youtube.com
AUKUS public inquiry Q&A with Peter Garrett and Rex Patrick
YouTube video by Crikey News
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
At least the British are upfront about it. #AUKUS #auspol
afr.com
UK’s defence minister loud and clear on AUKUS as a China deterrent
Unlike Australia, neither the UK nor the US see the need for diplomatic language when it comes to the nuclear submarine pact’s importance to countering China.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
#Breaking: The town numbers have swelled for the race that stops a nation; the Windorah International Yabby Races. There’s less than 2 hours to go until the first of four races starts, and the air is thick with excitement. Windorah, Central West Qld. #WorkFromRoam.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Life on the water at sunrise. Cooper Creek Crossing, Central West QLD #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
What’s the point of spending $368B on #AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines if our water and food runs out, not through military attack, but because critical ingredients simply don't arrive. #vulnerable #auspol
michaelwest.com.au
Thirsty? Water supply, not fuel, may be Australia's biggest worry in war - Michael West
In a time of crisis, water supply the real problem. Rex Patrick lifts the lid on some uncomfortable national resilience vulnerabilities.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The excuse that current advice can't be released because it'll 'chill" future advice is logically flawed and contrary to an officials' statutory duties. But it's often used to delay the release of info about politically sensitive topics. #Lie #FOI #auspol
crikey.com.au
This excuse is used to prevent your access to information. It's complete nonsense
The government repeatedly denies disclosing information due to a threat of it "chilling" the advice of public servants to ministers. It's a trick to avoid transparency.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
As I travel from Quilpie to Birdsville (to experience the weekend races) I’ve set office at Cooper Creek near Windorah. I’m doing some #FOI work with the most amazing bird life filling the view beyond my laptop screen. 1/2 Cooper Creek Crossing, Central West QLD #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Coincidental? The SA Govt announce details today of the Adelaide MotoGP track, two days before my #FOI on details of the Adelaide MotorGP track was due. I’m going to claim this as an FOI win. 1/2 #saparli
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Defence: never have a so few inside a single organisation screwed up so much procurement at such great cost and (national security) risk to so many. #incompetent #secretive #unaccountable #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
#AUKUS may be going “full steam ahead”, as our politicians keep saying, but given the possible destination, we should instead be applying the emergency brake. #auspol
thesaturdaypaper.com.au
How AUKUS could destroy Australia
Recently, both Anthony Albanese and the Pentagon’s No. 3 official, Elbridge Colby, have separately reiterated that the AUKUS project remains ‘full steam ahead’.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Over the next few weeks I’ll be lodging a few outback FOIs. Back O’ Bourke, North West NSW. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The US's submarine enterprise can't build subs quickly enough, is delaying maintenance of operational subs and has a backlog of subs for decommissioning. Yet our Govt has selected that same enterprise to replace our aging Collins subs 🤦‍♂️. #AUKUS #auspol
militarytimes.com
15,000 operational days lost due to US submarine maintenance delays, GAO finds
Maintenance delays for U.S. submarines have "resulted in an estimated $3.4 billion in costs to sustain" crews and boats that were not operational.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Parliament has yet again expanded the powers of our intelligence agencies, without expanding oversight of them. We need to have a parliamentary committee keeping a proper watch over them, not giving them a blank cheque. #auspol
abc.net.au
Unlikely allies banded together to try to block expanded spy agency power
An unlikely alliance of left and right politicians fails to block an expansion of spy agency powers that would allow it to question people in secret.
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The Productivity Commission was right to point out the inequity in the way GST is distributed across the states. Good on the Commission’s Deputy Chair for reminding @albomp.bsky.social to play the ball and not the man. #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Sunrise over the Macquarie Marshes. Central northern NSW. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
What better place than the shores of a Ramsar wetland to combat the swamp that is Govt secrecy? Macquarie Marshes, central northern NSW. #WorkFromRoam
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Ships are no different to cars. If you up the design weight by 30% (which increases cost) and don't increase engine power, it'll have a lower top speed and less range, wear out quicker and be noisier at any given speed (death for anti-submarine warfare ships) #engineering #auspol
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Rex Patrick @mrrexpatrick.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
“America has changed”. One day when @albomp.bsky.social takes a close look at the #AUKUS deal where the US indicated acceptance, he'll find that “its signature was written in pencil”. #auspol
thejournal.ie
Mark Carney says the US signature 'was written in pencil' after trade deal collapses
Carney has repeatedly said relations with the US have been forever altered.
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