Is Australia ready for the next pathogen threat?

More from The National Security Podcast

1. 

   3 Sep 2026 · 45 min

   Espionage, foreign interference and Australia’s national security laws

   How do we balance effective national security laws with protecting individual rights and democratic freedoms? Where is the line between legitimate foreign influence and foreign interference? How well do Australia’s espionage laws protect journalism and political discourse? How should Australia’s terrorism laws respond to a threat environment increasingly involving children and different forms of violent extremism? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Jake Blight – Australia’s Independent National Security Legislation Monitor –about whether Australia’s national security laws are…

2. 

   20 Aug 2026 · 45 min

   The maritime gateway: ports and border security

   How do ports sustain Australia’s economy, border security and defence preparedness? What are the biggest strategic challenges facing Australian ports? What role do ports play in combating organised crime and protecting Australia’s borders? What partnership, policy or capability would most improve Australia’s port security now? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Mike Gallacher and Mike Outram about the role of ‘ports’ as critical infrastructure and the challenges of protecting Australia’s maritime supply chains. Michael Gallacher is Chief Executive Officer at Ports Australia. Michael…

3. 

   6 Aug 2026 · 45 min

   How thirsty is AI? Competing for Australia's most strategic resource

   Can Australia reframe water as a national security issue, rather than only an environmental or social policy concern? Can Australia realistically pursue both AI leadership and sustainable water management? What happens when drought, climate change, food insecurity, ageing infrastructure and economic pressure combine? Who should be at the table for a national water strategy? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Jason Alexandra and Matthew Coulton about Australia's water future, exploring why water security needs to be understood as a national security issue. Dr Jason Alexandra is a…

4. 

   9 Jul 2026 · 36 min

   NZ Chief of Army on Plan ANZAC and the future of land power

   What is the future trajectory for Plan ANZAC? How does a small nation like New Zealand (NZ) contribute to collective security in the Indo-Pacific? How does NZ’s strategic identity differ from Australia’s? What should the future social contract between NZ and its Defence Force look like? What does effective leadership and stewardship look like? In this episode, Sharryn Parker is joined by Major General Rose King, Chief of the New Zealand Army, to discuss how NZ land forces undertakes its role in regional security and what closer cooperation with Australia looks like in practice. Major General…

5. 

   25 Jun 2026 · 49 min

   AUKUS at five: facts and fears

   Does the flare up in recent AUKUS debates represent the perspectives of the broader Australian public? Does Australia have a credible Plan B if part of AUKUS falters? Can Australia sustain the political will and strategic patience needed for a multi-decade defence project? In this episode, Justin Burke speaks with Jennifer Parker and Peter Dean about what the latest developments mean for AUKUS, the US alliance and Australia’s long-term maritime strategy. Dr Peter Dean is Professor of Strategic Studies at The Australian National University (ANU). Jennifer Parker is an Expert Associate at the…

6. 

   11 Jun 2026 · 45 min

   Security, power and the perspectives we miss

   Can national security be fully understood through hard power alone? Is it time for Australia to have a broader national security strategy – one that goes beyond defence and brings in federal, state and community perspectives? How can women’s experiences be integrated into a more traditional understanding of national security? In this episode, Sharryn Parker speaks with Professor Valerie Hudson and Dr Elise Stephenson about realism, power and the perspectives often missing from traditional security debates. Professor Valerie Hudson is Professor and George H.W. Bush Chair in the Department of…

7. 

   1 Oct 2026 · 37 min

   Can middle powers shape the balance of power? Geopolitical update part 2

   How concerned should Australia be about the UK’s ability to deliver its side of AUKUS? What role can middle powers play as the international order becomes more fragmented? How should Australia and its partners balance alliances with their own national interests in a more contested world? In part two of our geopolitical update, Sharryn Parker is joined by Charles Edel, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Euan Graham to discuss AUKUS, the role of middle powers in a changing world and how Australian can build greater strategic agency while still deepening the US alliance. Dr Charles Edel is Senior Adviser…

8. 

   17 Sep 2026 · 30 min

   Iran, Ukraine and the limits of American power: geopolitical update part 1

   How much strategic bandwidth does the United States have as it manages the Iran war, Ukraine and its wider global commitments? How are conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East changing the nature and cost of modern warfare? What does China’s growing military power and activity in the Indo-Pacific mean for Australian security? In this episode, Sharryn Parker is joined by Charles Edel, Dilnoza Ubaydullaeva and Euan Graham to discuss the wars in Iran and Ukraine – and what they are revealing about the United States’ capacity, weapons stockpiles, and the changing character of warfare. Dr Charles…

9. 

   28 May 2026 · 36 min

   Beyond oil: what the Hormuz crisis means for Australia

   Why is the Strait of Hormuz crisis about more than crude oil, and what does it reveal about Australia’s hidden supply-chain vulnerabilities? What should investment in supply chain resilience look like for Australia? Does the green transition reduce Australia’s energy security risks, or does it shift our dependence to new materials, technologies and supply chains? How can Australia move from a ‘just in time’ to a ‘just in case’ approach to national resilience? In this episode, Walter Colnaghi and David Leaney join Sharryn Parker to discuss what the Hormuz crisis means for Australia’s economic…

10. 

    14 May 2026 · 40 min

    “The future is expensive” – managing cost-of-living while investing in security

    How should government balance national preparedness with cost-of-living pressures? Can Australia strengthen fuel security, defence capability and supply chain resilience without undermining productivity and living standards? How do economic pressures, housing stress and inequality shape public trust – and what does that mean for national security? In this episode, Aruna Sathanapally, Richard Denniss and Michael Stutchbury join Rory Medcalf to examine the intersection of national security, economic pressure and social resilience. Dr Richard Denniss is co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at The…

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