Australia’s role in a multipolar world with Mike Pezzullo and Ross Babbage
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mike Pezzullo, former secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, and Ross Babbage, CEO of Strategic Forum and a Non-Resident Senior Fellow of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, to discuss Australia’s role and challenges in the deteriorating global order. The trio discuss a range of issues facing Australia and the broader Western alliance network at a time when authoritarian powers are on the march across the globe, including: The triumph and importance of American power in securing a peace deal between Israel and Palestine that has continued to rage since 7 October 2023. Predictions about Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s first official bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. Mounting political and public concern about Australia’s lack of economic complexity and industrial capacity and its impact on national security and sovereignty. Real world examples of reindustrialisation in action across the United States and other like-minded nations that can provide models for Australia to emulate. Policy measures our leaders can implement to facilitate the rebuilding of Australia’s industrial base and enhance our national security. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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1:05:19
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1:05:19
THE PROGRESS REPORT: From sad Sundays to lifelong bonds: The stories of war Widows
Imagine being part of a group that no one ever wants to join – a community born from loss, but one that becomes a lifeline. On this episode of The Progress Report, running in time for War Widows Day on 19th October, Tash Taylor sits down with war widows Jenny Ware, Lynne Boyd and Wendy McKean, who have turned grief into friendship, laughter, and resilience. Through candid stories, they reveal how shared experiences of military loss forge bonds that help navigate grief, isolation, and life’s challenges. From the “Friendship Line” connecting widows across the country to “Sad Sunday” lunches, rural support networks, and acts of everyday care, these women show how community and companionship sustain them. They share laughter, tears, and invaluable life lessons – on honouring loved ones, embracing life after loss, enjoying simple pleasures, and showing respect and empathy to others. Their stories are a testament to courage, connection, and living fully despite adversity. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
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1:15:43
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SPOTLIGHT: Testing for tomorrow – how Nova Systems is building Australia’s sovereign T&E backbone
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper sits down with Tim Grabert and Chris White to discuss the increasing importance of Australia’s test and evaluation capabilities. The trio discuss the importance of contemporary test and evaluation (T&E) capabilities as outlined in the government’s 2023 Defence Industry Development Strategy and the role it will play in shaping the future of Australia’s defence capabilities. They also discuss: The opportunities AUKUS Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 will present for Australia’s T&E community. The critical role of workforce development, standardisation and professionalisation to keep pace with the modernisation of the Australian Defence Force. The range of challenges emerging as a result of the suite of next-generation technologies already transforming the “joint force”. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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36:32
CYBER UNCUT: Aussie fined over deepfakes, Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters goes wild, and Asahi hacker revealed
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth walk through the latest in AI news, with Deloitte paying money back to the NSW government for an AI report, hacking news, with a deep dive into just who Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters might be, and the Qilin ransomware gang taking responsibility for the Asahi hack. Croft and Hollingworth begin by talking about AI hallucinations stinging Deloitte, flood victims getting caught up in a ChatGPT data breach, and a first-of-its-kind fine levied against an Australian creator of deepfake pornography. The two then cover the week in cyber crime, tallying up some of the latest victims of Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters, the shadowy links between that group and another “new” hacking group, and more cyber woes for Western Sydney University. Good news is thin on the ground this month, but Croft and Hollingworth find some in the fact that Asahi Japan is bringing its processes back online, as the Qilin RaaS operation takes responsibility for the attack. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team
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CONTESTED GROUND: The information and financial risks to national unity
In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, hosts Phil Tarrant, Liam Garman, and Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson unpack how Australia’s shifting information and economic environment is deepening social rifts and reshaping national security. Tarrant opens with the housing debate, questioning whether allowing buyers into the market with just a 5 per cent deposit strengthens opportunity or fuels instability. Garman warns that financial strain on younger Australians could erode national unity. The conversation turns to data sovereignty and AI infrastructure, and how Australia must strengthen data protection and build infrastructure capable of expanding a sovereign AI industry. The hosts also explore the evolving information and cyber domain, warning that influence operations and online manipulation are amplifying social division, examining a number of online influence campaigns. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team
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