Australia Talks – 20 Aug 2026: EV trucks for fuel security + China “researching” Palau

A weekly podcast with relaxed discussion of Australian topics, history, a featured town and a couple of trivia questions with your hosts DK and Ardeet.   Contact us at [email protected]   DarkestKnight and Ardeet discuss:   00:00:00 – Introduction 00:14:11 – EV trucks as fuel security 00:51:07 – Two Ticks Town Talk – Pukatja (Part 2), South Australia 01:16:08 – China “researching” Palau 01:41:58 – This week in Australian history 14-20 August 01:50:26 – XXXX bottle top quiz   Sources: Australia is spending billions on fuel security. What if some of that went to electric trucks? - ABC News Australia's fuel security - DCCEEW AECOM – Electrifying Road Freight Report - Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Diesel nation: Australia is still pumping billions in the wrong direction as oil hyperinflation hits Australia’s fuel crisis needs electric vehicle subsidies, tax breaks and more domestic oil production Chinese research vessel sparks alarm in Palau after repeated incursions - ABC News John Friedrich (fraudster) - Wikipedia Biography - John Friedrich - Australian Dictionary of Biography Australia’s Greatest Conman?: Marc Fennell investigates John Friedrich and the National Safety Council of Australia fraud 27 Jul 1991 - John Friedrich, 41, takes his secrets to the grave - Trove John Friedrich and the National Safety Council | Graham's Blog Two Ticks Town Talk – Pukatja, South Australia Part 1 (from 5 Aug 2026 Australia Talks) | Australia Talks Wikipedia - Australian anniversaries   #Australian