Defence Connect Podcast Network (Momentum Media)

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Major Cate Carter, course designer, Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics at the Australian Defence College, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss findings from her research into the relationship between Defence and the broader community.

MAJ Carter begins by discussing her career in the Australian Army, explaining how her deployment in East Timor influenced her decision to forge a new path in academia.

The academic highlights the importance of building a scholarly community within the ADF, to help better inform future decision making.

MAJ Carter then goes on to discuss findings from her doctoral thesis, which explores the cultural characteristics of the Australian civil/military relationship.

Finally, she explains how learnings from her research can be applied to bridge the gap between the military and the civil space.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

2020 was a big year for the nation, with Defence and defence industry playing an important role in the nation's post-COVID recovery. In this top five, we will cover the most popular Strike and Air Combat domain stories of the year.

In this podcast hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper discuss the massive year that wasfor the Royal Australian Air Force, which has seen major progress across the acquisition cycle including on some of Australia's largest Defence projects, with the growing fleet of fifth-generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and announcements around Australia's acquisition of an armed remotely piloted aerial system (RPAS).

2020 has also seen major progress and advancements across the Air Force's fleet of E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning command and control aircraft, KC-30A Multi-role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and airlift aircraft fleet. 

However, 2020 was a year dominated by a focus on air combat and strike capabilities with public conversation focusing on the F-35 and America's decision to cancel the F-22 Raptor in the mid-2010s, with concerns about Australia's long-range strike capability gap becoming increasingly topical talking points. 

Enjoy the podcast, 

The Defence Connect team

    
Cyber Security Uncut presents a new quarterly podcast series with Claroty. In this first episode, the company’s vice-president of cyber safety strategy, Joshua Corman, talks to host Liam Garman to shed light on how cyber criminals can remotely access medical devices and healthcare infrastructure — threatening human safety.

• The pair begin the podcast discussing Corman’s experience as a white hat hacker, before analysing the extent to which medical devices can be accessed by cyber criminals.
• Corman and Garman then discuss how attacks against healthcare providers can be a simple task for some hackers, and those fundamental steps that hospitals and infrastructure providers must take to reduce their threat surface and keep people safe.
• The podcast wraps up by unpacking the must-need tools for businesses to protect their operations, including Claroty’s asset discovery and proprietary protocol offerings to build a resilient OT network.

Future quarterly episodes will feature Claroty subject matter experts providing insight into how businesses can secure cyber physical assets across different industries.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

According to retired Major General Jim Molan, dramatic changes in the global security climate necessitate the development and implementation of a tailor-made strategy for Australian defence.

The now-senator joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of the Defence Connect podcast to dissect his recent paper on national security strategy for the ANU's Centre of Gravity initiative.

Senator Molan explains how current Australian policy falls short, why an established system would make the nation a more self-sufficient and therefore better ally, and who would be responsible for executing such a strategy.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Major General Mick Ryan, AM, Commander Australian Defence College.

The pair begin by discussing MAJGEN Ryan’s tenure as Commander of the Australian Defence College, enhancing Defence’s education continuum from Cadet through to General as well as overcoming the challenges of the recent pandemic.

The podcast continues with an analysis of how the Australian Defence Force is preparing its members and future leaders to address the emerging characteristics of war with new curricula that were designed in accordance with Defence’s current and future needs.

The pair wrap up the podcast discussing MAJGEN Ryan’s upcoming book, War Transformed, and the impact that ebbs and flows of technological change have on warfare.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems expert Dr S. Kate Devitt joins DC senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss ethical military AI in an unethical and increasingly defensive world, as well as the future of defence AI development in Australia.

Dr Devitt is a former chief scientist of Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence CRC, and current adjunct associate professor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. She is also the chief executive officer of BetterBeliefs and director of Augmented Decisions.

• The pair begin the podcast discussing the development of the Athena AI integrated military artificial intelligence decision support tool, and the increasing demand for innovative autonomous development.
• The podcast then discusses ethical, legal, and responsible decision making as part of the AI development process and defence applications for AI and autonomous projects.
• They wrap up the podcast discussing Dr Devitt’s expectations for future international defence development and a “perfect scenario” for the innovation in sovereign projects.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Australia has a global reputation as a leader in research and development across a number of fields, and the Commonwealth science agency CSIRO plays a key role in that reputation.

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by CSIRO chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley to talk about the evolving role of the CSIRO in the post-COVID world and how its research and development initiatives are supporting Australian industry respond to the crisis. 

Dr Foley also discusses the growing innovation in advanced manufacturing capabilities spearheaded by the CSIRO and research ranging from artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mineral and resource exploration, through to the R&D of a vaccine for COVID-19 currently underway at the organisation.

They also cover the role of CSIRO in working in collaborative relationships with various organisations across state and territory jurisdictions, Australia's world-renowned academic researchers and industry to leverage the full intellectual and manufacturing capability of the nation.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, recorded live on site in Avalon on day two of the Australian International Airshow and Aerospace and Defence Exposition, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Lockheed Martin Australia chief executive Vince Di Pietro and Professor Deborah Hodgson from the University of Newcastle to discuss the Altitude Accord and the role defence primes play in supporting the development of Australia's future workforce.

They will talk about the role defence primes like Lockheed Martin Australia play in supporting the development of regional Australia and the impact the Altitude Accord, signed between Regional Development Australia Hunter, Lockheed Martin Australia and the University of Newcastle, will have in creating economic opportunities.

As the program of focus for Australia's F-35s has shifted from acquisition to the operational and sustainment stage, Di Pietro and Professor Hodgson will discuss the importance of the support provided by primes like Lockheed Martin in supporting the $1 billion defence and aerospace industry in the Hunter region, while also looking at the role tertiary education institutions like the University of Newcastle can play in supporting Defence and industry.Finally, they will address the role of nurturing the growing talent pool of regional Australia and the investment model for industry and academic collaboration, which will play a critical role in supporting the long-term development of Australia's future defence and aerospace workforce.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, former head of the ADF’s information warfare division, Major General (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the importance of building Australia’s defences in the increasingly hostile cyber domain.
     
Dr Thompson weighs in on the current cyber threat in Australia amid a spike in malicious activity from both commercially-motivated and state-based actors.
 
The former head of the ADF’s information warfare division discusses the need for greater urgency and accountability among stakeholders, across both the public and private sectors.
 
Dr Thompson highlights the value of sovereign cyber capability, explaining why Australia should reduce its dependence on foreign service providers to address local challenges.
 
The retired MAJGEN, who serves as an adviser on the boards of a number of organisations, also discusses the need to fill cyber security skills gaps to ensure future generations are equipped to address emerging challenges in the domain.  

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

2020 was a big year for Defence and defence industry, with major projects kicking off across the three branches. In this top five, we will cover the most popular Land domain stories of the year.

While much of the attention was on both the Navy and Air Force due to the arrival of a growing number of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters for the Royal Australian Air Force, progress on the SEA 1000 Attack Class submarines and SEA 5000 Hunter Class frigates – Army has operated largely under the radar, despite major modernisation updates.

2020 has seen a resurgence of focus on Army's increasing number of modernisation and capability enhancements – with progress made on the $5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 and the $10-15 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 programs.

The Army has also seen progress made on the LAND 19 Short Range Ground Base Air Defence and LAND 4503 Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter replacement and the LAND 8116 Protected Mobile Fires self-propelled artillery gun programs, and the federal government used the 2020 Defence Strategic Update and supporting Force Structure Plan to support the development and lethality of the Australian Army.

In this podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper discuss the biggest headlines that made news in the Land and Amphibious domain from LAND 400 progress, through to the development of Australia's self propelled howitzer program, industry milestones for Hawkei production and the LAND 129 program.

Enjoy the podcast, 

The Defence Connect Team

In this transformative episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Liam Garman announce the upcoming rebrand of Cyber Security Connect to Cyber Daily and the launch of the reinvigorated Cyber Uncut podcast.

Following the success of Cyber Security Connect, Cyber Daily will unpack and analyse all areas of digital transformation – ranging from cyber security, artificial intelligence and information systems through to modern digitally enabled business solutions to help Australian organisations leverage the cyber revolution.

We hope you enjoy the podcast, and our hosts will be back next week with the newly launched Cyber Uncut podcast.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senator for Victoria and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security James Paterson discusses the importance of building national resilience amid growing security risks.

Senator Paterson begins by outlining his responsibilities as chair of the joint committee on intelligence and security and the role he plays in informing defence and foreign policy.

The senator explains why the conversation around national resilience has become “mainstream”, and notes the importance of better informing the broader community about emerging security challenges.

He then discusses the future of the Indo-Pacific, and weighs in on the likelihood of kinetic confrontation with China.

Senator Paterson goes on to highlight the importance of Australia’s regional and international alliances with specific reference to the evolution of the Quad.

Finally, Senator Paterson discusses the federal government’s proposal to introduce new critical infrastructure legislation, designed to ensure businesses that are “systemically important” receive the assistance they need to counter foreign threats.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant unpack the latest trends in the cyber security industry, from victimology through to corporate active defence capabilities.

• The pair begin the podcast discussing current trends in the cyber security industry, with Dr Thompson unpacking the concerns from leading chief information security officers (CISOs) across Australia.
• The podcast then continues with a deep dive into the industry’s most important news stories, including the role of cyber attacks in modern warfare, business-led offensive cyber operations, and attacks on university infrastructure.
• The pair wrap up the podcast with an analysis into current victimology trends arising due to global political volatility.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior analyst Steve Kuper is joined by Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, to discuss the Echidna Strategy in the context of great power competition. 

The pair begin the podcast discussing Roggeveen’s career working across Australia’s defence and foreign policy apparatus, including with the Office of National Assessments, Defence Intelligence Organisation, and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. 

The pair then discuss the politics of Roggeveen’s first book – Our Very Own Brexit: Australia’s Hollow Politics and Where it Could Lead Us – and the implications domestic political polarisation and collapsing support for the major parties will have on Australia’s future position and security in the Indo-Pacific.

The pair then discuss the historic basis of Australia’s defence policy and doctrine, beginning with the Forward Defence doctrine, then moving through the Defence of Australia-era to the current incarnation, as identified through the Defence Strategic Review, and the implications of major decisions like the AUKUS submarines.

Finally, the pair discuss Roggeveen’s latest book, The Echidna Strategy: Australia’s Search for Power and Peace, the basis for its central thesis, the implications for Australia’s defence posture and force structure as the nation seeks power and peace in the era of great power competition.

Enjoy the podcast
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Leon Poggioli, ANZ regional director at Claroty, and Liam Garman unpack what the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy means for the industry and how businesses can build XIoT policies to mitigate the risk of penetration.

•            The pair begin the podcast by analysing how the 2023–2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy will support the growth of Australia’s cyber security industry and what it will mean for businesses.

•            Poggioli and Garman then analyse how threat actors can use harmless devices such as doorbells to penetrate networks.

•            The podcast wraps up by discussing practical advice on how businesses can protect themselves and their assets from attack.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, chief executive of Nova Systems Jim McDowell joins host Phil Tarrant to unpack the latest at the leading Australian defence company.

The pair begin by discussing Nova Systems’ re-brand, which reflects the company’s recent growth – employing over a thousand people and turning over around $300 million in revenue – across specialist systems engineering advisory and management services, as well as advanced digital technology, software, services and systems integration solutions.

The podcast then continues by analysing Nova Systems’ core competency of test and evaluation and the hopes to shift into operating as a horizontal prime, and how it aims to play a larger role in Australia’s defence ecosystem.

The pair wrap up by discussing Nova Systems’ approach to building a sovereign defence industry, including building an experienced workforce in Australia, and examine how AUKUS will provide a unique opportunity for Australian businesses to broaden their industrial bases in the UK and US.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

South-east Asia is key to Australia’s long-term economic and strategic stability, nurturing those relationships is critical to mutual security and stability.

On this episode of the Defence Connect: Insight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Ben Bland, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, where the pair discuss the transformation of south-east Asia since the end of the Cold War and Australia’s place in it.

The pair cover the growing importance of the Australia-Indonesia relationship as both nations navigate the defining factor of economic and strategic security in the region: the US-China relationship.

Bland discusses his experience on the ground in Indonesia and the challenges facing Indonesia’s long-term development in the coming decades, as well as the immense opportunities available to Australia in supporting the development of Indonesia.

Finally, they talk about the response of south-east Asia to growing tensions in the South China Sea, the historic rivalries shaping the regional dynamics and the ramifications of rising tensions between mainland China and Taiwan.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Corey Thomas, chief executive officer of Rapid7, joins host Liam Garman to analyse the cyber security posture of Australia’s leading companies — and what they can learn from around the globe.

• The pair begin the podcast discussing the changing cyber security landscape and Rapid7’s recent analysis into the attack surface of the ASX 200.
• The podcast continues by unpacking current victimology trends impacting top Australian companies, and what these companies can learn from their US counterparts.
• The pair wrap up the podcast analysing Rapid7’s threat detection capabilities and why customer data, rather than financial information, is the target of large-scale attacks.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut Team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by returning guest, Australian Army Corporal (Ret’d) and Afghan veteran Matthew “Willy” Williams OAM, to discuss the fall of Avdiivka in Ukraine, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and the emerging discussion around conscription in Australia. 

Corporal Williams was deployed as a private to Afghanistan with the Australian Army and left as a corporal in 2020, undertaking a radical career change to operate the 167,000-subscriber “Willy OAM” independent journalism YouTube channel.

He now acts as a travelling civilian conflict reporter following a terminal brain cancer diagnosis on his 22nd birthday and after being awarded an OAM in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List.

The pair discuss the recent withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from Avdiivka and the changing landscape of the battlefield in Ukraine.

They then discuss the controversial topic of war crimes in the conflict, as well as tackling issues regarding the donation of MRH-90 Taipan helicopters and M1 Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine.

They also discuss Williams’ travels on the ground in Israel following the October attacks last year and use of drones in the conflict.

Finally, the pair discuss the public discourse around the possible conscription in Australia and the comparative effectiveness of called-up troops in Ukraine.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, Member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman.

Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.

While contracts with Defence usually provide SMEs with more consistent contracts and therefore growth opportunities, it's important to also spread services outside of Defence to ensure longevity in the field.

On this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Warren Levin, Sydney City Marine's director of commercial and defence, to delve into his role at the vessel maintenance and repair business, the complete range of services provided by the SME, and how he identifies and pursues new contracting opportunities.

Warren also shares the proportion of Defence-orientated work within the company, why he's so passionate about working with Defence, and his history in the Navy as a clearance diver.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

How might the recent threat from US President-elect Donald Trump impact practitioners in this space?

In this recent crossover episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Jerome Doraisamy, editor of Lawyers Weekly, sat down with The Shipping Lawyer, Alison Cusack, to discuss the shipping law landscape in 2024 and what was learnt from that year, the recent threat from Donald Trump to take back control of the Panama Canal and the history of the canal (and lessons from the Suez Canal experience).

Cusack also discusses the frequency with which shipping lawyers have to adapt to geopolitical shifts and navigate client expectations.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Rockingham City Councillor Peter Hudson joins host Liam Garman to unpack the role of local government in delivering infrastructure needed for AUKUS Pillars I and II.

• Cr Hudson and Garman begin unpacking the infrastructure that is needed to deliver large-ticket defence items, and how Australia needs a national security strategy to ensure a whole-of-nation approach to national security.
• They then discuss what the federal and state governments need to do to deliver Defence capabilities and address the workforce gap.
• The podcast wraps up discussing the rise of China and rising political uncertainty within Australia’s AUKUS allies.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson unpack the latest in the cyber security industry, providing the fundamental tips and tricks for businesses to maintain their cyber resilience.

• The podcast begins with a reflection on the recent challenges within the cyber security industry, discussing the swathe of cyber breaches confirmed over the past few weeks.
• The pair then discuss matching cyber risk profiles with investment, and how to utilise Australian cyber security providers to provide frontline defence to protect businesses.
• The podcast wraps up discussing how businesses can build a cyber security framework to inform business practices.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode, Defence Connect Analyst and Editor, Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Hardy from KBR, Principal Partner of the Australian Defence Industry Awards, and two finalists in the Naval Business of the Year category: John Giffard of OPSTAR and Clint Thomas of Serco Defence.

The four discuss defence industry’s response to the COVID pandemic and the way defence businesses of all sizes have pivoted to support the economic response and collaborated to support the Australian defence supply chain.

They also discuss the ways in which Giffard and Thomas have supported their respective businesses through the challenges, the immediate goals and what they believe set them apart from the competition for this year’s awards.

Defence Connect will continue to recognise the achievements of talented professionals in the lead up to the 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards — despite a limited capacity to gather physically.

Registration is free for our live stream, which will be held at 8:15PM AEDT on Thursday, 26 November.
Register now to be a part of the Defence Connect 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards Live Stream.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Chris Deeble AO CSC, Deputy Secretary, Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), as they unpack the formative year that has been for Australia’s burgeoning defence industry.

The pair discuss the significant work currently underway to reform Australia’s defence capability acquisition and procurement ecosystem, including:

• The key lessons for CASG through the engagement, development and now delivery phases of the government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy.
• How Australia is working with like-minded nations, in particular the United States and the United Kingdom, and their efforts to modernise their own defence industrial bases.
• The key priorities central to delivering the next stage of the Defence Industry Development Strategy over the next 12 months.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

With a wealth of defence industry experience and a career spanning both defence industry and the Department of Defence, Victorian defence industry advocate John O'Callaghan is well versed on trends throughout the sector, and joins us at Pacific 2019 to share his thoughts around the growth of Australian defence on a global scale.

He discusses the sentiment of the SME sector in Victoria and their confidence to invest in the industry in the current climate, shares how SMEs can compete on a global stage to participate in AIC content, and explains why an understanding of the procurement system and how it operates is key to securing business within the competitive defence space.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft detail multiple recent law enforcement operations that have made a considerable dent in criminal and cyber criminal activity around the world.

Croft opens the podcast with the most recent developments in law enforcement’s efforts to tackle the LockBit ransomware gang, with four arrests made and sanctions placed against one of the gang’s major affiliates.

Hollingworth then details the incredible story of the Australian Federal Police’s Operation Kraken, an investigation into the Ghost criminal messaging network, which it turns out was – allegedly – run by an Aussie! He’s now been arrested, and a lot of other criminals besides.

The pair wrap up with news of charges being laid by the US Department of Justice against Iranian hackers, and they offer some simple but important advice as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Gavin Henry, business development manager at Thales; Peter Newnham, director of engineering at Thales; and Neil Hodges, co-founder of BlueZone Group, discuss their proposal for the Royal Australian Navy’s SEA 1905 Tranche 1 – Maritime Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Survey program.

Topics discussed by the trio include:

• The progress of Thales’ bid for SEA 1905 Tranche 1.
• Thales’ sovereign MCM offering and the emergence of autonomous capability.
• BlueZone Group’s contribution to the SEA 1905 proposal.
• The importance of interoperability with international partners, leveraging common supply chains.
• BlueZone Group’s growth ambitions.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast, Andrew Hastie MP joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper to break down the unique dynamics of the relationship between Australia and China.

The federal member for Canning and chair of the parliamentary joint committee on intelligence and security dissects China's rising influence in the Pacific, the security challenges China poses to Australia's national sovereignty, and how Australia can navigate this complex relationship to improve its national security.

Hastie shares his career trajectory to becoming a member of Parliament, why it's critical to approach negotiations from a position of strength, and how history should inform one's strategic insight.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Tim Walmsley, founder and CEO of BenchOn, joins host Liam Garman to officially launch the Australian Digital Defence Industry Matrix – an AI-powered platform that connects suppliers with the requirements of project teams from right across Defence industry. 

• The pair begin the podcast discussing how the Defence Strategic Review and Defence Industry Development Strategy changed the landscape of defence industry, making it easier for overseas companies to compete with Australian suppliers for Defence projects.
• Walmsley then unveils the Australian Digital Defence Industry Matrix (ADDIM) as a solution – a platform that connects suppliers and contractors to smooth the peaks and troughs of defence contracting to help Australian businesses compete across Australian and AUKUS supply chains.
• Launching this week, Walmsley then discusses how thousands of Australian small-to-medium sized enterprises have already joined the platform to leverage the benefits of interconnectivity.
• The pair wrap up the podcast looking at how ADDIM will support defence businesses and improve the resiliency of Australian supply chains.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Following a career with the Air Force spanning more than a decade, the lessons learned supporting defence have proven invaluable for the high stakes world of defence industry.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Emily Frizell, founder and CEO of AeroPM and Female Defence Leader of the Year at Defence Connect’s 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards joins Steve Kuper (Defence Connect analyst and editor) to talk about the transformative year that was 2020.

The pair discuss the skills and lessons learned as a woman in the traditionally male dominated world of the military and how they now support Frizell in her role as CEO of AeroPM.

They also explore the challenges and opportunities faced by both AeroPM and defence industry as a whole throughout 2020 and how the company has positioned itself as a partner of choice for the ADF.

Finally, Frizell and Kuper discuss the opportunities on the horizon as the company and defence industry seek to play an important role in the nation’s post-COVID economic recovery.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Natalie Treloar, Dr Carl Rhodes and Christine Leah, PhD, of the National Institute for Deterrence Studies.

The group discuss a range of topics, including:

• The evolution of deterrence theory throughout the Cold War and in the post-Cold War world as we face an era of great power competition.
• Australia’s history of using deterrence-focused platforms without a coherent strategy of deterrence despite the plans outlined in the Defence Strategic Review and National Defence Strategy.
• The future of Australia’s deterrence capabilities and how to expand the public understanding of deterrence as a “whole-of-nation” effort with benefits for all Australians.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

As the Australian government's trade, investment and education promotion agency, the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) assists Australian businesses of all sizes to navigate complex overseas markets and help facilitate global export.

In this episode of Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Roland Stephens, senior industry expert in defence, advanced manufacturing and space at Austrade, to outline the government's attitude towards defence and space exports, how he would characterise the Australian defence industry as a whole to potential investors, and the key skills required to get a business export ready.

Stephens also explains why risk management is such a critical skill for SMEs in the defence sector, the classic process of entering into a new market, and the grants that are currently available to support SMEs looking to expand internationally.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Navantia Australia and JLB-Yaran recently signed an MOU at Pacific 2019 with the intent of creating and building long-term careers for Indigenous talent in the defence industry.

On this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Navantia Australia’s supply chain Australianisation lead Craig Williams, managing director at JLB-Yaran Brendan Dumbrell, and business development manager at JLB-Yaran Hayden Surrao.

They discuss the benefits of this newly formed relationship in supporting the industry's workforce, explain why working with traditional land owners is vital to establishing sovereign capability, and outline how these organisations are highlighting the defence industry as an attractive career opportunity for Indigenous Australians.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Dr Peter Layton joins host Liam Garman for this week's Defence Connect podcast, examining findings from Dr Layton's recent report titled Countering China’s Gray Zone Strategy.

Gray zone featured strongly in Australia’s 2020 Defence Strategic Update. It declared that: “grey zone activities directly or indirectly targeting Australian interests are occurring now”.

The podcast begins with an analysis on the PRC's gray zone activities within the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and how these activities form part of the broader PRC strategy.

The pair then discuss China's preferred asymmetries, and how they will continue to exploit aversion to war to assert incremental dominance in the region.

The podcast wraps up by analysing what Australia and the Australian defence industry can do to counter these operations within the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, Meryl Swanson, shadow assistant defence minister and federal member for Paterson, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the Labor opposition’s plan for Defence and defence industry.

Swanson begins by explaining why she chose to pursue a career in politics after years in the media, and how she secured a leadership role in the Defence portfolio.

The shadow assistant minister weighs in on the SEA 1000 program, and stresses the need for a clearer framework to ensure delivery of the Attack Class submarines aligns with the nation’s strategic agenda.

Swanson then goes on to outline the Labor opposition’s broader plan to enhance capability by boosting defence spending as a proportion of GDP and further developing sovereign industrial capability.

The MP concludes by noting the importance of encouraging more Australians to forge careers in Defence and defence industry, to ensure the next generation of platforms are equipped to meet the nation’s national security objectives.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Joining the Defence Connect podcast, Mark Goldsack of the UK government's Defence & Security Organisation discusses how the UK government and industry are working to support the development of a sovereign industry capability.

Speaking to host Phil Tarrant at Pacific 2019, Goldsack discusses the growing relationships between the Australian and British Type 26 teams and how the lessons learned in the UK are informing Australia's sovereign naval shipbuilding ambitions.

Goldsack also highlights the importance placed on interoperability at both the military and industrial level and how both governments are seeking to maximise the joint efforts to develop interlinked and sustainable industry and defence capabilities.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Lockheed Martin Australia’s Neale Prescott and Rob Milligan join host Liam Garman to unpack the company’s revolutionary Aegis combat weapons system.

The podcast begins with an analysis into how Aegis operates as the “brain” of the Royal Australian Navy’s integrated air and missile defence system, and how the upcoming Baseline 9 will provide further cutting edge capabilities to the Royal Australian Navy.

The trio then analyses how the system builds a comprehensive 3D map of the threat environment below, on and above the sea – and how the architecture enables the Royal Australian Navy to integrate with Australia’s allies to build a single battlefield picture.

The podcast wraps up with a discussion of how the Aegis has been able to intercept a series of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM), and what other exciting innovations are on the horizon for the weapons system.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, the team from Defence Connect travel to Victoria to sit down with Graeme Bulte, chief executive officer and founder of Aquaterro.

• They discuss developing a sovereign uniform and load carriage capability, and how Aquaterro is delivering for Defence and law enforcement.
• The podcast then turns to unpacking the latest innovations in small arms, in particular, the new innovative range of SIG Sauer weapons and how this will impact sovereign readiness and combat capability.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, CEO of BAE Systems Australia Gabby Costigan provides listeners with an operational update of BAE’s programs in Australia including the recent milestones that the company has achieved with the Hunter Class Frigate program.

Costigan continues by describing the role that BAE Systems has played in facilitating the growth of Australia’s shipbuilding industry, as well as how the company is facilitating the expansion of Australia’s sovereign defence industry and workforce.

The podcast closes with a discussion about the array of other innovative concepts spearheaded by BAE, including the company’s autonomous systems which have contributed to Boeing’s Loyal Wingman and other potential collaborations with the Australian Army.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, vice president and managing director of Boeing Defence Australia, Scott Carpendale, discusses the aerospace company’s ongoing contribution to enhancing defence capability and supporting the growth of local industry.

Carpendale begins by discussing his transition into a leadership role following his appointment in 2019, and outlines how he’s sought to ensure BDA remains a “significant player” in Australia’s defence ecosystem.

The MD then reflects on the evolution of the local defence industry over the past few decades and BDA’s role in fostering a collaborative spirit between stakeholders to achieve long-term goals.

Carpendale goes on to highlight the opportunities around BDA’s pipeline of sustainment and production activity, particularly the Loyal Wingman program, which he says could serve as a model for shaping Australia’s future defence industry strategy.

Finally, the managing director outlines BDA’s plan to attract skilled labour and build the company’s local workforce.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, Peter Maloney, managing director and chief executive officer of cyber security and sovereign cloud services provider AUCloud, joins host Liam Garman to unpack why Australia has become one of the world’s most attractive targets for cyber criminals and how Australian businesses can protect themselves.

• The pair begin the podcast unpacking the factors that make Australia such a tempting target for cyber criminals, and some of the latest tactics and strategies employed by those malicious actors to target businesses and families.
• Maloney and Garman then examine how these methods are becoming more sophisticated over time, and just who is committing the attacks.
• The podcast wraps up discussing how managed security operations centre (SOC) service providers can support businesses, and what businesses must learn from the recent large-scale attacks to build a more robust cyber security framework.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

About AUCloud:

AUCloud is a leading Australian cloud services and cyber security solutions provider, specialising in providing the latest sovereign cloud infrastructure, backup and cyber security threat defence and response services. Listed on the ASX, AUCloud is Australia’s trusted sovereign cloud provider, accredited and certified in accordance with the highest standards to ensure best practice in security, data protection and management.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss a widespread hacking campaign by a network of hacktivist groups and an alleged data breach impacting United States Marine Corps personnel. The pair also catch up on the evolving case of the apparent assassination of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO and talk about the threat of Chinese espionage operations against telecommunications companies.

• Hollingworth and Croft begin by breaking down a campaign by a raft of pro-Russian and pro-Palestine hacktivist groups that recently targeted more than 60 Australian organisations, taking websites offline, defacing others, and even getting into a handful of operational technology environments.
• Croft then breaks down an alleged data breach that saw the personal details of thousands of US Marine Corps personnel leaked on a popular hacking forum. He also goes into some detail about the challenges of reporting and investigating data leaks.
• Finally, Hollingworth and Croft catch up on the latest developments in the case of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and then share stories from a pair of recent discussions with experts from CrowdStrike and BlackBerry regarding the insidious threat of Chinese espionage efforts in the telecommunications sector.

Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

At the start of July, the federal government announced a $270 billion commitment to defence spending for the coming decade, and a new holistic strategy for dealing with an increasingly uncertain world in the Indo-Pacific.

In this exclusive interview, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld, AO, DSC, gives host Phil Tarrant the inside story on how his team is rethinking what a modern air force should look like - and how it can better collaborate with other elements of the ADF and government to drive change.

AIRMSHL Hupfeld lifts the lid on working with artificial intelligence on the Loyal Wingman platform, "robust" conversations with his counterparts in the Navy and Army on an integrated military, the drive towards a fifth-gen fighting force and how the lesson from COVID-19 must be to shore up global supply chains.

He also talks candidly about his love of flying, his journey into the top job in the RAAF, and how he can't wait to get out in his Airtourer and P-51 Mustang in the near future.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, special host Steve Kuper is joined by co-host Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and AMP’s chief economist, Shane Oliver, to discuss the latest economic data and what it means for the nation’s economic and national security.

The trio discuss the recently released Australian gross domestic product figures and the impact of Australia’s ailing economy on national security.

They also discuss:

• Australia’s collapsing productivity and the growth of record government spending on the national economy and the baked-in, long-term structural deficits that will characterise the future fiscal outlook for the country.
• The need to boost economic complexity and diversity to better prepare the nation to face the mounting geopolitical and “whole-of-nation” efforts being leveraged against Australia in this new multipolar world and how best to deliver such a monumental change.
• The urgent need for a serious national debate with the Australian public about the future of the country and its economic future and the intersection of national security.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, director of Purvue Consultancy Group and 22-year Australian Army veteran Leo Purdy joins host Liam Garman to discuss the role of the infantry fighting vehicle on the modern battlefield and how LAND 400 Phase 3 will help shape the Australian Army’s warfighting capabilities.

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Liam Garman is joined by senator for Queensland Matthew Canavan to discuss resource and food security, international politics and Australian domestic policy.

• The pair begin the podcast discussing voting trends in Australia and the results of the recent Queensland election.
• They then examine the need for a robust policy platform that supports Australia’s resources industry, protecting national sovereignty, delivering jobs and economic growth.
• Senator Canavan and Garman then unpack the economic impact of trade embargoes on Australia’s finances, before examining the need for effective biosecurity legislation to protect Australian farmers.
• Finally, the pair discuss the intersection between resources and building a skilled workforce.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

Australia will soon receive a new product from Decision Sciences called Discovery, which is set to revolutionise the way border protection is conducted.

As described by Decision Sciences, the penetration and material discrimination capabilities of Discovery are unparalleled by technologies that have been historically employed by the maritime industry to combat smuggling and terrorism efforts.

Joining Defence Connect podcast host Phil Tarrant are J3Seven's Michael Molnar and Decision Sciences' Geoff Clelland to talk through this technology and its potential for use in Australia.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Professor Emily Hilder, interim Head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, joins host Liam Garman to discuss how ASCA is facilitating innovation in the defence sector and the Commonwealth’s priority areas for defence technological transformation.

• The pair begin the podcast unpacking how ASCA will facilitate technological growth in the defence industry and how it is working with international partners to support innovation.
• Professor Hilder then examines priority areas for defence, including AI, quantum computing, and advanced materials and manufacturing – and how ASCA can help Australian SMEs on their journey.
• The podcast wraps up unpacking what’s next on ASCA’s horizon and how businesses can better collaborate with Defence.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth talks about all the latest AI and cyber news with journalist Daniel Croft - more local ransomware attacks, more data breaches, and scams to watch out for.

• Hollingworth and Croft open once again with all the latest AI news, from more bans of the Chinese chatbot DeepSeek to Elon Musk and a whole bunch of venture capitalists wanting to buy OpenAI to Sam Altman's promise that AI will inevitably get cheaper over time.
• The pair then discuss the week of cyber attacks against Australian organisations. From medical imaging data of Aussies being posted to the dark web to a ransomware gang taking responsibility for hacking an Australian university, it's been a grim week in cyber crime.
• Finally, it's Valentine's Day, and scammers will be out in force, so Hollingworth runs through some common scams to watch out for. Croft then discusses a win for Australian investigators against a Russian hosting service facilitating hackers targeting local companies and individuals.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team

Australia’s defence industry has been garnering significant reputation internationally for the quality of the work provided by both prime contractors and small-to-medium enterprises for some years, and continues to do so. In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, representatives from Thales Australia join host Phil Tarrant to provide fascinating insight into the workings of an enterprise kicking goals both locally and globally.

Graham Evendon, Director of Integrated Weapons and Sensors, and Dion Habner, Australian Munitions managing director, give an in-depth look at how Thales Australia is working to support the needs of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as the demands for sovereign capabilities.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Ventia’s Melanie Evans, group executive/CIO - digital services, and John Parisella, general manager transformation - defence, join host Liam Garman to unpack how Ventia’s new and emerging data-driven capabilities are supporting decision making in Defence.

• Evans and Parisella begin the podcast discussing how Ventia is transforming Defence asset management, including creating digital twins for Defence capabilities the right way through from ships to monitor upkeep to remote Defence assets to maximise workforce outputs.
• They then unpack their practical approach to data-driven decision making, including the practical application of artificial intelligence to streamline internal policy making.
• Evans, Parisella, and Garman wrap up the podcast looking at emerging technologies, including predictive analytics to ensure the efficient use of Defence assets.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect ADSTAR series, Liam Garman sits down with Brian Schimpf, co-founder and CEO of Anduril Industries, and David Goodrich OAM, executive chairman and CEO of Anduril APAC, to unpack how government can facilitate successful defence innovation.

They then discuss why it’s important to let capabilities fail fast, and how the company is investing in Australia to become an R&D and manufacturing hub. 

Schimpf and Goodrich then unpack the Australian–US alliance and how we are accelerating global capabilities, before analysing what Defence can learn from the tech industry in accelerating global technology. 

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Steve Kuper and Liam Garman analyse the Commonwealth’s Defence Strategic Review and Australia’s most recent iteration of a defence by denial strategy.

• The pair begin the podcast unpacking the fundamentals of Australia’s future procurement program and how Australia would seek to deter future adversaries through denial.
• Kuper and Garman then unpack the history of denial strategies employed by the Australian Defence Force and Commonwealth.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team 

Australia is well known for its high standards in the innovation space and the high calibre of graduates coming through the ranks.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, BAE Systems chief technology officer Nigel Whitehead joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss innovation in the Australian Defence force and the changes within the industry over the last 20 years.

Nigel shares his views on Australia’s position in the innovation space, why he believes the Australian education system is producing higher level graduates than the UK and what role engineers are playing in innovation.

The pair also discuss:

• The measures Australia can take to rapidly expand our national defence capability ahead of a potential confrontation over Taiwan.
• The fallout of a conflict between the United States and the People’s Republic of China and its long-term impact on the Indo-Pacific.
• Our initial predictions of what to expect over the next three years as President Xi Jinping’s 2027 deadline approaches.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

Liam Garman, editor of Defence Connect, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the biggest stories from the air domain in 2021.

The pair examine the five most popular stories throughout the year, judged by reads, and discuss what 2022 has in store for defence.

From AIR 6500 to F-35s, join our hosts as we look back on an amazing year in Defence and defence industry.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Major General Marcus Thompson AM has been the head of the Information Warfare Division at the Department of Defence since its establishment in 2017.

MAJGEN Thompson joins hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper on this episode of Defence Connect Insight Podcast to discuss what prompted the formation of the division, and how his strategy strikes a balance between reactively responding to emerging threats and proactively looking to the future.

The Major General outlines the qualities he looks for in recruiting talent to his team, the important distinction between national resilience and security, and the role of the ADF and, more specifically, his division, in responding to significant events such as COVID-19 and the Australian bushfires.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Steve Kuper, Robert Dougherty and Liam Garman unpack Ukraine’s Kursk offensive, Australia’s exposure to global economic headwinds and Iran’s mooted response to Israel’s assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The podcast commences with an analysis of Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk, before examining whether the sanctions have had the desired effect on Russia’s economy.

Kuper, Dougherty and Garman then assess how a growing axis of authoritarianism is creating a parallel global economy, and whether Australia would have the means to survive economic headwinds if it experienced a sharp decrease in commodity demand.

The podcast wraps up discussing Iran’s mooted response to Haniyeh’s assassination, and how actors would respond to regional conflict.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Drew Bagley, vice-president and counsel for privacy and cyber policy at CrowdStrike, joins host Liam Garman to unpack the emerging cyber security trends facing Australian businesses and how the Australian government can draw from success overseas to build a robust and agile policy framework to protect Australians online.

• The pair begin the podcast by unpacking findings from CrowdStrike’s 2023 Threat Hunting report, detailing the emerging and evolving threats that all Australian businesses must monitor, including fascinating insights about the proliferation of non-malware and identity-based attacks.
• Bagley and Garman then discuss the Commonwealth’s 2023 to 2030 Australian Cyber Security Strategy and what the Commonwealth can learn from best practice from overseas governments.
• The pair wrap up the podcast by analysing how governments the world over turn to CrowdStrike to develop their cyber security strategies, and some of the global cyber security company’s top tips for businesses to improve their security online.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team

The pair also discuss:

• The major milestones in the government’s efforts to build the uniformed Defence workforce through 2024, including the release of the 2024 Defence Workforce Plan and Strategic Review of the Australian Defence Force Reserves.
• The key work done to overhaul Defence recruiting and ensure that the recruitment process is fit for the contemporary labour market and to the standards expected by Australian taxpayers.
• The life-long training and professional development opportunities available with a career in the Australian Defence Force, and the efforts being made to ensure that veterans have a seamless transition into the broader economy when they leave the ADF.

Enjoy the Podcast,
The Defence Connect team

According to our statistics, 725,000 unique people connected with the Defence Connect brand in 2019, demonstrating 48 per cent growth across the title.

Deputy editor at Defence Connect Steve Kuper joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast to reflect on the platform's highlights over the past year.

Steve and Phil discuss the development of Defence Connect's longform commentary product Insight, the top five most popular pieces of content of the year, and what the key focuses will be for Defence Connect moving into 2020.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, Liam Garman is joined by Shaun Wilson, founder and head of business development at Shoal Group, and Christopher Hess, head of industrial development at Lockheed Martin Australia.

The podcast begins with a discussion about the history of Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia’s relationship, and how the pair have supported the Australian defence industry.

The trio then provide some feedback for Australian defence SMEs on how they can better enter the defence industry supply chain and collaborate with large defence contractors .

The podcast wraps up analysing the current industry climate, what both participants are hearing within the defence industry and what 2022 has in store for Shoal Group and Lockheed Martin Australia.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Security Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson discuss how the industry can leverage recommendations put forward by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to build a stronger cyber security industry and how cyber can be used as a tool for diplomacy.

• The pair begin the podcast by discussing breaking news in the cyber security industry with the acquisition of ParaFlare by Deloitte Australia.
• Dr Thompson and Tarrant then discuss the lack of confidence in Australia’s cyber security industry and examine how recommendations within the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s three-year strategic plan can be leveraged to keep Australian businesses safe.
• The pair wrap up the podcast discussing identity reform and how the Commonwealth can leverage cyber security as a tool of diplomacy.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this special episode of the Defence Connect Podcast recorded live on-site at the Avalon International Airshow and Defence Exposition, host Phil Tarrant is joined by the senior analyst of defence strategy and capability at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, Dr Malcolm Davis, and Defence Connect journalist Steve Kuper to discuss some of the challenges facing the Australian defence landscape.

Dr Davis will share his thoughts on Australia's position in the global defence environment, discussing the likelihood of Australia being at direct threat and how Australian involvement could look in future conflicts. He will address the gap that he believes has been created with the retirement of the F-111 and will also expand his take on the attitudes of defence leaders towards long-range strike capability.

Finally, they will address the 2016 Defence White Paper and its relevance in the current defence climate, the push to keep Australian training and knowledge within Australia, and why communication with the US defence sector is paramount to our success.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

Australia's pursuit of a continuous shipbuilding industry has been the driving force behind closer integration between defence industry primes and the nation's wealth of SMEs, for Nova Systems' Steve Robinson and Lee Kormany supporting the dialogue between the two levels of defence industry is essential to guaranteeing success.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Government agency Defence SA's primary focus is to maximise investment and deliver workforce within the Australian Defence Force and defence industries.

Chief executive Richard Price joins host Phil Tarrant on this episode of the Defence Connect podcast to outline the government's workforce development plan with regard to money allocated to Defence, convey the current status of the Osborne Naval Shipyard infrastructure, and explain the importance of sovereign space capabilities for Australian defence technologies.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect podcast, senior journalist and host Robert Dougherty discuss digital defence infrastructure with former US Special Operations Command director of networks and services, Colonel (ret’d) Joseph M Pishock.

Joseph Pishock is a 28-year veteran communicator of the US Army and has attended further study at St John’s University in New York City and as a fellow at Columbia University.

Dougherty and Pischock discuss lessons learnt while leading the communication systems of US Special Operations, including in active international war zones.

The pair also discuss the advancement of defence technology and its impacts on monitoring and protecting fundamental digital infrastructure.

They then discuss Pishock’s guest presentation at the recent annual Military Communications and Information Systems expo in Canberra.

They take a deep dive into the importance of remote defence monitoring systems, using first-hand experience of a US special operation in Africa affected by hurricane in Florida.

Finally, the pair discuss how mapping and visualising systems allow countries to spend their Defence budgets more effectively, as well as the role of observability processes for defence cyber security evolving over time.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Steve Kuper and Robert Dougherty explore the recent wave of international announcements, such as the Ukraine 30-day ceasefire, USA tariffs and Australia’s future role in the global order.

The pair discuss a range of topics, including:

• The newly announced tariffs of 25 per cent on all imported steel and aluminium into the United States and Australia’s absolute horror at not attaining an exemption.
• The continuing discussion regarding the US-led peace deal in Ukraine, Ukraine’s acceptance of the US proposal and a look at US President Donald Trump’s endgame for the negotiations and minerals remuneration.
• The global shifts in international power, the emerging "large over small country" global order and Australia's role in a new sphere of influence strategy.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Phil Tarrant is joined by Air Marshal (Retired) Warren McDonald AO, CSC.

The pair begin by discussing Air Marshal McDonald’s previous role heading up the joint capabilities at the ADF and how he’s bringing his experience to lead Lockheed Martin Australia as the company’s new chief executive.

The podcast continues, analysing the new capabilities the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fleet will bring to the Royal Australian Air Force as four of the fifth-generation jets touched down at their new home in RAAF Base Tindal this month.

The pair wrap up the podcast discussing resilience and Air Marshal McDonald’s take on how the defence industry has handled the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

Cyber Security Uncut is back with the second episode of the podcast, hosted by Major General (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of the Department of Defence’s Information Warfare Division and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media.

The podcast begins by analysing the impact that organisational budget cuts within the cyber and IT portfolios have had on the ability for businesses to manage the growing financial risk of cyber penetration.

The pair continue by analysing where cyber security risk management teams and chief information security officers (CISOs) should sit in organisational structures, and what the Australian government’s cyber security watchdogs are doing to combat this growing threat.

The podcast wraps up by discussing how businesses can better prepare themselves for cyber penetrations by investigating recent phishing and ransomware operations.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Connect Team

After serving as an army captain in Afghanistan, Jason Scanes was under the impression that his interpreter would be granted a special protection visa to join him in Australia.

Five years later, frustrated with the lack of transparency around the status of the application, Scanes founded Forsaken Fighters to support other veterans and mission essential personnel in similar positions.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Scanes joins host Phil Tarrant to talk about why his not-for-profit organisation is so critical for those who have served, the psychological implications around this issue of moral injury, and how the application process could be improved.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Insight Podcast, author and historian Dr Will Davies joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss his passion for telling the stories of Australia’s wartime past.

Dr Davies explains why he decided to pursue a new career as an author of Australian history after spending almost 40 years in the documentary filmmaking industry.

The author details his writing process, explaining how he turns an idea and in-depth research into a best-selling history book.

Davies goes on to discuss the evolution of the Australian Defence Force and the development of local defence industry capability.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, the 2024 Western Australian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner, Mandy Walker, joins senior journalist Robert Dougherty to discuss new ways to integrate regional businesses into the defence supply chain to resist seasonal challenges in Australia.

• The pair discuss the 2024 WA AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, the national finals, and working in Western Australia.
• Walker, co-manager of Walkers Diesel Services, then explains a new initiative expected to pave the way for regional engineering businesses to participate in the defence industry supply chain.
• Walker and Dougherty wrap up the podcast by looking at decision making in Western Australia and her plans to win the national AgriFutures award.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Senator David Fawcett, chair of joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade, discusses the government’s newly released report on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australia’s foreign affairs, defence and trade.

Senator Fawcett discusses how the report tackles the broad issue of Australian sovereignty in critical national systems, from defence industry through to fuel and finance.

The Senator continues to discuss potential frameworks to achieve Australian sovereignty in these critical national systems in order to build national resilience.

Senator Fawcett ends by analysing the risks to Australia’s national supply chain from a range of threats, both from allies and adversaries, and the Australia’s necessary next steps.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Joe Hockey, former Australian ambassador to the United States, joins hosts Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Steve Kuper to discuss the continued importance of the Australia–US relationship.

• The trio begin by discussing the fallout of the latest presidential debate between contenders, former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, touching on the implications for the bilateral relationship.
• They also discuss the role of grey zone warfare and information warfare efforts in the upcoming election and how they may shape the outcome.
• Finally, they discuss the importance of the partnership in helping Australia reindustrialise and build a truly sovereign defence industrial base, with a pathway forward to establishing an integrated Australian prime.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Contested Ground team

In this episode of Cyber Security Uncut, Aiden Tudehope, co-founder and managing director, government and hosting group at Macquarie Telecom Group, joins hosts Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant, director – defence and security at Momentum Media, to discuss the company’s recent expansion in the data security space.

The trio beginning by weighing in on the trilateral AUKUS agreement between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, discussing what it might mean for technological development in the cyber domain.

Tudehope, MAJGEN (Ret’d) Thompson, and Tarrant go on to note the importance of digital sovereignty in ensuring the nation retains control of sensitive data, minimising national security vulnerabilities.

Tudehope then discusses the evolution of Macquarie Telecom Group, explaining how the company reimagined its purpose to support Australia’s changing data security needs.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Daniel Croft discuss recent changes in Australian cyber policy and recent cyber crime activity. The two debate the controversial social media ban and the use of AI in university assessments, before discussing a website defacement case that could be the start of something much bigger, as well as the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

• The podcast begins with a discussion of Sydney University’s move to allow students to use AI tools for assessments, one that Croft believes could prepare students for a future AI workplace, while Garman thinks it deprives students of higher, critical thought.
• The two then debate the recently passed social media age ban, what it means for young people’s mental health on and offline and the way it was approached by the government.
• Croft then outlines a case of website defacement on an Australian disability service provider, which could be the start of a wider campaign, as the threat group has begun forming alliances with other cyber criminals, all with their sights on Australia.
• Finally, Garman and Croft don their tinfoil hats to speculate on theories as to why the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, which had suffered a massive ransomware attack this year, was gunned down in New York.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team

In this special cross over podcast, MAJ GEN (Ret'd) Marcus Thompson joins Clare Pales, director of The Secure Board, as a guest on the Secure Board podcast.

The pair begin by analysing how recent legislative changes will impact Australia's cyber security environment, and the flow on effects that policy changes will have on local business.

Thompson and Pales continue the podcast discussing the importance of having cyber security expertise at senior management levels in companies to ensure that businesses have a cyber security culture.

The pair wrap up the podcast by discussing strategies on how businesses can maintain cyber safe practices.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Security Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Commodore (Ret’d) Vince Di Pietro joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss Australia’s national resilience, examining key findings from the report, Australia – A complacent nation: Our reactions are too little, too late, too short-sighted, published by the Institute for Integrated Economic Resilience’s National Resilience Project.

The podcast begins by analysing Australia’s military and emergency first response capabilities to natural disasters, and how Di Pietro used multidimensional insights from recent natural disasters to compile his working group’s component of the report. To view the report, click here.

The pair then analyse the evolution of the term national resilience which has become widely used among Australia’s key decision makers, and the uptick in ADF domestic response operations.

The podcast wraps up by analysing policy responses to this changing field, and outlines how local communities must be empowered to engage with emergency procedures.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, host David Hollingworth and journalist Daniel Croft talk about Apple backdoors, Facebook bans, the disastrous Signal chat that exposed the highest levels of the Trump administration as less than security-minded and how we report on exposed databases.

• Hollingworth and Croft get the ball rolling with a news wrap-up focusing on malware posing as Chinese chatbot DeepSeek, Papua New Guinea’s new trial Facebook ban, and behind-closed-door deliberations on the UK’s efforts to get a backdoor into Apple devices.
• After a short break, the pair get to the biggest story of the week – a leaked Signal chat between senior Trump administration officials that somehow had an American journalist added to the chat. Hollingworth and Croft talk about the security implications, the proper use of apps like Signal, and the alarming revelation that JD Vance may have been the smartest person in the room.
• To round things out for the week, Croft talks about a recent database exposure suffered by a popular Australian hardware chain, why reporting on data leaks and breaches can be a difficult thing to cover, and why not all data leaks are equal.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Graeme Bick, global test and evaluation campaign chief solution architect at QinetiQ, and Adjunct Associate Professor Dr Keith Joiner, engineering management and systems engineering at Old Dominion University, join host Liam Garman to discuss how T&E, certification, and systems assurance are essential for the delivery of Defence capabilities. 

• The trio begin the podcast unpacking how industry needs to adapt how it undertakes T&E as Defence embarks on an era of rapid modernisation, and those impediments facing T&E in Australia.
• Bick and Dr Joiner then discuss areas for improvement in the Australian T&E workforce, and how academia and industry can work together to ameliorate workforce constraints.
• They wrap up looking at how education providers can train Australia’s future T&E workforce, and how the Defence Capability Assurance and Oversight Bill will help Defence and industry. 

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Dr Marcus Thompson discuss the key recommendations and findings from the recently released Australian Cyber Security Strategy, ASD Cyber Threat Report, and ASIC cyber pulse survey.

The pair discuss: 

• recent appointments at Penten and unpack breaking news in the cyber security industry;

• updates to the ASD Essential Eight Maturity Model, in particular, examining how new guidelines will help mitigate threat detection and response times; and

• the must-know findings from the ASD Cyber Threat Report and ASIC cyber pulse survey, and how the Australian Cyber Security Strategy will shape the cyber security industry.

In this special Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Liam Garman and Steve Kuper unpack the findings of the government’s independent analysis of the Navy’s surface combatant fleet with former defence minister and ambassador to the US, the Honourable Kim Beazley AC.

The trio begin by discussing the background and logic behind the review and how they shaped the findings the government ultimately released.

They then move on to discuss the government’s commitment to expand the number of surface combatants in the fleet and the emphasis on building out the “Tier 2” fleet alongside innovative capabilities, including autonomy.

Finally, the trio discuss the balancing act required to deliver this ambitious plan and Australia’s fleet of nuclear-powered submarines.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Mike Pezzullo, principal author of the 2009 Defence White Paper and former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, joins host Steve Kuper to unpack how the Australian Defence Force can meet the demands of the nation’s uncertain security environment.

• The pair begin the podcast by looking at the alternative global order, including an emerging Eurasian bloc that is seeing North Korean troops deployed in Russia and BRICS’ alternative financial system.
• They then examine geopolitical fractures between BRICS members and whether China is in an economic position to become a global hegemon.
• Pezzullo then analyses how Australia’s force structure is designed to overcome low-level threats and why the country needs a new base level of Defence spending.
• Kuper and Pezzullo wrap up by discussing efficiencies in domestic manufacturing and how technology can expedite the production of large-scale naval assets.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

On this episode of Defence Connect Insight, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper are joined by the Hon. David Fawcett, senator for South Australia and chair of the parliamentary joint standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and trade.

Fawcett delves into the inquiry he is currently leading into the strategic implications of COVID-19, how Australia is currently faring in terms of national sovereignty, and his committee's sentiment towards the nation's potential to develop its local supply chain.

He explains how COVID-19 has accelerated conversations around national resilience, the strategic implications of the pandemic in relation to human rights, and the tangible action expected to come out of this inquiry.

Enjoy the podcast,

The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, Northrop Grumman Australia’s Triton program director, Andrew “Jake” Campbell, joins host Phil Tarrant to discuss the way uncrewed systems like the MQ-4C Triton will help reshape the Royal Australian Air Force and provide an update on the program ahead of the release of the Defence Strategic Review. 

• Campbell provides a history of his time in uniform and experience operating the P-3C Orion conducting maritime surveillance and intelligence operations across Australia’s northern approaches, and how this experience informed the pursuit of the next-generation MQ-4C Triton capability for the RAAF. 
• The pair also discusses how uncrewed platforms like Triton will help complement the crewed P-8A Poseidon fleet to conduct high-priority operations hunting for adversarial submarines by providing unmatched time on station, reliable, real-time access to large volumes of intelligence and surveillance data, and how this will enable the ADF to establish a fifth-generation warfighting capability. 
• The podcast wraps up by unpacking the survivability and the operational advantages Triton will provide to the ADF in high-intensity operations, and the future of uncrewed platforms ahead of the release of the Defence Strategic Review.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team

In 2018, Matthew “Matty” Brumby co-captained the Australian team at the Invictus Games held in Sydney. Four years since leading the Aussies, Matty is still a massive supporter of Invictus Australia’s essential work. The Navy veteran shared his lived experience of trials, tribulations and triumphs with Defence Connect journalist Nastasha Tupas.

Originally from Devonport, Tasmania, Matty joined the Navy in 1994 right after finishing high school and spent some time on board HMAS Newcastle and HMAS Brisbane as a steward. While undertaking selection to be a Navy clearance diver, he collapsed on the beach in 2000, and he was then diagnosed with a syrinx, a fluid-filled cavity in his spinal cord that had paralysed him from just below the chest down.

After suffering the life-changing injury that cut his Navy career short, Matty has had a great run as a sportsman. He is an Invictus Games gold medallist and added these wins under his belt – Ironman World Champion and Half Ironman World Champion. As a motivational speaker, he advocates for the benefits sports provides for the mind, body and spirit.

Connecting with like-minded people and building a support network has been a big part of Matty’s rehabilitation. His strong support network includes Willow, a six-year-old chocolate Labrador whom he met at the Invictus Games in 2018 through Integra. Willow assists him in competing at events around the world.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect Team

Understanding the dynamics of regional areas in Australia can offer lucrative opportunities for investors.

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, co-hosts Liam Garman and Discover Buyers Agency’s Kane Dury sit down with Morgan Oliver, director and sales agent of JMO Property Group, to unpack the ins and outs of property investment in the town of Gatton.

Gatton, in regional Queensland, is poised for economic growth with major infrastructure projects underway, such as a medium-security prison and a high-speed rail, creating thousands of stable government jobs, which the trio highlight as appealing for property investors.

The group also discusses how investors in the defence sector can focus on regional areas to grow their portfolio by buying property at each posting, leveraging grants like Home Purchase Assistance Scheme (HPAS) and Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) to gain financial benefits, and then rent-vest to foster cash flow and long-term portfolio growth.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack building a nexus between academia, business and our national security organisations to build a stronger domestic cyber security industry.

• MAJGEN (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson begins the podcast by discussing his experience setting up the Australian Defence Force’s initial cyber and information warfare capabilities and discusses creating a pathway into the cyber security industry to foster public-private innovation.
• The pair then unpack the challenges in creating a nexus between academia, industry and national security with the risk of foreign interference on university campuses.
• Tarrant and Thompson then discuss the Change Healthcare hack and the operating model of politically and financially motivated criminal gangs.
• The podcast wraps up by analysing the benefits of the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act and the Australian Digital ID legislation and how governments can improve legislation yet further.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Cyber Uncut team

With a sigh of relief we have seen the end of 2020, but this new year is set to be a big year for Defence and defence industry as Australia prepares for the challenges of the 2020s.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant and Steve Kuper recap the year that was 2020 and some of the early announcements kicking off what is sure to be a huge 2021.

The pair discuss the government’s decision to replace the ARH Tiger’s with the venerable Boeing AH-64E Apache and the arrival of NUSHIP Supply, the first of the Navy’s next generation AOR replenishment vessels.

Phil and Steve then briefly discuss the geo-strategic environment and challenges facing incoming US President Joe Biden, and what we can expect over the next four years.

Finally, the pair also discuss some of the new year success stories for Australian defence industry leaders; Sydney-based advanced manufacturing powerhouse Quickstep and Canberra-based cyber security company archTIS.

Enjoy the podcast,
The Defence Connect team