A season in hell

After wildfires and heavy smoke affected large swathes of the US and Europe in the northern summer, a new fire management framework can help Australia understand its risk as we move into the hotter months ourselves.

Communities are key in disaster resilience

The recent Hawaii wildfires highlighted the important role that local networks play in dealing with disasters, and Australia should build their capabilities into national disaster and emergency management policies and procedures.

Confronting China’s tech challenge

As China makes ever greater efforts to acquire advanced technology and other kinds of sensitive information through illicit means, other countries must become more capable of repelling them.

Prepared for the worst

After savage wildfires in Europe, the prospect of a long, hot summer in Australia increases the need for better preparation for bushfires and other natural disasters.

Defending Australia from disasters

Despite increases in the direct and indirect economic impacts of natural disasters, federal and state investment in reducing the risk of disaster remain inadequate.

A flood of information

The experiences of people affected by the extreme floods in New South Wales and Queensland in 2022 are providing vital insights on preparedness, response and the early stages of recovery to help reduce future flood risk.

National resilience needs a system-wide approach

Until policymakers fully adopt a systems approach in their thinking and planning to improve national resilience we’ll continue to trade one priority for another.

Resilience in Australian agriculture

Prioritising the right places to invest in national resilience will be challenging, but shoring up the resilience of our food production to reduce vulnerabilities is a logical place to start.

A more resilient north

Resilience won’t be achieved if local communities continue to be required to compete with each other for one-off, sector-specific federal or state grants. Sustained investment is needed that taps into local strengths and supports nation-building opportunities.

The Maribyrnong River flood review

Just as ostriches were reputed to bury their heads in the sand to avoid seeing danger, so the Victorian authorities are refusing to confront the lessons of recent flood disasters in Melbourne.

Chip wars

A new book, “Chip War” is essential reading for anyone who would like to understand the importance of semi-conductor supplies in modern geopolitics.

Strategic fuel security

Ten years ago, retired Air Vice-Marshal John Blackburn released a landmark study that revealed the fragile state of Australia’s liquid-fuel security, and things are little better today.