Security isn’t what it used to be

When people think of national security, it’s about spies, soldiers and submarines, but these days it’s about much more than those things.

Coming home

Anthony Albanese’s decision to return policy responsibility for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and the Australian Federal Police to the Department of Home Affairs comes in response to rapidly intensifying threats to social order.

Stepping up our security game

In the late 1970s Australian sport underwent institutional innovation propelling it to new heights of success, and today’s security services need to undergo a similar revolution in terms of technology and processes to meet evermore challenging demands.

Softly softly isn’t working working

Australia’s timid approach to increasing Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and the Northern Approaches serves only to embolden ever more hostile actions by Bejing.

National security is the government’s job

After bowing to the opposition on mandatory minimum sentences, the Australian government needs to reestablish its leadership in national security.

Silence isn’t golden

The Federal Government’s habit of evading, ignoring or downplaying security threats undermines public trust, encourages conspiracy theories and emboldens our enemies.

Pacific security in 2025

2025 will be a big year for Pacific security as Pacific island nations grapple with upcoming elections, disaster recovery, watching the situation in New Caledonia and navigating geopolitical tensions.

The security implications of climate change

Climate change poses a significant threat to Australia’s national security. Major concerns include damage to critical infrastructure, reduced capacities of the armed forces, regional political instability, and climate insecurity among some key allies.

Securing security in the Pacific

It’s time for the Pacific to talk about ground rules in the security sector.

Improving state cooperation on security threats

Cooperation between federal and subnational Australian governments on national security must continue to evolve in the face of the complex terrorism, espionage and foreign interference threats.

Defence diplomacy in the Pacific

Rather than encouraging bilateralism, Australia’s defence diplomacy should advance an approach that bolsters cooperation and capacity to respond to security challenges under the auspices of regional institutions such as the Pacific Islands Forum.

Protecting Australia

Australia’s most senior military officer has warned that the nation faces complex and interwoven threats including high-end military capabilities, economic coercion, climate change and AI-driven dangers to democracy in a post-truth world.