SPOTLIGHT: From training target to tactical edge, with QinetiQ Australia’s Andrew Forbes and Cher Min Teo

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by the Honourable Andrew Hastie MP, shadow minister for home affairs, for a hard-hitting discussion on the shifting nature of Australia’s national security challenges. No longer confined to conventional defence or counter-terrorism, the security debate now spans economic sovereignty, industrial security, and social cohesion. Against the backdrop of recent revelations of Iranian espionage attempts on Australian soil, Hastie warns that hostile foreign actors are probing Australia’s vulnerabilities, not only in cyber space and critical infrastructure, but in the trust that underpins our diverse society. Throughout the conversation, Hastie shares how his perspective has sharpened since stepping into the shadow portfolio following his time as shadow minister for Defence. He outlines the emerging contest for resilience – whether in defending supply chains, protecting advanced technologies, or insulating the national economy from coercion. Kuper presses Hastie on the domestic implications of foreign espionage operations, particularly the way they threaten multicultural harmony and fuel social division. Hastie stresses that Australia must be proactive in countering influence operations, strengthening intelligence partnerships, and reinforcing trust across society. The discussion then broadens to the strategic importance of resilience, a whole-of-nation approach that prepares Australians not just to respond to crises, but to withstand them. Hastie points to key policy gaps, from weak industrial capacity to fragmented national planning, and calls for a more integrated framework that links defence, economy, and society into a coherent security posture. As Australia navigates an increasingly contested world, this episode challenges listeners to rethink what security really means. The conversation offers sharp insights into how Australia can adapt to a new era of threats and why resilience must sit at the heart of any credible national security agenda. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Andrew Forbes, chief growth officer, and Cher Min Teo, campaign director for capability assurance, training and simulation at QinetiQ Australia, to discuss the role of Australia's sovereign test and evaluation capabilities and the role it plays in sharpening Australia's defence capability. With Australia at a pivotal moment in its defence evolution – shaped by the 2023 Defence Strategic Review, the 2024 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, and the Defence Industry Development Strategy – the conversation explores how test, evaluation, and mission rehearsal environments are becoming central to future force readiness. Together, Forbes and Teo unpack the role QinetiQ Australia is playing in advancing sovereign capability, with a particular focus on the Phoenix uncrewed aerial system. Originally developed as a training target, Phoenix has evolved into a versatile platform supporting the Army, Navy, and Air Force in simulating threats, validating combat systems, and refining tactics. Having successfully completed its 500th flight, the system is not only a story of Australian design and manufacturing success, but also of international collaboration, with users spanning Singapore, New Zealand, Thailand, Korea, and Germany. In this episode, the discussion also highlights how lessons from Phoenix feed directly into broader programs, from guided weapons to autonomous systems, ensuring the ADF remains prepared for the challenges of a fast-changing global security environment. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss the latest AI news, some worrying trends in cyber crime, and this year’s largest supply chain hack, impacting hundreds of companies worldwide. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by looking at the NSW government embracing AI and the federal government’s timely move to ban deepfake “nudify” apps that are being used to bully and harrass. The pair then catch up with the latest cyber crime news, from the wide-ranging Salesloft Drift hacks that have impacted companies like Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks, to a brazen local hack that’s seen delicate health data published online by unscrupulous ransomware operators. Hollingworth and Croft wind things up with some mostly good news, with an AI stethoscope potentially a game changer for heart health, and an international operation to take down a fake ID marketplace. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Contested Ground podcast, Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret’d) Dr Marcus Thompson and Liam Garman unpack the escalating role of information warfare in today’s conflicts. From the mobile phone’s transformation into a weapon to the blurred lines between propaganda and “information operations”, the team dissects how truth itself has become contested ground. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating a “post-truth” world dominated by political tribalism, misinformation, and the weaponisation of narratives. The hosts reflect on conflicts such as Gaza, where competing lobbies and real-time social media footage shape global perceptions. They also examine Australia’s role within the Five Eyes alliance, including revelations of restricted intelligence sharing around the Ukraine peace talks – a development that could reshape international cooperation and Canberra’s strategic outlook. The team rounds out the discussion with broader geopolitical and domestic challenges, from US talk of military action in Latin America to Australia’s housing affordability crisis – all underlining the reality that contestation extends far beyond the battlefield. Enjoy the podcast, The Contested Ground team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by the Australian Defence Industry Awards’ Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME), Sarah Bailey, to discuss the nature of leadership, courage, and opportunity as the chief executive of PentenAmio Australia. Bailey has previously held senior leadership roles at EY, Australia Post, and National Australia Bank and has served on the advisory board of the University of Canberra. The pair discuss a range of topics regarding the defence industry, including: Bailey’s experience winning the Female Defence Leader of the Year (SME) award and the acknowledgement of the entire defence industry at ADIA in Canberra. Her philosophy on leadership and conflict resolution, as well as the challenges of managing the merger of Penten and Amiosec in May this year. Business life as a female CEO in a traditionally male-dominated sector of business, such as the defence industry. Bailey’s mentors and the people who have inspired and helped along the way. The pair wrap up the podcast discussing personal challenges and plans for the future. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

How do you forge a trailblazing path and rise to leadership in the Australian Defence Force? In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Tash Taylor sits down with Rear Admiral Letitia Van Stralen, head of Military Personnel for the Australian Defence Force. ADML Van Stralen shares how her 30-year journey began with a law degree, which led her to being one of the first women on a Navy destroyer, evolving into senior leadership roles shaping the future of the ADF. From mentoring young women, navigating deployments, and building supportive networks to advocating for diversity and inclusion across the force, ADML Van Stralen opens up about the resilience, determination, and opportunities that have defined her career. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss a pair of lawsuits targeting ChatGPT’s maker, cyber crime news, and one US politician’s novel solution to combat hackers. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off by addressing a pair of lawsuits targeting OpenAI and the tragic case of a teenager who was allegedly aided in their suicide by ChatGPT’s advice. The pair then catch up with the latest news: from a string of cyber attacks that targeted Western Sydney University to Google’s warning of increased Iranian cyber attacks and a round-up of this week’s local ransomware attacks targeting Aussie businesses. Hollingworth and Croft end the podcast discussing Australia’s “right to disconnect” laws and the bold plan of one American politician to bring back the Age of Sail’s letters of marque to recruit cyber privateers. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Heston Russell – a public speaker, author and former Australian Special Forces officer – to discuss the 2025 Veteran Games and the recent regional heat held in Darwin on 22 August and later this year on the Gold Coast (11 and 12 October). Russell has previously served in 2nd Commando Regiment as a Commando Platoon commander, was deployed to four combat operational deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, served in Iraq as a Special Operations joint lead planner within the Special Operations Joint Task Force and completed a year-long exchange within the United States Special Operations Command. He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of NSW, majoring in history and Indonesian. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: The Veteran Games, veterans support services and why Russell founded the games in 2022 in response to findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. Returning home and the reality of living in Australia as a military veteran, the challenges associated with reacclimatising to civilian life and how the defence industry can help veterans return with life of purpose outside the Australian Defence Force. Russell’s own experience navigating media scrutiny after service and his recommendations to other veterans in their interactions with journalists. His experience as a young veteran in relation to traditional support associations in Australia. The pair also look at whether these organisations have the draw and support needed to attract younger veterans. The podcast wraps up by discussing the need to improve Australian leadership, take a bigger role in peacekeeping operations and how Australia can be a force for good in peacekeeping across the globe. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Kane Dury from Discover Buyers Agency and Liam Garman, editor of Smart Property Investment, tackle the property questions that Australian Defence Force members can’t afford to ignore. They explore how the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest rate cut could impact borrowing capacity and why understanding these shifts early gives Defence buyers an edge. The duo emphasise the power of expert guidance – from mortgage brokers who compare multiple lenders to accountants and buyer’s agents who know how to avoid costly traps. Dury also sheds light on the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS) entitlements, explaining how both active and Reservist members can use them to unlock new investment opportunities. From the growing popularity of rentvesting to upcoming changes in first home buyer schemes, the episode equips ADF personnel with strategies to balance lifestyle and long-term wealth creation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty sits down with Harry Hickling, managing director at APV Corporation, to discuss the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation in the evolving landscape of defence and automotive industries. Hickling takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing how the company runs laboratory tests on military and civilian-focused vehicles, ensuring automotive equipment doesn’t compromise safety systems. The podcast also focuses on APV Engineering and Testing Services’ (APV-T) use of advanced simulation technology to run thousands of virtual test scenarios, reducing development costs and time to market. The pair also discuss the broader implications of simulation in defence, where it’s helping to de-risk expensive and challenging testing scenarios. APV is growing its international presence and the company’s expanding its staff to meet the increasing demand for simulation expertise. The episode wraps up with an invitation for engineers and technicians to join APV in its mission to enhance safety across industries, especially military and automotive sectors. With their cutting-edge work, APV is setting new standards for testing and safety. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team