SPOTLIGHT: The role of AUKUS Pillar 2 in shaping the future, with Leidos Australia's Zac Smith and ASPI's Dr Malcolm Davis

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Robert Dougherty sits down with PentenAmio executive co-chair Matthew Wilson to discuss the rapidly evolving world of secure communications. The pair examine the redefined world of sovereign capability in secure mobile communications, artificial intelligence-enabled cyber defence and electronic deception technologies. In the lead-up to the Military Communications and Information Systems Conference 2025 and the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2025, the pair assess the need to embrace mobile-first resilience and depth of collaboration between industry, government and Defence to strengthen national strategy. They also discuss: The historic merger of Penten and Amiosec earlier this year and the company's new strategic position. Secure Mobility and its critical role in today's government and defence industry context. How effective collaboration between government, defence and industry can deliver sovereign, usable solutions that meet emerging national security challenges. Finally, the pair close out the podcast announcing a commemorative sculpture installation at the Defence Force School of Signals, in recognition of the fine work performed by Australian Defence Force signals personnel. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Zac Smith of Leidos Australia and Dr Malcolm Davis of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute to unpack the role of AUKUS Pillar 2 and the future of the Australian Defence Force. The trio discuss a range of topics as they navigate the still murky world of AUKUS Pillar 2 and what it means for the future of the Australian Defence Force, including: The need for AUKUS partners to focus their efforts in supporting the commercialisation of novel technologies to accelerate the delivery of critical warfighting capability. The role of competitive pressure from potential adversaries as they seek to develop and field next-generation capabilities across the warfighting domains. The impact of the US Global Posture Review and its impact on Australia's defence industry and the future of the ADF in the era of great-power competition. Future predictions about the trends that are shaping both allied and adversarial defence and technology developments. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about the latest AI news, the week in cyber crime, Tasmanian government breach woes, and Australia signing an important UN cyber crime treaty. The pair kick things off with some AI news, including OpenAI opening up about how many of its users talk about their mental health challenges with the bot, and the company's latest move to create AI music. Hollingworth and Croft then move on to cyber crime in Australia. A breach linked to vocational student management platform VETtrak has gotten several Tasmanian government agencies caught out, Anubis ransomware continues to be a horrible group of people, and the AFP stands up two new cyber crime taskforces. Finally, some good news: the Australian government has said it will carve out protections for Australian artists wanting to protect their work from ravenous AI companies, and the UN has established a new cyber crime treaty.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Bethany Alvaro speaks with Isaac Ohlin, general manager of policy and services at RSL NSW, about the establishment of the Defence and Veterans' Service Commission – launched on 29 September 2025 in response to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (2021). The pair discuss the commission's purpose, challenges and impact on Australia's defence and veteran communities, including: The commission's role in providing independent oversight of the government's response to more than 100 royal commission recommendations. The urgency of addressing veteran suicide, with over 1,800 deaths since 1997, and the need for transparent, systemic reform. Barriers to timely action, including the complexity and sensitivity of suicide prevention within the defence ecosystem. The importance of cultural and systemic change within the ADF to promote help-seeking behaviour and improve wellbeing. The critical transition period for veterans leaving service – identifying gaps in support, responsibility between Defence and the Department of Veterans' Affairs, and the role of ex-service and community organisations in bridging those gaps. Measures of success for the commission, such as progress on recommendations, stakeholder engagement and, ultimately, a reduction in suicidality rates. Ways the broader community and employers can support veterans through understanding, inclusion and employment opportunities. Ohlin concludes that while the commission's creation is a positive and necessary step, "the hard work is still ahead", requiring collaboration across government, ex-service organisations and the wider public to deliver meaningful change. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

Ever wondered what it takes to lead with resilience while balancing life, career and wellbeing? In this episode of The Progress Report, Tash Taylor sits down with Marisa Branscombe, head of marketing communication at Atturra, to talk about leadership, resilience, and the human side of managing teams in high-pressure environments. Marisa shares how her career evolved from rural media to leading people-focused initiatives across male-dominated industries, and how her passion for supporting others has shaped her approach to leadership. We dive into topics like creating supportive workplace cultures, navigating burnout, and how COVID-19 reshaped our understanding of connection and mental health at work. From developing mental health initiatives across dispersed teams to finding balance between career and family, Marisa offers grounded, thoughtful insights that remind us that progress isn't just about performance – it's about people. The Progress Report. New voices. Real stories. Big shifts. Enjoy the podcast, The Progress Report team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Mark Gainsford and Matt Dodds of Systematic to discuss the digital transformation shaping the Australian Defence Force. The trio also examine how, in an era of renewed great power competition, the ADF must adapt to warfare defined by data, speed and contested information environments. They highlight that the pace of technological and operational change demands tools to cut through "information noise" and deliver decision superiority. Artificial intelligence and analytics can help achieve this, but only when paired with strong training and trust. Moving on, they discuss the importance of testing and refining AI through realistic digital simulations, enabling adaptation to changing conditions without the cost or risk of live training. They also talk about the role of digital infrastructure in preparing warfighters for degraded and contested communications environments, where jamming and disruption are common. Investing in resilient, upgradeable systems ensures the ADF maintains operational tempo and confidence in complex conditions. Finally, they discuss investing in sovereign digital infrastructure, trusted AI and realistic simulation today so the ADF can build the integrated, information-led force needed to out-think and outfight its adversaries – mastering in training what must never be learned in combat. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, special returning host Liam Garman is joined by Lockheed Martin's Josh Woodward and Wayne Harrison to discuss the transformational impact of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System for the Australian Defence Force. The trio discuss the range of ways HIMARS will serve as a significant transformation in Australia's approach to littoral and long-range strike warfare. They also discuss how HIMARS, when armed with precision-guided munitions such as the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System and the longer-range Army Tactical Missile System – and soon to be integrated with the Precision Strike Missile – enables land forces to engage high-value targets at ranges exceeding 500 kilometres. This blurs traditional boundaries between land and maritime domains, allowing the Army to contribute meaningfully to joint strike missions once reserved for the Air Force or Navy. Finally, they discuss how HIMARS is more than an artillery platform – it represents a strategic enabler within an integrated joint fires network. When linked with persistent surveillance, space-based sensors, and command-and-control systems, HIMARS provides the ADF with a flexible, scalable, and responsive strike capability. Enjoy the podcast,  The Defence Connect team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth talk about the latest AI news, the week in cyber crime, an important Aussie merger, and how a Hollywood actor is reclaiming his identity. The pair kick things off with some AI news, including Wikipedia woes, OpenAI's Atlas, and Yelp's new AI travel offering. Hollingworth and Croft then move on to the latest in cyber crime on Australian shores, but not before exploring the merger of AUCyber and 5G Networks. Hollingworth also has an update on the Collins Aerospace hack, with the threat actor making some outrageous claims about what the company knew and when. Finally, some good news, as actor Bryan Cranston wins a victory over OpenAI's use of his virtual likeness. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, Daniel Croft and David Hollingworth touch on the latest in AI and how state governments are regulating its use, the Qantas leak and the 5 million people impacted, and we chat about major cyber attacks with SolarWinds CISO Tim Brown. Croft and Hollingworth begin by discussing the fight that CBA has ignited with the Finance Sector Union and former staff after they botched an AI rollout. The pair then discuss the massive Qantas hack, the 5 million people affected and the identity of the hackers behind it. The podcast then cuts to a chat between Hollingworth and SolarWinds' CISO, Tim Brown, who provides a deep insight as to what it's like being in the middle of a major cyber attack. Finally, the two discuss the social media age ban once again, with the government now having launched an education campaign. Enjoy the episode, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by returning guest Heston Russell – a public speaker, author and former Australian Special Forces officer – to discuss the 2025 Veteran Games and the recent grand finals held 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 UNSW Sydney, majoring in history and Indonesian. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: The finale of the 2025 Veteran Games Grand Finals in Queensland, course obstacles and the triumph of winning team Brisbane Veterans Rugby League Football Club. The newly signed defence agreement between Australia and Papua New Guinea, the possibility of up to 10,000 Papua New Guineans serving with the Australian Defence Force and the formation of the new Papua New Guinea Chiefs professional rugby team. The challenges in Australian Defence Force recruitment and what it takes for veterans to recommend their own journey as a career path to young people. Russell's thoughts about the "military fitness standards" speech delivered by US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to US generals and flag officers at Quantico in Virginia in September. The new era of drone warfare and Russell's personal experiences facing early drone and drone-dropped explosives during deployment in the Middle East. They round out the podcast discussing the evolution of politics in Australia and potential for new political leadership from first responders and the veteran community. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team