The true costs of an ‘independent’ foreign and defence policy, with Strategic Analysis Australia’s Michael Shoebridge

In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, host Steve Kuper is joined by Michael Shoebridge, Strategic Analysis Australia director, to unpack the debate about Australia’s level of defence spending and a host of other topics. The pair discuss a range of issues, including: Responding to calls for Australia to shake off the “shackles” of the Australia–US alliance to pursue a truly “independent” foreign and defence policy and posture. The costs and challenges associated with pursuing such a doctrine, particularly when the government is already balking at lifting spending beyond 2 per cent. The ongoing challenges facing the Australian Defence Force and its capacity to acquire the minimum level of capability required to defend the nation. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect Team

In this episode of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Natasha Taylor sits down with Rachel Falzon, founder and national president of the Women in Defence Association, to explore the power of mentorship in shaping meaningful careers. From informal guidance over coffee to a groundbreaking, free national mentoring program, Rachel shares stories of women who have found confidence, navigated transitions from active service to industry, and earned promotions thanks to dedicated mentors. Listen as they unpack the unique challenges women face in defence, the importance of community, and how mentorship is driving retention, leadership, and gender equity across the sector. Join Natasha and Rachel to discover why no woman should navigate this journey alone. 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 Liam Garman is joined by Nova Systems chief executive officer Dean Rosenfield to explore the increasing importance of the defence industry to the nation’s security and why it’s time for an Australian “prime” contractor. Rosenfield, a highly experienced senior business leader, has more than two decades of defence industry experience and moved from London to Adelaide to take the helm as Nova Systems’ CEO. He has previously served as senior vice president of Saab AB, group managing director Saab UK and led businesses in Singapore, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. The pair begin the podcast with a snapshot of the current defence industry environment, its strengths and the challenges it will face. They also discuss the potential role of an Australian prime in shaping national security, sovereignty and clarifying major defence policies. Rosenfield shares some advice for small-to-medium enterprises navigating the defence industry landscape, funding opportunities and government policy. Looking backward, the pair assess how corporate Australia navigated defence industry changes during World War II. Finally, looking forward, Rosenfield reveals his priorities and predictions for the next 12 months.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft talk about good and bad AI use cases, dramatic hacker arrests in Australia and France, printer vulnerabilities, and why War Thunder is a national security risk. AI is the topic for Hollingworth and Croft as the pair start with a chat about News Corp’s new drive to integrate AI into journalists’ workflows and the media giant’s decision to train AI on the content produced by its writers. Plus, US Senator Bernie Sanders has a fantastic idea about what to do with all the time saved by AI – give it back to the workers! The pair then discuss a pair of successful investigations that have led to the hackers being arrested – one in France that appears to have put the final nail into BreachForums’ coffin as both ShinyHunters and IntelBroker are now behind bars, and another here in Australia, as the infamous Western Sydney University hacker was revealed to be an ex-student. Now arrested herself, she started out looking to cheat the university’s parking fees, but quickly went straight to the dark side. Hollingworth and Croft finish up with some updates on the Australian government’s social media age assurance trials and whether or not YouTube should be part of the ban, and return to an old friend, War Thunder, as another angry gamer has posted restricted material to prove a point. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this episode of the Defence Property Podcast, Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson joins host Kane Dury to explore the parallels between service life and strategic property investment – and why calculated risk-taking is second nature for Australian Defence Force personnel. Donaldson shares how his military mindset, forged in some of the most demanding operational environments, has shaped his approach to wealth building. While many ADF members may feel disconnected from the property market due to constant relocations or limited financial background, Donaldson’s story demonstrates how tactical thinking, resilience, and seeking expert support can unlock powerful long-term gains. The discussion covers lessons learnt from missed opportunities and how military discipline can be transferred to investment planning. Donaldson opens up about how buyer’s agents, defence housing benefits like Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme and Home Purchase Assistance Scheme, and trust structures can play a critical role in accelerating portfolio growth. The episode also offers practical advice for young service members: start early, stay disciplined, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. With the right mindset, property investment becomes not just achievable, but a potent vehicle for securing financial independence after service. For lessons in property investment from one of Australia’s most decorated veterans, listen to Mark Donaldson’s story below. Want more tactical insights into building wealth while serving? Catch our previous episode on how relocations can become property opportunities here.

In this episode of the Defence Connect Spotlight podcast, host Liam Garman is joined by Douglas Abdiel, think tank author, Marine Corps officer and now global vice president - defence at Advanced Navigation, to explore how assured PNT is shaping the future of autonomous capability across land, sea, and air. The discussion begins by unpacking the meaning of assured position, navigation, and timing in a contested environment, and why it has emerged as a strategic priority for modern armed forces in an era of GPS-denied operations. Abdiel shares how his military background has uniquely positioned him to understand and respond to the evolving demands of the battlespace, and how that insight is helping Advanced Navigation redefine resilience at the tactical edge. The pair then deep dive into Advanced Navigation’s proprietary AI-powered deterministic fusion models – capable of achieving up to 10x greater accuracy – and the operational advantages they offer for defence primes and front-line users alike. Abdiel provides insights into the company’s successful integration efforts with leading defence primes and how their approach is tailored for mission-critical scenarios. Finally, they examine how a veteran-led team gives Advanced Navigation a critical edge in responding to the unique requirements of military customers, and what’s next for the company’s US expansion strategy. 🎙️ Join us for a conversation at the forefront of Australia’s defence innovation – and catch Douglas Abdiel live at AUSA. 🔗 Join us at AUSA Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team Disclaimer: The views expressed are the speaker's own and do not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, the US Marine Corps, or the U.S. Government. The speaker's participation and appearance in any private or public events, sponsored or otherwise, or references, including external hyperlinks, to non-federal entities do not constitute or imply Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, US Marine Corps, or U.S. Government endorsement of any company or organization.

In this episode of the Cyber Uncut podcast, David Hollingworth and Daniel Croft discuss military AI, cyber warfare in the Middle East, the week in cyber security, and why the Pope is coming out swinging against AI. Hollingworth and Croft kick things off with AI news, including AI tech bros earning a military commission in the efforts to build battlefield AI and creators in the UK being told their art can, in fact, be used to train AI models. The pair then discuss the uptick in cyber activity due to the current conflict between Israel and Iran, as hacktivists on both sides take up digital arms. The discussion then moves on to the takedown of a prominent darknet drug market, and some of the big Australian hacks of the week. Hollingworth and Croft wind up with some good news, including the Pope siding with workers and creatives against the rise of AI, and some good AI news as USNW researchers work to develop a chatbot for hospital emergency departments. Enjoy the podcast, The Cyber Uncut team

In this renewable energy and environment-focused episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, senior journalist Robert Dougherty is joined by Felix Bowman-Derrick, Assistant Secretary of Environment and Engineering in the infrastructure division of the Department of Defence’s security and estate group. Bowman-Derrick holds a bachelor of environmental science (environmental management, honours) from Deakin University and an executive master of public administration from the Australia and New Zealand School of Government. He has previously worked with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The pair discuss: Bowman-Derrick’s perspectives on how the Australian Defence Force and Defence are improving their renewable energy usage and environmental sustainability under the Net Zero Strategy and Future Energy Strategy. Australia’s need to balance these crucial policies with military resilience and lethal capability. The importance of contributing to Australia’s emissions reduction target of 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero by 2050, through the Defence estate. Initiatives being implemented and developed, such as energy resilience with large solar farms and the upgrade of lighting and heating systems, to recycling uniforms and tyres into new materials. Defence’s priorities for environmental management and policy into the immediate future, examples being displayed at Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 and how industry partners can get involved in the journey along the way. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team

What do you do when you walk into your first defence event in your early 20s, wearing a bright pink suit … and realise you’re the only woman in the room? In the premiere of The Progress Report, Defence Connect’s Natasha Taylor sits down with Olivia Agate – president of Women’s Defence Connection and HR partner at Navantia – to unpack what it really takes to show up, speak up, and stand tall in a still male-dominated industry. From rainbow dresses at 6am breakfasts to the quiet power of allyship, Agate and Taylor trade stories of imposter syndrome, backing yourself (and each other), and how simply saying yes can change the entire trajectory of your career. Listen in as two women pull back the curtain on what’s working, what’s not, and what still needs to change across Australia’s defence industry. 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 Liam Garman is joined by Duncan Milne, managing director of aviation and critical services at Babcock Australasia, and Pierre Basquin, chief executive of aviation and CEO France at Babcock International Group, to discuss further expansion into the military aviation industry to meet customer requirements. The conversation begins with a deep dive into the company’s efforts to support critical aviation missions in Australia such as medical evacuation and search and rescue. They explore partnerships with small-to-medium enterprises in Australia as part of the wider goals of Babcock’s global strategy regarding aviation. Finally, the trio unpack the greatest challenges facing the military aviation industry in the short and long term. Enjoy the episode, The Defence Connect team