Food security, biosecurity and national resilience with Andrew Henderson, director of AgSecure
In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, managing editor Steve Kuper speaks with Andrew Henderson, director of AgSecure and a leading voice on agricultural resilience, biosecurity, and national preparedness. Together, they explore the recently released National Food Security Strategy discussion paper, the importance of critical inputs like fuel and fertiliser, the implications of trade disputes, and the growing need to integrate food systems into defence planning. The pair also discuss why food security is no longer just an agricultural issue – it’s a national security imperative. With global supply chains under pressure, climate risks mounting, and adversaries willing to target agricultural systems through biosecurity breaches or even agroterrorism, Australia faces a complex challenge in safeguarding the nation’s food and fibre production. From the risks of varroa mite and foot and mouth disease to the opportunities of regional self-reliance and biotechnology, Henderson outlines why food security must be elevated to the same level of priority as Australia’s defence posture – and why a secure Indo-Pacific is, ultimately, a well-fed one. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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36:13
SPOTLIGHT: Shaping the future of ADF training and simulation with Benjamin Rice, managing director of Coherics
In this episode, host Steve Kuper sits down with Benjamin Rice, managing director at Coherics, to unpack the critical role of training and simulation in preparing the Australian Defence Force and its allies for the challenges of modern warfare. From the vast live-fire exercises of Talisman Sabre to the increasingly vital domains of cyber, space and multi-domain operations, the conversation explores how realistic training environments are evolving to keep pace with technological change and operational demands. Drawing on his extensive Air Force career and industry expertise, Rice provides unique insights into the blending of live, synthetic and constructive training, and the importance of innovation in getting capability into the hands of the warfighter faster. Together, they examine the future of training – from gaming-inspired immersion and augmented reality to tailored, on-demand learning solutions designed to accelerate readiness – and the cultural and institutional shifts required to make it all possible. This is a deep dive into the future of defence training and simulation and how Australian industry is driving solutions that will keep our people sharp, adaptable and ready for the battlefield of tomorrow. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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CYBER UNCUT: SA launches EdChat, a new ‘sophisticated’ ransomware gang, and Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters finished?
In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and its incorporation in Australian education, the latest from ransomware operators targeting Australian organisations, and the alleged retirement of Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing UNSW and its partnership with OpenAI, which will see 10,000 licenses rolled out to students. The pair then discuss new and older ransomware gangs, with a new sophisticated ransomware operation called The Gentlemen coming out of the gates strong, while Kairos continues to harm Australian businesses. Croft and Hollingworth then discuss the ongoing Jaguar Land Rover cyber attack, which has led to increased factory operation delays. Finally, the two discuss action by eSafety to introduce new safeguards in the popular online game Roblox to protect children from predators, a move that Roblox seems to be complying with. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team
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THE PROGRESS REPORT: How Niru Verma turned Post-it notes into a blueprint for breaking barriers in cyber
What happens when a woman with the “how hard can it be” gene takes on the male-dominated world of cyber and national security? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Tash Taylor sits down with Niru Verma, partner at Excelium, to unpack the twists and turns of her career – from 11 years in the APS to launching her own business, to leading teams in one of Canberra’s fastest-growing cyber firms. With candour and warmth, Niru shares how Post-it notes on her wall shaped her career goals, why authenticity matters more than conformity, and how mentorship can change the trajectory of women’s careers in STEM. This is a story of resilience, problem-solving, and redefining leadership in the technical industry. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team
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SPOTLIGHT: Shaping Australia’s maritime future – Serco’s role in supporting the RAN and ADF
In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Peter Behrendt, managing director of defence for Serco Asia-Pacific, to unpack the role of Serco in supporting the Royal Australian Navy. They discuss the countdown to Indo Pacific 2025, with much of the spotlight falling on Australia’s maritime capabilities – particularly with the recent announcement of the evolved Mogami Class frigates and the impact these advanced vessels are expected to have as the future backbone of the Royal Australian Navy. They also discuss Serco’s contribution across Australia and New Zealand. With a workforce of around 2,500 employees spanning 85 sites, Serco delivers critical services for the Australian Defence Force, from logistics and training to medical support. The company also plays a direct role in supporting the RAN across major bases, including Darwin, Cairns, Stirling, and Garden Island in Sydney. In this episode, we also dive into: Serco’s operation of the Nuyina, Australia’s cutting-edge Antarctic icebreaker, and the discussions around a potential second vessel. Opportunities for enhanced collaboration in maritime security, including with partners like the US Coast Guard. The adoption of emerging technologies – from AI and machine learning to additive manufacturing – in supporting the ADF. The game-changing potential of autonomous systems, such as Serco’s USX-1 Nomars unmanned vessel. The importance of building a pipeline of young Australians into defence careers, with service framed as community contribution.As Australia looks to bolster its sovereign industrial base and prepare for an increasingly contested maritime environment, Serco’s integration of technology, innovation, and trusted services offers valuable insight into the path ahead. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team
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