It was difficult to represent 2020 in just a few "monthly" cartoons. There has been so much crap this year, that it was a hard choice. So we tossed a coin and strayed away from the Covid-19 infection and the bushfires, away from misbehaving troops and the predictable Angus Taylor deceptions.

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

And that's it! HAVE A PLEASANT 2020.1 (2021 will continue like 2019 finished: more crap...)

The Chief of Defence says his recent comments to officer cadets on sexual assault have been "misinterpreted", insisting he was trying to encourage the trainees to work together to protect themselves.

Key points:

• General Angus Campbell's comments have been labelled "dangerous"
• Acting Defence Minister Marise Payne says predatory behaviour is unacceptable anywhere and anytime
• The Defence Department told The Canberra Times General Campbell wanted cadets to be aware of risk factors so they could mitigate them

General Angus Campbell has been widely criticised after reportedly warning an Australian Defence Force Academy class of cadets against being out after midnight while consuming alcohol, and presenting themselves as "attractive".

Chrystina Stanford from the Canberra Rape Crisis Centre said the comments were "dangerous" and "outdated".

"It lends itself to victim blaming, and the fear of not being believed, the fear of being asked what they were wearing or why they were out at night," she told the ABC.

"Those sorts of things are the biggest barriers to the victims of sexual assault being able to talk."

In a statement issued late on Wednesday, General Campbell insisted his speech last month was "aimed to ensure that all trainees were aware of how seriously Defence takes these issues".

"Considering incidents that have affected military personnel in my years of service, my intent was to raise awareness and challenge the group to do what they can to mitigate risk and take action if they witness unacceptable behaviour.

"I am aware that my comments have been interpreted by some in a way that I did not intend. There is never an excuse for perpetrating sexual assault or sexual harassment and the perpetrator is always to blame.

"In my speech, I reinforced the importance of the trainee cohort coming together to build a community that works in support of everyone, establishes trust in one another, and ultimately for that group to build a strong network of friends and colleagues who look out for each other".

Political figures have distanced themselves from General Campbell's comments.

Read more:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-03/defence-chief-cadets-advice-avoid-drinking-comments-criticised/13210472

Read from top.