Why organised crime is now a national security threat

More from The National Security Podcast

1. 

   18 Mar 2026 · 45 min

   What is driving the war in Iran – and what comes next?

   Why did the United States and Israel choose to strike Iran now – and what are the strategic consequences of that decision? What lessons have been learnt from Iran’s asymmetric response? Can Iran’s protesters realistically leverage the current crisis for meaningful political change, or has the aerial campaign by US and Israel undermined their momentum? How can Australia and other US allies balance alliance commitments with national interests in this conflict? In this episode, Beth Sanner and Dr Rodger Shanahan join Justin Burke to discuss the drivers of the Iran war, and examine the broader…

2. 

   5 Mar 2026 · 52 min

   Plotting a through line: February 2026 geopolitics update

   Is there a strategic through line or an explanatory logic behind the Trump Administration’s actions in Venezuela, Greenland and Iran? What is the current state of the Transatlantic Alliance? What are the implications of cross-theatre linkages for the idea that Europe and the Indo-Pacific are separate security arenas? With rising tensions in the Middle East, what factors will most strongly influence whether tensions between the US and Iran escalate into a broader regional conflict? Are there any potentially optimistic geopolitical signals that deserve amplification? In this episode, Justin…

3. 

   19 Feb 2026 · 40 min

   Modernising Australia's border security

   Why do Australia’s borders require a fundamental rethink? How can Australian governments build on the vision of Australia’s borders as a national strategic asset? How can new forms of border governance, such as the use of AI and advanced data analytics, be introduced without undermining public trust? What should the border look like for industry, travellers, the pubic, international partners and those interested in conducting trade with Australia? In this episode, Mike Outram joins Sally Bulkeley to discuss the need for Australia to reconceptualise its borders as strategic assets, the…

4. 

   22 Jan 2026 · 42 min

   Pat Conroy on defence reform, industry and the Pacific

   How integrated is Australia’s approach to statecraft across defence, diplomacy, development and industry – and how visible is that integration to the public? What is the strategic logic behind Australia’s expanding network of Pacific partnerships and treaties? What are the details of the reforms to defence acquisition and how will this impact the future of Australia’s defence industry? In this episode, Pat Conroy joins Rory Medcalf to discuss Australia’s strategic outlook, defence reform, regional engagement and the future of defence acquisition. The Hon Pat Conroy MP is the Minister for…

5. 

   4 Dec 2025 · 47 min

   The future will thank us: an intergenerational approach to security

   What is intergenerational security and how does it intersect with traditional concepts of national security? How do intergenerational dynamics and differing interactions with technology, social media and AI impact security and resilience? What are the security issues that young Australians care about and how do these differ from the concerns of older Australians? In this episode Sally Bulkeley is joined by Afeeya Akhand and Victoria Cooper to discuss intergenerational security and the differing perspectives across age demographics in Australia. Afeeya Akhand is an Emerging Associate with the…

6. 

   20 Nov 2025 · 44 min

   Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force: reflections on half a century of service

   How is the Australian Defence Force preparing for the challenges of a changing world? Does the appointment of a naval officer as the Chief of the Defence Force signal a shift in focus to the maritime domain? What does a career in the Australian Defence Force mean in the 21st century? In this episode, Admiral David Johnston joins Rory Medcalf to discuss the insights he has gained through his career in the Royal Australian Navy, and how he sees the future of Australia’s defence. Admiral David Johnston AC RAN was appointed Chief of the Defence Force on 10 July 2024. He has extensive experience…

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. 

   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…

10. 

    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…

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